Personality in Focus
Glamour, Glitz, Gifts Galore As Healthgarde Celebrates 30 Years Anniversary, Produces New Star of Africa
By Eric Elezuo
It was a distinct show of excellence, glamour and reward for achievement as a crowd of multilevel marketers attached to leading healthcare group, Healthgarde International, gathered to celebrate 30 years of wellness, empowerment and creation of happiness.
It was more of a gathering of champions, headliners and Nigerians, who has distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavours, having made the choice of partnering with the leading brand, Healthgarde.
Healthgarde International is a global firm proudly founded and run by African women for Africa, under the leadership of Nneka Nwarueze.
The grand hall of Highpoint Event Centre in the heart of Agidingbi GRA in Ikeja, was a beehive of activities as early as 10am on D-day with members and their families and friends already seated and networking in earnest just as the event anchor, Hyenana Comedian, Kick-started proceedings with the invitation of the chief host and Chief Executive Officer, Healthgarde International, Mrs Nneka Nwarueze.
In her opening remarks, Nwarueze went down memorylane to trace the developmental strides of the brand since its days as Swissgarde to the present, noting that in 30 years of existence, lives have been affected and destinies either changed or reversed for the very best.
She acknowledged that just like many distinguished brands, the journey of 30 years has been ‘rough, tough and challenging’, noting that as organizers, they are not breaking even byt sustained by the that gesture to ensure that thousands of members are well taken care of, and not told stories.
“We have an active base of over 12,000 distributors in Nigeria and in Southern Africa, over 20,000 of them. My experience in this business is over 30 years since Swissgarde. Our business network and networth is spread across the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Ghana, Uganda, Botswana, and is still growing.
“Today, we are happy to celebrate our top achievers whose dedicated efforts continue to give our high-quality health products increasing market share. We also introduced into the global market today our new offering – the Healthgarde Relax Tea, which everyone here today received as gift in their souvenir bags. It is rich in antioxidants and boosts the immune system,” Nwarueze said.
She further encouraged the networkers never to relent as the business has consistently paid off for them, and proved to be a mainstay in today’s Nigeria’s economy.
“Our gathering today is to unleash the reward system for those who have done so well in the year under review,” she added.
Among an array of winners from various categories on the day was the Mrs. Benita Okonkwo, who emerged as the Star of Africa, coasting to victory as the member that made the best overall impact in the year under review.
Benita Okonkwo led the array of over 20 winners in different categories. She emerged a double winner as Business Leader of the Year and Star of Africa as the Lagos convention of wellness and gathering of multilevel marketing giants held.
Okonkwo who was obviously, but pleasantly surprised at her double win, had trumped the sales earnings and figures of every other Healthgarde consultant (as the firm’s salespersons are titled) within and outside Nigeria. Her crowning as ‘Star of Africa’ was done with pomp and pageantry with a blast of fireworks and confetti.
Other major award categories included Entrepreneur, Depot, Rising Star, Social Media Star, Staff, Top Performers and Recruiters of the Year, not to mention the series of lucky draw winners that spliced and spiced up the convention.
Other major winners on the day include Charity Ikedife, who emerged as the Staff of the Year, Oluwaseyi Funmi Hannah as Social Media Star, Bolanle Aina as Rising Star of the Year and Fatima Yusuf as Entrepreneur of the Year.
In an moment of excitement, so many women testified of how their multilevel marketing of Healthgarde products had upped their fortunes and mental wellness. Among them were Juliana Idakpo, Baba Ijebu and another, who used to hawk fairly used cloths (okirika). They won the awards as uplines and carted away several prizes including microwave ovens, refrigerator, washing machine, gas cooker, and flask.
Also at the event as its live wire, South Africa-based Chief Operating Officer, Healthgarde International, Lovelyn Bassey, explained: “Our products have deepened the global market and we are proud of the thousands of women who, despite growing economic hardships, spousal job losses, etc have been empowered to boost the wellness of Nigerians as well as create wealth to support their homes.”
The event was not without the spices that give every gathering the leverage that makes top notch as Dancerapy, a motivational dance led the audience into a dance choreography that was magnificent to behold.
Also, a special adviser to the Miniter of the Interior, Tunji-Ojo, was also on hand to give the guests a charge that inspired them into rooting for Healthgarde as a brand.
Responding separately to Point-blank.ng, both Mrs Nwarueze and Bassey called on the Federal government to give attention to multilevel marketing as it has proved to be reliable and rewarding.
“This is not ponzi scheme or what people know as MMM. It is a business venture that has stood the test of time, and been putting smiles on the lips of families. It is a Nigerian thing, and deserves the attention and support to the government to take it to greater heights,” the CEO and COO said separately.
Healthgarde, a first class health multilevel marketing organization, in 2020 stood on its own, away from Swissgarde. In those four years, the brand has held a reward for excellence gathering where the year is reviewed, and members made to smile home with mouthwatering prizes.
Former Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has bagged the award of Pillar of Nigerian Culture and Tourism.
The award was conferred on him by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), the umbrella body for Nigerian travel press, on Thursday, October 23 at a colourful ceremony held at the prestigious Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Towers.
He was among some distinguished Nigerians from public and private sectors, including the former Nigerian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambassador Frank Ogbuewu, who were honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigerian tourism.
Other distinguished Nigerians conferred with awards were: Otunba Wanle Akinboboye (Foremost National Tourism Builder and Creative Mind), Mr. Jemi Alade (National Trailblazer in Inbound Tour Operation) Engineer Tarzan Ganiyu Shekoni Balogun (National Icon in Tourist Boat Operations and Water Transportation), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung (Icon of Consistency and Resilience in National Tourism Leadership), and Chief Abimbola Bode-Thomas (Hospitality and Tourism Management Amazon).
Speaking on the award conferred on Runsewe and the other awardees, the President of ANJET Mr. Okorie Uguru said the awards aim to promote the culture of service to the people, and also showing appreciation to those who have served the nation with distinction while holding public office.
He said: “It is not about celebrating those who are serving the country now, but showing appreciation to those who have served in the past, to challenge current political office holders to put in their best.
“The individuals and distinguished Nigerians we are honouring are among the people that built the visibility and growth the tourism industry is enjoying today… They have contributed, and are still contributing to the sector.
“As holders of institutional memories and archivists of this industry, we know the roles they have played and are still playing in the development of the Nigerian tourism industry. That is why years after some of our awardees have left public offices, we still call them to bestow this honours.”
While receiving the award, Runsewe lamented the inability of Nigeria to take tourism seriously. He said: “I stopped talking for some time because there are too many talks in tourism, there is no action. We come; we speak big English and go back. Today, I am going to reveal two or three things. The last time I came out was to speak to the new executives of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). For me, I am almost tired of talking, because there is no action.
“Let me first of all thank Ambassador Ogbuewu today. He said he does not want to come, so I urged him to come. It is only the living that can be celebrated. Let us thank God that during our lifetime, we are being celebrated. It is not everybody that has that opportunity.
“I can stand anywhere and talk about this industry. I do not need a book.
“Ambassador Ogbuewu you would recollect that President Obasanjo took your very good self, led a delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. That was the day Obasanjo made a statement, he said ‘I going to stand on the existing protocol’. That was the first time they heard that English. The then president of Trinidad asked, ‘what is he talking about.’ That is a tourism brand.
“People do not understand tourism yet. People think it is only about moving from one place to the other. No. Let me reveal a few things: how many of us know the late Pastor T.B. Joshua. T.B. Joshua was selling religious tourism and nobody keyed into it? When T. B. Joshua was having his conference in Nigeria, there were over 20 private jets parked at the airport. I, maybe you did not know before today, I normally go to the airport to list how many countries they come from. I have my data. There is religious tourism in Nigeria. We have not tapped into it. We see them as pastors. Yes, pastors doing their job, but there is tourism content in what they are doing.
“If this country manages tourism well, we should not have a single child looking for a job. After agriculture, tourism is the biggest employer of labour, but we are still playing games, we are still telling ourselves stories.”
He thanked ANJET for the award and encouraged them to continue with the good work in the industry.
Personality in Focus
NAOSNP Security Week: Gaidam Reiterates Govt’s Commitment to Data-Driven Policing
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the Nigeria Police Force through data-driven strategies, inter-agency synergy, and international cooperation towards building a safer, stronger Nigeria.
He stated this during the 2025 National Security Conference and Awards organised by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), with the theme, Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources: A Call to Serve, held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his keynote address presented by the Deputy Director (Information and Public Relations Unit), Mr. Bolaji Oladimeji Kazeem, the Minister stated that the Federal Government, through the Ministry, has started realizing key initiatives such as the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC), Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database, Community Policing, transparent recruitment of an additional 30,000 Police Officers, and technological advancements to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force for bolstering national security.
The Minister said as a major milestone in intelligence-led policing, the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC), provides a centralized platform for law enforcement agencies to pool, analyse, and disseminate criminal data, thereby enhancing internal operations and collaboration with international partners.
He noted that the upgraded Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB) has enabled the Police to document criminals’ data through biometrics from Divisional Police Stations across the country, and digitally forwarded to the NPCIDB located in the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre.
He reiterated the good working relationship among security agencies to curb illegal mining, through collaboration of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)’s Mining Marshals.
“Security is the foundation upon which all human endeavours are built. It requires inclusiveness, people-centric approaches, and collective efforts to ensure peace, safety, and prosperity. These vital institutional allies are in the national effort to combat illegal mining and restore order in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, and curb the activities of bandits, criminals, kidnappers, and terrorists,” the Minister hinted.
Gaidam urged all citizens, stakeholders, and media to join hands in supporting the Nigeria Police Force. “We require collective investment in technology, logistics, welfare, and equipment to enhance security. I propose that we procure High-Resolution Drone Surveillance for police commands across the country”. He stressed.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence, General Christopher Musa, represented by the Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Maman, posited that security is the foundation for economic success. When people feel safe, businesses grow, farmers plant with confidence, and investors take bold steps.
He said Nigeria recently increased its crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day, but vandalism and illegal activities still threaten this progress.
“We must therefore protect what we have built so that our natural wealth becomes prosperity for every Nigerian, not just a few,” the CDS cautioned.
According to him, “beyond military action, we must focus more on the non-kinetic side of national security, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the work. This includes good governance, infrastructure, power, communication, and social development.”
Senator Ibrahim Gaidam was afterwards honoured with the award of Excellence as the National Association of Online News Publishers (NAOSNP) Iconic Man of the Year.
TMnews, at its 2025 Summit and Awards, has honoured the Chairman and Group Managing Director of Adron Group, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, with a prestigious Award of Recognition for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to empowering Nigerians through affordable housing and community development.
The event, themed “Securing the Future: A Collaborative Approach to Community Safety,” brought together top government officials, security chiefs, corporate leaders, and humanitarian advocates to engage in constructive dialogue on national security, community partnership, and sustainable development.
In his message of appreciation, Aare EmmanuelKing expressed heartfelt gratitude to TMnews Magazine for the recognition, describing it as a humbling honour that reinforces his commitment to nation-building through affordable housing, community empowerment, and corporate social responsibility.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition from TMnews. It is a testament to the collective effort of the Adron Group family, whose passion and dedication continue to drive our mission of making quality housing accessible to all Nigerians. This award is not just for me, it is for every hardworking Nigerian who believes in the dream of a better, safer, and more prosperous nation,” Aare EmmanuelKing stated.
He further commended the organisers of the summit for their consistency in promoting dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in governance, business, and community development, adding that such platforms are essential to building a secure and progressive society.
The Publisher and CEO of TMnews Magazine, Temidayo Babalola, lauded Aare EmmanuelKing for his visionary leadership and transformative role in Nigeria’s real estate sector, describing him as a beacon of innovation and a passionate advocate for sustainable community growth.
The summit also featured the TMnews Humanitarian Awards, where 24 distinguished individuals and organisations were celebrated for their exceptional service to humanity, corporate responsibility, and community impact.
