July 28, (THEWILL) – Ahead of this year’s International Day of Friendship on July 30, 2024, a day set aside by the United Nations to promote solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation, IVORY UKONU spotlights a few prominent individuals whose bond have stood the test of time in a world full of, strife, hatred and back-stabbing. Dele Momodu and Ademola Adeleke These two men are not only prominent Nigerians but also very close friends. Although they have been friends for many years, they did not flaunt it until Senator Ademola Adeleke became Governor of Osun State.
Their friendship was gradually exposed to the public as the publisher of Ovation Magazine and Boss Newspaper, Dele Momodu, used every available opportunity to showcase and celebrate their friendship, while also deploying all his media arsenal to project the various strides the governor has taken for the good people of Osun State. For every project both men have embarked on individually, they never ceased to support each other. Some years ago, when Momodu aspired to become president of Nigeria, despite knowing it would be an uphill task, Governor Adeleke stood behind him like a rock.
Likewise, when Adeleke took the first shot at Osun Government House, Momodu stood solidly behind him. Although his aspirations didn’t come to fruition then, Momodu nonetheless threw his weight behind his friend when he tried again the second time and won the governorship election against all odds. Beyond their friendship, the two share some similarities.
For example, they were both born in the month of May and they are both the same age with days apart from their dates of birth. Their relationship can only be likened to a friendship made in heaven and manifested on earth. Omawunmi and Waje The Nigerian entertainment industry is full of catfights and many of the practitioners have openly accused their colleagues of envy.
However, there are some friendships that have stood the test of time in the industry and the one between singers, Aituaje Irobe, aka Waje and Omawumi Megbele, is one of them. Besides achieving a lot career-wise over the years, making them two of the biggest singers to come out of Nigeria, Omawunmi and Waje share a remarkable friendship that has spanned over a decade. Despite their busy schedules as mothers and their successful careers as singers, they’ve managed to maintain a strong bond.
It boils down to understanding one another. This has been the bedrock of their friendship. Over time and over the years, they have come to understand that their friendship is not just about them but also about people connected to them.
Their friendship has lasted this long because they share the same goals, aspirations, vision and the same burdens. They have gone beyond friendship and have become family. Their sisterly love and relationship continue to inspire fans and demonstrate that true friendship can withstand the test of time and fame Davido and Cubana Chief Priest Singer David Adeleke, aka Davido and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, share an impressive friendship that has captured the attention of many of their fans.
Chief Priest has consistently supported and promoted Davido’s music on social media platforms, celebrating his wins and events. On his part, Davido has always shown up for the businessman as it concerns the promotion of the latter’s business. These men show up for each other in different capacities, openly celebrating their friendship.
Their bond goes beyond mere acquaintanceship; they’ve become best friends who uplift each other. Cubana Chief Priest recently showered praises on Davido, declaring his unending love for the singer while also praying for him. This was contained in a recent post on his Instagram page where he shared a photo of Davido and assigned an Igbo name to him.
Their friendship is a testament to mutual support, genuine connection and celebration of success. Bisola Aiyeola and Sharon Ooja Over the years, Nollywood actresses, Bisola Aiyeola and Sharon Ooja have simultaneously shared how essential their friendship is and how committed they are to fostering their friendship, but it wasn’t until Sharon decided to walk down the aisle that it occurred to many that their friendship transcends the screen and mere talk. Bisola was not only her maid of honour but also she stuck out her neck in defence of Sharon when a news blog said some unpalatable things about her and her husband, Ugo Nwoke.
It is exhilarating for many to see the joy they both bring out from each other. To express her gratitude and love for her best friend and colleague, Sharon in a heartwarming post described Bisola as a friend after her own heart and appreciated her unwavering support to her. Sharon praised Bisola for her ability to understand her without asking questions and for helping her redefine friendship.
She expressed her admiration for Bisola’s strong and supportive nature, stating that every woman needs a friend like her in their life. She referred to Bisola as a sister beyond a best friend. Biodun Fatoyinbo and Korede Komaiya Pastors Biodun Fatoyinbo and Korede Komaiya are both notable figures in the Christian community.
While Fatoyinbo is the founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Abuja, Komaiya is the Presiding Pastor of The Master’s Place International Church, Warri, Delta State. While they have both played significant roles in their respective communities and have made positive impacts in the lives of many, the bond they share is one that cannot be ignored. Komaiya likes to refer to Fatoyinbo as his covenant brother and not just a mere friend.
Their bond reflects the power of connection and honour. They have celebrated together significant moments of each other’s achievements and wins. In their lowest times, they have equally been there for each other, particularly when Fatoyinbo was down for almost a year with a debilitating illness.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Funmi Ajila-Ladipo Despite Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s tight schedule in Abuja as the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, she still finds time to see her best friend, Funmi Ajila-Ladipo, a socialite and popular fashion designer and former president of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, FADAN, in Lagos as they can’t bear to be out of each other’s sight for long. When she visits, they rub minds together or attend parties together. The duo, who are like Siamese twins, have been friends for over 30 years and their friendship is based on understanding, love and mutual respect.
The fact that Abike is a Muslim and Funmi is a staunch Christian has not defeated the purpose of their friendship. Razaq Okoya and Samuel Adedoyin The friendship of businessmen, Razaq Akanni Okoya and Samuel Adedoyin dates back to over six decades when they were still fledgling business and industrial entrepreneurs. They met through divine intervention way back in Dosunmu market, Lagos Island as a prospective retailer and a trader in domestic and home products.
Today both of them stand as industrial giants in their respective business empires, without any strain on their almost filial relationship, much to the envy of their contemporaries in the volatile industrial and manufacturing world. Adedoyin was in his 30s while Okoya was in his 20s when they met. They took to each other immediately and did lots of business together.
Although Adedoyin is older than Okoya by four years, it did not in any way affect their friendship as they have never had any issue or misunderstanding. The nexus between the two is so infectious that one cannot but conclude that they are brothers from different mothers. While Okoya holds sway as the chairman of Eleganza Group of companies, his ‘twin brother’ Samuel Adedoyin, also towers over his Doyin Group of companies.
The two close friends who are now in their 80s not only enjoy each other’s company but also they have never been found wanting when it comes to being supportive to each other. Adedoyin has never been found missing at any of the numerous Okoya events and vice versa. Okoya also always finds time to support his friend at any of his family’s events which are few and far between.
Interestingly, the two are of different religious faiths with Okoya being a devout Muslim and Adedoyin a pious Christian. But this has not in any way infringed on their close relationship. Florence Ita-Giwa and Abba Folawiyo With fashion icon and founder of Labanella Fashion House, Abba Folawiyo, otherwise known as Sisi Abba and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, there can’t be a better definition of true friendship.
They are like two bodies in one soul; and they, no doubt, understand the spirit of true friendship. Their friendship, to those who have been following their stories, has stood the test of time. And one won’t be exaggerating, if their friendship is described as being made in heaven.
They also have a unique way of appreciating each other, as proof of their abiding love, trust and understanding. They support each other without fail and both are a delight to behold when they step out to parties which is always. Although Sisi Abba is older than Ita-Giwa, the former 84 and the later 78, the age difference has not in any way triggered a sense of superiority in Sisi Abba who regards Ita-Giwa as her equal.
Sisi Abba once revealed that what has kept her friendship with Ita-Giwa going for this number of years and even some of her other friends is the fact that she took time to study them to know what they like and dislike and makes sure to avoid anything that could possibly trigger a quarrel with her friends. Chioma Ikokwu and Kijapa Osunde This beautiful duo are just friends who are also business partners. Their friendship has since metamorphosed into sisterhood They both own The Good Hair Ltd, a luxury hair company as well as Brass and Cooper, a restaurant and lounge, both located in Lagos State.
Chioma Ikokwu and Kijapa Osunde, otherwise known as Kika, met while the former was studying law at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. They founded the hair company in England and finally moved the business to Nigeria when they relocated in 2014. After moving back home, they opened a beauty bar called The Good Hair Space, a mall consisting of a hair salon, a makeup studio, champagne bar, men’s grooming studio and a VIP lounge.
Money to set up the business was provided for by Chioma’s parents. Their story is quite an intriguing one especially in a world where most women find it difficult to maintain a business collaboration. They have succeeded in breaking that jinx.
And despite the difference in their backgrounds, they have virtually become sisters and theirs is a true representation of what true sisterliness can birth and sustain. Bunmi George and Ayoyinka Abolarin Bunmi George, founder of Shredder Gang, a nutrition and fitness company, understands the importance of true friendship and how it can be a true blessing as well as a heavy burden if not navigated correctly. She also understands how important it is to get this aspect of a woman’s life right which is why she is overly intentional about her friendship with content creator and influencer, Ayoyinka Abolarin.
These two women exemplify strength, resilience, and the power of sisterhood. Their stories inspire and encourage others to embrace meaningful connections and support one another..
