*‘Viable press remains the gatekeeper for stability of national security’
*‘Nigerians in the Diaspora: Powerhouse of Africa’s Economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda’-Prince Ekundayo Asaju, publisher, First Weekly Magazine
*Captains of industries, Celebrities, Media Legends, Fashion Czars & Music Superstars witness historic ceremony at Avalanche Lounge
*Comedian Kirikiri dished out rib cracking jokes, Donald Wale anchored ceremony flawlessly, Princess of Nigerian Highlife Music, Ado De Donia had an electrifying live performance
*“Every society in the world possesses its challenges. No community is free of ills. It is our noble responsibility with the intention of building a viable, cohesive and united nation for us as newsmakers to always have an introspection, and report more on stories that foist the togetherness of the populace, rather than the divisiveness”–Dr. George Elijah Otumu, Executive Editor & Group Managing Director, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA
*BY ARAMIDE BIODUN/National Correspondent, Lagos State/Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA
HISTORY was made in the economic capital of Nigeria, Lagos State on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when creme-de-la-crème, captains of industries, media legends, fashion czars, and top celebrities converged at Avalanche Lounge VIP to celebrate the presentation of North American award of ‘2025 Most Outstanding African & Black Transformational Speaker in the World’ conferred on Olu Adetutu, a trail blazing, intelligent, international orator and motivational speaker who defeated other 10 competitors in an African voice vote to win the prestige honour, amid glitz and glamour.
The ceremony laced in pomp and pageantry had Dr. Kunle Hamilton, the pioneer editor of Glitterati, a 14-page colourful pull out in ThisDAY newspaper, and President, ShaddaiVille Ministries International made the opening prayers.
Without wasting time, Comedian Kirikiri took the stage and made everyone laugh with his rich, traditional jokes which made the crowd make for an encore. His jokes were drawn in Nigerian major languages: Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa.
The in-house Dee Jay on the steel wheel treated the invitees to unending tunes of old school music, as all present nodded, and moved their heads sideways, been that they all enjoyed the collection.
Dr. George Elijah Otumu, Executive Director & Group Managing Director, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA presented a unique welcome address.
Otumu explained that life lessons have been taught him over time that some people give birth to history, some others witness history, “It is my humble belief that we are all partakers of midwifing and seeing history unfold before our eyes in this epoch-making, global media, ceremony. We are all a huge success of this celebration having taken time out of our various busy schedules to personally attend this occasion.
“The NSN Award Committee, Board of Directors & American editors of NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER INC USA being Africa’s most read, famous, number one international online news medium in North America are saying thank you for gracing this legendary event with your esteemed presence. I said that to re-establish how eventful and noble this auspicious event is destined to be.”
On the significance of the octane event, this multiple, award-winning international editor, recipient of ‘2025 Global Recognition World Class Investigative Journalism Awar; in America-a first feat ever attained by any African journalist on the United States soil states: “In this high, global networking, we are all going to witness an Iconic award being handed out to a cerebral, intelligent, and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated Motivational Speakers, all the way from Tampa, Florida, United States here in Lagos State, the economic capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“And this is the first time in history, such a level and category of honour from the United States will be occupying the media space and Halls of Fame in Nigeria since the nation’s independence.
“It is imperative that we emphasize the unlimited sacrifices of time, energy and logistics put in place by our NSN Award Committee discreetly during the day and night in Arlington, Texas, within the elite neighborhood of Dallas Forth Worth in conjunction with our Board of Directors, ably supported by our Regional Editors in the United States, Europe, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Denmark; Australia, Tanzania, South Africa and Nigeria for making this global, historic ceremony a success.
“To us in Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA, investigative journalism is not just a career, but a divine calling. We identify with the belief that journalism should correct the ills in society, build the environment and positively impact the lives of the people for the good of humanity.
“Every society in the world possesses its challenges. No community is free of ills. It is our noble responsibility with the intention of building a viable, cohesive and united nation for us as newsmakers to always have an introspection, and report more on stories that foist the togetherness of the populace, rather than the divisiveness. We are Nigerians that’s why we can call our nation, the motherland.
“It is not out of place to remember that exactly 7 months ago in Texas, there was a fierce media competition that had 45, 000 entries from journalists in 100 countries. At the end, yours truly won the ‘2025 Global Recognition World Class Investigative Journalism Award’, a first feat ever attained by any African journalist on American soil (here is the American global award as evidence).
There was a standing ovation for the Princess of Nigerian Highlife music, Ado De Donia who electrified the VIP hall with her scintillating live performance performing evergreen highlife songs in smiles as the invitees looked on with amazement.
Keynote address was given by Prince Ekundayo Asaju, publisher, First Weekly Magazine, a top celebrity journal in the country. He made several insights into how Nigerians in the Diaspora have become a global force of intellect, enterprise, and innovation as champions of resilience whose achievements illuminate Africa’s potential.
Asaju pivoted his speech on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu where he explained that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to strategically harness the vast reservoir of talent and resources for national transformation and continental leadership.
Take-aways from his keynote speech are Diaspora Dividend, Renewed Hope as an Economic Philosophy, Institutionalizing Diaspora Engagement; Diaspora as Ambassadors of National Renewal, Building Africa’s Economic Powerhouse and Call to Collective Destiny.
This cerebral editor concluded his rich repertoire of gains attained by Nigerians in the Diaspora by saying “The Renewed Hope Agenda offers a framework for turning Nigeria’s vast human capital-home and abroad into productive wealth. It recognizes that development is not imported; it is inspired, coordinated, and built through citizens that believe in the promise of their nation.”
Chief Coker Onita, a media icon, publisher of Today’s Choice Magazine, an editorial consultant for Independent Newspapers Limited was called upon for his remark on: ‘Nigerian Journalism, Last Hope for Good Governance in Democracy’. Akin to an elite medical doctor, he did a professional clinical ‘surgery’ on the topic and concluded that “Viable media is the lifeline of Democracy. And no country survives economically without a vibrant press. The media provides the gateway of appraisal of any nation’s success or forum for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities into the country. Media is the last hope for Democracy survival in Nigeria. I must add here that a solid press remains the gatekeeper for stability of national security”.
The Master of Ceremony called up on the stage, Olu Adetutu, CEO, Olumination Enterprises from Tampa, Florida, the award recipient, as her citation was read aloud.
The citation read: “SHE is a trailblazer, an Orator, a Visioner, a Nigerian American transformational leader, consultant, whose desire to transform millions of lives around the world metamorphosed into a career of positively impacting humanity. Hers is beyond a career, but a divine call.
“I introduce to you OLU ADETUTU, the soft-spoken founder of Olumination Enterprises LLC, a global personal development and leadership company dedicated to illuminating lives through clarity, restoration, and purpose.
“She is a visionary speaker and strategist whose influence spans continents. Olu’s work bridges faith, psychology, and cultural intelligence to help individuals, organizations, and leaders rise from burnout and limitation into divine alignment and purposeful living.
“For her brilliance, OLU is highly regarded worldwide as “The Oluminator” and affectionately called “Mama Eagle,” since she has inspired audiences through her signature OLU Framework (Own, Leverage, Unleash)-a life and leadership model that empowers people to transform adversity into wisdom, and potential into legacy.
“For the records, her spot-on transformative programs-including Quiet Power, Still Rising, and Weightless-have equipped women and leaders across the globe to heal, lead, and thrive with purpose.
“Beyond her coaching and speaking platforms, Olu is a recently appointed U.S.–Nigerian Consultant for JustFaith TV, a faith-based global network news medium distributed to over 180 countries. In this role, she contributes to the network’s creative and strategic initiatives, bridging global leadership, storytelling, and faith-centered empowerment on a global scale.”
Master of Ceremony elucidate further, “She is a recipient of the 2024 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Olu’s work has been recognized for its depth, authenticity, and impact in personal and professional transformation.
“Also, she is an international keynote speaker, author, and trusted advisor to women of influence, emerging leaders, and faith-based organizations worldwide.
“Olu possesses a Master’s degree in Instructional Systems Technology and certifications in Life Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strategic Intervention, NLP, and Mindfulness.
“Olu integrates academic insight with spiritual and cultural wisdom. Through her growing ecosystem-Olumination Enterprises, Tribe Olumination, and The Quiet Power Experience-she continues to fulfill her mission: to bring light to dark places and help others rise whole, restored, and ready to lead with purpose.
“In far-away Texas about 10 months ago, the Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA Award Committee had entries based on voice votes from Africans in the Diaspora for ‘2025 Most Outstanding African & Black Transformational Speaker in the World Award’ in celebration of our news medium just concluded 14th Year Anniversary in Houston.”
On the empirical indices arrived at which made this well-spoken lives’ transforming orator to emerge winner, the compere of the ceremony states: “At the end of the votes from African and Black Community in the Diaspora, OLU ADETUTU outshine other motivational finalists’ speakers from Botswana, South Africa, Middle East; Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda and Morocco to win this prestigious honour.
Can we all rise, and give a standing ovation to OLU ADETUTU, all the way from Tampa, Florida, a Nigerian whom by her feat shattered and broke the glass ceiling as a record holder of this award?”
The VIP Hall erupted in loud applause and standing ovation after celebrities like Dr. TeeMac Omatshola Iseli, MFR, a renowned Flutist, Chairman, Board of Advisory, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA, Chief Coker Onita, Dr. Kunle Hamilton; Prince Ekundayo Asaju, Mrs. Mary Otumu, Press Secretary & Director of Administration, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA, Chief Muka Popoola, a Media Czar, Mon Ami (Larry Kay), a celebrated Nigerian Fashion Designer of the Year, Costume Designer for Miss Nigeria World pageant, and Ovo Ogufere, CEO Xa! International Show Producer, Fashion Consult & Entertainment Lawyer, and Founder of UK Fashion Project.
Other dignitaries are Betty Dibia, a famous broadcast journalist, former Channels TV producer, CEO, Branama Media Limited, pioneer of first homegrown children’s television jointly presented Adetutu her iconic, global, media award.
Highpoint of the ceremony was when the award recipient gave her appreciation remarks, danced her heart out on the floor, had group photographs with families and friends, even as Ado De Donia continued to play classic, highlife rhythms live which had everyone singing.
The event came to a final close when Mrs. Otumu, the North American company’s Director of Administration gave the vote of thanks.
She gave thanks to God Almighty for the historic ceremony, appreciated all the invitees for coming, specially applaud the NSN Award Committee for their grand planning, handed a shout out to Otunba Femi Davies, a highly celebrated media personality for the untiring role played in the ceremony, and gave a shout out to the management of Avalanche Lounge for the reception put in place. She prayed for journey mercy home for all the invited guests.
*Below are the lists of VIPs, Media Legends & Music Superstars in attendance:
*Dr. TeeMac Omatshola ISELI, MFR, Renowned Flutist & Chairman, Advisory Board, Naija Standard Newspaper Inc USA
*Chief Coker F. Onita, Publisher/CEO, Today’s Choice Magazine & Editorial Consultant, Independent Newspaper Limited
*Dr Kunle Hamilton, Pioneer Editor, The Glitterati, ThisDay Newspaper & President, ShaddaiVille & CCC PraiseVille worldwide
*Dr. Mrs. Jackie Kassim, Chief Executive Officer, Missak Agency International, top Entrepreneur & Politician
*Mrs. BISOLA Balogun, New York born Nigerian Entrepreneur, Chief Executive Officer, Bisola Luxury Celebrity Hair Salon in Victoria Island (Lagos), Queens (New York), London & Chief Press Adviser to HRH, King of Amuwo Odofin, a first-class traditional ruler in Lagos State
*Otunba Femi Davies, Publisher, Metro News, Former SDNON President, Former Director of Media, Ogun State APC Presidential Committee
*Dr. Hon. Jubril Ndaman, Former Deputy Head of Department for Health, Edu Local Government, Kwara State
*Dr Edith Awogu -Maduagwu, Senior Lecturer, Covenant University Nigeria
*Muka Popoola, Executive Editor, REALITY MAGAZINE
*Ovo Ogufere, CEO Xa! International Show Producer, Fashion Consult & Entertainment Lawyer, Founder of the UK Fashion Project
*MON AMI, Larry Kay Ojomo, Award Winning Nigeria Designer of the Year, Fashion Extraordinaire, Costume Designer for Miss Nigeria World Pageant, Miss Commonwealth International Supermodel
*Prince Ekundayo Asaju, CEO/Editor-in-chief, First Weekly Magazine
*Otunba Yomi Peters, Ace Nigerian Juju Music Star
*Nigerian Reggae Music Superstar, Felix DUKE
*Princess of Nigeria Highlife Music, Ado De Donia
*Executive Editor & Group Managing Director, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER INC USA, Texas, Dr George Elijah Otumu
*Chief Press Secretary & Director of Administration, NAIJA STANDARD NEWSPAPER INC USA, Texas, Mrs. Mary OTUMU
*Michael Adeloye, Nigerian Entrepreneur, London, & Tax Specialist, Lagos State, Nigeria
*Maria Ihuoma, General Manager, METRO 97.7FM, Award Winning Radio Nigeria Broadcast Journalist
*Eric Elezuo, Editor, OVATION INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE, Lagos, London & New York
*Anthonia Ibhafidon, Entrepreneur & General Manager, Berger Market Services, Lagos State
*Tina Newton, News Anchor, South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC
*Kolade Ayeni, Correspondent, Agency French Press, global news agency
*Toyosi Aboderin, Correspondent, BBC News Africa
*Isaac Daniel, Chief News Editor, News front page Newspaper, Lagos State
*Kehinde Obafemi, Barrister, Law Practice in England
*Tunde Busari, CEO, Editor-in-chief, Tabloid.net newspaper, author & public affairs analyst
*Ken Ehimen, Senior Photo Journalist, OVATION INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
*Niyi Johnson O., CEO/Publisher, Rainbow Magazine, Nigeria
*Charles Okogene, Editor -at-Large, Daily Independent Newspaper
*Ben Oria, Nigerian highlife musician
*Jide Odanye, top Gospel musician in Nigeria
*Oyekan Samuel, Electrical Engineering & Maintenance Technologist
*Rotarian Omoole Aminfenwa, prestigious member, Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, District 9111/9112
*Rtn. Ambassador Ariyike Olukayode, Incoming Charter President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja Township (Provisional)*Kemi Adedotun, Senior Foreign Correspondent, Germany’s Deutsche Welle, DW, Nigeria.
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