Socialites to look out for in 2018
They are good looking, stylish and commands lots of respect with their distinguished personalities that have attracted lots of media attention as good citizens of the country and proud philanthropist in their respective chosen fields. They usually storm events with full force and has remain ever relent in their social life. In no particular order, AJIBADE ALABI and MUTIAT ALLI look into some of the expected 2018 top socialites.
Adedapo Lam-Adesina
Popularly called Dapo Lam, DLA or D’Lam is a young Nigerian. Born on October 25th, 1978 into the family of Late Alhaji &Alhaja Lam-Adesina. this young man is always seen in social circle despite his tight schedule and this year may not be different as this Ibadan born politician who attended the prestigious Government College Ibadan (GCI), then briefly studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Eruwa campus and later forwarded his education at the University of Ibadan where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc) in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, will be a dude to watch out in social circle this year
Toyin Kolade
Those who have come in contact with the seasoned business woman and society top shot, Princess Toyin Kolade would attest to the fact that, she is generous to the fault. The head honcho of Fisolak Global Resource, popularly known as ‘Iya-Alaje Apapa’, showed her romantic side last year (14th of November)when she celebrated her husband Prince Kolade Kayode, an Assistant Comptroller of the Nigerian Customs Service 50th golden years when she hosted the crème de la crème, friends and family to an exclusive surprise birthday shindig, not forgetting that she also dragged the entire socio-political circle movers and shakers of Nigeria’s business and social establishment to her home town n Ilesha, Osun State last year when she buried her mother. She is one of the socialites to watch out for in 2018
Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya
This younger wife of the Chairman and CEO of Eleganza Group of Companies, Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the Aare of Lagos, is a delight to watch anytime in social circle and she always turns head on with her captivating appearance in any event
The paragon of beauty, fashionista and first class celebrity who is the Managing Director of Eleganza Fashion Products Limited, Eleganza Cruise & Travels Limited, as well as a member of Board of Eleganza Group and RAO Investment Property Company Limited is also the Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Ltd, and by virtue of that position, she is responsible for the day-to-day management of the company. Shade Okoya who is now in her 40s will tell you that age is just a number as far as looking good is concerned
Shina Peller
Many people know him as the owner of the popular night club Quilox and the boss of Aquila records, but Shina Peller is more than a man with interests in entertainment, he is also much more of society man who always seen in the circle of “happening guys” but what thing is certain this young man who is one of Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs. And who In March 2014 represented Nigeria at the Nightclub and bar convention in Las Vegas Nevada USA. Will continue to add class and glamour to Nigeria society scene even beyond this year
Sen. Florence Ita Giwa
Senator Florence Ita Giwa, also known as “Mama Bakassi” is a very popular socialite cum politician. She was married to the late journalist, Dele Giwa, who was killed via a letter bomb.
Interestingly, age is not slowing this elegant senator down, as she is still one to look out for at events. Mama Bakassi who defected to the ruling party APC,
As a true socialite, she has attended and organized some of the biggest ceremonies in the country. Certainly if Senator Ita Giwa is not at your event, then it is not exclusive enough. And she is not showing any signs of declining
Dr. Islar Animashaun
Dr. Islar Animashaun is a household name in the hair business, as she single-handedly pioneered the production of attachment and weave-ons in Nigeria. She is also regarded as one of the leading dermatologists and cosmetologists in Nigeria. She is well known in a social circle
Yeye Tewase as she is also called has been in the beauty business for over 37 years and is unrelenting, even as the beauty industry continues to evolve. Despite her age, she still graces top events in the country.
Abah Folawiyo
She is referred to as the custodian of fashion and style, Sisi Abah Folawiyo is a socialite that can’t be forgotten in a hurry. She is close friends to Senator Ita-Giwa; she is also the wife of famous billionaire, the late industrialist, Alhaji Abdul Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the Baba Adinni of Nigeria, who died 7 years ago.
She is also mother of Segun Awolowo Junior; one of Nigeria’s notable fashion icons, whose brand Labanella Fashion House was popular amongst top socialites and celebrities in the 80’s & 90’s.
The humble matriarch is known for honoring invitations, even from younger women who idolize her.
Diasy Danjumah
The gorgeous matriarch, who was a Senator who once represented Edo state at the National Assembly, is known to grace exclusive events.
She is also married to former Minister of Defense and Billionaire General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd). With an enviable collection of Diamonds, she is sure to continue to grace an event, with her ever elegantly dressed. Style
Her 65th birthday celebration is one that would not be forgotten in a hurry, as a true Nigerian socialite, she ensured it was a memorable one.
Opral Benson
Chief Mrs. Opral Benson still radiates beauty and grace, as she gets older; she is the owner of the first beauty training institute, established in 1985, grounding her as a veteran in the fashion and beauty industry.
The Iyaloge of Lagos, with the maiden name Opral Mason is not slowing down as a socialite, and this Liberian woman by birth, born to the bourgeoisie family of Honorable Johnson Boto Mason and Lilly Melissa Mason, has not shown any sign that she will slow down this year. So watch her out again, and again this year in social gathering. She has seamlessly blended into the Nigerian way of life as a wealthy socialite.
Erelu Abiola Dosunmu
This elegant matriarch is the estranged wife of late Chief Dehinde Fernandez, at 70, she is still the life of the party. Her ageless beauty and sense of humour, draws many to her, like moth to flame, she is also the darling of the paparazzi.
Her 70th birthday celebration, had in attendance other socialites and several Nigerian dignitaries, it was one many talked about for a while, and she is still willing to go farer than this.
Folorunsho Alakija
According to Forbes, she is the richest woman in Africa; the mogul has her hands in every industrial pie, from fashion to tailoring; oil and gas; printing etc.
She is also rated to be the most influential woman in Africa and rated by Forbes as the 96th most influential woman in the world.
Despite her busy industrial life, she graces exclusive events, at 66; this matriarch is not slowing down.
Joko Oni
(Pics: Joko Oni)
Madam Joko Oni the CEO of Gold Rush jewelry, situated in Ikeja, Lagos. She has ruled the social scene for over three decades and it looks as if this woman is not ready to “step down” for the upcoming ones.
When asked how she developed her love for being at events, she admits that as a second wife, she had to occupy herself with being a socialite, with a very busy husband, whose attention she shares with another woman. It is unlikely she would be giving up her throne as the queen of exclusive parties.
Quincy Ayodele
Popularly known as Quincy, is a Nigerian herbal medicine practitioner, entrepreneur, herbal slimming and skin care expert and the Chief Executive Officer of Quincy Herbals, a Nigerian leading herbal healthcare center. She is a world health organization expert committee member on the development of African traditional medicine and practices. She is an advocate for the integration of African traditional medicine into the healthcare system.
But if you think this Abeokuta Ogun State born beauty is just after medicine then you are wrong, she still has time to attend a social event and party. Though she may not be frequent in social gathering but still watch out for her this year
Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu
Born in Lagos State but has his roots in his home town that is Ijebu, Ogun state. He is well known among many socialites in almost south west state his forays into politics and his governorship aspirant further put him further into socialites circle as he now attract paparazzi more. And to bet against him hitting headline this year as one of the socialites as he will use that to further cement his political strategy for his governorship ambition in Ogun State
