Meet Abuja's top 20 female socialites By KEMI YESUFU

Once upon a time, Abuja was a dry place where little or nothing happened at the social circles. Then, by Fridays, most people flooded the airports, jostling for tickets to migrate to lively destinations of the country.

Now, the capital city has a life of its own. The class and sophistication shown by members of Abuja's high society is similar to those in some of the world's posh cities. However, there are some people who make things happen in Nigeria's centre of power.

When there is high-class event in town, their names are first on the guest lists just as their IVs are promptly delivered at their doorsteps. These women whose names have made in into Abuja Metro's Top 20 socialites are fashionable, wealthy and powerful.

Senator Joy Emordi

She is one of the most successful female Nigerian politicians in recent history. She shot into limelight when she contested for the governorship of Anambra State during the elections organised by the Sani Abacha regime. She later made her mark in the Senate where she was nicknamed "The Joy of the Senate", by her colleagues in the red chamber. Senator Emordi, the Special Adviser to the President on the National Assembly, is a regular face at high octane events in Abuja.

Yeye Bola Dare

Osun-born Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Yeye Dare is nothing short of an enigma. She never fails to amaze people. One minute she is the life of the party, the next minute she is going up and down the stairs of her Mother Theresa Orphanage, attending to the kids domiciled there. For most people, if they were to pick Abuja's number one female socialite, they would choose Dare. And they are likely to say she has organised some of the biggest ceremonies in capital city and around the country.

Senator Grace Bent, Ireti Borishade and Erelu Tola Solomon

Former lawmaker, Senator Grace Bent, is best friends with celebrity businesswomen Erelu Tola Solomon. Both women are equally close to Ireti Borishade, wife of one-time aviation minister, Prof. Borishade. All three women are well-loved among their peers and this explains why lots of women insist on their attending their events. These three women share a great sense of fashion and it shows each time they step into a party.

Lavonne Cele-Tawo

When the lady behind Best Moments magazine relocated to Abuja, many felt she shot herself in the foot. But her decision has turned out a wise one. Not only was she able to make her publication well known in the Northern states, she has emerged as one of famous faces in the capital city. If the party is classy and there are opportunities for networking, Lavonne is mostly likely to be an invitee.

Ify Umenyi, Ebele Okeke,Amb. Nkem Nwadibia

Mrs. Ifeyinwa Umenyi recently completed her tenure as the Director General of the Consumer Protection Commission, while Ebele Okeke is the first female Head of Service of the federation while Ambassador Nkem Nwadibia served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Whenever all three of them grace an event, they love to sit on the same table. Judging by their body language, it is quite clear to see that these women enjoy each other's company and they sure like to unwind.

Biodun Olujimi and Remi Adiukwu-Bakare

Former deputy governor of Ekiti State Biodun Olujimi and Remi Adiukwu-Bakare are both politicians. Bakare once contested for the governorship of Lagos State and many still remember Olujimi's stint as deputy to governor to Ayo Fayose and her tenure as commissioner during the Segun Oni administration. Whenever it is time to honor invitations at a friend's party both women often attend the shindig together. Bakare's friends have dubbed her coolest grandma around because she even gets invited to events by younger ladies who admire her.

Titi Atiku Abubakar

She has a bright mind. Only an intelligent individual could have come up with a grand idea like WOTCLEF. Till date, the Non Governmental Organisation she established while her husband was the vice president is fully operational. However, Mrs. Abubakar also loves to honor invitations from friends. And when she organizes events, they become the talk of the town. Ask many people and they will agree that the lady often described as amiable has no rival when it comes to supervising the cutting of the cake by couples during weddings. She is simply a delight when helping couples perform their first duty as husband and wife.

Dupe Jemibewon

Mrs. Dupe Jemibewon is the lovely wife of the former Police Affairs Minister, Gen. David Jemibewon (Rtd). She is a foremost entrepreneur having managed to set the trend many times in the beauty parlor business. Due to her sophisticated mannerisms and her warm smile, most women ensure that Mrs. Jemibewon attends their parties. Suffice to say that aside from her ability to hold a conversation, the Ekiti born socialite is a power dresser.

Dame Patience Jonathan and Hajiya Bola Shagaya

They are like two peas in a pod. Nigeria's First Lady, Dame Jonathan and her close confidant Hajia Bola Sagaya are a permanent feature at weddings, birthdays and other celebrations organized by the big names in the country.

Dame Jonathan inherited a tradition of First Ladies holding forth in the social scene for their husband. Yet not a few people will say that the madam in Aso Rock Villa has taken the activities of her office a notch higher. She got commendations for how she rallied the women to support her husband in 2011.

She also received praise for how she was able to keep her promise on 35 percent representation for women in the Federal Executive Council. One person that has been at her side both in time of rejoicing and trial is Hajia Shagaya. As soon as Shagaya steps into a party, you know the First Lady is only a few steps behind. The wife of the Vice President, Hajia Amina Sambo is also a strong member of Mrs. Jonathan's team to events.

Lady Tumi Akogun

Lady Tumi Akogun has been part of the Nigerian high society for over two decades. From the time when the late Hajia Maryam Babangida glamorized the office of the First Lady till now that the Jonathans are the first family, Lady Tumi has been relevant in the scheme of things. She also loves to honor friends' invitations and this has made her a well known face among Abuja's female powerbrokers.

Dr. Kema Chikwe

Though she is a politician, former Minister of Aviation Dr. Kema Chikwe speaks her mind no matter who is involved. She is tough and doesn't suffer fools gladly. However, the PDP Women Leader has a soft side and it best shows when she is at friends' events. You are likely to see her smiling and reconnecting with people when she is socializing. Her acceptance in the high society is best shown by the large turnout each time she hosts events.