30 August 2008
Lagos — Within Nigeria's business world today, there are wives with fairy-tale careers who have succeeded in smashing the glass ceiling, looking across the corporate sector, their increasing number will amaze you.
Some of them have distinguished themselves in business, judging by the success of the businesses they have built overtime. They are women with angelic and beautiful faces, who are modish and attractive, gorgeous and appealing. Some of them are as hardworking as their husbands, and even more popular than their husbands. Some of them call the shots in their homes. They decide what would be. They are that powerful. But when we chose to beam our light on this class of women, we were startled at what we stumbled on, women who are holding their own in the face of challenges, keeping their heads up high, sitting atop mega bucks, and looking society in the face to say what a man can do, a woman can do even better. LANRE ALFRED presents some of these stylish Nigerian power wives.
Nana Otedola
Nana Otedola is the satisfyingly beautiful wife of Chief Femi Otedola the billionaire Oil Sheik. This woman of many parts who runs the most-exalted Garment Care radiates a joy from within that is easy on her lovely skin, makes her beauty more than glow. Nana Otedola has never been a loud woman. Her soothingly lovely looks got many points as soon as she came into the life of the legendary man of means. Hard work comes natural to Nana who is extremely quiet, never seeking attention, making few public appearances and loves to come out with a twist of simplicity. Not one to dwell on frivolities, she has always faced noblest things. And, one thing that stands her out is the fact that she doesn't intimidate the lesser mortals with her wealth.
Awele Elumelu
One of the very few top bank MDs' wives that people have not stopped talking about in the fashion and style department is Awele Elumelu. The gorgeous wife of Tony Elumelu, the Group Managing Director of UBA is representing well and participating in all the offerings that crop up in the social calendar. A collector of the finest trinkets, especially gold from the most venerated designers in the world. The mother of five girls who creates time for fun at all times spoils herself, and revels in all the wonderful things of life. Awele is now a regular face at most social events and making the best of this season.
Elizabeth Atuche
Elizabeth Atuche the wife of Francis Atuche the M.D of Bank PHB, has become a natural jolly good fellow, putting under her girdle some of the most talked about parties of the season as a major participant. She loves ruffles with twist of effortlessness, with an inaudibly loud sense of flamboyance. Many times with her husband, Francis, she is a lady we have our eyes on as one of the most plausible fashionistas of the modish scene.
Tolulope Akingbola
Ever since Erastus Akingbola, the MD of Intercontinental Bank Plc, married his dark and tubby beautiful wife, Antonia Tolulope Akingbola in 1979, they still act like newly weds. This extremely brilliant banker with homegrown intelligence and his wife behave as if they've just met, and enjoying knowing each other, eager to spend time together. They have become siblings who can't bear to be apart, we cannot count the number of times they have stepped out together in public in the past few months in the same traditional outfits, especially lace fabrics of different colour and hues. Erastus who is a strong member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God does not care hoot whether the fabrics is solely meant for women as long as his wife recommends it. They are always together at parties, hold each other like young students who just fell in love for the very first time.
Hajia Abbah Folawiyo
Hajia Abah Zainab Folawiyo popularly called Sisi Abah, by her admirers, cuts the perfect picture of a woman in total control of her home and her life. Here is one of Nigeria's most celebrated society women and successful fashion designers soaking up the sort of admiration normally reserved for legendary icons. Her astounding personality seems all the more remarkable, considering the numerous admirers she has. And only very few women in Nigeria can boast of being loved and respected the way Hajia Folawiyo is by other people. Within Nigeria's very large social circle, Zainab Folawiyo is every woman's woman. She attracts people to herself like a magnet draws a metal. And it goes without saying that virtually all the society women in Nigeria are inspired by Zainab Folawiyo's persona. She has come a long way and has agonizing pain of losing the father of her unborn child to death. Years later, the split from her first husband, Prince Lagun Adesanya hit her hard, yet with extraordinary fortitude and courage, this irrepressible half Ghanaian, half Nigerian lady by marriage, is more in control and clearly more at ease than she has been for some time. By any standard, Zainab Folawiyo is one of Africa's most famous women, a style icon and all the while, retaining her dignity as the wife of Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the late business legend and the Baba Adinni of Nigeria.
Bisoye Usman
She hates publicity. She has never granted an interview. She says she does not need it since business is good. This is because like bees to nectar, Bisoye attracts all the celebrities from as far as Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt and other states. She stores the best Swiss quality lace materials and Austrian textiles in town. That is why Bisoye has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most patronized fabric shops in Lagos.
LANRE OJORA
Chief (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Ojora is a grossly misunderstood woman. To some, she is the typical 'Merry Widow' whose life-style is devoid of boredom. To others, her penchant for dressing to suit her taste puts her in a class of her own. Yet, to some, her desire to live the way she wants, not minding whose ox is gored is also a well-established fact. Lanre Ojora is a very down-to-earth person. She feels quite comfortable, relating with all classes of people. But she is a tough lady who has chosen to live her life the way she wants, irrespective of what anybody thinks or feels. And then, Lanre Ojora is blessed with a genuine sense of humility. However, when her husband, Chief Ajibade Mustapha Ojora passed away in November 1994 at the age of 51, the tragic event marked a dramatic turning point in her life. Imagine a woman who could not think of life without her husband! Imagine a woman who was so over pampered by her husband that she had the whole world at her feet! Imagine a woman whose husband found on fault in her suddenly being alone. One can only imagine how Lanre Ojora felt when her husband left her so suddenly in the lurch, to cater for their children. But then, she rose to the challenges and has been able to weather the storm, against all odds. And for this 59 year- old grandmother of two, life goes on and it couldn't get any better.
Ojuolape Ojora
Ojuolape Ojora The Erelu Oodua is one celebrity woman that other celebrity women take a cue from in matters of Style and Comportment. This is because the Erelu who is 70 years old personifies all that is Style, Class and Elegance. Since the late 60's to date she and her husband, the respected Lagos High Chief, Otunba Adekunle Ojora have loomed large on the social scene, so much so that no major party is complete without their esteemed presence.
Titi Abubakar
The wife of the former Vice -President, Atiku Abubakar is one society woman that attracts other society women to herself. Deep down, she is a nice woman with a good heart. Quite sociable, Titi loves looking good and dresses well to parties in very expensive lace fabrics. She attends parties with her circle of friends. Because she is nice, and friendly, she is at home with a lot of society ladies.
Cecilia Ibru
Cecilia Ibru, the 'firstlady' of the banking sector and the CEO of Oceanic Bank has dominated that sector. She has also come to be seen as one celebrity woman who occupies an enviable position as a role model to other aspiring celebrity women. Despite her remarkable efforts in the corporate world, she has not lost touch with the social circuit. When she steps out to a party, it is always in the company of the Olorogun. She has a look-alike twin sister who is a Deaconess. She is Mrs. Lucy Lawrence
Maryam Babangida
Talk of some society women who act like magnets to other women and the former First Lady's name will be mentioned. She is one top society woman whose charming disposition has earned her great respect from other society women .A Style diva, she has not lost the sparkle which brought her world wide acclaim as a very stylish First Lady.
Opral Benson
The lya Oge of Lagos who lost her husband some months back is one stylish society woman who has for over 4 decades dominated the social scene. In the 60's, Opral was usually the cynosure of all eyes at any party she attends, so much so that she gets invited to parties because of the class she accords such parties. Now at over 70, she is still active.
Mercy Adeyinka
In her 60's, she is one of the top society women other women respect a lot. She has a good heart and this is reflected in her ageless look. She loves to attend functions with her best friend, Nta Lijadu who is just as lively as her. They both wear similar outfits to parties.
Onikepo Akande
Her personality is intimidating, just as she's beautiful. She is also an achiever. This two-- time Minister of Industry, no doubt, ranks among Nigeria's most admired society women. She is equally revered for her high fashion taste and stylish edge. She always keeps her peers on their toes, as she's always unveiling her style.
Doyinsola Abiola
She is the very graceful looking wife of the late Bashorun of Egbaland, MKO Abiola. Dr. Doyin is one of the well-cultured society women who have not ceased to dazzle many of her admirers with her style, which keeps evolving. Besides her stylish flare, Dr. Doyin emits a personality that is revered.
Folorunsho Alakija
She is one of Nigeria's pioneer designers who has created stylish looks for several celebrity women in the country. At over 55; Folorunsho Alakija, has continued to command attention on account of her raw beauty, trim figure and impeccable sense of style and mannerism. She's one woman who does not shy away from wearing exotic fabrics, which could be worn as Iro and Buba, or as long skirts and blouses. Her signature look can be discerned from her flashy embroidered head-tie. She is one society woman who radiates Style and Class.
Ireti Asemota
She is often referred to as one of 3 musketeers, namely, Hajia Abah Folawiyo, Yetunde Onileere and herself. These trio are a force to reckon with within the Lagos social circle, as their presence at any event commands attention, so much so that some other society women know-tow to them. Ireti is a bold dresser, who has a signature look, with a love for a silver white eye shadow or dusty charcoal type.
Oloori Abimbola Balogun
The lovely wife of Otunba Subomi Balogun has somehow defined a unique style that is, Subtle, yet Striking. She certainly is one of the top society women who has held their own over several decades, as women who can't be ignored in a crowd. On the quiet side though, Oloori Balogun still stands out with her graceful disposition.
Remi Adiukwu Bakare
Although this former Lagos Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs has had a successful Political career, she has also been very sociable all these years. By virtue of her social commitments she attends parties a lot and she is quite stylish too.
Ndi Okereke Onyiuke
She is well known as the DG of the Stock Exchange. But only few people know her husband. Ndi is a very powerful woman who does not suffer fools gladly. She is presently at the center of controversy.
Eniola Fadayomi
She is one celebrity woman who has made a huge success of everything she has touched from Law, Publishing, etc. She is a society lady who gets invited to a lot of the A-Class parties on account of her rich pedigree and status in society.
Jumoke Pedro
This lovely wife of the former Lagos State Deputy Governor is a respected Lagos Judge. But she is sociable too. She dresses well and she is humble to a fault. That is what makes a lot of other women like her.
Nkiru Anumudu Nkiru
She is the daring and bold dressing wife of Globe Motors boss. Her avant-garde style has earned her the Award of The Boldest Dressing Celebrity Woman in town. Make no mistake about it; Nkiru's style doesn't come cheap, as she indulges in purchasing the best from the world's top designers. Her dress sense and personality always get Nkiru noticed in a crowd of society women.
Moji Dokpesi
She makes the list of Nigeria's top society women for several reasons. Firstly, she has a great sense of style; she's very amiable in spirit, as a lot of women easily warm up to her. She is equally very beautiful and knows how to change the tempo of any place she enters with her presence. Best of all, Moji loves to enjoy herself at parties by dancing, and she does it so well. This beautiful wife of the AIT boss, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, is indeed one society woman who can't be ignored.
Fifi Ejindu
Though this Calabar-born woman who is a top Business Consultant is based more in Abuja, she has left her mark in the Lagos social circuit for being a glam dresser, who lives to make bold fashion statements, and has the means to indulge herself in the best in the fashion world. With her great looks and arresting figure, Fifi has used all of this to her advantage, counting among Nigeria's top celebrity women with style.
Nike Osinowo-Soleye
Ex-beauty queen, Nike Osinowo, the wife of Dr. Tunde Soleye has cultivated the art of being the cynosure of all eyes whenever she attends an event. She's continued to dictate a style that many of her peers simply follow. That she is on the A-list of Nigeria's top society Women remains unchallenged.
Abike Dabiri -Erewa
From her days at NTA to her present job in the National Assembly, there is no missing Abike's charming disposition, which often earns her whatever she puts her heart on. She's highly respected by other society women, especially for her rich sense of humour. She's also stylish and graceful and lights up a party with her presence. She married Segun Erewa sometime last year.
Teju Philips
This ex-Commissioner in Lagos knows how to make an appearance. For one, she dresses well and takes particular interest in how she looks without any apologies. She's one of the Lagos' society women who loves to make a party bubble.
Bola Shagaya
She is one of Nigeria's richest businesswomen; Bola is equally a top society woman in every sense. When it comes to dictating style and class, Bola sets the pace. She does not compromise on a standard, that's why only the best is good enough for her when it comes to fashion. She's remained one of the country's society women who patronize consistently, top designer, Deola Sagoe and has a rich jewelry collection. She was once married.
Mary Inegbese
She's the pretty wife of the Ineh-Mic boss. One thing Mary clearly reveals is her ability to dress to stand out. With a strong preference for the bold look, Mary hasn't disappointed in her style choice. Whether she's going to a salon or party, she loves to cause a stir, an act, which has seen her on the list of top society women who light up the Lagos social establishment.
Maiden Ibru
She is the wife of the publisher of The-Guardian newspaper, who's one of the Ibru brothers. No doubt, Maiden is a beautiful woman, who is blessed with a great figure for her age. She also knows how to dress well and has a personality that is intimidating.
Detoun Olubi - Filani
Indisputably the queen of high quality Aso Oke, popularly known as Super Q. Detoun Olubi-Filani is one society woman you just cannot wish away. For over a decade, she has been in the forefront of promoting Aso Oke and even influencing the way it is tied and worn. A trend-setter, no doubt, Detoun, popularly known as Iya Ibeta, dominates the social circuit with her irresistible aura, beauty (at well over 50) and general friendliness. As for her fashion taste, that is a story for another day, because it is simply exquisite. She is married to Chief Ishola Filani, former Wema Bank chairman.
Toyin Phillips
A banker per excellence; Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Phillips is also well known on the social circuit. As much as she mixes with the academia, she also finds time to socialize and as a Lagosian, you just cannot beat her to holder in Business Administration (Finance) married to Dr. Olumide Phillips, a Petroleum Engineer as well as chairman, Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos. She also has a faultless sense of fashion. She was once a Gateway Bank managing director.
Erelu Angela Adebayo
Former Ekiti First Lady, Angela Adebayo comes from an aristocratic background and she does not hide it. It shows in everything she does. A very stylish woman, Angela hails from Lagos. Married to former Ekiti Governor, Niyi Adebayo, Angela socializes when it is necessary and always makes a statement with whatever she wears, be it western or native attire, because she knows just what to wear at the right time and to the right place. She is also blessed with a beautiful figure.
Priscilla. Soyemi
Born to a medical doctor father and an Irish mother, Priscilla is your quintessential society woman. She loves the good life and has friends across the social divide such as Daisy Danjuma, Angela Adebayo, Ranti Johnson, Lanre Ojora, Joko Olunloyo, Nike Makinde, Nene Lawal and others. To say she is a jolly good fellow is like stating the obvious. A mother of two beautiful girls, Priscilla has worked in the Federal Ministry of Information for so many years. She is quite independent-minded and loves to enjoy herself.
Marie Fatayi-Williams
Though not a Lagosian, Marie is a woman you just can not push aside in the Lagos Social Establishment. Aside from coming from an illustrious family (she hails from the Ikimi family in Igueben, Benin in Edo State), she is a highly cerebral woman who has been able to warm herself into the hearts of both the young and old, on account of her professional way of doing things. That this younger sister of ace politician, Chief Tom Ikimi is also brilliant is not in doubt. Or how else would you describe a woman who has been able to work her way up the corporate ladder in Elf Petroleum
Elizabeth Jibunoh
In Nigeria, a history of the art sector is incomplete without a mention of this amiable society woman and her husband, Chief Newton Jibunoh. This is because; they've done a lot to uplift the sector. From being just art collectors, they established Didi Musuem, which is now an upscale exhibition centre for both budding and established artists. Aside her love for art however, Chief (Mrs.) Jibunoh is also hot on the social scene. Her fashion sense is quite popular. And though, she is on the other side of 50, she keeps glowing by the day.
Sade Okoya
In her 20s, Sade is the youngest wife of Alhaji Rasaq Okoya, the Eleganza Boss. She has four children for him. Somehow, this lady who was an under-graduate when she married the Industrialist has been able to worm her way up the social ladder. In the fashion department, you are never going to find Sade wanting as she is forever dressed to the T. A lot of times, she can be daring too.
Funke Osibodu
A woman of high intellectual capability, Funke is one of the highly respected women in the corporate industry. She's most comfortable with operating in circles that have to do with her job. But of late, she has been seen attending one or two functions. She is married to Vigeo Holdings boss, Victor Gbolade Osibodu.
Sade Aleshinloye
She is one of the most visible female personalities within the Nigerian social scene. Fondly called Sade Alesh by her admirers, this very charming lady is the wife of Chief Rilwan Aleshinloye, the Chairman of Iru Victoria Island Local Council. Sade is one society woman who understands the art of style well. The hallmark of her fashion regimen is her love for exquisite jewellery, and she remains one of the highest collectors of jewellery. She is very close to most notable society women and she is the toast of most notable musicians as well. This ever radiant and beautiful lady comports herself with such grace and elegance, which is demanded of an icon. She is regarded as the Queen of the Lagos social circuit.
Ladun Sijuwade Ladun
is the wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, and she is also Nigeria's most prominent Oloori. Ladun is one lady who radiates genuine warmth. She relates with people, regardless of their age and class. This 50-year-old lady has brought so much dignity into the Ife royalty, on account of her polished manners and strong principles.
Bukky Imasekha
She is the wife of Henry Imasekha, the famous Lagos Big Boy. Although, formally based in London, Bukky features regularly on the Lagos social scene. She is quite close to most of the notable female members of the society as well. Notable among some of her close friends are Genny Adeosun, Aishat Falode, and many others. This dark complexioned lady is very stylish and elegant.
Alaibe Alaere
The Pretty Woman Stores boss has come a long way socially. She has dominated the Ikeja business axis. She has an NGO to help the underprivileged in Bayelsa State. Being a high society woman, Alaere gets invited to parties which she graciously honour either alone, with her husband or in company of her friends. She is also a good dresser.
Aisha Daggash
She is the wife of Senator Daggash from Borno State. She is one of the wives of the Senators who truly stands out, though she almost always turns out in native attires.
Professor (Mrs.) Mary Lar
She is the matriarch of the Lar family of Chief Solomon Lar. Highly respected on the account of her high academic standards and intelligence. Professor (Mrs.) Lar has become a source of influence to many young women in Plateau.
GLADYS NDUBUISI-KANU
Gladys, the very pretty and extremely brilliant wife of Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu embodies glamour in whatever she wears, more so, when she has a great body to go with. She loves the corporate look and Jewellery and her collection of hats strictly from Ascot will make many green with envy.
LADY NGOZI OKONKWO
Married to Emma Okonkwo, the multi-billionaire businessman, Lady Ngozi's looks belie the fact that she's a mother several times over. Though most times she is simply dressed with dainty jewellery pieces. That she's stylish is not in doubt.
CHINYERE OKONKWO
The very adorable wife of Chief Annie Okonkwo, the chairman of Zoom Mobile and Clemco Group, though an Igbo lady to the core, loves Yoruba attires to a fault. She is usually well turned out in them when she steps out to events always in company of her husband.
JOSEPHINE FINGESI
Wife to former Naval top shot, Rear Admiral Fingesi, Josephine, who is in her early 50's is very tall, fair in complexion and is extremely beautiful. She is also one very fashionable woman who loves the colour red a lot.
DORA CHRIS ALLI
The very lovely wife of General Chris Alli, Plateau's ex-Administration equally a highly fashionable lady. Her scheme of style is simple, but it depicts Dora as a woman of glamour. One of her favourite past times is shopping and she is particularly fond of expensive lace fabrics, which she usually wears in skirt and blouse.
CONNIE MADUBUKO
Her style stands her out in any crowd. Apart from her low-cut which is her trade mark, Connie, the pretty wife of Pastor Anselm Madubuko of Revival Assembly Church is one of' the power dressers in the country.
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Betty farrell here, would like to say hi to Priscilla Soyemi. Remember John Gough's flat (over the shop) Whitworth road. Brings back memories! If anybody reads this can you pass the message on to Priscilla, Betty, Dublin (Ireland)