society_admin, Author at SocietyGazette.com

FIRSTBANK ‘VYBES’ NIGERIANS ALL THROUGH DECEMBER

FirstBank has announced its sponsorship of an array of initiatives to empower the society as well as promote the growth and development of entertainment genres including music, fashion and arts in the country. The yearly partnership tagged FirstBankIssaVybe which kicked off in 2018, is designed by the Bank to create an enthralling and enabling experience for Nigerians especially the young ones in the Yuletide season to bond with family and friends, whilst connecting with their favourite superstars.

From the exciting Alternative Sound 4.0, held at Terra Culture on 5 December 2019 to the unforgettable “An Evening with FBNHoldings” held on 13 December, 2019 to the pleasure overload of Island Block Party at Oniru Lagos on 14 December, lucky customers and followers of the Bank’s social media handles were given free tickets to have loads of fun!

Also, in the bouquet of fun extravaganza was Teni – The Billionaire Experience musical concert held at Eko Hotel on Monday, 16 December 2019 which had many customers thrilled to the finest of tunes by the Billionaire crooner and other guest artistes present.

Youth and teenage fashion lovers are not left out; as with Street Souk, they were exposed to the current trends in the world of creativity in the fashion industry. The event held on Wednesday, 18 December 2019. Keen on getting exposed to the best and latest designs, wears and fabrics in fashion, then the African Fashion Week Nigeria would be your port of call. The event, billed for 20 – 21 December 2019 attracts leading players in the fashion industry and promises to deepen the fashion appetite and interest of participants.

On the 27^th of December, it would be the turn of Davido’s Good Time Concert to take Centre Stage and provide opportunities for FirstBank customers to win tickets to have a good time this season. FirstBank will then round up the year in grand style with the much anticipated concert with the Future Live in Concert scheduled for 29 December 2019 at the Eko hotel.

On the Bank’s commitment to vybing the society in December, the Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications said “2019 has indeed been a significant year for the FirstBank family being our 125^th –anniversary with the celebratory theme ‘Woven into the Fabric of Society’. DecemberIsAVybe is an avenue for us to appreciate our stakeholders for their support by promoting and providing opportunities to grow entertainment industry and empowering young people as jobs are created in this period. It’s an opportunity for those who cannot afford passes to attend key events through giveaways. It is our way of further showing that we are indeed well woven into the fabric of society.”

To win tickets for any of these events, join the conversation ‘#DecemberIsAVybe’ by following FirstBank on any of its respective social media handles; @firstbanknigeria on Instagram; @firstbankngr on twitter and FirstBankofNigeriaLimited on Facebook.

FIFTH CHUKKER COMMENDS FIRSTBANK’S COMMITMENT TO PATRONS CUP

The management of Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club have commended First Bank of Nigeria Limited for their support of the prestigious African Patrons Cup; a polo tournament which holds annually at the Club in Kaduna.

The commendation came at the closing ceremony of the 2019 edition of the competition which featured notable polo teams drawn from across the country.

The Bank was lauded for its contribution to the development of Polo at the club. A statement by the club’s management stated “We will like to recognise the sterling efforts of our esteemed sponsors FirstBank, the African Patrons Cup Polo Tournament will never be the same without your support.”

“We sincerely hope that this association will be maintained and that you will continue to support us in our future endeavours”, the statement concluded.

The Africa Patrons Cup Polo Tournament is an annual event put together by Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club to create awareness about the prevalence of Breast Cancer among women in the society.

The weeklong competition which had the participation of over 10-teams saw YY Kangimi defeat Keffi Pony’s by 12-goals to 4-goals for the prestigious Patrons trophy.

Only recently, FirstBank sponsored the prestigious Georgian Cup of Kaduna Polo Tournament for the 100th year, possibly the longest-running sports sponsorship in the world and a Guinness Book of Records potential.

Idowu Thompson, Group Head, Private Banking, First Bank of Nigeria Limited (middle) with some players at the 2019 Fifth Chukker Polo championship held in Kaduna.

FrieslandCampina WAMCO Gets New App for Dairy Farmers

Two Nigerian entrepreneurs (former students of the University of Ibadan) and three research students from the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, have developed a mobile software application to help dairy farmers perform better.

Named the ‘mDairy App’ according to the company’s spokesperson and Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Ore Famurewa, the effort is being made in partnership with FrieslandCampina WAMCO.

“The three students from the Delft University of Technology and the mDairy app co-founders are collaborating to support local dairy farmers at our different Dairy Development Programme (DDP) sites” Famurewa said.

The Dutch students are Margot Ridderikhoff, Jaap Dechering and Betsie Loeffen while the mDairy’s co-founders are Oyewale Abioye and Gbadegesin Alawode.

In 2017, FrieslandCampina WAMCO partnered with the Dutch-Nigerian Students Business Challenge, an initiative of the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry and sponsored by corporations mainly of Dutch origin. The initiative aims to address challenges in Nigeria’s health, energy and food sectors.

Having successfully completed and presented relevant business solutions, a new team of three students attached to FrieslandCampina WAMCO came to Nigeria recently to join Oyewale and Gbadegesin in order to deploy mDairy App, which DDP farmers can use with little or no challenge.

To ensure that all farmers from various socioeconomic backgrounds are integrated, the team is also developing an interactive voice message service which would facilitate easy access.

“The mDairy app once deployed is designed to serve as one-stop-shop for DDP farmers’ information needs” Famurewa explained.

From left, Dairy Extension Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Dr. Adebayo Akinade; Students from Delft University, The Netherlands, Margot Ridderikhoff, Jaap Dechering and Betsie Loeffen; Baale, Fashola Community, Oyo State, Alhaji Tijani Abdulah; University of Ibadan students Oyewale Abioye and Gbadegesin Alawode; with DDP Administrative Manager, Henry Adaobor

Unity Bank MD Tomi Somefun Edges Closer to Jail for Flouting Court Order

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has been asked to commence committal proceedings against the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, and commit her to prison for allegedly flouting orders made by the court.

The request formed the relief in a motion filed by 25 ex-staff of the bank in whose favour the Lagos division of the NICN had given a monetary judgment on July 3, 2019.

The ex-staff, led by John Adeola Taiwo, stated, in the motion filed on December 2, 2019, that Unity Bank was in open disobedience to the orders made by the court on November 12, 2019, and therefore deserved to be committed to prison for allegedly being in disobedience of valid and extant court orders.

The ex-staff had individually sued the bank in 2016 alleging non- payment of some of their outstanding entitlements and gratuity.

The court later consolidated the suits with the consent of parties and on the grounds that the issues were related.

In a judgment on July 3, 2019, in the suit marked: NICN/LA/84/2019, Justice R. H. Gwandu held in favour of the ex-staff and ordered the bank to pay them various sums of money.

But rather than comply with the judgment, the bank appealed and applied to the court for a stay of execution pending the determination of its appeal.

In a ruling on November 12, 2019, Justice Gwandu granted a stay as prayed by the bank but upon certain conditions.

The judge, in the ruling, said: “By the powers vested in this Court under Order 64 Rule 8(3) and in the discretion of this court, I hereby grant the stay of execution of this judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

“This goes with the condition that the judgment debtor pays the judgment sum into the account of the Chief Registrar, National Industrial Court (an interest yielding account), such judgment sum shall be released to the party that is victorious in the outcome of the appeal.

“The payment of the judgment sum is ordered to be made within five working days, failure of which shall be treated as contempt of orders of this court.

Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, the Managing Director of Unity Bank

The pronouncements of the judge are what Taiwo and others are now accusing the Unity Bank of flouting and in respect of which they seek the committal of the bank’s CEO in the fresh motion filed on December 2, 2019.

They argued, in court documents, that “the order of the court has been respected by the judgment debtor in the breach rather than observance, in spite of the stern warning by the court that failure to comply shall be treated as contempt.

“It is trite law that the order of a court of competent jurisdiction remains inviolate until set aside and so, anyone who an order is made against must obey it until the order is set aside or discharged. Once an order exists, it must be obeyed.

“It is a clear fact that, in spite of the clear and explicit order of this honourable court, directing the defendant/judgment debtor to pay the judgment sum into the court’s account with the name of the Chief Registrar, the defendant/judgment debtor has continued, with impunity, to do the exact opposite of the order of the court”.

They added that the alleged failure of the bank to pay the judgment sum into an interest yielding account within five days, as directed by the court, “is an outright disregard of the order of this honourable court, making the defendant/judgment debtor liable for contempt of court”.

They added that since the defendant/judgment debtor is not a natural person, the law allows that its principal officer is penalized.

“It is trite law that where the contemnor is not a natural person, it cannot be committed to prison, but the principal officer can.

“In this case, the defendant (a financial institution) is not a natural person, who can be committed for contempt thereby making any of its high ranking officers in the person of Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, being the Managing Director, liable to be committed to prison for contempt of court.

“We urge this honourable court to grant them leave to proceed against Mrs. Oluwatomi Somefun, the Managing Director of the defendant and to find her liable accordingly and commit her to prison for contempt of the order made on 12th November 2019”.

The bank is yet to respond to the fresh motion.

FIDELITY BANK CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS FOR 13 LUCKY CUSTOMERS WITH N19M

Thirteen lucky customers of Fidelity Bank PLC will enjoy their 2019 Christmas bountifully as the bank rewarded them with N19m for being faithful and committed to servicing their accounts. The lucky winners emerged from the Second monthly/ First Bi-monthly draw of the Get Alert in Millions Savings Promo Season 4, which held at the Bank’s Regional Office in Abuja.

There were three categories of winners among the customers: N3m, N2m and N1m, in addition to 18 consolation prizes of television set, generators and refrigerators. The Lagos Regional Office had the highest amount of N6m in total, followed by the North West Region with a total of N4m while Abuja Region had N3m cumulative amount. The South East, South South and South West had N2m each.

One of the lucky winners, Chika Perpetua Maduike from Abuja Regional office, who won N2m, when contacted on phone dismissed the call, but finally made it to the office dancing and rejoicing saying ‘this Christmas will be a special one for me. I did not believe the caller, but later decided to try and see if it was true and I have seen and I am very happy’. She went further to say, “I will advertise Fidelity Bank to everyone and tell them the bank is number one in Nigeria. Fidelity Bank , God bless you and take you to the next level in Jesus name’

Another lucky winner, Olawale Abdulgafar, who won N1m said: “When I was called and told I have won N1m, I was not excited because I thought it was a scam. I quickly rushed to a nearby Fidelity Bank and asked someone I know who said a promo was ongoing and I should go to the Regional office . I am here now and I have seen it is real and I am very happy because this Christmas will be joyous for me. I want to thank Fidelity Bank for keeping their words”.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo said lucky customers of the bank will cart away N120m at the end of the promo in April 2020, pointing out that N15m was won during the first draw in Ibadan and N19m in Abuja, bringing the total to N34m after the second draw. The MD/CEO who was represented by the Regional Bank Head, North West 1, Mannir Ringim said the promo which started in October 2019 was part of its efforts at deepening the Financial Inclusion strategy of the government and ensure more people are financially included.

“As we speak, over 50m Nigerians are financially excluded, which represents about 45 percent of our population and we in Fidelity Bank want to bridge this gap and also encourage more people to embrace savings culture,” the MD/CEO opined.

Shading light on how people can qualify for the draw, Mrs Janet Nnabuko, Head of Savings said both existing and new customers can win by simply topping their account with N10,000 for existing customers or someone opening a new account and building it up to N20,000. She further disclosed that to qualify for the star prize of N3m one needs to build his account to N50,000 while aspiring for the Grand prize of N10m, one only has to grow his account to N200,000.

Abuja Regional Head, Mrs. Vanessa Mordi said the bank was people friendly and remains committed to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises and also supporting individuals with surprise packages like the Get Alert in Millions Savings Promo.

Representative of the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC, Mannir Ringim flanked by Regional Bank Head for Abuja Bank 1, Vanessa Mordi (L) and Group Head Savings, Janet Nnabuko, at the 2nd Monthly/ 1st Bi-Monthly Draws of Get Alert In Millions (GAIM 4) Savings Promo Season 4, in Abuja on Thursday

From left: Representative of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Moses Ayough; Group Head Savings, Fidelity Bank PLC, Janet Nnabuko; Two Million Naira winner, Chika Perpetua Maduike; Representative of the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank PLC, Mannir Ringim; Regional Bank Head Abuja Bank 1, Vanessa Mordi; Representative of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Felicia Chinwe; and One Million Naira winner, Ishola Abdulgafar, at the 2nd Monthly/ 1st Bi-Monthly Draws of Get Alert In Millions (GAIM 4) Savings Promo Season 4, in Abuja on Thursday

Regulators from left: Representative of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Moses Ayough with representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Sunday Adekoya, Thelma Uzoma and Felicia Chinwe, at the 2nd Monthly/ 1st Bi-Monthly Draw of Get Alert In Millions (GAIM 4) Savings Promo Season 4, in Abuja on Thursday

Regional Bank Head for Abuja Bank 1, Fidelity Bank PLC, Vanessa Mordi (L) congratulates One Million Naira winner, Ishola Abdulgafar, at the 2nd Monthly/ 1st Bi-Monthly Draw of Get Alert In Millions (GAIM 4) Savings Promo Season 4, in Abuja on Thursday.

Regional Bank Head for Abuja Bank 1, Fidelity Bank PLC, Vanessa Mordi (L) congratulates Two Million Naira winner, Chika Perpetua Maduike, at the 2nd Monthly/ 1st Bi-Monthly Draw of Get Alert In Millions (GAIM 4) Savings Promo Season 4, in Abuja on Thursday

Regional Bank Head for Abuja Bank 1, Fidelity Bank PLC, Vanessa Mordi (R) congratulates One Million Naira winner from Maiduguri, Gyari Daniel, at the 2nd Monthly/ 1st Bi-Monthly Draw of Get Alert In Millions (GAIM 4) Savings Promo Season 4, in Abuja on Thursday

UBA Staff Across Africa Give Back at UBA Foundation’s Each One, Teach One Initiative

UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, on Friday held the 2019 edition of its annual Each One, Teach One initiative, hosting a huge impact day in Nigeria and across all its subsidiaries in Africa.

The Each One, Teach One initiative is part of UBA Foundation’s activities where the bank’s staff members give their time and skills to the communities around them. All across the continent, staff of the pan- African bank were seen within their communities, teaching and assisting the less privileged, especially students and people living with disabilities.

The Executive Director, Lagos and West Bank, Marketing, Mr. Ayoku Liadi, who represented UBA’s Group Managing Director, and the Chairman of UBA Foundation, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, at the event in Lagos, expressed his excitement over the initiative, adding that as a corporate entity, UBA, through its Foundation has decided to give back as a family, starting by impacting knowledge and skills to students and participants.

Liadi said, “Our goal with this initiative which is in its second year, is to help the under privileged and young children learn vocational skills that will assist them along the path to financial freedom as they start businesses of their own. We have therefore, created a platform to encourage people who have various skills and talents to pass this on to the younger generation.

Liadi also seized the opportunity to give the participants a short lecture about financial literacy, noting that it is important for students to embrace the culture of being financially cautious from a tender age.

He said, “At UBA, we want students to inculcate the habit of savings, especially for the rainy day. It is important that you are cautious about the future, because nothing is guaranteed. Therefore ensure that you bear this in mind when you receive your pocket money and allowance no matter how little; because when you save today, it will go a long way to help you tomorrow, “Liadi told the students who filled the Onikan Youth Centre.

Students from Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home; Standard Hallmark College, Mushin; Child Life-Line,Lagos and Moyin Rainbow Foundation, Lagos; were some of the students who participated at the event.

The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta, who threw more light on the initiative stated that it is aimed at helping to impact lives positively and in a very meaningful way. She added that the initiative, which was going on simultaneously in 20 countries across Africa, was being driven by UBA staff members who were very happy to give back to the society.

“At UBA Foundation, we are constantly being asked by other staff members how they can help. A lot of people are genuinely interested in doing good. With the Each One Teach One initiative, you don’t need a huge sum of money, you just need to give of your time and talent to at least one other person. It is simple. It is effective and the impact is ginormous imagine how many people across 20 countries in Africa benefitted today from someone just taking a little time to help them acquire new skills or hone old ones. There is something really gratifying about giving back. It helps the communities and helps you grow as an individual.’ Said Atta

Thousands of UBA staff members across Africa voluntarily committed their time today to teaching youths various activities such as foreign languages, photography, tae kwon do, fashion design, martial arts, first aid, coking, hair dressing, mathematics, reading, music and much more.

UBA, Africa’s global bank, is committed to being a socially responsible company and role model for all businesses in Africa. UBA recognises the need for a social contract between the bank, the community and its people.

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the UBA Group, UBA Foundation is committed to the socio-economic improvement of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Environment, Education, Economic Empowerment and Special Projects.

Executive Director, United Bank for Africa(UBA) Plc, Mr. Ayoku Liadi; CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta; Head, Brand Management, UBA Plc, Mr. Lashe Osoba, flanked by students of various schools during the 2nd edition of UBA Foundation’s ‘Each One, Teach One’ initiative where UBA Staff teach and assist the less privileged, especially students and people living with disabilities across Africa, held in Lagos on Friday.

UBA’s REDTV shuts down Lagos as over 25,000 youths attend its annual rave

REDTV, the online lifestyle network powered by the United Bank for Africa Group, held its annual Rave on Saturday, November 30 to officially kick-off the ‘Dirty December’ season.

Over 25,000 guests attended this year’s event which was held in Lagos and true to its theme, ‘The shutdown’, the rave was the talk of the entire town this past Saturday.

REDTV hosted the creative industry and other guests to an unforgettable night with top business executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and A- Listers, entertainers, fashionistas and many young people just wanting to have a fun evening.

UBA Group chairman, Tony Elumelu and the CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, were seen mingling with guests and having a relaxed night away from the rigours of work.

The REDTV rave, which has become the annual Christmas season opener to rival, started with a hot performance by Ajebutter 22, BOJ, SDC and TEMS. Upcoming artist, Fireboy, came in and brought guests to their feet with his hot and fresh releases.

The crowd was not disappointed and remained energised when Olamide jumped on stage to shake the venue with his famous songs that had everyone screaming and jumping for joy. International act, Jidenna thrilled the rave fans, just as Burna Boy sauntered in and brought the audience to a standstill at a party that lasted till the early hours of the following day.

UBA ambassador, the star boy, Wizkid had come into the party to the absolute delight of guests who saw him walking in. He mingled with guests for hours and then gave a surprise performance on stage that took the rave to another level.

DJ Consequence, Sparrow and hypemen Shody and Tosan also took turns to entertain the excited youths throughout the night of thrills.

REDTV’s stars of The Men’s Club, Boutique Hotel, Our Best Friend’s Wedding, Red Hot Topics and Inspector K were amongst the guests that featured prominently at REDTV’s night to remember.

The Executive Producer of REDTV, Bola Atta, who spoke at the rave, talked about how the team had put together a stellar event that showcased outstanding performances by some of Africa’s greatest musicians. She said, “It was indeed ‘The Shutdown’, as we surpassed the expectations of our guests. For us, it wasn’t just about organising a party. REDTV is fully in support of the creative industry and through its shows, has been developing new talents behind the scenes as well as on the screens. We wanted to celebrate all those who are making REDTV a success. So we decided to throw a free concert to say thank you and to wish everyone well as the year comes to an end’.

REDTV provided plenty to eat and drink and participants at the event agreed that as always, REDTV has put together the biggest party in Lagos which continued to trend for days after the event was over.

REDTV is a fast paced lifestyle channel that a Aims to project Africa on the global stage. Proudly powered by the United Bank for Africa, the network is an entertainment platform with rich content featuring the very best of Africa.

Kindly find link of highlights of the event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QAmXGuGmw&feature=youtu.be

Tony Elumelu Foundation to Open Applications for the 2020 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on January 1, 2020

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) — Africa’s leading philanthropy dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs — will begin accepting applications for the 2020 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, on January 1, 2020.

Applications are made through TEFConnect, the digital networking hub for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem, created by the Foundation.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from across Africa, either with new startup ideas or existing businesses of less than 3 years existence, operating in any sector. Successful applicants will join the over 9,000 current beneficiaries, from 54 African countries, and receive business training, mentoring, a non-refundable $5,000 of seed capital and global networking opportunities.

Last year, the Foundation received about 216,000 applications, with 42% coming from women entrepreneurs, from every country on the continent.

The Programme is a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 young African entrepreneurs. The goal is to create millions of jobs and the revenue required for the sustainable development of the continent, implementing the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the growth engine for Africa and emphasises the importance of creating social and economic wealth.

According to the Foundation’s 2018 Impact Report, 70% of the total number of businesses in its alumni network were still operational two years after benefitting from the Programme. The report also identified an increase of 189% revenue generated and 197% increase in the number of additional jobs created by beneficiaries post-graduation from the Programme, as well as a 100% commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Governor Elect of Bayelsa, David Lyon Visits T.B. Joshua

Governor Elect of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, David Lyon paid a courtesy visit to Prophet T.B. Joshua today to show appreciation to Gods goodness upon his life through the ministry of SCOAN.

In an atmosphere of faith and expectation, T.B. Joshua entered the Altar and proceeded to recognize the presence of the David Lyon who was decked in a white attire with his entourage in The SCOAN Live Sunday Service which is ongoing .

While giving him a charge , T.B. Joshua admonished him to meet the expectations of his people who voted him.

“He is not a new person to us because he is a brethren. He has been a hardened believer in the blood of Jesus. I know God will use him.”he stated.

Speaking further he said , “I want you to know that the only way Bayelsa people will believe you are the one they voted for is for you to meet the expectations of the Bayelsa People”

Charging the congregation too he said they should remember him in their prayers, “He is banking on our prayers because the best is yet to come. “

Finally, he told the governor elect that he has a word of wisdom for him, “I am at your service. By that I meant I will make sure the expectations of the Bayelsa people is executed.

I have a word of wisdom for you . It is better to live purely upon the fruit of God’s goodness than to live plentifully upon the product of our sin”

It would be recalled that David Lyon was declared winner of the just concluded gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, November 17, 2019.

Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will succeed the outgoing Governor Seriake Dickson, who has ruled the state since 2012

Lagos Designer, Kiki Okewale Shines In Bangkok

History was made at the just-concluded ‘Thai Silk Festival’ which held in Bangkok, Thailand as Kiki Okewale, one of Nigeria’s Queen of Blings; dazzled the world with her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.Kiki, the recipient of several styles and achievement awards was at the Grand Finale Thai Silk Festival at the Eden Zone Central on November 18 to Friday, November 22’ 2019.

The International ‘Thai Silk Fashion Week’ is organized at the behest of Queen SIrikit by the Thai Tourists Assistance Foundation, in collaboration with members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Bangkok, as part of the annual ‘Celebration of Silk’ project to showcase modern and traditional Thai silk and designs.

This year’s fashion exhibition involved 43 International fashion designers from over 60 countries, showcasing their collections, made from Thai Silk. Hope by Kiki Okewale is the only couturier from Nigeria participating in the special event.

At Thailand, Kiki was the special guest of royalty; she was invited by the blue-blooded Princess Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi of the Emirate, who is a descendant of the royal family of Sharjah, and both the organizer of the Dubai Fashion Week, as well as the proprietress of ‘Velvet’, the popular fashion and lifestyle magazine.

Her understanding of luxury and unique representation of royalty with elegant quality are some of the reasons distinguished women keep coming to her for their style needs.

With her Hope by Kiki Okewale brand, she has authored another chapter in her fascinating catalogue of firsts by blazing the trail as the first Nigerian to be so honoured and recognized in the far Eastern Country.

The popular style icon and CEO of Hope by Kiki Okewale is distinctive stock and creations, has seen her shoot to the top of the fashion and clothing business in Nigeria within a short period of time as she boasts of several women of class and elegance as clients, from A-list celebrities and Nollywood icons, to top women politicians and business leaders.

Just last April this year, Hope by Kiki Okewale became the first and only Nigerian, nay African designer to showcase at Dubai Fashion Week.