…Television Crew, Other Press Men Storms Erukucity To Propagate, Bring New Innovations To Eruku Culture and Heritage
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
The annual yam festival of the Erukuans again witnessed mammoth crowd of young, old and dignitaries across the neighbourhood as EPA, EFON appeared to entertain the crowd for the three days celebrations, while ‘Agan’ would comes out at night after the grand finale. The event is fully back again after eight-year lull due to the reasons wouldn’t want to mention on the news circle.
The Eruku annual yam festival is an annual event that brings sons and daughters of the Erukuans together in unity to celebrate yam festival which dates back to the 19th century.
According to history, the festival had its origin from our forebears with the intention to bring peace and unity into the community and not an harmful things as many thoughts or beliefs. History has it that in the 19th century there are families within Eruku community who are the real originators, in advancement for the worshiping of Female EPA and Male EPA the reigning monarch then supported and gave freehand to practice without hindrance even till date.
It was in appreciation of this gesture by the Monarch who will always comes out during the event in his full regalia, and made it a point of duty to dance round through the market and to pay homage down to his sons and daughters
But today the festival has gone beyond what it used to be. All sons and daughters of Erukuland, home and in diaspora, irrespective of their religious differences look forward to the festival as we bring new innovations to this heritage.
“I remember when I was young and in primary/secondary school, I would leave my house in Odolomu compound at Balogun House as early as 5 pm and walk all way to Oke ogi just to join other children that will hold leaves and be singing and dancing. It was such fun for us then because it allowed us to join in the colorful festival and to learn more about our culture also meet old friends seeing our Kaabiesi Owa of Eruku in his full regalia with his chiefs and his mothers (Iye Oba) who will also appeared in full White attire”.
The major highlights and attractions of the Eruku annual yam festival are the parades of the Owa and his Chief with those agedwomen ( Age Grades) and the equestrian displays of the EPAs, Efon dancing along with the families couples with the traditional drums (Eku)
“The whole essence of the annual yam festival celebrations is to bring peace and lasting unit amongst Erukuans both home and in diaspora” says Akogun of Erukuland
Watch out for the grand finale today as major Television stations, other press men would be granted exclusive interview by the Owa of Erukuland for full and future documentary which would later be shown on DSTV & STARTIMES. The allotted date, time shall be communicated shortly
The Product Odyssey: Oluwafunke Akingboye’s Leadership in Tech
Oluwafunke Kofoworade is a dynamic and passionate Product Manager with five years of experience in driving product innovation and delivering human-centered solutions. She is currently the Lead Product Manager at Regaleon, a Lagos-based technology and creative powerhouse revolutionizing how digital services are built and experienced in Africa. At Regaleon, Oluwafunke plays a central role in aligning digital product strategy with user needs, leading cross-functional teams, and crafting delightful user experiences across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Product Management, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with digital products. Initially, it started with analyzing mobile apps—figuring out what made some intuitive while others felt clunky. That curiosity evolved into a mission: to create experiences that solve real-world problems. As a Product Manager, I find immense joy in the impact we create. At Regaleon, we build products that help businesses operate more effectively while leaving a human touch—something we call “putting a smile” on the user’s face.
What challenges have you faced as a Gen Z building your Product career in Africa, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge was access to mentorship and structured learning opportunities early in my career. I turned to online resources, communities, and side projects to gain experience. It also wasn’t easy to be taken seriously in executive conversations, but I learned how to lead with value, present data, and always let the product speak for itself. With time and consistent delivery, I earned the trust of stakeholders.
What makes a great Product Manager, and what advice do you have for aspiring young professionals?
A great Product Manager is empathetic, data-informed, and outcome-driven. Empathy lets you connect with your users, data helps you validate decisions, and a focus on outcomes keeps you aligned with business value. My advice? Start small—build things, break them, learn fast. Join communities, seek feedback, and never stop being curious. Your soft skills matter just as much as your technical abilities.At Regaleon, you work in a very dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.
How do you align product strategies with such diverse verticals?
Regaleon is truly unique. Our entrepreneurial culture means we’re constantly innovating across IT, engineering, and digital media. It requires staying agile and deeply listening—to users, clients, and the market. I begin every product with discovery sessions that cut across departments and industries. The goal is always the same: identify pain points and solve them in a way that feels intuitive and impactful. Whether we’re designing an app interface or launching a video ad tech product, we ensure the solution creates a moment of delight—a smile.
What tools or trends have significantly influenced your product practice?
Tools like Jira, Figma, and Notion have become staples—they make collaboration seamless. I also stay tuned to trends like no-code/low-code platforms, AI-assisted product development, and accessibility-first design. These have enabled me to deliver faster and more inclusive solutions, particularly useful in an emerging market context.
How do you balance creativity and functionality in your role?
Balancing both starts with understanding the user’s core need. At Regaleon, we never create for the sake of aesthetics alone. My approach is “function-first, delight-second.” Once the backbone is solid, I work with our designers to inject beauty into usability. For example, in one recent logistics solution, we simplified the UI while retaining backend power—resulting in 40% faster onboarding for SMEs.Collaboration is crucial in product development.
How do you work with engineers, marketers, and designers?
Collaboration is where the magic happens. I make it a point to involve all stakeholders early. Engineers help validate technical feasibility, designers bring in empathy and creativity, while marketers ensure messaging is aligned. At Regaleon, we function more like a startup incubator—agile, quick to pivot, and driven by feedback loops. I facilitate cross-functional meetings, retrospectives, and design sprints that promote transparency and collective ownership.
What’s your next goal as a Product Manager?
My next goal is to lead Regaleon’s expansion into AI-driven digital products. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders in Africa. There’s so much raw talent on the continent, and I want to help create the platforms and resources that empower them to thrive.
What’s your vision for the future of product leadership in Africa?
I envision Africa not just as a consumer of tech but as a creator of world-class digital solutions. The challenges we face here are unique, and solving them requires localized thinking and bold innovation. I see product leadership evolving into a strategic function, with PMs driving change not just in startups, but in government, education, and infrastructure too.
Lastly, any advice for young Nigerians looking to get into Product Management?
Learn by doing. Start with side projects, internships, or volunteering. Study products you love—reverse-engineer them. Build your communication and stakeholder management skills. And most importantly, believe that your ideas matter. Africa needs builders, and the time to start is now.
UBA Foundation Joins Rest of the World to Celebrate International Day of the African Child
….Donates Books, Reading Sessions Across Africa . In commemoration of the 2022 International Day of the African Child, the UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, on Thursday, joined the rest of the world to celebrate African children by holding reading sessions for school children across the African continent and donating thousands of books in a special ‘Read Africa’ initiative
UBA Foundation’s Read Africa initiative was birthed almost two decades ago with a purpose of ensuring that African school children continue to read as they further their education. Read Africa also supports African authors in different languages(English, French, Portuguese, Swahili) through the selection and purchase of books by African authors from different countries on the continent.
In celebration of the African child, the UBA Foundation visited schools and orphanages across Africa donating thousands of books, school bags, food and other gifts as they stressed the importance of education and the expansion of knowledge.
At one of the reading sessions which was held at the Joef Dynamic College, Obalende, Lagos, the Foundation, led by its Managing Director/CEO, Bola Atta talked to the school children about topics ranging from financial literacy and the importance of imbibing a good reading culture to developing business acumen and following through passionately.
During her interaction with the school children, Bola Atta emphasised that every child deserves the right to learn. She told them, “The pursuit of knowledge should be a lifelong activity that starts at a very young age. You should cultivate an interest in reading not just academic text books but different types of books that will allow you to explore cultures and worlds outside your immediate environment so that you can expand your knowledge and your mind’ Atta said.
Whilst answering questions from the students, the Foundation’s CEO highlighted that one of the main objectives of the UBA Foundation is uplifting lives and communities on the African continent by creating dynamic educational platforms for future generations and future leaders.
June 16 every year has been set aside by the United Nations as the International Day of the African Child to celebrate children in Africa and to recognise the courage of students who marched for their right to better education in Soweto, South Africa.
The Vice Principal of Joef Dynamic College, Danladi Ladan, in his appreciation of UBA Foundation’s visit to the school and donations of books and other educational items said “Our school will continue to inculcate the habit of reading amongst students as we believe a society of knowledge is a panacea towards development.” He called on other corporate organisations to emulate UBA Foundation’s initiatives especially in the area of educational development.
UBA Foundation remains committed to its three key pillars which are Education, Empowerment and Environment. The Foundation has been actively involved in facilitating educational projects and bridging the literacy-wide gap on an African wide scale for close to two decades.
Mother of all Party!!!…. Akinsiku of Lagos Celebrates Life at 50
as Fuji Icon, K1 lead Davido, NairaMarley, Olamide others to the jamboree
Chief Adebola Dosunmu, the Akinsiku of Lagos (Olori Eyo), who is the custodian of Lagos most popular cultural festival, the Adamu Orisa, popularly known as Eyo will celebrating his 50th birthday on 21st of March 2022.
The real estate mogul and socialite said he is grateful to God for all he has been through in life and it is worthy to celebrating the landmark age of 50.
‘From my humble background in Isale-Eko, to my days at Methodist Boys High School, where I was mates with my friend now father, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, to my sojourn in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, up on till I was selected to become the supreme head of the Adamu Orisa, God has been faithful. All praises to Almighty God.
Chief Adebola Dosunmu, who is married to another prominent Lagos indigene, Abimbola Ashake Dosunmu, and blessed with six children, is the chairman and chief executive of Utica Homes, a real estate company, which has developed over 10 housing estates within the Victoria Island and Eti-Osa corridor.
As the custodian and supreme head of the Eyo festival, Chief Adebola Dosunmnu leads thousands of performers anytime the Adamu orisa play is staged in Lagos, usually at the behest of the Oba of Lagos.
“I am happy to lead the Eyo clan, this is what my forbearers has done for hundred of years” Akinsiku said enthusiastically. The last Akinsiku of Lagos was Chief Taoreed Ibikunle, before him was my grandfather, Chief Olayinka Dosunmu, so I am happy to step in the shoes and continue to make the Eyo masquerade and its festivals, the pride of Lagosians and one to be identified with by our friends from outside of this city.
On his 50th birthday, Chief Adebola Dosunmu is celebrating in grand style. He said reaching the age of 50 is a big deal, if one considers all the challenges that we have faced individually and as a people. It is indeed worthy of celebration.
“I will be celebrating with my people at Isale-Eko, on my birthday, which is the 21st March, where we hope to host our people and members of the Eyo festival. We also have some arrangement for the less privilege in the society”.
A grand ball event is being planned as part of the birthday celebration. On the 24th of March, 2022, the king of fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde will lead other stars such as Davido, Naira marley, lil kesh to what promises to be an evening of festivities.
Future Face Africa sponsored by Ecobank presents the Winners; Ana Campos – Angolan and Nziza Ken – Rwandan
Ana Campos, a Rwandan and Nziza Ken, an Angolan both winners of Future Face Africa model talent search competition held at Eko Hotels and Towers, Lagos, Nigeria at the weekend
It was all glitz and glamour as winners emerged at the grand finale of the keenly contested Future Face Africa (FFA) model talent search competition which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos last Sunday. Ana Campos, An Angolan and Nziza Ken, a Rwandan emerged winners in both female and male category respectively at Africa’s largest model search competition.
The final event had 18 contestants who qualified after a rigorous selection process involving physical castings in eight African countries, as well as thousands of digital applications from all over the world. Some of the 18 finalists were flown into Lagos for a photo session and runway competition – turning their modelling aspirations into a reality.
The two winners won the title of “Africa’s next future face” and received a two-year international modelling contract with a top international modelling agency; as well as $5,000 cash prize. In addition to providing a career start in modelling, the competition also prepares the winners for global modelling roles. The event is majorly sponsored by Ecobank Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria, Babajide Sipe, said the bank’s decision to sponsor the event is in line with its Pan African vision of developing potentials and talents on the continent, adding that it aligns with Ecobank’s commitment to providing a veritable platform for actualizing the dreams of many young talents who will become global super stars in the fashion and beauty industry.
“We are proud to be sponsors of this event. You know that Ecobank is committed to Africa and focused on giving the young ones every opportunity to realize their potential. Africa has the talent, the resources and the best people across the globe to succeed in any industry. Future Face Africa is a platform to discover some of these talents and to again put Africa in the global Fashion scene.
Future Face Africa, no doubt Africa’s largest model search competition is headed by Elizabeth Isiorho, a pioneer in the African modelling industry and the founder of Beth Model Management Africa, Africa’s largest modelling agency.
Ana Campos, a Rwandan and Nziza Ken, an Angolan both winners of Future Face Africa model talent search competition held at Eko Hotels and Towers, Lagos, Nigeria at the weekend
UBA Foundation Projects Message of Hope, Encouragement as Uzoka lights up the Foundation’s Garden Ahead of the Yuletide
Set to Give Back at Its Annual Food Bank
l-r: Group Head, Customer Fulfilment Centre(CFC), United Bank for Africa Plc, Prince Ayewoh; Group Head, Personal Banking and Retail Liabilities, Ogechi Altraide; Deputy Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba; Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; Executive Director, Chiugo Ndubisi; UBA Foundation, Bola Atta; Head, Commercial and Corporate Banking, Muyiwa Akinyemi; and Head of Operations, Alex Alozie, at the 2021 Christmas and New Year Light Up Ceremony of UBA Foundation, Garden, by UBA Foundation at Marina, Lagos on Friday
Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa, through its UBA Foundation has been spreading joy across Africa for many years as they continue to give back to the underpriviledged in the communities in which they operate.
At the UBA Foundation gardens in Lagos where the bank is head quartered, a lights up ceremony was held to mark the start of the festive season. The garden lights were activated by UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka who was joined by other key management staff and some customers of the bank.
Uzoka who is also the chairman of the UBA Foundation, emphasised that giving back was the main tenet of the UBA Foundation. He said ‘We have over the years, engaged in various activities aimed at appreciating our host communities all around Africa and especially in countries where we operate and so for us, these lights symbolise hope for the future and all the goodness it will bring into people’s lives.
‘it is hard to believe that we have been in this pandemic for almost two years. People have lost friends and family members and businesses decimated by the effects of the pandemic. There has been a general feeling of hopelessness but our desire is to fill people’s lives with hope once again.’ Continued Uzoka.
The UBA Foundation has been very active in combatting the spread of Covid -19 across Africa as the bank did not waste any time at the start of the pandemic, donating over $14m to its communities across Africa to support the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, the Foundation will be feeding tens of thousands of people across Africa through its annual Food bank initiative where food, hygiene products and other gifts items are handed over to those who have less, especially during the festive season.
Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; flanked by Executive Director, Chukwuma Nweke; Head of Operations, Alex Alozie; MD-CEO, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, and other staff members at the 2021 Christmas and New Year Light Up Ceremony of UBA Foundation Garden, at Marina, Lagos on Friday
The CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta, said that the light up ceremony was important for the Foundation adding: “This goes beyond lighting up the Marina and adorning the streets with beautiful colours. It reminds us as an institution of our promise to continue to touch lives and treat our communities with kindness. We are living in very difficult times and a little gesture to put a smile on even one face, goes a very long way. We should all endeavour to do whatever we can, within our power, to uplift others’
The Lighting Ceremony which observed all necessary Covid-19 protocols was witnessed by members of staff and customers, and featured Christmas carols by UBA’s CFC choir, as well as a guided tour around the beautiful UBA Foundation Garden at the Lagos Marina.
UBA Foundation, the CSR arm of the UBA Group, is committed to the socio-economic betterment of the communities in which the bank operates, focusing on development in the areas of Education, the Environment, Economic Empowerment and other Special Projects.
To this end, the stylish Queen celebrated her birthday with over three thousand indigents in the Ikate kingdom, as well as petty traders and market women in Ajah, Jankande and Ikate Elegushi market of Eti-Osa LG Area. She doled out millions of naira to support these petty traders and market women in commemoration of her birthday celebration.
Aside the celebration, she also ensured a free medical treatment for the aged members of the Ikate Kingdom, conducted free health checkups that include breast cancer, eye-screening and other health-related checkups. She also distributed free drugs and ensured medical personnel were on ground to give advice on living a healthy lifestyle devoid of sickness and other health complications. Also were free eye-test treatment and distributions for many, and distributed over two thousand free-eye glasses for the people as part of the activities for her 45th birthday celebration.
On the day, November 10, 2021, Queen Elegushi’s very loving husband, plus many of her unrepentant admirers, followers and fans wouldn’t allow the day to just go by like that without celebrating her to high heavens.
The highlight of the celebration was when her effervescent and the support she gets from her super wealthy, well-connected husband and king, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi.
King Gushi, who remains one of the youthful and wealthiest monarchs in Nigeria till date and also probably one of the most stylish, most distinguished looking king in the country, the handsome Kabiyesi took the media space to celebrate his beloved wife and mother of three, whom he extolled graciously in his birthday statement saying, “…so my QSE, I celebrate you today- as I always do; it is undeniable my connection with you, unbelierable is how much I love you, and unbreakable is the bond that we have formed with each other. I thank you for all that was; all thar is and all that will be. Have a wonderful birthday my Queen.”
Queen Gushi as she is fondly called by admirers has always been a support system to her hubby. As she continues to take great steps in this dimension, especially when her husband is in the vanguard of doing great things for his people, she was applauded by many for her giant strides in constantly engaging and bridging the gap between the palace and the people.
PHOTO 1: R-L: Mrs. Bosede Coker, Mother of Abiodun Coker; Christopher Tokunbo Peters; Francis Tokunbo and Abiodun Coker at the burial ceremony in Lagos, recently.
PHOTO 2: Tokunbo Peters and Mr. Ramon Nasir, Group Head, Media Relations, UBA, at Abiodun Coker’s grandmother’s burial ceremony.
Eminent personalities from all walks of life, on Friday 22nd October, 2021, converged in Lagos, for the burial ceremony of Mrs. Joanna Tokunbo, the grandmother of Abiodun Coker, a journalist, public relations expert and core member of the media relations department of United Bank for Africa (UBA).
The late matriarch slept in the lord on September 23, 2021 at the age of 87.
The three days event kicked off with a Christian Wake Keep on Tuesday, 19th of October, Service of Songs on Wednesday, October 20 which was followed by a requiem mass and interment on Friday 23rd at Ikoyi Cemetery.
The memorable Requiem Mass was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Lafiaji on Friday, October 22, and was attended by family and friends of the deceased who came out in their numbers to pay their last respect.
The event climaxed with an elaborate shindig which saw guests being entertained at NAF Base, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his tribute, Coker extolled the virtues of his late grandmum, describing her as compassionate and an epitome of love that cared for all. He said Mama’s humility and selfless service to God and humanity were second to none.
According to him: “My special Grandmother, may you rest in the bosom of the lord till we see to part no more.
“These words felt like a dagger to the chest, knowing that you are gone. But I know you will never be forgotten. I know for a fact that I will never forget you and how much you’ve impacted my life. Not only that, but also the lives of every single person you came across. I know for a fact that you touched many lives. Little wonder you were adored so much and I know that they will all miss you to bits.
“You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories are etched in my heart. In there you will always live on.
“As I write this piece, I do it with a lot of struggle. Losing you on that 23rd of September brought a pain that cut so deep! Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love, compassion and everything that you have done for me. Wherever you are. I look back to when I was so little when you put me on your back to pound Jero while mum was at work and also attended to the neighbours who depended on you for so much because they were not lettered.
“You worked so hard and multi-tasked, doing so much at once yet perfectly, helping others. You were more like a rallying point for all the neighbours who all came to you for help, support and guidance. I guess it’s from you and Papa that my Mum and we the children learnt how to be passionate and dedicated to any course we embarked upon.
“You loved your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren unconditionally. You were truly an epitome of love and taught us all how to effortlessly stand by others genuinely and selflessly. l am proud to have had you as my grandmother. Mama General, I will miss you sorely! I know it is important to be strong for others so as to advance your wonderful legacy.
“When I summoned up the courage to tell Fadekemi about your passing, after she asked about you repeatedly, I was shocked when she hugged me and said, I know my great grandma is resting in Heaven and GOD will look after her. Without a doubt, I know an angel spoke through her and I am certain that indeed you accomplished all that God sent you here to do and he has called you to be with Him.
“I am consoled by the fact that you are in a much better place!
“Love you Mama General. You truly were a treasure to all of us,” He penned.
The late Mrs. Tokunbo was born on 31st August, 1934
Oluwaseun Fabiyi rejoices with Ace Journalist, Otunba Segun Ogunbunmi On His 50th Birthday.
Happy birthday to a dear uncle, Boss of the Bosses, Otunba Segun Ogunbunmi the publisher and editor-in-chief Global News Magazine.
Otunba Ogunbunmi is a Man of exemplary virtues, small in stature but big in greatness and success.
He’s a Man with unique dexterity. Very deep intellectually and bold when confronting situations.
He is very reliable, dependable and trustworthy.
Your birthday offers a great reminder of how resourceful and beneficial you are to a good course.
On your birthday, I recall the incredible value you have brought to bear on some of us when working under you at Global News empire, and I want to thank you for your sacrifices and untainted patient/endurance.
Given your selfless characteristic, you have engraved your name in the heart of many people in the industry who through your simplicity and benevolence, has achieved greatness.
As you celebrate your birthday today, I warmly celebrate you and sincerely appreciate you for the positive contributions you have made in my life and in the lives of people who comes around you, and service to Nigeria as a whole.
May your new age be blessed with happiness and God continue to strengthen your conviction for doing good and grant you the grace to witness more rewarding years on Earth. Congratulations Boss and many happy returns of the day.
Osinbajo, Jonathan, Akeredolu, Others Storm Gbenga Daniel Daughter’s Wedding
Dignitaries from across Nigeria on Saturday stormed the wedding of the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s daughter, Kehinde Abioye Daniel and her husband, Adebola Tokunbo Williams.
The wedding ceremony was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Prominent Nigerians at the ceremony include Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, and Ekiti State Governor, Dr.Kayode Fayemi also graced the occasion.
Dignitaries at the Church Service included Pastor Tunde Bakare, Hon Minister of State for Health, Sen.Olorunimbe and several others
Preaching during the holy matrimony, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu counselled the newly wedded couple to toe the path of God in order to enjoy a successful marriage.
