AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Across Nigeria especially his Oyo State base, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat is well reputed as a leading pillar and unwavering advocate and icon of truth, social justice, rights activism and love for the masses orchestrated through broadcast journalism and philanthropy.

His highly influential radio station, Agidigbo FM which has taken Nigeria by Storm rules the airways with millions of followers across the globe who tune in and participate in its popular call-in Programmes.

Fast rising Singer, Okiki Bright was one of the prominent Nigerians who graced the maiden edition of the Oriyomi Hamzat Fam Initiative (Alhaji Hamzat’s fans club) event at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State on Thursday.

The highly colorful event which had thousands of attendees including Hamzat’s fans and others filling up the massive stadium to capacity also had many dignitaries, eminent Nigerians and top entertainers including former Chief Justice of Oyo State, Fuji king, Alhaji Saheed Osupa, popular comic actor Muyiwa Adegoke aka Londoner and numerous others.

An highpoint of the special event was the inauguration of the executive council of the Hamzat fans club at state, zonal and local government levels across the state.

Speaking at the event, Okiki Bright who was besieged by fans as he made his way into the VIP section expressed delight at the privilege of being selected among top entertainment icons including King Saheed Osupa to grace the event.

He urged his fans to watch out for his forthcoming album tagged “AMBITION” billed to be released in October which also promote didactic themes of social justice, fairness, hardwork, betrayal and pursuit of happiness.

The youthful singer said the release of “Ambition,” a fusion of traditional Fuji and contemporary music promises to leave an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.

Bright added that, “He was particularly happy to attend the event because his personal views about life aligns with the organiser, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat’s philosophy of social justice, truth and equity as necessary pillars for building a peaceful, happy and thriving society where people can enjoy life to the fullest and maximize their potentials.”

In Okiki Bright, Nigeria finds a different breed of Fuji musician today, reminiscent of the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. His musical journey encompasses the rich heritage of Fuji music, blended seamlessly with contemporary beats.

Much like Barrister, Okiki Bright’s compositions carry didactic messages, weaving tales of morals and vicissitudes deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and lores. What sets him apart is his ability to present these cultural narratives on danceable modern rhythms with a sweet melodious voice, making his music not just an auditory delight but a cultural experience.

While thanking the thousands of attendees at the event, Alhaji Hamzat, who was beaming with smiles and walking freely among the crowd said his love for the masses and his personal joy in enthronement of truth, justice and fairness drive all his activities including broadcast for social justice and philanthropy, thanking his sponsors and donors and promising never to relent in his pursuits.

Hamzat, a down to earth but no nonsense veteran presenter adored especially by grassroots women and his radio station feature special programmes solely dedicated to investigating cases of oppression, intimidation, victimisation, rape, murder and all sorts of malfeasance.

The suspects are exposed on air and justice is pursued through collaboration with law enforcement agencies and necessary government officials.

The recent conviction of Alhaji Rahman Adedoyin over the gruesome murder of a post graduate student at the Obafemi Awolowo University who lodged at his hotel, could be credited to Hamzat and his Agidigbo FM which prominently exposed the suspects while they tried in vain to sweep the horrible crime under the carpet.

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Idorenyen ‘Idy’ Enang and Producer, of the renowned Laffmattaz Comedy and Music Show, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st (GCON), are set to speak at the ‘The Dotun Adesua Symposium’ themed “Nurturing Creative Talents for Nation-Building”.

This highly anticipated inaugural symposium aims to explore the power of creative minds in driving national progress and unity, scheduled to hold on Sunday, 27 August, 2023 at the esteemed The Colossus Lagos, situated atop the Sheraton Opebi Link Road in Lagos.

Adding to the grandeur of the symposium is a constellation of esteemed speakers that include the President, Association of Professional Party Planners and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), Funbi Akinyosoye; Writer, Media & Strategic Communication Expert, Arukaino Umukoro; and the globally recognized International Consultant and Human Development Expert, Honourable Dayo Israel.

The convener of the symposium, Dotun Adesua, said that the theme of the symposium was well chosen to delve into the dynamic role of creative industries in shaping the trajectory and positively transforming our nation, Nigeria. Amongst the core areas of activities such as Core Values and Character, Personal Development and Growth, National Discourse, Leadership and Mentorship and lastly Entrepreneurship.

Adesua further noted that attendees will explore the boundless potentials of creative sectors, experience captivating presentations and interactive dialogues cutting across entertainment, art, fintech, media, and education.

Functioning as a crucible for insightful engagements and constructive conversations, the symposium aims to ignite innovation and push the boundaries of knowledge. It is expected to attract professionals, visionaries, and luminaries from diverse domains.

Steering this grand endeavour is Dotun Adesua, a visionary entrepreneur whose forward-thinking perspective has elevated the symposium beyond conventional paradigms. Envisioned as a catalyst for nurturing creative talents and sowing seeds of ingenious solutions, the event aspires to foster both individual growth and nation development.

Adesua said “This dynamic space, pulsating with the energy of discourse, aims to invigorate personal evolution while untangling the complexities woven into the dynamic business landscape of today.”

Under the expansive umbrella of the theme “Nurturing Creative Talents for Nation-Building,” the symposium pledges to unravel the intricate ways in which creative industries can pave the path toward the future of Nigeria by transforming the intellectual and creative landscape of Nigeria.

As the symposium draws near, anticipation echoes not only through the bustling streets of Lagos but also resonates among professionals hailing from diverse corners. ‘The Dotun Adesua Symposium’ stands at the threshold of heralding an era marked by renewed creativity and symbiotic collaboration – a force that promises to propel both the nation and its citizens toward an incandescent dawn.

The much-anticipated timeless concert by David “Davido” Adeleke, unarguably one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports of all time, was an electrifying music showpiece that further reiterated the lofty height and growth that has defined the Nigerian Music industry in recent years as Nigeria’s premier banking giant, FirstBank once again, threw its weight behind Davido.

The Timeless Concert in Lagos was the climax to the treble of concerts to complement the 31 March 2023 launch of his fourth studio album, ‘Timeless’. Before the Lagos concert, Davido performed at the Irvine Plaza in New York on 2 April 2023 and in London on 5 April 2023.

The 17-track project album has topped several charts, breaking and setting several records. Big amongst these was the recognition of the Timeless album as the first African album to hit Number 1, topping the US iTunes Albums Chart which is credited to be the world’s biggest music market. 

Davido the Timeless Concert in Lagos was indeed more than music, as it unified individuals from all works of lives, irrespective of tradition, culture, economic strata and nationalities. Fans and music lovers trooped to the venue, the historical Tafawa Balewa Square, from far and wide to show their love and support for Davido, have fun, relax, connect and reunite. 

A show without a well-constructed stage is a no show as staging promotes the interaction and connection between the artistes and fans.

The Timeless stage, the biggest in West Africa and second biggest in Africa, was groundbreaking in both design and aesthetics. 

The beauty of the stage was reminiscent of the words of Canadian international bestseller, Yann Marte: “Nature can put on a thrilling show. The stage is vast, the lighting is dramatic, the extras are innumerable, and the budget for special effects is unlimited”.

These words simply depicted the nature, class and details applied to the construction of the Timeless stage as its exquisiteness was conspicuous during the day well ahead of the fall into the night when the concert took centre stage at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre. 

The hosts of the night, celebrity skit makers and comedians, KieKie and Mr Macaroni added spice to the event, as they thrilled fans to a more than music experience, whetting their appetite for the grand performance of the evening; who else but Davido. 

Timeless Concert was lit with a sensational performance by several leading artistes including, Asake, Mayorkun, Skiibii, Iyanya, B-Red, Pheelz, Fave, Spyro, Iyanya, Khaid. 

Other artistes that added spark to the night include Peruzzi, The Cavemen, Majeeed, Odumodublvck, Starboy Terri and May D, amongst many others. 

Expectedly, Davido’s entrance received a never-ending ovation as fans could not hold back their excitement of seeing him perform yet again. The Nigerian music legend and globally acclaimed music sensation’s well over two-hour electrifying performance on stage had his fans spellbound on several classical hits from previous albums and those from his most recent album, Timeless. 

The hits performed from his previous and most recent albums included, Skelewu, Dami Duro, Gobe, Aye, Unavailable, Over Dem All and Feel.

Davido also performed Electricity, a duet with Pheelz, a smash hit in 2022. 

A déjà vu of some sort to Davido fans, as FirstBank was the headline sponsor of Davido 30 billion concert in 2017. 

Also, as part of its yearly DecemberIssaVybe fiesta and supported events in 2021, the Bank sponsored ‘A Decade of Davido’ Concert, organised to celebrate 10 years of achievement of the Nigerian American pop singer and global music sensation. Fast forward to the Timeless concert in 2023, the Bank’s yearly DecemberIssavybe fiesta, no doubt came pretty early much as it is a long road to December from this month, April.

The bank’s dedication to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing these types of enabling experiences sets it apart in the industry and solidifies its position as a leader in not just directly supporting the arts and entertainment industry but economically impacting its value chain.

Anyone not following the Bank is surely on a long thing but hey, it is never too late as there are still many exciting moments the Bank creates on its social media ecosystem via @firstbanknigeria (Instagram); @FirstBankngr (Twitter) and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (Facebook).

FirstBank’s support of Davido’s Timeless Concert is undoubtedly a curtain raiser as the bar has been raised for another back-to-back hit for the financial giant to create more memorable experience for its customers and social media followers in 2023 as the year fast edges into DecemberIssavybe due to hold in some 9 months’ time.