A Roller-Coaster of Events

12 Mar 2020

Hi Folks,

Trust you are keeping well at your end. This Corona Virus or Covid-19 is gradually locking the world down, whether much attention is being paid to its overbearing effect on our lives remains a question to be asked. However, I hope you are doing all within your power to stay safe; we need you alive and in good health.

Nigeria has faced so much drama in the past couple of days that I have almost lost count. Covid-19 has its own fare share with the rumored runaway driver who eventually came out to debunk the story and letting the world know that he hasn’t even been near the locations in question for over two years.

There is no better example of fake news on the entire surface of the earth. The news of the dethronement of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as Emir of Kano Emirate didn’t come as a surprise to many though; for many reasons, most folks said they saw it coming.

That case leaves me wondering, should our traditional rulers be subject to State Governors?

While we were still trying to come to terms with the SLS dethronement, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari rolled in. The letter leaves me with much to ponder and somehow I think the government of the day should give it a thought.

Away from the drama and politics, the weekend saw me having fun on another level. The management of LJ Russett through YD agency had thrown a special invite my way; beautifully designed card and a pair of wooly socks it was and I knew right away that it was going to be a dope event.

Barely one year ago, LJ Russett fashion brand berthed in Nigeria to cater for the fashion needs of men primarily and women by extension. They invited a few friends of the house to come have light meals, sip on canapés and shop some.

The event offered the opportunity to reunite with some very dear people that I have lost contact with. While I was chatting with other guests, I saw her from afar; her dreadlocked hair standing out with bits of gray. The face was too familiar to be a sort of resemblance, yet I wasn’t sure. Finally, I stepped up to her and quietly called her name, “Aunty Mimi”! She was surprised that anyone besides Lanre Yusuf would know her here. It’s been 24 long years, I was only a boy then and it wasn’t difficult to recall. We exchanged numbers and chatted about the good old days.

While trying to engage Lanre Yusuf, MD, LJ Russett; he walks in quietly. In the quietness, heads turned for some reason in the direction of the man of walked in with humility radiating all around him. “Just a moment sir, that’s my pastor”, Lanre excused himself. Our eyes connected and we both smiled, Pastor Godman Akinlabi offered a handshake and I grabbed it happily. He was a year ahead of me at Government College Ibadan (GCI).

Government College Ibadan: if you know, you know.

Thinking back to those days, Akinlabi was versatile in virtually all subjects; most interesting of them being Further Mathematics… boy! We dreaded that subject. We greeted briefly and I went about the party to catch some more fun.

Moriam Musa of Morsi PR was re-introduced to me by Yetty Ogunnubi of YD Agency and we talked plenty about fashion PR. Olamide Olarewaju was another interesting personality I met, a fashion blogger and fashionova herself. We discussed the future of blogging and possible collaborations in the coming days.

I stopped over at the Sheraton hotels, Ikeja to join the gathering of customers and major distributors of World’s No. 1 premium cocktail base, Campari.

Hosted by Brian Munro Limited, the sole distributor of Campari in Nigeria, the evening lived up to its billing as I and everyone in attendance had a unique experienced. The event was to recognize, celebrate and honour distinguished trade partners of Campari in Nigeria while A-list entertainers took turns to serenade us.

Ace compere and comedian Tee-A compered and he did not hesitate to crack our ribs with jokes as he led us through the program of events. The fun could not have been completed without the exhilarating live performance of the vivacious music band, Salt of the Earth while DJ Cypha was on hand to play pulsating songs to spice up the evening.

A great number of major Campari distributors were recognized and given awards for their remarkable trade efforts and loyalty. Amongst the winners were Mathew Momoh of Just Drinks, Chogozie Anagwu of Chigotex Royal Link Limited and Ndubisi Dennis Onyeananu of Uzems Aba who were presented with trophies and cash prizes.

As usual, I didn’t have the Campari fun alone; I was in the company of Femi Odukoya and Aare Oladeinde Ariyo. It was indeed a weekend to remember.

Remember to make someone smile today through your acts of kindness.

Yours,

Ilupeju B