GR Diary
Atiku tweets from America; set to hold talks with business community


By: Oliseama Okwuchukwu
Presidential Candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is set to hold talks in the United States of America with that country’s government officials.
GRASSROOTS.NG was among the first to break the news of Atiku’s arrival in the US late on Thursday and stood by the story despite denials by Atiku’s spokesman, Mr. Paul Ibe, and officials of the Nigerian Embassy in the US.
Atiku confirmed that he was indeed in the US capital, Washington, D.C, and also gave an insight into his why he is in that country.
He tweeted from his official Twitter handle @Atiku: “Just arrived Washington D.C for meeting with US government officials, Nigerians living in D.C metropolis and the business community. -AA”.


The tweet was accompanied with a photograph showing the former Vice President clutching a bouquet of flowers, along with Senate President Bukola Saraki and a lady.


Other photos showed other members of Atiku’s entourage, including former Aviation Minister, Dr. Osita Chidoka.
GR Diary
Lagos Mainland Trade Fair: Entrepreneurs gain export skills


Nigerian Export Promotions Council, NEPC, played a significant role at the just concluded maiden Lagos Trade Fair. NEPC, enhanced the export capabilites of entrepreneurs at the Fair.
Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, both Senior Trade Officers from NEPC, equipped the entrepreneurs with knowledge and skills necessary for international trade.
The Vendors learnt the step by step export procedures. They also gained insight to the importance of compliance with international standards.
Monalisa Abimbola Aze, a lawyer turned entrepreneur whose company Mona Matthews curated the event expressed appreciation for developing the export capabilites of entrepreneurs and providing them access to international markets.
She said the ” Vendors will be more confident and equipped to navigate the exportation process.”
“Through exportation entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and access global market.”She added.
Olori Janet Afolabi, a Publisher and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, who collaborated with Azeh on the event, commended NEPC for its effort to reduce Nigeria economic vulnerability to oil price fluctuation by promoting non oil exports.” She said through exportation there will be increased foreign exchange earnings”
Apart from NEPC, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC , officials also attended the Trade Fair to sensitise entrepreneurs on the need to register their products.
The event drew a large crowd and sparked entrepreneurial growth.
Aze, said ” I am overwhelmed by the success of the event We are grateful for the enthusiasm from Vendors who showcased their products and services with passion..
The event has shown that with determination and hard work we can create a lasting impact and provide opportunities for growth and expansion of businesses and services “
Olori Afolabi described the event as a great first attempt ” It exceeded my expectations.It was incredible to see entrepreneurs come together to celebrate enterprise and innovations. The energy was amazing. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
Vendors at the Fair expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the opportunities provided by the event.Many of them reported increased visibility, valuable connections and potential business deals.
One of them, Enobong Ezekiel, CEO / Founder Coreal8 said “l am honoured to have been a part of this experience. I was able to connect with many customers and partners.The organisers did an incredible job of creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that allowed us to showcase our services”
The event held on 6th and 7th September at Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja Lagos.
The two day event brought together about 100 versatile Vendors, showcasing a wide range of products and services in fashion, food, lifestyle, technology and beauty.The event featured food courts, entertainment and games, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Many visitors attended the Fair Prominent among them is Tope Alabi a popular gospel musician.
The Fair which showcased the entrepreneurial strength of Lagos is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy .
GR Diary
The Elevation Church’s Youth Ministry Hosts The Hangout 2025 for Singles


LifePointe and Surge, the vibrant youth expressions of The Elevation Church, will host The Hangout 2025 on Saturday, September 13, 2025, across four locations simultaneously.
This free, one-day gathering is designed for singles (20+) who desire meaningful, faith-based connections in an atmosphere of worship, fun, and intentional conversations.
In a culture dominated by fleeting trends and surface-level connections, The Hangout 2025 offers a refreshing alternative: a safe, Christ-centered space for singles to engage in authentic conversations, intentional fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Tagged “Same Energy” as it happens at 4 locations on the same day, The Hangout 2025 promises an exciting mix of music, inspiration, and community. Attendees will be inspired by Godman Akinlabi, Bola Akinlabi, Busola Wale-Siyanbola, Dave Ugbor, Phillip Olubakin, Emmanuella Mike-Bamiloye, Bowale Kotun, Seun Afolayan, and Debo Omotunde, while enjoying powerful performances from internationally acclaimed gospel artist Limoblaze, Greatman Takit, Gospel Force, DJ Horphuray, DJ Sammy, and Tkeyz.
“The Hangout is not just another singles event; it is a movement to help young people build relationships anchored on biblical principles, emotional maturity, and Godly standards,” said Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Global Lead Pastor of The Elevation Church “We believe this gathering will empower a generation of believers to form covenant marriages that reflect God’s design.”
At its core, The Hangout 2025 is designed to help singles connect with like-minded believers who share a vision for covenant marriages, while also creating opportunities to learn biblical principles for dating, courtship, and intentional relationships.
The programme will further equip attendees with wisdom, emotional maturity, and spiritual preparedness for marriage, fostering the growth of a supportive community that values accountability and upholds Godly standards.
The event will hold on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Pistis Conference Centre in Lekki, Lagos, with simultaneous gatherings at Maryland, Ibadan, and online. A subsequent edition will be hosted in Abuja on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Each event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with free admission for singles aged 20 and above. Interested participants are encouraged to register online at elevationng.org/hangout25
GR Diary
Gbenjo, Alaseyori, Olaoba, Chigozie Wisdom Headline SIFAX Group Thanksgiving 2.0


The stage is set, the anticipation is palpable, and the excitement is already building as SIFAX Group unveils its lineup of top gospel artists for the much-anticipated 2024 SIFAX Group Thanksgiving and Night of Praise celebration.
The event is set to hold on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The night’s lineup features an array of celebrated gospel stars, including Bidemi Olaoba, Laolu Gbenjo, Beejay Sax, Adeyinka Alaseyori and Chigozie Wisdom.
The event will also feature performances from Woli Agba, Titilayo Eyinjujesu, Abosede Akande, Nonny Chorale and Daminator Dance Group.
Themed I will Rejoice, the event, which is in its second year, promises an uplifting atmosphere filled with soulful melodies, heartfelt prayers, and vibrant expressions of gratitude for the milestones and blessings of the year.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Chairman, SIFAX Group, said the event was an avenue to appreciate God for his faithfulness in the outgoing year:
“We are thrilled to bring together our board, management, staff, clients and other stakeholders to celebrate the goodness of God we have enjoyed in 2024.
It has been an interesting year laced with a lot of challenges and accomplishments.
This Night of Praise reflects our commitment to showing gratitude to God for His divine support for our businesses and our people.”
Attendees can expect electrifying live performances, a vibrant choir, and opportunities for communal worship, all within a beautifully curated setting designed to uplift and inspire. The event will also feature special segments for praise, worship, and words of encouragement from renowned speakers.
The event will be livestreamed on all the company’s official social media channels to extend the experience to the company’s online community.
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