B IRT H DAY SO IREE
Chief James Ibori praying for the celebrant & Wife
Henry Imasekha with celebrant & wife, Julie
Hellen with Gernot Rohr
The proud Old Boy assembled the cream of society during this celebration to donate a new football pitch complete with a 250-seater spectator’s pavilion, a volley ball court, jerseys, and two blocks of classrooms to the College. The event was attended by Delta State Chief of Staff, Olorogun David Edevbie, who represented the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, Rohr’s Assist, Joseph Yobo, new NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguaveon, Chairman, Delta State FA, Kenneth Nwamoucha, Chairman, Brownhill Foundation, Andrew Bekeredemo and Chairman, Old Students Assocciation of Hussey
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Tony Anenih (Jnr), Kunle Makinde, Amaju & Julie with Ebisan Rewane
College, Emmanuel Ogidi. Speaking at the occasion, an elated Pinnick said his intention is to restore the lost glory of the institution which had hitherto produced great stars and also encourage the discovery of new talents. On his part, Governor Okowa stated “This a very good gesture and I must commend MrPinnick and his Foundation for this laudable project. A lot of people don’t understand what sports have become. In more developed nations, sport is seen as big business, I believe it is not only Hussey College that will benefit from this project but the whole of Delta State. To add a touch of spice to the occasion, the
new field was opened with a novelty match between Hussey College Old Students and Ex Nigerian Internationals such as Christain Obodo, Sam Sodje, Austin Eguaveon, Clement Temile, Austin Popo and Baldwin Bazueye. The day ended on a very emotional but joyous note when Pinnick showed appreciation to his Chemistry Teacher, Mrs Mercy Onuwaje by handing her the keys to a brand new car! His 50th was as usual a great event for his family, his adorable wife, Julie was atop the world with joy, the lady who refers to her husband as “The wind beneath my wings” was the Chief Organiser of the superlative and memorable celebration.
Aiteo's Benedict Peters with Amaju Pinnick
Segun Arinze, Mr. & Mrs. Okonkwo
Celebrant with Olumide Osoba
Arinola Adeniyi, Mrs Julie Pinnick & friends
Elder & Mrs Ekeoma Ekeoma with Prince Don Okonkwo
Ramsey Nouah , Celebrant , Ayo Makun (AY) & Segun Arinze
Lanre Alfred (m) with Pinnick & friend
(Middle) Mr Okonkwo, Bismarck Rewane
Danny Kioupourouglou, guest with Julie and Amaju
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THE GLITZY BIRTHDAY DINNER Photo: Adekoya Adegbite, Dayo Ubanatu & John Nvene
Amaju Melvin Pinnick with family
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Qulitin Shaw, Patrice Motsepe, Aisha Johansen, Celebrant & Mr. Danny Jordan
Chief James Ibori & wife
Pastor Ituah Ighodalo
Mr. Partrice Motsepe, Aisha Johanson, Bashorun Dele Momodu & Qulitin Shaw
Richard Mofe-Damijo, Ayo Makun (AY) & wife
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HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi
Bashorun Dele Momodu with Mr. & Mrs. Dakuku Peterside
Fetton Kamambo, Mr. Oke Magloire & Mr. Danny Jordan
(L-R) Danny Kioupouroglou & J J Okocha
Hakeem Muri-Okunola
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Mr Olumide Apata
Chief James Ibori & wife
Aisha Johansen
Celebrant with Bashorun Dele Momodu
Mr. Patrice Motsepe & Aisha Johansen
Bovi with Celebrant
Mr. Danny Jordan, Aisha Johansen & J.J Okocha
Mrs. Tosan Mabuyaku, Mr. Alber Mabuyaku & Mr. Eworitse Mabuyaku
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TOP NIGERIANS GATHER FOR THE WEDDING NIKKAI OF AZIZAT SANI DANGOTE AND
AMIDU WAZIRI MOHAMMED Photo: Ken Ehimen & Funmilayo Adeyemi
From 3rd left: Senator Bukola Saraki, Governor Kayode Fayemi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote & Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
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Former Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II delivering his speech
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Aminu Waziri Mohammed, groom
ziza Dangote, the adorable daughter of Alhaji Sani Dangote, Vice President of the Dangote Group and younger brother of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote got married to her heartthrob, Amina Waziri Mohammed in a colourful Nikkah wedding ceremony in Lagos. The cosy event unfolded at 1004 Mosque, 1004 Federal Housing Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a short ceremony, the bride was not present, but she sent two witnesses to endorse the
drawn-up agreement. The event witnessed the reading of the Holy Qur'an, and the exchange of vows in front of the couple's witnesses. Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II also gave an inspiring lecture to the delight of all present. In his delivery, he gave the facts and process of marriage according to Islamic rites. He also prayed for the bride and groom to have a successful and fruitful wedding. After the lecture, the closing prayer was said and guests
Aremo Olusegun Osoba with Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi
President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote
Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu & Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki
Senator Ibikunle Amosun (right)
Dr. Wale Babalakin
Prince Dapo Abiodun
Left, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo with Aremo Olusegun Osoba
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (m)
Aremo Olusegun Osoba
Cecil Hammond
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Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu with Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, groom, Alhaji Kashim Imam & guest
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Kashim Imam & guests
networked for a few minutes before departure. In attendance were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adedayo, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Chairman, BUA Group Abdulsamad Rabiu, His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Oniru of Iruland. Oba of amongst others.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu with Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi
Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote with Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi
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Left, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo with Aremo Olusegun Osoba
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki with Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi
Alhaji Aliko Dangote with Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
ASIWAJU OYEKUNLE ALEX-DUDUYEMI IS 85 THE QUINTESSENTIAL BUSINESS COLOSSUS
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Story: Michael Effiong, Eric Elezuo, Ajibade Morakinyo Photo: Sunmisola Olorunnisola (Sunmisolaphotography) Funmi Adeyemi & Family Album
You can refer to Chief Duduyemi as a people’s man, a rare breed, a consummate businessman and even a fun-loving great grandfather, and you will not be wrong because the ever stylish and debonair Lincoln Inn-trained lawyer is so many things wrapped into one. He has cultivated the uncanny ability of playing different roles so efficiently.
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ure joy, indescribable joy erupted inside Iredumi Compound in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, the source and centre of Yoruba civilization, on August 9, 1935 when a baby was born to the family of Henry Olaore AlexDuduyemi and Alimot Adedoyin Alex-Duduyemi. That mustard seed that was planted on earth that fateful day has today developed into a giant oak-and is none other than the passionate philanthropist and respected Asiwaju of Ife, Chief Oyekunle Aremu Alex-Duduyemi who is celebrating his 85th birthday. You can refer to Chief Duduyemi as a people’s man, a rare breed, a consummate businessman and even a fun-loving great grandfather, and you will not be wrong because the ever stylish and debonair Lincoln Inn-trained lawyer is so many things wrapped into one. He has cultivated the uncanny ability of playing different roles so efficiently. In today’s world were quest for wealth is so keen, it is a rarity to find men who are successful in their careers and business as well as supremely successful at home. The Patriarch of the Alex-Duyemi family is among that exclusive class. His children and grandchildren have been pampering him with praise on account of this soft-side of his persona. Perhaps, it should be said that his commitment to family values was not out of the blues, it is a tradition occasioned by his own upbringing. According to his biographer, Oluneye Oluwoye, the young Oyekunle woke up most morning to the warm embrace of his mother and her sonorous voice chanting his different cognomen. His was an interesting childhood, while his father was a Christian, his mother was a Muslim, which helped to shape his worldview about life, living, the God factor in human existence and relationships. He was also the first of his siblings and was therefore taught to care and tend them. Of course, he also watched how his father never joked with the family, instilling values of culture and discipline. Growing up in Ife was exciting for the young Oyekunle and his school, St. Peter’s African Church School, Ita-Akogun, Ile-Ife was a place he still remembers vividly. He has fond memories of rushing home from school to exhibit his culinary prowess by preparing lunch for his dad.
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...T H E G E NE SI S
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Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi with his dad, Henry AlexDuduyemi
Chief Duduyemi had an interesting childhood. While his father was a Christian, his mother was a Muslim, which helped to shape his worldview about life, living, the God factor in human existence and relationships.
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Of course, like all the children of his era, his father never sparred the rod. Being the Commissioner of the Boy’s Scout for Western Nigeria and Baba Ijo of St. Peter’s Church, IleIfe, Henry Alex-Duduyemi had a little black book where he recorded events that led to each disciplinary action. His love for his parents never wavered. His admiration for his parents was increased many folds when his father became the Parakoyi of IleIfe. That day, the palace and town were agog with drummers, singers and well-wishers. The Ooni of Ife, Oba (Sir) Tutus Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi I, held court in all his grandeur. For Chief Henry Alex-Duduyemi, he was atop the world with glee because his uncompromising character, forthrightness, honesty, entrepreneurial skills and fearlessness endeared him to many and earned him the title of Parakoyi, the overall head of all the merchants and traders in the ancient town. The auspicious occasion left an indelible mark in the heart of the young Oyekunle, not only was he full of admiration for his dear father, he promised to follow in his footsteps by bringing honour and prestige to the family. At the age of 19, he had finished at Oduduwa
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Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi with sweet mother, Alimot Adedoyin Alex-Duduyemi
College and the decision was made that he had to leave Ile-Ife to Lagos for the proverbial greener pastures. Though he was not initially enthused, but he found solace in the fact that his cousin, Prince Okunade Sijuwade (later, Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II) also left and has been sharing palatable stories about the city, and more so, his father had entrusted him to the care of his uncle, Chief Remilekun Fani-Kayode. He comforted himself with the words of Roman Emperor and Philosopher, Marcus Aurelius “Accept things to which fate binds you and love people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart” Having resigned himself to fate, he seeped in the scenery during the ride to Lagos. He was in his reverie, when he realised that the car had come to a halt and was informed by his uncle that he wanted to get some Law books from CMS Bookshop. According to his biographer “Oyekunle came out of the car and followed his uncle into the bookshop which had some young male Nigerian employees assisting the white European Manager who came out of his office to meet his uncle. “Barrister, how may we help you? The manager asked as they exchanged pleasantries… .While savouring the beauty of the books and the sophistication within the store, the shop assistant returned with the biggest he had ever seen in years of his life. Immediately, he fell in love with the crisp smell of the books as well as their sizes. Oyekunle from that moment secretly nursed the ambition to study law in England” His mother’s dream of having him study Medicine went out of the window that day! So strong was his desire that he began a personal relationship with his uncle’s law books. During the day in school, his thoughts will stray to the books and the lawyer’s apparel. The highest point of his day was his evening’s visits to Williams, Thomas, Kayode & Co, the law Chambers established by his uncle and his friends; Frederick Rotimi Williams and Bode Thomas. His first job was as Clerk at the Lagos City Council, a job that guaranteed that he was able to buy his own spanking new bicycle. His desire to travel to England to study Law led to a quest for a higher paying job and the opportunity came when there was an opening in the Council for a
Parakoyi of Ife, Chief Olaore Henry Alex-Duduyemi
Sanitary Inspector. According to his biography, Quintessential Colossus: Oyekunle Aremu Alex Duduyemi Barrister, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and Patriarch, “One momentous morning at work, having made reliable enquiries, he got information that to travel, he needed a passport, as well as a signed guarantor form. “At dinner that same day he shared his dream and intention with his uncle who immediately advised and instructed him to visit a certain man, Tekumo Onayemi, popular referred to as “Jamboree” to sign a guarantor’s form for him. “The soft, cool breeze from his bedroom window lulled him as he made up his mind to see Jamboree at Ita Agarawu the following day…” Eventually in 1957, his plans came to fruition. The year was remarkable because it was that same year that his uncle and mentor, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode (fondly called Fani Power) made a historic trip to England where he represented the Action Group at the London Constitutional Conference to discuss Nigeria’s independence in the company of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, S.O. Ighodaro, E.O. Eyo, Adeyemi Lawson and S.G. Ikokwu. This momentous trip by his uncle gave him the impetus to succeed and so when he bade his family goodbye and stepped aboard a ship on that journey, he was filed with enthusiasm. He was also lucky to also have on board his kinsman and cousin, Prince Okunade Sijuwade. In England, he realised the essence of having a good name as well as being kind and benevolent to everyone irrespective of their backgrounds. This was because the goodwill and compassion of his father trailed him across the seas to England. D.R.O Omisore, one of his father’s protégé took him under his wings and accommodated him. Despite the seeming soft landing, he still secured a job to ensure his goal of becoming a lawyer was not truncated. The young Oyekunle was not comfortable with the unfriendly and unpredictable British weather but was fascinated by the fashion and lifestyle. Gradually, his sense of style transformed and he was at home in his new environment. His love for the fine things of love took him in later life on a quest from London to Italy, the home of lovers, arts, food, architecture, wine and more. His recognition, appreciation and love for quality, not necessarily in terms of price was
proceeded at the wisest pace. It has been thorough and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations….And in the words of “God Save The Queen,.I open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria and of the commonwealth, and indeed of the world.” struck a chord in him that he decided to return home and dedicate his life to the service of his country. In February 1961 after his return, he registered as a Lawyer with the Supreme Court of Nigeria alongside his friend, Tunji Baraithwaite. The brand new Barrister Oyekunle joined Williams, Thomas, Kayode & Co, that famous legal that he had fantasized over years back. Just when he was finding his feet in the legal profession, cupid struck! He had attended one of the parties hosted in commemoration of Nigeria, when he spotted a beautiful young lady and their eyes locked. He could almost read her mind that she was assessing him from head to toe. Knowing full well his attributes: good fashion sense, oratory skill and status as Lawyer, the dashing Oyekunle approached her confidently and with the wine glass on his left hand, offered her a handshake. “Hello I am Alex”. He said without much ado. Her response, calmness and composure pointed to the fact that she too was a confident lady who knew what she wanted. “Her response was: Just Alex? I’m Oyekunle AlexDuduyemi, he replied with a chuckle and seriousness almost in the same breath! And I am Stella Olushola Da-Silva. A year later, they got married and began a family. And the rest as Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi with Wife, Chief (Mrs.) Stella Shola they say is history. She has stood by his side through thick astonishing. His penchant for style and quality and thin like the Rock of Gibraltar. According to left everyone spellbound. her, she has no doubts that they weremeant for It was at the North Western Polytechnic (Now each other. London Metropolitan University) on Prince of Wales Road, Kentish Town, that he took evening classes for nine months as the first step towards achieving his lifelong dream. He had to pass Alevels. Of course, he was driven by the words of Walt Disney “All Y"our dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them”. He faced this assignment with vigour and focus, and it was no surprise that in 1958 he was registered to study Law at the Lincoln’s Inn along with his closest friend, Yinka Oyenubi. Since he could not afford the privilege of full time study, he had to work and Oyenubi was kind enough to share his lecture notes which Oyekunle would study for weeks and months at night. He had to burn the midnight oil, like the cliché goes, to achieve his dreams. His circle of friends at the time were Prince Sikiru Adetona (now Awujale of Ijebuland), Pade Adewuyi, Olatunde Sugun and of course, Yinka Oyenubi. The 5th day of July 1960 will forever be indelible in his heart because this was the day that he achieved the major feat of passing his bar In 1965, under the tutelage of his uncle, Chief examination in Second Class Division 2 and was Remi Fani-Kayode, who was a national political called to Bar! A few months down the line, he was one of figure, Alex-Duduyemi joined politics and was the few guests invited to the Nigeria House on elected as Member, House of Representatives. October 1, 1960 to mark Nigeria’s independence. That was not all, he was also made Parliamentary While his friend, Obafemi Olopade and others Secretary to Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa held their wine glasses in toast to the epochal Balewa. His political sagacity, erudition, humaneness, event back home. He was listening to the speech of Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa with astuteness and deep insight endeared Oyekunle to his boss, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and it rapt attention. The PM’s closing remarks “.. Now we have was no surprise that he was put on the official acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that Nigerian delegation to the 20th United Nations history will show that the building of our nation General Assembly in New York.
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The Asiwaju of Ife title was a fitting recognition for a giant of man who had spent millions over the years in the education sector providingscholarships, creating employment and uplifting the poor.
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The December 1965 event which was led by Foreign Minister Nuhu Bamali was also attended by Chief H.O. Davies, Chief K.O. Mbadiwe, Mrs Aduke Moore and Mrs. Williams. The young Oyekunle learnt a lot from the Prime Minister, especially his cool mien and calm demeanour. Despite the political chaos rocking the country especially the incarceration of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Action Group and Premier of the Western Region and the appointment of Akintola as Premier, Tafawa Balewa remained stoic. Perhaps because of his closeness to the corridors of power and close interactions with the prominent victims of Nigeria’s first military coup of January 15, 1966, he quit politics and decided to return to his first love Law as well as chart new territories to conquer. With an office in the Lagos Central Business District, a corporate bank account at National Bank, he set up a company, BOLEX, in partnership with Chief Sobo Sowemimo. The company engaged in trading activities with exportation of chili pepper, Shea nuts, coffee and copra. At some point Chief Sowemimo pulled out of the partnership and his wife, Stella Olusola joined as new partner. With the entrepreneurial skills inherited from his mother, BOLEX Enterprises expanded its activities to the Northern part of Nigeria. His schedule involved sourcing for the commodities, with the exception of copra, from the North and transporting them by train to the Iddo Terminus in the South. From Iddo, the commodities are transferred to Apapa Port and shipped to Europe. Later, Bolex Enterprises moved to sale of government-controlled commodities such as Cocoa, Coffee, groundnut and palm kernel. He was the middle man between the government and his foreign partners. And in record time, earned himself the “Covetous” licence to trade directly with foreign partners, which led to a tremendous boom in his business. A change in government policy in 1976 adversely affected his business but he was not deterred, instead he switched to importation of palm oil from Malaysia. A significant moment in his business trajectory was the chance meeting with Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, the Commander, 9 Infantry Brigade, Abeokuta (who later became Lt. General & National Security Adviser). He worked under the command of Oyekunle’s brother and friend, Major-General Alani Akinrinade, the GOC 1 Infantry Division. After their introduction, exchange of pleasantries and discussion on a number of issues, Duduyemi was not in doubt that this was a “meeting of minds”. He was convinced that that it would be the beginning of a friendship that will stand the test of time. True to his conviction, Alani Akinrinade, Aliyu Mohammed Gusau and Alex-Duduyemi formed a brotherly bond that has lasted many decades. It was during one of their numerous discourse sessions that Duduyemi shared his business dream with Gusau and his counsel led to his adventure in fish trawling and importation. And it signalled the birth of MANUCOM Fishing Industries in 1985. It was the profit from the palm oil business that founded this new enterprise and in no time he bought four trawlers, which then hit an all-time high of 14 trawlers. The risks and losses encountered on the high seas caused him to have a rethink and this led to the formation of Equity Petroleum Services Nigeria (ESPN), a company that provided wireline and coil tubing services for the Oil & Gas Industry. His wife was very worried about this venture but he sat her down and shared his plan, which included his long term vision of handing the reins of the business to the children and partnering with foreign business ventures. He also brought to fore his interest in oil exploration and then he incorporated an indigenous marginal field exploration and production company, Network Exploration and Production company. His Oil & Gas interests entered into joint venture partnerships with USbased companies which specialised in cementation and stimulation of oil wells as well as marine logistics.
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