The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Glo celebrates KSA in Lagos

    Glo celebrates KSA in Lagos

    Nigerian telecoms giant, Globacom, on Friday night at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, celebrated legendary Juju musician and guitarist, King Sunny Ade (KSA), with a wonderful musical show.

    It was at the second edition of the Glo Evergreen Series.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event kicked-off 9pm and ended in the early hours of Saturday.

    It featured performances from KSA, D’banj, Yemi Sax and comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka as the Master of Ceremony.

    KSA was dressed in light green matching attire with shiny silver embroideries to match.

    With his 19-piece band including 10 female dancers, KSA performed some of his most popular tunes to the delight of the audience.

    He also performed a duet with D’banj while Yemi Sax thrilled the crowd with his saxophone of some of the best Nigerian tunes.

    The event was strictly by invitation with no tickets sold.

    The Managing Director of Globacom, Chief Mike Adenuga Jnr. paid tribute to KSA.

    He said the company felt “a deep sense of fulfillment and elation to celebrate one of the most colourful entertainers and guitar masters’ the African continent has ever produced.’’

    Adenuga’s address was read at the occasion by Mr. Kamal Shonibare the Head of Corporate and Post-Paid Unit at Glo.

    “King Sunny Ade belongs to that rare gem of musical icons that over the years have not only churned out evergreen songs, but have also devoted their time to use music to teach generations about the virtues and values of life.

    “He is indeed an evergreen King,’’ Adenuga said.

    Adenuga disclosed that Glo intended to hold the series quarterly in different parts of the country with each edition featuring an “outstanding music legend.”

    He said that as a “true African brand, Globacom would continue to fulfill its promise of providing affordable telecom services to Nigerians and contributing its quota to the development of indigenous music.’’

    In a pre-recorded speech beamed to the audience, KSA said that he went into music because it was his passion, adding that he wasn’t interested in nothing much else.

    The legend said he shortened his name to King Sunny Ade when he noticed the difficulty people, especially foreigners, had in pronouncing his full names -Sunday Ishola Adeniyi Adegeye.

     

  • My new hubby changed my view of marriage—Nollywood star Shade Omoniyi a.k.a. Lepa Shandy

    My new hubby changed my view of marriage—Nollywood star Shade Omoniyi a.k.a. Lepa Shandy

    Popular actress, Shade Omoniyi, was just one of the young and upcoming artistes seeking to make a head way in the make-believe industry until fate earned her the role of Lepa Shandy. But with the fame came with the challenges that accompany it. In this interview with SEGUN AJIBOYE and OLUWASEUN DARE, Shade, who is better known to many as Lepa Shandy, speaks on her family, career and ordeal in the industry, among other issues. Excerpts.

    HOW has your journey into the world of acting been? So far, so good and we are pushing on.

    In specific terms, how would you describe the journey?

    It has been a lot of ups and downs. It is something you can describe as sweet and bitter. If you observe, you’ll realize that I have been off the scene for some time now. But all the same, I thank God for His mercies because without it, I really don’t know how we would have survived.

    How easy was it for you to cope with these sweet and bitter experiences that you just mentioned?

    I won’t stand here and deceive you that it is easy. Most times when I walk in the streets, people would greet me and say ‘Oh! Are you not working again?’ They don’t really know what I am going through. I try to get some jobs; I try to do the little I could. But the truth is that when you do a production, it takes time for it to come out. So I often tell them that I am still working. But when they ask about my latest movie, I am usually lost for words.

    But it’s been long that you appeared in a movie.

    That’s true. But I have done one or two jobs in recent time.

    Aside these two, you have been quiet.

    Yes, and that is because I have been on my own production. You know the market is terrible, so they are not out yet. I am also planning to go on television. So I am currently talking to some companies for sponsorship.

    At a time you said you’ll be travelling to meet your husband.

    Yes.

    Where does he stay?

    He does not stay in Nigeria. But I don’t want to talk about my husband.

    But the reason I am asking is that I know how tough it is for husband and wife to live separately. How tough is it for you?

    I will tell you that it is not easy. And I didn’t know that I would find myself in this situation again after my experience. But this is different. My experience is that most of the crises in most celebrities’ homes are caused by the media. Even when you trust a journalist friend and say some things in confidence, they will go on and publish such things. So my husband has told me that we should keep the family out of my job.

    I want to believe that you have put the experience of the past behind you. So how are your kids?

    They are very fine.

    Before you met your husband, there were many negative stories about you. How did you cope when they were on?

    The truth is that I didn’t give it much thought when it started. The reason was simple. Shortly after I became popular with Lepa Shandy, the media was awash with different kinds of stories about me, and I would cry and cry. But somebody called me and advised that I brave myself up for such stories. So at a point, I developed very thick skin and didn’t mind whatever was written. But I didn’t know that it was different when it came to marriage. I still acted like I used to do and didn’t bother until it caused a lot of havoc. For me, I love to flaunt whatever is mine, even my man. But I soon realised that our culture does not permit such thing. The bottom line is that it was not easy while it lasted. But I had marvellous people around me who helped to maintain my balance to come out of it stronger.

    With that experience, what encouraged you to try another marriage?

    The truth is that I was lucky to meet my husband. Maybe if I had not met him at the time, I might never have had the courage to marry again. He came into my life at the right time. He was marvellous, and would encourage me. You know, as a celebrity, one has to be very careful. A lot of men would come to you pretending to love you. But the truth is that they only want to deceive you and walk away. Let me tell you a story. One of our colleagues was so much in love, and she would tell sweet stories about her man. But eventually the marriage packed up, and friends wondered what happened. But the real truth was that while she went round praising her husband, the guy was actually beating her silly. The lesson in that is, whatever you are going through in your relationship, you should keep quiet or you don’t come out to say what is not true. Marriage is not a bed of roses and that was what I went through. Sometimes I go on the net to read some comments. I simply laugh when I see what people write. But the truth is that they write those things because they don’t know what we are going through.

    What is your view of marriage?

    It is live and let live. You must be tolerant, trustful and understand each other. While you talk about love, you must realize that with time you need to move to another level. If you have all that, you must know that nobody is perfect. So, just be tolerant, and you will keep on going. You must know that love diminishes as you grow older. But if the foundation is built on true love from the start, then you will start building on that love, and at a point, you will become each other’s keeper. And you would become the best of friends. For example, when a lady and a young chap are in a relationship, the guy would be willing to go to the moon to get the lady anything. But the moment they get married, the guy would begin to do things that are aimed to change the status quo. If he loved to cook before the marriage, he may stop the cooking, and other stuff like that. So you have to learn first to understand each other. Do that well from the scratch, and you will become each other’s best friends.

    But you will agree with me that you celebrities, especially the women, are most times responsible for these broken marriages, perhaps because of the kind of the fake lifestyle they live. How true is this?

    Very true, but whoever knows me, would know that I don’t live a fake life and I don’t copy. My life is cut your coat according to your cloth. I don’t envy, I don’t copy and I don’t live a fake lifestyle.

    But like you said, we cause this sometimes based on what I just told you. You think you have somebody that really loves you and you go out of your way to pamper him. You are very caring and you think it will go on like that for the rest of your life. But you soon realize that the man you have dedicated your life to is not being truthful. But the talk of some living a fake lifestyle is real. Like the friend I just told you about, while she suffered secretly with her husband, she goes out with beautiful stories about him.

    And perhaps you are not able to divorce yourselves from the role you play in movies.

    But that is not true. I will only advise that whatever you are going through, you don’t have to go to town with everything. Our culture does not support you in any way. If you go to your parents, and you say this is what this man is doing, they will say you should endure then. If it is rosy, enjoy it and don’t go out shouting it, even to your friends. And if it is bad and you know that you can endure, stay and endure it. But if it becomes life-threatening, then do the right thing and move on. So don’t allow outside influences to affect your marriage. Just try and know what your husband can afford and what he cannot afford. Don’t look at what friend’s husband is doing for her. Just maintain your peace and enjoy your home. And more importantly, you must never forget that the husband is the head of the family. So make sure that you give him his due respect at all times. That way, everybody around will continue to respect him. I am an advocate of successful marriage, and I appreciate marriage, so I don’t like it when things go wrong. But there are some things you can’t just help.

    You said you are working on a television series. Throw more light on this.

    It is a Yoruba series about love. I don’t like spiritual or traditional stuff. It is love and short, and it is shot in Nigeria and UK, and I hope it comes out very soon. I want to be done with this, so that I can as well go back to locations to do one or two things. I want to be through with one before moving on to another thing.

    How rewarding is it?

    Can I tell you the truth? If you are talking about going to location and getting paid, the answer is no. But if you talk of goodwill, then the answer is yes.

    How do you make use of this goodwill?

    If you know how to use the opportunity, then you make good use of it. However, you must know that it doesn’t come equally because some get good endorsement, while others are not so lucky. But the little that you get depends on how you can use them.

    Aside acting, what else do you do?

    Whenever I travel, I try as much as possible to make sure I buy things that I sell. Also, I have one or two shops that I want to keep running. But you know how Nigeria is. If you don’t stay in Nigeria and you open your shop, you are opening it for someone else. I have done it before, and I don’t want to do it again. But maybe when I decide to finally stay here permanently, I may decide to concentrate on the shops.

    What is your experience as Lepa Shandy like?

    It was good and bad. I enjoyed every bit of the fame because I worked with a good director in the movie, and it was like a bomb. But the challenge of getting a lead role in that kind of project was tough because I later got to know that so many people wanted the role. But I got the role in a miraculous way. And that is why I tell young and upcoming artistes that they should be patient. For me, I reaped from the patience that I had when I just came into the industry. I had just two or three scenes in movies at the beginning. This reminds me of a story. I called a colleague to do a job, but because it was just three scenes, she refused to do it. She believed that she had gone beyond that level. But the truth is that it was a one scene role that gave me the Lepa Shandy job. That is a lesson I want the younger ones to imbibe. Today, most people don’t even know my real name. Everybody calls me Lepa Shandy. But I saw hell while we were working on the movie. For instance, there was this scene where I was slapped by Salawa Abeni during a fight. Let me confess to you that after that, I fainted, lost my nails and was rushed to the hospital.

    Are you saying the slap was real?

    Yes, of course, it was real. After she slapped me, I had to sit on a chair. But she didn’t reaIise that I had passed out, and she mistakenly sat on my finger. In the process, I didn’t sit where I was supposed to sit. I just fell somewhere. I fell where she was supposed to sit and she just sat on me. It was an accident that sent me to the hospital. Another slap scene involved me and Sherifat Ilerika. She too gave me a slap that made me request for a bottle of coke and a sachet of Alabukun. But all in all, I thank God I didn’t suffer for nothing.

    But what were you doing prior to your emergence in Lepa Shandy?

    I have been in the industry before the Lepa Shandy location. As a matter of fact, I came into the industry in 1995 as a model. I did one or two jobs then. I came in as a make-up artiste. In fact, most people knew me as Shade Make-up at the time. So I was into make-up artist at the beginning. But then, I started with the English genre.

    Is there really any difference between English and Yoruba movies?

    There was in those days. You know we didn’t have scripts in those days for Yoruba movies. So the main problem was trying to remember your line. If you had to repeat a particular line, you may not be able to say it exactly the same way you said it the first time. But the English always had a script written for movies. So, it was more difficult to do Yoruba movies in those days. But now, things have changed. We now make use of scripts in our movies.

    One of your last movies entitled Ifihan was said to be your story. In it, you played the role of a prostitute. Was it really your story?

    (Prolonged laughter). People were saying that it was the story of my life. But the truth is that it was not my story. Though it was a true-life story of a woman, but it wasn’t mine. I wondered why they suspected that it was my story. But I love telling true-life stories. Maybe I would tell my story sometime in the future.

  • ‘Her voice attracted me’

    ‘Her voice attracted me’

    Frontline media consultant Pastor Segun Babatope gave out his daughter, Oluwatosin’s hand in marriage to Olaseni, son of a retired Director of Works, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), Mr Oluseye Osho, last Saturday. The event was held at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedrall, Yaba, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    Their love story began in an unusual way. Oluwatosin, daughter of a former director of the Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspapers and media consultant, Pastor Segun Babatope, met Olaseni, son of a retired Director of Works, University of Agriculture Abeokuta (UNAAB), Mr Oluseye Osho, at the wedding of their friends on July 11, 2009.

    The duo was part of the bridal train. As they were ushering the couple – Omololu and Justina – into the reception hall amid songs and dance, Olaseni, a graduate of Applied Physics from the Federal University of Technology, heard a strange voice among the bridal ladies. He looked back and made eye contact with Oluwatosin, an accounting graduate from the Covenant University.

    All through the event, Olaseni who works as a petroleum engineer in Shell Petroleum Development Company did not take his eyes off Oluwatosin, a consultant in Osprey Zenith.

    “Her voice attracted my attention to her. I was in front when I heard the voice, I looked back and saw that she is also beautiful. Her voice sounded like that of an angel,” he said.

    He later proposed to her.

    Last Saturday, the couple was joined by family members and friends at their wedding at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Yaba in Lagos.

    It was an orange and ash colours affair.

    Guests came in exotic cars, which were parked in and outside the church’s expansive premises.

    Oluwatosin came to the church in an ash coloured SUV, decorated in orange and white. She wore a white flowing gown with a white veil and she had an orange flower in her hand.

    Her beau, Olaseni came in a black Santafe, decorated in the same manner as the bride’s. He wore black suit, white shirt and ash bow tie.

    They both looked gorgeous.

    The bridal train ushered them into the church. The men wore black suit, white shirt with orange bow ties. The women were in long orange dresses which had ash net design in a form of jacket. They also had ash coloured small hats/high heels on.

    Interestingly, Omololu and his wife Justina whose wedding brought the couple together were on hand to witness the fruit of the 2009 meeting.

    In the cathedral, the church choir wore white and purple robe while the officiating ministers donned white.

    The service started with one of the ministers greeting the congregation and explaining the essence of the gathering. It was followed by processional hymns by the church choir. They sang “Praise my soul the king of heaven.”

    The couple later took the marital vows after which they exchanged rings and were presented as husband and wife.

    In his sermon, Rev Ayo Oyadotun urged the couple to build their marriage on Jesus, saying that Jesus is the way, truth and light.

    “As you move in your marriage, hold on to Jesus and accept that he is the truth, commit all to him,” the cleric said.

    The Holy Communion was taken and thanksgiving followed.

    The service ended with the choir rendering the closing hymn – “Sometimes a light surprises.”

    A session of photographs taking followed outside the cathedral.

    The Nation caught up with the couple before the reception began.

    Oluwatosin described her husband as “cool, friendly, nice and down to earth.”

    The Ilesa-born damsel said her beau is her “friend, elder brother, adviser and everything.”

    The groom, Olaseni, said he was excited, happy and fulfilled.

    “I can’t believe I’m married,” he said.

    The Remo-born groom described his wife as “beautiful, gorgeous, caring, and always ready to learn. She has got all the attributes any man would want in a virtuous woman,” he said.

    The wedding reception held in the same venue.

    The duo of Adams Adebola and Tosin Odunfa were the masters of the ceremony.

    The hall was decorated in orange and ash with an orange centre rug.

    It started with the recognition of the couple’s parent after which the chairman on the occasion, Pastor Adedayo Ojo was introduced.

    The couple entered into the hall amid songs by Alcon Investments Limited in company of their friends and the bridal train.

    The reception started with a prayer.

    Pastor Ojo urged the couple to obey God and follow His words. He told them to love, honour and respect one another.

    The couple cut their cake at the resounding name of Jesus.

    The cake was in various shapes and steps – all orange and white.

    They fed each other with the cake and wine before stepping onto the dance floor.

    The reception continued with the toast after which Finji Band entertained the gathering.

    An excited Pastor Babatope thanked God for seeing his daughter get married.

    “I know she would make a success of her home because God is in her life,” he said.

    Mr Osho, an engineer, urged the couple to put their trust in God.

    The bride’s mother, Mrs Olubukola Babatope said giving her daughter’s hand in marriage was a thing of joy and a dream come true for her.

    She enjoined her daughter to respect and do everything to make her husband happy at all times.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Olayinka Osho, described her son as very nice.

    “I love him so much and I want them to build their marriage on Christ,” she said.

    The elder brother to the bride’s father and former Transport Minister Ebenezer Babatope urged the couple to love God and love each other.

    Present were: Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his Deputy Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni; Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dele Alake; Chairman, Honey well Group of Company, Oba Otudeko; All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire and Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, among others.

     

     

  • All hail the Man of the Year

    All hail the Man of the Year

    A reception was organised by The Mandate Movement and Oranmiyan Group at Sky Power, Ikeja, last Saturday. It was for the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, who received the “Daily Independent” 2013 Man of the Year Award last Friday at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO and OLATUNDE ODEBIYI report.

    No fewer than 10,000 people converged on the expansive Sky Power, GRA, Ikeja grounds, last Saturday for a grand reception for Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

    Daily Independent, published by Independent Newspapers Limited, honoured Aregbesola with the 2013 Man of the Year Award. He received the award a day earlier at the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The reception was organised by socio-political groups – The Mandate Movement (TMM) and Oranmiyan Group.

    Over 100 BRT buses brought men and women decked in white attires and blue headgears and caps to the event. Operators of tricycles had a field day, ferrying passengers to and fro the venue. At a point, there was heavy traffic because of the unusual vehicular movements on routes leading to the venue. Some who could not stand the gridlock trekked.

    For passers-by, commuters and workers on the routes, it was clear that another political gathering was in the offing.

    At Sky Power, various sizes of canopies were mounted; on the right side of the high table was a state-of-the-art stage where a live band welcomed the gathering with songs.

    Many could not wait to alight from the long and small buses that conveyed them to the venue before they began to dance. As more people alighted from their vehicles, some joined those on the dance floor while others made for the seats under the canopies.

    Lace material of various kinds was the order of the day.

    The scorching sun did not deter people from trooping in in thousands.

    A popular Nollywood comedian, Princess Lanko Omoba Dubai, thrilled the large audience. She was handsomely rewarded.

    The Mandate Movement led by a former Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Interim National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, was founded by APC National Leader and former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to coordinate his political group.

    The man of the moment, Aregbesola was the founding leader of the movement.

    Like Mandate, Oranmiyan Group was initiated to champion Aregbesola’s political struggle in Osun State.

    According to Banire, Aregbesola deserves to be celebrated for his dedication, pragmatic approach to issues and diligence.

    Aregbesola, he said, is an unusual administrator with a zeal for excellence.

    “I’m not surprised he won the Man of the Year Award; he truly deserves the honour and you can see the mass attendance to this reception by party faithful across the states.

    “This is just a small reception put together within days for a few people in honour of one of us, Ogbeni Aregbesola. But the crowd that gathered here is not only intimidating, overwhelming but encouraging,” Banire said.

    The reception turned to a carnival-like gathering with itinerant drummers competing for attention.

    Various political songs vibrated through the length and breadth of the open field.

    The arrival of Aregbesola electrified the whole place.

    He barely settled down before mounting the stage to address the cheering crowd.

    As he spoke, the party women interjected his speeches with political songs.

    “I’m happy for the love that exist among us,” he said.

    “Since 1998 that we started, one after another, God has continued to bless us. We have captured the whole Southwest and used Edo to replace Ondo and, by God’s grace, Ondo will soon be in our fold,” he said, and the crowd yelled in agreement.

    As he listed other states in APC outside the Southwest, the gathering responded thus: Apo wa lo wa (In our pocket).

    Afterwards, a voice from the crowd sang the late Fatai Rolling Dollars’ hit song, Won kere si number wa, but Aregbesola opted for praise song Ope lo ye o, Baba Olore.

    Afterwards, they also sang: Bi egbe eko ba pe gba, awa la o ma pase (If political parties reach 200, APC will continue to rule).”

    The Osun governor who is also a founding leader of the Mandate Movement thanked them for keeping faith with the APC through its various transformational stages since 1999.

    “I must thank you for standing by us all the way. You have seen that more Nigerians, including serving and past governors, members of the National Assembly and others have been trooping to the APC because PDP has failed and disappointed the nation. What this tells us is that we need to put in more effort to flush out this party that has brought so much pain and anguish to our people. Our coming elections in Ekiti and Osun will surely give them (PDP) a bitter taste of the people’s level of resentment for them,” he said.

    He thanked the organisers of the reception for remaining faithful to the ideals of the founder of the TMM which began as just a political group in Lagos.

    In their welcome speeches at the occasion, Banire and another leader of the TMM, Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmabku, assured the crowd that APC would “form the next government at the federal level and it will never fail you as the PDP has done.”

    A day earlier at the award ceremony, politicians, traditional rulers, lawmakers, media people, business moguls and many more were present to share in the joy of the governor.

    The entrance of the convention centre was full of life as exotic cars dropped guests one after the other.

    Itinerant drummers from Osun State teamed up with their Lagos counterparts to enliven the atmosphere.

    Banners bearing pictures of Aregbesola were displayed at various points.

    Most of the guests came in traditional outfits. They moved around the venue exchanging pleasantries before the event started.

    Mr Shitu Alamu was the master of the ceremony.

    The arrival of Aregbesola with his wife, Sherifat caused a stir. He came with his entourage. All guests stood to honour him as some ushered him in.

    They shouted Aregbesola, and some sang his praises.

    He greeted dignitaries and other guests in the front row before taking his seat on the stage. His praises continued.

    The event started with an opening prayer followed by the National and Osun anthems.

    Chairman on the occasion who is also the chairman of Independent Newspapers Limited, Alhaji Gambo Lawan, said Aregbesola was being honoured because of his commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of the society.

    The event featured a cultural presentation by a Performing Troupe from Osun State.

    The guest lecturer, a lawyer, Prof Itse Sagay, took to the podium to deliver a paper on Nigeria: 1914 to 2014; Amalgamation and its Aftermath.

    He expressed concern over the struggle for power in the country.

    He said the government should focus on other areas of investment aside oil, such as agriculture, cocoa and textile, to promote efficient development.

    A session of comments followed.

    A member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference, Tony Uranta, said the duty of the government was to take care of the people, their welfare and security.

    He said Nigerians needed to come together as one to talk about how to move forward.

    “We have to stop sweeping major issues under the carpet in the name of politics, religion or ethnicity,” he said.

    A documentary on Osun Sate followed.

    Then came the presentation of the award.

    Aregbesola, clad in a white agbada with cap, was all joy as he moved to the podium to receive the award.

    Alhaji Lawan presented the award after Aregbesola’s citation was read.

    Smiling, Aregbesola showed the plaque to the gathering which admired it. Sherifat and other dignitaries took photographs with him.

    He described the award as an encouragement for him to do more for the people of Osun State and thanked the newspaper for considering him worthy of the honour.

    Editor of Daily Independent Rotimi Durojaiye delivered the vote of thanks.

    Present were Governors of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi and Ekiti Dr Kayode Fayemi. Governor of Lagos State was represented by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba; his Kano and Ogun counteparts by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa and Mr Bimbo Ashiru.

    Others in attendance were Deputy Governors of Lagos and Osun Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; former Governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Hon Yinka Ajayi; One-time Lagos Finance Commissioner Mr Wale Edun; Hon Ayo Omidiran; Sehu Musa; National Women Leader, APC, Sharon Okiatan; former SSG Edo state government, Ize Iyamu; Alhaji Demola Omidiran; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly Hon Najim Salam and his Lagos counterpart, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Osun State Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Prince Gboyega Famodu; Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Akiolu and Senator Ganiyu Solomon among others.

    Alhaji Lai Mohammed, its National Publicity Secretary; Dr. Leke Pitan, former Lagos Commissioner for Health were also at the reception.

     

  • Honour for ‘homeboy’

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Thasious International Company Nigeria Limited (TICL), High Chief Athanasius Egwim has been decorated as the Onwanagbara Oha of Mbaise by the 97 traditional rulers of the three local governments that make up Mbaise communities. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

    The atmosphere at the CKC Sports Centre, Okpofe, Ezinihitte Mbaise was carnival like. The gaily dressed men and women engaged in back slapping one another. Convoys of posh cars streamed into the centre with men and women flamboyantly dressed.

    From members of the National Assembly, state House of Assembly, commissioners to local government chairmen – all came to give honour to whom it is due. Various traditional dances staged competition-like performances. Service men and women dressed in shirts with the Thasious insignia attended to the needs of everyone, despite that the ceremony had not kicked off.

    However, signs that the palace of Eze Chidume Okoro, Ugo Amano of Obohia and the Chairman, Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, was to host an extraordinary event began to manifest as early as 8am when the palace was being spectacularly decorated.

    With the entrance of Eze Ositadinma Nwokocha, chairman, Ezinihitte Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Reginald Amadi, Ugo Amano Nguru Mbaise, Eze Reginald Aguwamba, Eze Oha II of Okpofe, Eze Mike Orji Dimgba, former chairman of Ezinihitte Council of Traditional Rulers and Eze Julius Amaefule, the Aladinma II of Oboama, the stage was set for the event for which ‘eagles’ gathered.

    Prior to the arrival of the traditional rulers, High Chief Athanasius Egwim, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Thasious International Company Nigeria Limited (TICL), a prominent son of Mbaise made a grand entry into the palace with an eye popping convoy. It was, indeed, a roll of who is who in Mbaise.

    At 2.20pm, the event kicked off. It was the installation of High Chief Egwim as the Onwanagbara Oha of Mbaise Nation by the 97 traditional rulers of three local governments that make up Mbaise.

    After the installation, which was done in a fashion that signifies the agreement of the entire Ndi Eze of Mbaise, the largest gathering of traditional rulers ever in Igbo land escorted the new Onwa Mbaise to the CKC Sports Centre amid a tumultuous welcome by guests who had had their fill of the fun before the event kicked off.

    It was, however, a joint reception for Chief Egwim and his wife, Joy who had earlier been crowned Nwanyi Chimereze of Amumara by Eze Ositadinma Nwokocha, the Umara III of Adakam Amumara, Mbaise.

    The significance of the moon shining on everyone without discrimination makes the title of Onwanagbara Oha (the moon that shines for everyone) a revered title not given carelessly except by merit in Igbo land.

    Onwa in Igbo language means moon. The moon is generally referred to as friendly, non-discriminatory, shining for everyone’s benefit whether black or white, old or young, man or woman, rich or poor. When one is called onwa, he is simply being referred to as a non-discriminatory fellow.

    The Chairman on the occasion, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, described the occasion as remarkable because “it is the first time the title of Onwanagbara Oha Mbaise is being conferred on an Mbaise son by all traditional rulers in the three local governments of Mbaise. It is a title that is seldom given and when given, it not only carries a lot of respect, it comes with a lot of responsibilities also. It means that the territory of the holder has been enlarged to include the whole of Mbaise. It means Chief Egwim can no longer limit himself to Okpofe his community; he can no longer limit himself to Ezinihitte, his local government. The entire Mbaise comprising the three local governments has become his territory.”

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Hon Emeka Ihedioha described Chief Egwim as “a very good friend and the pride of Mbaise.”

    He urged the youth and others to emulate his selfless nature.

    He said he was not surprised that Egwim was being honoured.

    His words: “For those of us who have followed the activities of Chief Egwim, those of us who are close to him, this honour did not come as a surprise. He is the pride of Mbaise. That is why I will always be around whenever he is doing anything. He loves Mbaise with a passion. Recently, precisely in September, I was in Lagos to inaugurate an edifice he built in Okota, Isolo, Lagos. Every Mbaise person should be proud of him”.

    Stressing that the welfare of Mbaise people should be uppermost in the minds of every indigene, he said wealth was nothing if not spread for the benefit of many.

    “No matter how much you have in the bank, if people are not feeling your impact, the money is worthless,” Ihedioha said.

    It was a harvest of speeches as dignitaries one after the other extolled the virtues of Chief Egwim and why he deserved the latest feather in his heavily-filled cap.

    Eze Nwokocha summed up the speeches when he said: “Apart from his philanthropic gestures in Mbaise, one thing that stands Chief Egwim and his wife, Joy, out is their unwavering commitment to culture. They are always available and, most times, sponsors new yam festivals in Mbaise and the Oji Mbaise. Tthe yearly kolanut ceremony of Mbaise that has assumed an international standard is incomplete without Chief Egwim and his wife. He is a moon that is shining on Mbaise.”

    Eze Okoro reeled out the contributions of the Onwas to Mbaise. They included Egwim Education Foundation that has given indigent students the opportunity to further their education, building and donation of electricity projects to communities, reconstruction of schools, donations to public institutions and providing employment to Mbaise people. More than 50 Mbaise sons and daughters are in his employ.

    “Being rich is not how much you have in the bank; it is not how much money you control, but how many people’s lives you touched with your wealth. Chief Egwim, you will agree with me is one person that has touched many lives without discrimination, hence the title bestowed on him,” Eze Okoro said.

  • ‘She’s my all in all’

    Chief Executive Officer, Dolix Diagnostic Health Services Limited, Mrs Monisola Ayodele, marked her 50th birthday at her residence in Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos last Saturday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports

    Femi Adedipe Close in Gowon Estate in Ipaja, a Lagos suburb was a beehive last Saturday. Choice cars streamed into the residence of the Chief Executive Officer of Dolix Diagnostic Health Services Limited, Mrs Monisola Ayodele, who was celebrating her 50th birthday.

    Mrs Ayodele also launched a motivational book titled: “Practical steps towards a rewarding Christian race’

    “Clad in cream buba and iro with gold head gear and ipele to match, the celebrator, was all smiles.

    Her husband, Olufemi Ayodele, who is the Managing Director, FBG Engineering Company, sat beside her. He looked elegant in his cream attire and cap.

    Gaily dressed ushers in traditional outfits welcomed guests to the venue. They exchanged pleasantries before relaxing under the white tent in Mrs Ayodele’s compound.

    They could not resist local and foreign dishes at their disposal.

    Secretary-General, Klassic Club of Ikere-Ekiti, Mr Tunde Aluko, coordinated the event while Mr Abiodun Owolabi emceed it.

    The celebration started with an opening prayer after which the praise and worship was led by Deaconess Yinka Aluko.

    They sang hymns including, ‘To God be the glory’ and ‘Great is thy faithfulness’.

    Rev Samson Alawode gave a short exhortation.

    He congratulated the celebrator and her family, urging her to get closer to God.

    His brief exhortation was followed by goodwill messages.

    Her husband, Ayodele described her as humble and his all in all.

    “She is the best that would ever happen to me. She knows me, complements me, she knows what am thinking, and doing. As she clocks 50 today, I wish her to live for the next 50 years and continue in her good deeds,” he said.

    The party continued with the review of the book by Rev Dr Kola Oluwarinde.

    The 72-page book is blue with the title yellow and red.

    He said the book cautions Christians about sin, God’s judgment and communicates God’s promises of eternal life.

    Rev Oluwarinde, who is the elder brother to the celebrator, described her as the favourite of the family, loving and accommodating.

    Free copies were distributed to all those who graced the ceremony.

    The celebrator described the day as one of her happiest.

    She said: “Fifty years on earth have been tedious, but God has been on my side. Since my tender age, I have the idea that if God does not do anything for you, no man on earth can do it for you. My focus has been that in every difficulty, I just pray and surrender everything to God.

    “He gave me every inspiration that I needed to finish the book.”

    The party continued with prayers for the celebrator and her family.

    Rev Adewuyi Olufemi led it, urging guests to pray for them.

    The celebrant moved to the cake stand to cut her cake. She was assisted by her husband after which her children, friends, church and other family members joined in taking photographs.

    The closing hymn – ‘Guide me oh thou Great Jehovah’ was taken and the closing prayer followed.

    The party continued with dance.

    Maj-Gen Dapo Adebayo wished her fruitful and blessed years ahead.

    He described her as pleasant.

    Her son, David said his mum is caring and that she is the best mother any one ever have. He described her as a mother in a million.

    Mr Aluko, a childhood friend of the celebrator, said she is very quiet and a homely type of woman anyone wants to be with.

    “She is a wonderful mother, friend and companion. I wish her to do more than she has done; do more in the service to God and humanity,” he said.

    The celebrants mother, a retired Chief Nursing Officer in Ondo West Local Government, Ondo State, Mrs Comfort Akinsade, said her daughter is a nice child and always obedient.

    She urged her daughter to take good care of her children so that they would take care of her when she is old.

    The Assistant Director (Examinations), National Examinations Council of Nigeria (NECO), Mr Wale Oluwasuji said the celebrator is a wonderful woman.

  • Partying with the aged

    A get-together was organised by Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area of Lagos for the aged last Friday to mark the Valentine Day. VICTOR OLANIPEKUN reports

    They came in various traditional attires looking cheerful. Some were accompanied by their children while others walked in unaided.

    Though red was the colour of the event, only a handful wore red clothes. Flowing agbada and abeti aja caps were the order of the day among the men; the women appeared beautiful in Iro and Buba with gele (headgear) on their heads and Ipele on their shoulders.

    The day was last Friday February 14 – Valentine’s Day.

    For the administration of Abiodun Mafe-led Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area of Lagos, the day was an opportunity to celebrate with the elders in the council.

    It was a get-together organised by council for the aged last Friday to mark the Valentine’s Day.

    They elders were welcomed into a tasteful decorated hall, refurbished by the council.

    Various music such as highlife, fuji, gospels, juju among others vibrated the length and breadth of the hall.

    Some of the guests were seen nodding to the music on entering the hall.

    Those who could not resist the beats took to the dance floor.

    At some points, there were requests from guests asking the Disk Jockey (DJ) to play their favourites songs.

    The event began shortly after the council boss entered the hall amidst praise songs, hailing and shouting his nicknames which include ‘Marvelous’ and ‘O certain.’

    It featured prayers from different religious bodies, goodwill messages, cutting of cake and dance.

    The highpoint of the day was the presentation of gifts to all participants.

    Earlier in the day, a similar event was held for the youth in the council. Pupils from various secondary schools and students of higher institutions converged on the hall. Theirs featured lecture, motivational talk, questions and answers and distribution of gifts.

    The chairman of the council, Hon Abiodun Mafe, while declaring the event opened, stated that the essence of organising the event was to tell students and the people in general the essence of celebrating the Valentine Day.

    “Our plan is to change the perspective of people especially youths who use the valentine day to carry wrong activities, we deem it fit to catch them young by inviting a motivations speaker to put them through the right part, the exercise will be a continue one because the youths are leaders of tomorrow and as such they have to be very useful to the country, as valentine is not for lovers but for everyone around us,” he said.

    According to him, Valentine Day is not about immoral acts as many will want to believe, rather it is a day to show love and share love as well as preach peaceful co-existence.

    Mafe urged the people especially students, to imbibe the true spirit of Valentine Day rather than indulging in illicit acts such as drinking to stupor and engaging in illicit sexual acts.

    “Indulging in illicit sexual acts and taking alcohols in excess in the name of celebrating Valentine Day is wrong. The consequences of these actions can negatively affect your education. It can even abort it,” he said.

    The Mosan-Okunola LCDA boss advised students and others present at the event to share love during Valentine Day, preach peaceful co-existence during the event as well as exchange gifts as part of celebrating the Day.

    “When we imbibe this kind of culture during Valentine, we should endeavour to make it part of our daily life, through this our country will become a better place to live,” he said.

    A septuagenarian, Mrs Funke Akinsola thanked the council boss for remembering the elders.

    Mrs Akinsola described the event as worthy of emulation.

    She prayed God continue to bless the entire council management.

    Also speaking, Mr Moses Olatunde urged government at all levels to set aside days to celebrate elders in the country.

    “They should not see us as burden rather assets because of our experience in life; we may not have the physical strength to move about but our mental strength cannot be ignored in shaping the country positively,” he said.

  • Rewarding diligent public servant

    The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Lagos State chapter, held its yearly public lecture/awards last Thursday at the Agip Hall Muson Centre in Onikan on Lagos Island OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

    The Lagos State chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Awarded some people last Thursday for service to the public.

    The event took place at the Agip Hall of the Muson Centre in Onikan in Lagos Island.

    Four individuals were rewarded for professionalism.

    Many of the guests came into the hall in formal outfits. The hall was decorated in blue and white with lights.

    The acoustic hall had red cushion chairs in rows.

    The event was graced by professionals and other well wishers.

    It started with the National Anthem after which guests were introduced.

    The awardees weare the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of J.K. Randle and co (Chartered Accountants), Bashorun Jaiye Kehinde Randle, who got the Recognition award. Others are Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Toyin Ayinde; Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area Olajide Jimoh and Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Kamal Bayewu.

    According to the Chairman, APBN Lagos State chapter, Aare Adewale Adeyemi, the awardees’ achievements are worthy of emulation.

    “The award is a challenge for them to sit up and do better than they have done before; it is not for them to go to sleep. Professionals should do their best, be focused, determined, exhibit their skills and competence and make sure they have the right input to develop the nation,” Adeyemi said.

    He noted that APBN is an umbrella body of all other registered professional bodies in Nigeria having about 24 professional groups as members.

    “Professionals cover all areas of human endeavour from banking, law, medicine and architecture, so, we have a part to play in the progressive development of the society. We should be included in the national conference that is coming up with the view to alerting the policy makers to necessary development and sustenance in the society”.

    He noted that if professionals were given the opportunity to do what they have to do, there would be faster development.

    The guest speaker, Dr Nwauju Ogbunkae, spoke on the role of professionals in nation building.

    He said professionals could contribute to nation building by suggesting practical solutions to national issues.

    He urged professionals to take up responsibilities and play their role in the development of the society.

    On the honour bestowed on him, Bashorun Randle said the award was fantastic.

    He said he felt elated because the beauty of being a professional is that you always want those coming behind you to surpass you and excel.

    Bayewu described the award as a reward for hard work.

    “The award tells us to do more than what we have been doing.

    “Professionals are relevant in nation building because there is no sector in the economy you won’t see professionals. If you have acquired those skills, you must implement them to influence policies in the economy,” Bayewu said.

    Ayinde added that every good nation is built on some kind of expertise and the expertise is offered by professionals.

    “Professionals should have integrity, excellence and character,” Ayinde said.

    “If everybody did what they were supposed to do right, we would have a better nation. The reason for our problem in this nation is that we have lo st our values of hard work and integrity,” he said.

    On the award, Ayinde said he felt more challenged than happy because every award given means that a standard has been set for you, below which you must not go.

    “I must never go below what I have done and I must aspire to do better,” he said.

  • A tale of two friends

    As part of activities marking its Founder’s Day, the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has honoured CFAO chairman Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas and Premier Lotto (A.k.a Baba Ijebu) founder Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports

    THEY share some things in common. They were born in the same year – 1935; attended

    the same secondary school – Baptist Academy, Lagos; are philanthropists and are involved in the same business in one way or the other. Indeed, they are giants in the turbulent world of business, where they have made their marks.

    The duo are giants in business world.

    In appreciation of their contributions to society, the friends, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas and Chief Kessington Adebukunola, were honoured penultimate Friday by the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Chief Okoya-Thomas, a six-footer, stood tall in his white brocade and cap to match when he was called out for the reading of his citation and award presentation.

    As the master of ceremony (Mc), Dele Aina, read the citation, member of the audience were amazed Okoya-Thomas’ achievements. At a point, the MC sought permission to abridge it to save time. The audience roared in laughter.

    “Who would not clap for a man who is chairman of over 10 successful corporate and non-corporate organisations, including CFAO Nigeria Plc, where he has surpassed his father’s 52 years service to the multinational corporation by three years,” The MC wondered.

    According to him, Okoya-Thomas joined CFAO Nigeria in December 1959 as an accountant and became a director 16 years after at 45.

    In 1981, he was promoted deputy managing director, and he took over the company’s chair six years later. He retained the position till today.

    The MC also regaled the audience with Okoya-Thomas’ other laudable achievements, such as when as chairman of the National Sports Development Lottery, recalling that during the Third All African Games, the honouree returned to the national coffer N97, 511, 946. 99.

    The immediate past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Doyin Owolabi, who chaired the ceremony, conferred the award on Okoya-Thomas. He described the recipient as ”a daddy” in their profession and beacon of hope and light to the younger generation.

    He described the Asoju Oba of Lagos and sponsor Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship for the past 45 years as a “mentor”. He recalled that he has known him since his undergraduate days.

    Those who expected fireworks between the former ICAN chief and Okoya-Thomas, a fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) were disappointed as Owolabi kept on praising the honouree who will be 80 next year.

    “Two fellows of ANAN and ICAN in the same boat? In those days, it would have been a different scenario,” a man mused.

    Adebutu, the MC said, is a man of ”uncommon integrity, hard work and sincerity of purpose,” who rose from grass to grace. A former clerk with the defunct Nigeria Telecommunication Ltd (NITEL), he subsequently joined Claffin Chemicals where he became the Regional Sales Manager for Lagos and Midwest states.

    Baba Ijebu as Adebutu is fondly known, because of his lotto business has touched many lives. He donated N50million to the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye Development Fund, built the Law Faculty for Houdegbe North America University, Benin Republic and a secretariat for the National Union of Teachers (NUT), Ajegunle, Apapa branch.

    The MC described Adebutu as a rare breed who has special love for mankind.

    Okoya-Thomas recalled their days in school, noting that Adebutu, who was small then had become an iroko in business. Describing Adebutu as a friend indeed, he said Adebutu had told him shortly before he (Okoya-Thomas) travelled abroad for further studies, that by the time he came back, he would have become a millionaire.

    ”When I returned, he had not only become a millionaire, but also a multimillionaire,” Okoya-Thomas enthused.

    The audience applauded, but more was to come, which made many to wonder that if Okoya-Thomas had not become an accountant, he would beaten Ali Baba to his joke-cracking game.

    Earlier, after the MC was done with reading his two-page citation, Okoya-Thomas enthused that he could have held his breath and saved his time and energy by just saying the awardee was his friend. Again, the audience responded with laughter. Not one to be beaten in a situation like this, the MC, who loved the jibe, was to remind the audience intermittently that he was happy for the encomium, adding that he hoped to maintain the relationship.

    Both awardees thanked BSN for the gesture. “We appreciate this. Of all the awards I have got so far, this is very meaningful,” Okoya-Thomas said.

    Adebutu said the award was a clarion call to duty. “This award means I should keep the good work going. It means I should get nearer to God,” he added.

    But both men refused to comment on partisan politics, saying the terrain should be left for the practitioners. They urged Nigerians to pray for them.

    Earlier, the guest speaker, Prof Vincent Anigbogu urged Nigerians to show Christ-like attitude towards their work. Using Genesis chapter 1 as an illustration, he said, workers in the public and private sectors should be competent, committed, and dedicated to national development. ”Let the light of Christ be a standard in the world,” he added.

    The Director-General, Institute of National Transformation, who spoke on the theme Transparency in service, the hallmark of true leadership, also urged political leaders to lead by example and be tolerant, noting: “A leader is a bench-maker, he sets a standard.”

    BSN’s Secretary-General Rev Dare Ajiboye, who was celebrating the Founders’ Day for the first time since he took over last year, canvassed financial assistance for the body’s programmes and projects.

    Pupils of Bethesda Home for the Blind, Lagos and Great City Montessori Academy, Lekki added colour to the celebration with their scintillating bible reading and drama presentation.

    At the event were Nigeria’s first female Vice Chancellor Prof Grace Alele-Williams, who was guest of honour; Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria Dr Samuel Uche; Lagos State Governor’s representative Rev Sam Ogedengbe; former Four Square General Overseer Rev Wilson Badejo, Pastor S. Okon, among others.

  • Grand exit of a sweet mother

    Grand exit of a sweet mother

    Ojavun community in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State rose last weekend for the funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Okheren Ifijeh, mother of the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Nation Mr Victor Ifijeh. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    Ojavun-Emai in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State is a rustic community. But its roads are well tarred. Beautiful buildings are springing up in the agrarian community. Last weekend, the village came alive for the funeral of Mrs Elizabeth Okheren Ifijeh, mother of the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation.

    She died on November 4, last year at 82.

    The road leading to the village bustled with life, with vehicles conveying guests to the funeral.

    The villagers stood by the roadside, watching the spectacle.

    Many guests arrived in the town on Friday for the wake keep.

    They sang praises to God for giving the Ifijehs “a mother in million”. They danced till dawn. The remains of Mrs Ifijeh laid peacefully in a well-decorated room in the family house.

    At dawn, preparations began in earnest for the interment.

    The funeral service was held at the expansive Egor Primary School field, which is a few metres away from the Ifijeh family house. A large tent and six other smaller ones sat on the field.

    The remains of Mrs Ifijeh were brought to the field in a motorised hearse. The brown casket was transferred unto a raised platform.

    The arrival of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole caused a stir. Many of the guests ushered him in with shouts of ‘Osho’!!!.

    The music band struck up the National Anthem to kick off the event.

    The late Mrs Ifijeh’s children sat on the front row of one of the canopies and occasionally wiped their faces with handkerchiefs.

    After some songs of praise, the opening hymn: I Am Thine O Lord, was taken. Grandson of the deceased Newton Ikpefan took the Bible reading from Matthew 13:24-30.

    The profile of the late Mrs Ifijeh was read by her only son, Victor. It chronicled the life and accomplishments of the deceased.

    The choir rendered a special song in the local dialect. The young choristers, dressed in red shirts and black skirts and trousers, danced as they sang. The Pastor-in-Charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Ojavun Parish Pastor Michael Afeigbe, gave a brief homily titled: The Cost of Eternal Life. He admonished all to seek eternal life.

    Led by Comrade Oshiomhole and Mr Ifijeh, the guests filed past Mrs Ifijeh’s remains to pay her their last respects before the interment.

    At the graveside, Mr Ifijeh, who had held himself all along, wept. His only sister Ms Caroline Ifijeh stepped up to talk. She shivered, muttered a few words and hurriedly left the graveside. She also wept.

    The remains of Mrs Ifjeh were interred at 12:45pm amid tears by some family members and sympathisers.

    The show of love for the Ifijehs was incredible. The event was one the community will talk about for long.

    Comrade Oshiomhole said the late Mrs Ifijeh led a good life. He said there was reason to celebrate her life. Noting that Mr Ifijeh has now become a “motherless baby”, the governor said his mother has agreed to adopt him. He promised to erect a mini-water works in Ojavun in memory of the late Mrs Ifijeh.

    In attendance were former Edo State Deputy Governor Rev Peter Obadan; Senate President David Mark was represented by his spokesman Kola Ologbodiyan and Hon Victor Afam Ogene represented House of Representatives Speaker Hon Aminu Tambuwal; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius was represented by Mr Sam Nwaobasi; Mr Okey Epia represented House Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha.

    Others were: Chairman, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) Mr Young Arabamen; the representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mr Isaac Okoroafor; General Manager, Public Affairs, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Mr Supo Atobatele, who represented his Managing Director; Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi was represented by his Commissioner for Information Hon Tayo Ekundayo; General Manager/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Mr Gbenga Adefaye; Edo State Commissioner for Information Mr Louis Odion; one-time Lagos State Commissioner for Finance and Chairman Vintage Press Ltd, Mr Wale Edun; renowned essayist Prof Adebayo Williams; The Nation Editor Mr Gbenga Omotoso; Hon Mike Omo; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Vintage Press Limited Mr Ade Odunewu; Managing Director of ThisDay Mr Eniola Bello; Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation Mr Sam Omatseye; Chief Whip, Edo State House of Assembly Fenny Ogedengbe; Dean, Post Graduate Studies of Ambrose Ali University Prof Dominic Badaiki and other top management and staff of The Nation.