The much anticipated 21st City People Awards for Excellence which is organised annually by City People magazine was held on Sunday 18th of March 2018 at the Balmoral Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos. The turn out was impressive, as the 1,200 sitting capacity was filled to the brim, as top celebrities stormed the awards, looking GLAM in the Black, with the touch of yellow colour code.
Below is the blow by blow account of the classy event which saw the attendance of so many CEOs from both the private and public sectors of society.
PASTOR KUNLE AJAYI’S OPENING PRAYER
Popular Saxophonist and Man of God, Pastor KunleAjayi opened the event with a prayer. He thanked God for the lives present to witness the event and also placed the event in the hands of God. He also was awarded during the night for his remarkable contributions in the Music industry.
NIMASA BOSS WAS HONOURED
The DG of NIMASA Dr. Dakuku Peterside attended the event. He was present alongside other top directors of the parastatal to receive the award. About 25 members of NIMASA trooped in to receive the award. They were dressed elegantly and they stood out at the event.
The Management Staff who accompanied the DG were: Ibrahim Jibril – (Director Maritime Labour). Hadjia J.A. Musa, (Director Research), Sanni Mohammed (Director), Kabir Munir (Head, Transport); Ogadi Anthony, (Head, Shipping Development) and Emmanuel Alfred (S.A. to DG).
Looking radiant was the ever delectable head of Protocol, Kehinde Bolaji.
OBA DOKUN THOMPSON’S LOVE FOR WHITE
A Special Recognition Award went to the Oloni of Eti-Oni in Osun State, Oba Dokun Thompson for his remarkable work in helping to return Cocoa to the pride of the Agricultural sector. The Oba was dressed in white and he expressed how his father made him fall in love with white outfits.
ABOUT THE ANCHORS
Veteran Movie practitioner, Yemi Solade, who has been in the industry for 41 years, was the host of the event. He was ably assisted by sexy actress, Kemi Afolabi Adesipe. Both hosts were outstanding as they anchored the event with finesse.
QUINCY GOES GLOBAL
One of the few Lifetime Achievement of the night went to Chief (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele for her remarkable contributions in the Beauty Sector. Quincy, as she is fondly called took to the stage with her crew to receive her award. She also gave a speech on how her brand started from a very small space and grew to become an international brand. Quincy revealed that a lot of people doubted her when she started and even looked down on the brand stating that it was never going to grow. Today, Quincy stands out in the beauty sector as her brand is globally recognized and was even one of the content of the goodies bag at a recently concluded International Oscars Award.
TOYIN KOLADE HYPES ELEGANZA
Princess Toyin Kolade was present at the event as she was one of those who handed out awards to the winners. During one of her remarks, she stated how the brand Eleganza has grown over the years and why people need to patronize the brand more. She lauded the brand for over 20 minutes and she even exhibited some of their products.
NASIR RAMON STOOD IN FOR TONY ELUMELU
The Philanthropist of the Year Award went to UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu. He was represented by one of his top Managers Nasir Ramon. Tony Elumelu was awarded because of his impact in giving back to the society through his Tony Elumelu Foundation. His award was well honoured.
DEMOLA OLOTA’S SPECIAL APPEARANCE
Music Act, Demola Olota was one of the big winners of the night. Demola Olota won the Best Music Act of the Year Award and immediately he received his award, he thrilled guests for a few minutes and left guests asking for more.
ADEX OF ARTQUAKE ALSO CAME
After winning the longest standing music group at the City People Music Award last year, Adex of Artquake was present at the event to celebrate with some of the winners of the night. He was accompanied by his entertainment team who were all stylishly dressed.
ELEGANZA GAVE OUT GIFTS
Some products of the Eleganza brand were given out to some prominent winners of the night. Items like chairs, coolers, diapers and so on were distributed. Some guests present were also lucky recipients of some of the Eleganza product that were shared as souvenirs at the event.
ADRON HOMES ALSO STORMED THE EVENT
The staff of one of the leading real estate companies in Nigeria today, Adron Homes, also came out in large numbers to grace the event. They came to represent their boss, AkileAdetola Emmanuel King, who won the Businessman of the Year Award.
They are Ayodeji Omoniyi, the Group Executive Secretary and Ogbathili Jerome, the Group Financial Controller.
DANGOTE GROUP ALSO
The Dangote Group was also present at the event. The company was represented by 2 of their top directors who stood in for Alhaji Aliko Dangote. They received the award for the Best Manufacturing Company of the Year. During their speech, one of the recipients from the company revealed that aside the Federal Government, the company is the largest employer of labour in the country. They received their award and were applauded by guests present.
SHEHU SANI Came IN PERSON
The Senator of the Year Award went to radical Senator, Comrade Shehu Sani and he was present in person to receive his award. The Senator who represents Kaduna Central flew in to receive his award at the 21st City People Award for Excellence. The easy going man is also the President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria.
DAKUKU PETERSIDE Collects AMAECHI Award
The award for the Minister of the Year went to Hon, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and even though he was painfully absent at the event, his plaque was received by the DG of NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside who was also a winner of the night after bagging the award for Leadership in Public Service.
COMEDY BY MC KIRIKIRI
The night didn’t go by without a few rib cracking jokes from MC Kirikiri.
BRISK SECURITY ON GROUND
Mr. Adeniyi Samuel Adenuga is the CEO of Brisk Security and he was present to coordinate the activities of his security boys. The security team who dressed sharp in Suites as they coordinated the details of the event from the gate to the entrance into the hall as well as key positions in the hall
SEXY FEMALE USHERS EVERYWHERE
The ushers for the event were dressed in sexy black outfits as they coordinated the arrival and siting arrangement of guests as they arrived. The ushers were so conspicuous that they made some heads turn every once in a while.
LOTS OF MEDIA HOUSES
There were a lot of media houses present as they covered the event and also took pictures on the Red Carpet and Photo Stand. Top media houses like OGTV, NTA, TVC and so on were present. Also, online platform; Goldmyn TV, Skye 9 TV, Oyinmomo TV, Flip TV, Pulse TV and so on were also present.
GIWA BISI RODIPE Arrived EARLY
The MD/CEO of BISROD Funiture was one of the early recipients of the night. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his active contribution in Tree Planting in Nigeria. All over the country and beyond, he is known as the Tree Planter. GiwaBisiRodipe is a legendary Carpenter who loves to plant trees and he has been doing so since 1984. Bisrod Boss received his award from Mrs. Oyeneye and Engr. Fadeyi who presented the 1st Set of Awards at the event.
CSP DOLAPO BADMUS Grand ARRIVAL
The recently promoted pretty Police Woman, CSP DolapoBadmus drove into the venue in style as she was escorted by her team of police men and women. She was looking stunning in her dress as she stepped down from her car with some of her friends. CSP Dolapo Badmus was recently promoted to the rank of a Chief Superintendent of the Nigeria Police Force and she was decorated by her amiable boss, AIG Adamu Ibrahim and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Haliu Garba. She also bagged a Special Recognition Award for her remarkable work as the CSP in Lagos State and the entire South-West region.
ENGINEER AMODA BAGS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
There are not many Public Servants who can claim to have been more dedicated, committed and passionate about their job than the extremely hardworking Engineer Oladele Amoda.
It is in recognition of his humongous achievements, that Nigeria’s premier soft sell magazine, City People honoured this remarkable man and philanthropist with the City People Lifetime Achievement Award.
PHD MEDIA ALSO WON
The Advertising Company of the Year Award went to PHD Media Nigeria Limited. The company was recognized for its remarkable performance in advertising sector. A representative from the company was present to pick up the award for them.
PHD is a global communications planning and media buying network, built on a culture of smart strategic thinking and creative innovation. Finding a better way is our ethos because we believe in challenging the status quo to deliver continual improvement in all we do. PHD Nigeria opened its doors in 2010 and has consistently grown over the years. The success of our growth has been fueled by the desire to lead the industry with unparalled strategic thinking, driven by a culture of innovation, creativity and collaboration. Our mission is building our clients business and brands through the innovative use of media communications and market leading media buying solutions.
This we continue to do for all the brands we manage which cuts across the telecom, fmcg, pharmaceutical industries etc PHD Nigeria is part of the PHD Network with offices in around 80 countries and over 4000 staff. We are the first to use neuroplanning and the first agency to gamify our planning system. This means that at PHD it’s not just 2 or 3 people working on your brand but over 3000 people driving collaboration and strategic thinking.
Finding a better way is our ethos and sums up how we approach everything – from a new client brief to the way we work.
GT BANK Too
Talk of one bank that has been so creative in its style and operations it is Gtbank. Its one bank that has gone beyond banking and has been involved in the lives of its customers. It has gone into various sectors of society. It is into Media, Fashion, Food, Retail business etc. It is because of Gtbank’s excellence that the bank is being honoured today.
MRS. AMOSUN WAS HONOURED
The wife of Ogun State Governor and Founder, UPLIFT Development Foundation, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun received City People First Lady of the Year Award in recognition of her positive impart in the lives of the less privileged and advancement of the society.
Mrs Amosun whose Uplift projects has continued to touch the lives of every segment of the State’s population and beyond, was also honoured with the award in 2017 by the same organisation for her outstanding efforts at improving the quality of lives of the indigent people.
Mrs Amosun who was represented by the wife of the State Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Rachael Oyeleye, said her passion for service to humanity had imparted positively on people, adding that, her GEFTY and other empowerment programmes had help improved the environment and reduced poverty among the people.
BOND FM STAFF STORM AWARD
One conspicuous table of the night was that of Bond FM. The station won the best Radio station of the Year and their table was full as staff of the radio house came out in their numbers to receive the award. They were led by their Princess Adenike Adegoke, the General Manager of the Radio House. The baton of leadership was passed on to the current GM, Princess Adenike Adegoke in October 2017. Since she came in she has displayed an impressive administrative acumen and managerial skill to keep up the good work entrusted unto her by the past leaders and also initiate, through collective intelligence of her team, new ideas to ensure that Bond FM is always on top when it comes to service delivery.
SMALL CHOPS ALL THE WAY
It was a Small Chop Affair at the event as it stood as the only meal served on that very day. There were 3 stands of Small chops vendors at the event. The food vendors served guests with different delicacies to their merriment.
The pioneer of the small chop business in Nigeria, Saheed Kekere-Ekun popularly called Saheeto brought his first II. His business has spanned 25 years. Through hardwork and perseverance, he has been able to build his business into a big brand that it is today. His Small Chops stand was present to feed guests at the event as he was also present to receive his special recognition award for his remarkable contributions to the Hospitality sector in Nigeria. Also present at the event was Sumptuous Small Chops and they equally served guests to their fill. Oduola Olaiya led his Chopmore Small Chops & Cocktails team.
ZENITH BANK ALSO WON
Zenith Bank received the award of the Bank of the Year. This recognition came in worthy after the many achievements of the bank in the span of one year. Zenith Bank remains outstanding in the pursuit of excellence and commitment to high-quality services, a result of which has enhanced their performance in the year under review and have placed them as one of the most respected banks in Nigeria.
MUSIC WAS BY SAMSON EGBEYEMI
Talk of one young man who is currently rocking the music scene singing and performing various genres of music and the name Samson Egbeyemi will come to play. This young man who has been playing with his band for about 4 years now was on the stand to thrill guests at the event. He performed music from different genres both locally and internationally to the delight of all the big babes. And guests moved their body in appreciation to his musical talent.
CORPS MARSHAL BOBOYE AND FRSC IN DOUBLE HONOUR
The CEO of the Year Award went to Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, MFR, MNI. He was honoured alongside his organization, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He has been the Corps Marshal of the FRSC for the past 2 years and in the spate of 2 years of Leadership of the Corps, the FRSC has witnessed several recognitions in its job as Nigeria’s lead agency in road traffic administration and safety management.
It is for the effective way he has run the FRSC that both he and his organisation were honoured.
His agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps also bagged the best-run government agency of the year 2018.
WHO WON THE ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR?
Have you ever wondered why the popularity of Adron Homes & Properties has remained on the rise? Have you thought about the brain behind the glitz and glamour that characterize every event organized by Adron Homes and Property? It is the handiwork of Wale Asifat. He is not a new name on the list of thriving PR and Brand Businesses in Nigeria, as he has pitch his tent with other A-List brand executives who have taken media relations to another level in Nigeria.
As the MD/CEO of Brandall, Wale is brilliant and exceptionally smart in turning things around when it comes to product branding and event planning. It will also interest you to know that he’s also a passionate printing expert with several high class clienteles. He has vast experience in broadcasting both TV and Radio as a presenter, producer and director. He’s passionate about having a world class print production here in Nigeria.
This young entrepreneur won the Entertainment Personality of the Year and he was present in person to pick up his award.
PARTY NEED HANDLED THE DÉCOR
Party Need is a big company name in events and party business in Lagos. It is also one of the biggest names in party rentals, as it supplies very many items to other event people who need them. That is why the name of the company is big among other party/event organisers who depend on Party Need for decorative materials that they can use to transform an events venue. The management and company handled the decoration of the event and they have been a company of choice for most of City People’s events. They were responsible for the Yellow Themed transformation of the venue.
PARTY NEED GOT AN AWARD
Behind the brand, Party Need is the founder, Mrs. Kikelomo Barakat Aliu Animashaun. She is a Lagos society woman who started the business over 10 years ago. Call her The Party Queen and you won’t be wrong because once she takes charge of your party you can go to sleep. She was present at the event in person to pick up a Special Recognition Award for her company, Party Need and this was in honour for the company’s remarkable performance in the party business.
3 STATE GOVERNORS ALSO GET HONOUR
The 21st City People Awards honoured 3 state governors. Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State was honoured as the Most Creative Governor of the year. Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State was honoured as the Best South-West Governor while Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha was honoured as the Best South-East Governor of the year. All 3 governors were not present in person but they honoured the award by sending in representatives.
IT WAS A COMPUTER VILLAGE AFFAIR
When the award for the Male Entrepreneur of the Year was announced, Mr. Adeniyi Hammed Ojikutu was ushered to the stage by top executive members of CAPDAN. Adeniyi Ahmed Ojikutu is the President of Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria, (CAPDAN) located at the Computer Village in Ikeja Lagos. Since he was sworn in as president, a lot of changes has been ongoing within computer village for good that made people to believe that the man called Ojikutu is a fantastic team player and has an oratorical skill that has helped him to achieve so much with the limited time he was sworn in. It was for this City People honoured him with the award of excellence.
DUPE AND NIKE OGUNLESI WIN BIG
Talk of one of the highly successful brothers in Nigeria today and the name of the Ogunlesi brothers would make the list. The 3 brothers, Fola, Lanre and Ade are very successful business men in their respective fields. While Fola Ogunlesi is the owner of Fantasyland, Lanre Ogunlesi is the boss of the prestigious Sophisticat Fashion House in Lagos and their 3rd brother, Ade Ogunlesi is a successful Business man and he also runs his elder brother, Lanre’s company.
Lanre and Ade, 2 of the Ogunlesi brothers would surely have another reason to celebrate as their wives; Modupe and Adenike Ogunlesi were honoured at the recently concluded City People Award for Excellence.
Both sisters-in-law were honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for their companies. While Mrs. Modupe Ogunlesi’s “Adam & Eve” got the award for its remarkable performance in the Business sector, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi’s “Ruff ‘n’ Tumble” won the award for remarkable performance in the Kiddies Fashion business.
Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi was the only one present at the event between the Ogunlesi wives and she picked the award on behalf of herself and Dupe. It was obvious she was excited as she was seen smiling all through the event.
IMO CHIEF OF STAFF WINS AWARD
Imo governor Rochas Okorocha and his Chief of Staff, Chief Uche Nwosu were also winners of the night. Chief Nwosu is the current Chief of Staff to the governor and an ardent apostle of the Rescue Mission Government in Imo State. Though he was missing at the event as well as the governor, but we can’t skip the fact that the state had two winners from their government. While the governor won the best South-East Governor of the Year award, Chief Uche Nwosu was recognized specially for his remarkable performance in the politics of Imo State within a short time.
MRS. MERCY OMORUYI CELEBRATED
Yes, she was one of the over 50 winners of the event but she wasn’t present in person. She was represented by the General Manager of De-Rembrandt which is one of her hotels, in person of Sunil Kumar, Mr Nithin, the operation manager and the hotel accountant, Mr Abdul. Her 2 friends, Princess Toyin Atobatele and Princess Toyin Kolade were also on ground for her and they all stepped out to receive the award on her behalf. Mrs. Mercy Omoruyi was awarded the special recognition award for her remarkable contributions to the Hospitality sector in Nigeria.
OTUNBA BIMBO ASHIRU REPRESENTED GOV. AMOSUN
Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had promised to come but the planning of the recent Ogun Economic Summit held him back. But he sent his Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru. As usual, he was on point fashion wise. He collected the Governors award as The Best Governor In The Southwest and delivered a powerful speech.
BUNMI BUNMI WINS FASHION BRAND OF THE YEAR
Popular Lagos celebrity designer who is the wave of the moment, Bunmi Olatunji also win big in 21st City People Awards for Excellence. She won best fashion brand in the fashion industry. Though she started fashion about 3 years ago but she has been able to build her brand into an enviable height. Of course, she came with her large guest who came to felicitate with her. Among them we have Kennedy Ejiofor (Abuja based contractor) Habibat Idris (business woman), Dapo and Afolabi Olatunji, Ronke Ovia, Aare Deji Okunubi, Helen Inegbeniki, Justice Taiwo Taiwo (Federal High Court Judge) and Joy Chico Ejiro.
BUNMI OLATUNJI CHANGED TWICE
The Award had all its paparazzi has expected. One of the major high point of the event was when Lagos luxury fashion designer, Bunmi Olatunji came in. She was initially in a black dress served by Bunmi I Fashion House. At few minutes past 6pm, she made another grand entry at the event in a silver shinning channel gown. She dazzles many when she came forward to pick her award in her 2nd outfit.
MEET BUNMI’S BROTHER, WHO RUNS A LUXURY MALE CLOTHING RANGE
Do you know that Lagos luxury fashion designer, Bunmi Olatunji has a brother who is also into luxury men’s wear? Yes Dapo and Afolabi Olatunji runs Preston and Porter, a luxury store for men. It is located at Osibo Lekki Phaze 1 and that is where Lagos rich celeb buy their designers wear.
ON SADE OKOYA’S STYLE
Dr. Sade Okoya is a fashion guru. This beautiful woman dazzles in a monostrap yellow fringe. Jumpsuit made by Bunmi I Fashion House. This beautiful woman has carved her style and make it unique of course, she was not alone as she enjoyed the event with over 10 gorgeous friends and families.
KOFO ADEBUTU MADE IT
One of the celebrity women who enjoyed the event with Chief Mrs. Sade Okoya was Chief Kofoworola Adebutu the Otun Yeye Oge who is the pretty wife of premier lotto boss had no hidden place at the event.
MEET 2 BISOLAS WHO ARE BEST FRIENDS
Do you know that there are two Bisolas in Lagos who are best of friends? Incase you don’t know, permit us to tell you that Abisola Telbited, the younger sister of Otun Yeye Oge, Chief Kofoworola Adebutu. She is very close to Lagos House of Assembly top shot Abisola Munis. They sometimes attend event together. They were both at 21st City People Awards for Excellence to honour Dr. Sade Okoya.
MEET MODUPE OGUNTADE’S LOOK ALIKE
Have you been to any high octane party of late and sight Sola Haastrup thinking. She is Mrs. Modupe Oguntade, the wife of British High Commissioner. Well, permit us to tell you that she has a look alike sister, Sola Haastrup. She is so close to the Okoya and she was there to honour them.
OKOYA WIN GRAND COMMANDER OF NIGERIA BUSINESS AWARDS
Aare of Lagos was also celebrated at 21st City People Awards for Excellence, Chief Rasak Okoya win big as the Grand Commander of Nigeria Business. Though, he couldn’t be at the event, but his darling wife, Dr. Sade Okoya received the award on his behalf. The award which was presented by FRSC boss, Mr. Boboye Olayemi Oyeyemi (MFR).
SADE OKOYA WINS BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Dr. Sade Okoya was also recognised at this year 21st City People Award for Excellence. She dedicated the award to God and her darling husband.
ON JOKO ADEUSI GIANT FASCINATOR
No doubt that Joko Adeusi love dressing to make head turned but her fashion style this days could make head turned 360 degree. This pretty babes dazzles many with her curvy figure while many couldn’t take their eyes off the giant fascinator, which she got from ornament of joy.
ELEGANZA GIVES OUT GIFTS
Give it to Eleganza Industrial City, the producers of Eleganza Products. They throw their weight behind 21st City People Award for Excellence, free chairs, coolers, diapers (cares diaper) and box was shared freely to guests.
BEST DRESSED FEMALE GOT GIFTS
The award was brought to end around 8pm with a fashion parade by 10 best dressed female celeb. They were also given sourvenirs from Eleganza Industrial City. Among the best dressed were Party Need boss, Princess Toyin Kolade, Chief Koforola Adebutu, Bisola Munis, Jokotade Adeusi, Bunmi Olatunji, and others.
ENGR. OLADELE AMODA’S GUESTS
Engineer Amoda didn’t just come alone. He had a lot of guests like Engr. Adeoye Fadeyibi, MD/CEO Eko Disco, Engr. Kola Oni, Engr. Dele Adeola, Engr. Muyiwa Akinkunmi, Mr. Aik Alenkhe, Chief HR Eko Disco, Engr. Tola Gbuyiro (MD Gosslink Engineering Ltd.), Mrs. Hauwa Nuhu (ex-CFO Eko Disco), Mrs. Goke Adesiyan, Engr. Erese, Engr. Femi Adewunmi, Mr. Adegoke, Mr. & Mrs. Tinu Sanda, Mr. White Dosunmu, Mr. Gbayi Aina, Princess Tola Adebayo, Mr. Tola Adebayo, Mr. Afolabi Orekoya and others.
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