Category: Entertainment

Former Deputy Director in the office of the Auditor- General of the Federation Alhaja Khairat Sodique presented a book titled Born to be at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja last Saturday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

She has seen it all. From her humble beginning at Epetedo on Lagos Island to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where she retired as Deputy Director in the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, Alhaja Khairat Oluwatoyin Sodique’s sojourn in life could be framed in the word of one time Emperor of Rome, Julius Caesar, She came, she saw and she conquered.

The woman of many parts excelled in religious, academic and diplomatic worlds.

As an accountant, she traversed the United States, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Russia, Ghana, Zambia, Libya, Canada, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Botswana and Guinea Bissau to audit Nigerian Embassies.

The University of Lagos Accountancy graduate was an Assessor and Examiner to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) for 15 years.

At 65, Alhaja Sodique’s blazing trails in various religious organisations remain outstanding. She rose from the General Secretary of the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) to the pinnacle of the organisation – National President. She is at present the National General Secretary of Jama-at-ul-Islamiyya Society of Nigeria, the first female to occupy such post.

Married to Alhaji Abdul Giyas Oluwakorede Sodique, a chartered building engineer, the couple is blessed with children doing well in various fields.

It was no surprise when eminent personalities thronged the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja last Saturday for the presentation of Alhaja Sodique’s book titled: Born to be, a reminiscing and counsels on life and living.

The book is an autobiography of the great woman.

The event, which began on a prayer note featured recitation from the Quran, lecture, book review, presentation, unveiling and launching, goodwill messages and special prayer for the author.

Lateefah Oluwakemi Sodique, a lawyer read the biography of the author before Chief Imam of Victoria Garden City Muslim Community Mosque (VGC) Alhaji Taofiq Awwal delivered the soul-inspiring lecture.

Alhaji Awwal commended the author for a brilliant piece.

He enjoined Muslim women to be outstanding in their chosen field of endeavours.

According to him, the Muslim community needs more of Alhaja Sodique to uplift the society.

The book was reviewed by Chief Executive Officer Deen Communications Limited Mr Mudathir Niyi Sanuth and Mrs Mujidat Olagunju of the Voice of Nigeria (VON).

Mrs Olagunju hailed the author’s creativity.

The book, she said, is not written in the usual autobiography with history and date.

“You would appreciate the book if you are a creative person from a creative perspective. Most autobiographies are non-fiction but this one is like a fiction but it real life experience; she had a mixture of prose and poetry. It’s not the normal convention of an autobiography,” she said.

According to her, the author’s acceptability of destiny aids her success.

“She is able to accept that Allah is the driver of her life. Whatever life throws at her, she has been able to take as what Allah has ‘Kadar’ (destined) for her. So for that, she was able to move far. She appreciates things that have happened in her life even when she made mistakes; she was able to appreciate those mistakes believing that, they are all from Allah. So, she did not cry too much and she did not laugh too much which is part of lesson from Prophet Muhammad,” she said.

The Chief Launcher Senator Khairat Gwadabe described the book as a must read.

“It is a good book; it has a story of life that has gone through ups and downs and has succeeded. For women, it’s not easy to juggle education, marriage and carrier. So, to see a book written about the stress of all these, I think it’s something encouraging, including men who see that you can be a husband and still be in charge and giving your wife all the freedom. Without her husband support, she wouldn’t have achieved all of this. You can see that, that is a lesson. She gave total submission to her husband and then he elevated her,” she said.

Senator Gwadabe described Alhaja Sodique as an outstanding personality.

“She believes strongly in her religion and sticks to the principles. She doesn’t lie; whatever she says, that is how it is going to be and she is a dogged fighter. When she goes on to a course, she runs with it. She doesn’t give up easily,” she stated.

Senator Gwadabe urged women to be steadfast, honest, prayerful and hard working.

The author said the urge to serve humanity inspired her to write the book.

According to her, knowledge kept is knowledge wasted but knowledge shared is knowledge beneficial to humanity.

Alhaja Sodique told The Nation that the writing, publication and printing of the book took her up to six months.

“The fact is that when you are interested in something, once you pick your pen, it starts flowing and you do not want to stop. You stop when you are tired and you continue again. So, it something that is sort of inspiration, discharge it and it keeps coming and coming,” she said.

Though she admitted such task is a bit strenuous due to age factor.

“I have to sit and do a lot of writing. I enjoyed doing it. So, I wouldn’t see it as any challenge and my family has been very supportive; I really thank my husband and children for their wonderful supports,” she said.

She urged women to

believe in themselves and not think that there is anything they cannot do.

“Once you have the zeal to do it, go ahead, start it, and pray about it and you will be successful,” she said.

Chief Imam of Jama-at-ul-Islamiyya Society of Nigeria and Overseas Alhaji Muhammad Babatunde Alfa-Nla made a special prayer for the author, her family and guests at the ceremony.

Administrator of PENCKERS School, Isolo, Alhaja Rizqah Lasaki, daughter of the author delivered the vote of thanks.

There were refreshments and sales of the book before the closing prayer was made.

Egundoyin, daughter of JAMB Registrar Prof ‘Dibu Ojerinde, and Oluwatoyin, son of Rear Admiral Anthony Oni (rtd) have got married in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports.

On February 1, all roads led to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, for the families of Prof ‘Dibu Ojerinde and Rear Admiral Anthony Oni (rtd) whose children got married.

Dignitaries thronged the town for the event. The couple are Egundoyin, daughter of Prof Ojerinde, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and Oluwatoyin, son of Rear Admiral Oni. Ilorin stood still for the high-octane event.

The engagement and reception took place at the Romeichs Hall on Ajase-Ipo road.

The academia and Nollywood were represented.

The couple came to the Calvary Baptist Church in a Chevrolet car, looking radiant and full of smiles.

Egundoyin was decked in an immaculate white flowing gown; her husband shone in a black suit, white shirt and black bow tie.

The church choir entertained the gathering before the holy matrimony.

The couple exchanged wedding rings and signed the dotted lines after being declared man and wife.

An officiating minister, Rev Adelani Akanji, from the First Baptist Church in Garki, Abuja, urged the couple not to let their background affect the marriage.

Rev Akanji said the success of any marriage is wrapped in three words, “faith, hope and love,” adding: “Each of them is a dimension of patience.”

“Wedding, the cleric said, ‘is not the same thing as marriage; Faith is patience with God and hope is patience with each other. Love is also patience with each other.

“You are married today, but you are not yet a champion; you are just work in progress. I urge you not to rate yourselves empirically.”

The masters of ceremony, Ajele and Baba T, doled out rib cracking jokes. The couple tried to outdo each other on the dance floor.

Gospel musician Yinka Ayefele entertained guests at the reception.

Speaking with The Nation, the groom, Oluwatoyin, said he met his wife, a friend to his younger brother, about six years ago.

The groom, who could not hide his happiness, added: “Today is one of my happiest days. My wife is a beautiful, charming, patient and God-fearing lady. She is also peaceful and heart-warming. She is an epitome of everything good. We met about six years ago; she is a friend to my brother.”

Egundoyin described her husband as caring.

“He possesses everything I desire in a man; we met about six years ago through his brother who is my friend. I believe God ordained us to meet via that encounter.”

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, the special guest of honour, counselled couple not to bring a third party into their marriage.

“Let your good upbringing reflect in your marriage everyday. This will make your marriage blissful” .

At the event were Deputy Governors of Ekiti and Oyo states, Prof Modupe Adelabu and Otunba Moses Adeyemo; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala; former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Samuel Afolayan and wife, Precious; immediate past Commissioner of Police, Mr Agboola Oshodi-Glover; Accountant-General of the Federation Mr Niyi Otunla; Secretary to Kogi State Government Prof Olugbemiro Jegede; Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College, Ibadan, Prof Tope Alonge, Royal Ambassador to the Alaafin of Oyo Aare Ayandotun Ayanlakin, staff of the National Examination Council (NECO) and JAMB.

The Assistant Confidential Secretary, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos State Command, Mrs Jokotade Oluwafunmilayo Akinrinmade, celebrated her 50th birthday last Saturday at the All Season Plaza, Ikeja. AMIDU ARIJE and IBRAHIM ADAM report.

Last Saturday was a special day for the Assistant Confidential Secretary of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Lagos State Command, Mrs Jokotade Oluwafunmilayo Akinrinmade who celebrated her 50th birthday in grand style.

Dignitaries from all walks of life gathered at the All Season Plaza in Ikeja, Lagos to honour Mrs Jokotade. For her, attaining the golden age was by grace of God, considering the challenges, she said.

The hall was beautifully adorned. Yellow, blue and white satin clothes draped the hall in a neatly arranged format while gold was used to decorate the table overlays with flower vases of different colours. The decorations in the hall matched with the Aso ebi uniform for the occasion.

Beautifully dressed ushers, well beloved welcomed guests into the hall and led them to their allotted seats.

The Summit Band group enlivened the occasion with music.

The band from time to time sings songs to the delight of the gathering. The occasion began with prayer by Pastor Tunde Famoyegun; it was officiated by MC Pashun and Myde.

A minute silence was observed for the celebrator’s husband, Mr Akinola Akinrinmade.

After this, Pastor Famoyegun gave a sermon on the theme ‘Wisdom of living’.

The cleric enjoined everyone to appreciate God for all He has done irrespective of the challenges.

“We must learn to appreciate God for all the achievements. You must always learn to appreciate God irrespective of what you are passing through because that challenge will later be your testimony,” he said.

The celebrator, who was the cynosure of all eyes, was beautifully dressed in yellow and blue attire with gold head gear and Ipele on her shoulder. She later changed to a full flowered gold lace attire to match with the Ipele and pair of matching shoes.

It was fun all day. When it was time for her to cut the birthday cake, the celebrator was accompanied by her son, Mayowa.

This session was supervised by MC Pashun. It was cut after the spelling of Jesus. All applauded her with cheers and standing ovations.

This was followed with music from the Summit band.

Mrs Akinrinmade from Odogbolu in Ijebu, Ogun State said God has been so faithful to her all through her life sojourn.

“I can’t explain because am overwhelmed. I give God the glory because of His faithfulness on the journey so far. I was seriously sick; I thought I was going to leave but glory is to God. This is the main reason I determined to celebrate it, I have to do it. I appreciate everyone from far and near who came for my birthday, I am so grateful,” she said.

Her son, Mayowa, described his mother as everything to him.

“My mum is everything to me. I am very close to her, she wakes me up at night to talk to me,” he said.

The celebrator’s mother, Mrs Aduni Ifebogun was full of joy.

She described her daughter as easy going and goal getter.

“I am happy for today for seeing my daughter clock 50. There is no parent that will not be happy for this. My daughter, Funmilayo is a goal getter and well behaved,” she said.

In his tribute to the celebrator, Gbenga Ifebogun, described her as easy going and accommodating.

Mrs Mosunmola Joshua said she loved Akinrinmade for her calm and humble disposition.

“I love her so much. She is so dear to me and I pray God be with her and her son Mayowa,” she said.

Guests were treated to choice drinks and food.

All was on the dance floor till light faded.

 

 

The Okeigbo Consultative Forum (OCF) in Ondo State honoured some indigenes of the community at its end-of-year party at Encore Hotel and Suites in Ajao Estate, Lagos. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports.

THE swimming pool on the right side of Encore Hotel and Suites in Ajao Estate, Lagos not only provided the tonic needed from the scorching sun on that Saturday afternoon, it also gave members of the Okeigbo Consultative Forum (OCF) of Ondo State a soothing balm to calm their nerves.

Although the event started behind schedule, no one felt the long hours of waiting, especially as the music from the background made every one relax. And when the Master of Ceremony (MC) finally announced the take-off of the event, many felt the waiting was worth it.

The event was to honour some sons and daughter of the community who contributed significantly to OCF, but also the area. They awardees were Princess Funmi Ogunlusi, a Deputy Director in the Lagos State Civil Service; Chief Akin Akinrera, Head, Safety, Security and Health, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Chief Clement Oluwole Ogunlana, retired director, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Otunba Olu Adegbite and Oyewole Elusiyan, an electrical engineer and formerly of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

Others, who received awards of special recognition, includeChief Rufus Sunday Aderinoye.

According to the Chairman of the forum, Chief Dele Oduwale, they were honoured for their contributions to the community. He described Ogunlusi as a role model.

He described Ogunlana as ‘a typical Okeigbo man’, whose contributions to the community and the country are many.

“I want to say the light of God had finally come to Okeigbo. It’s a clarion call. Today, let’s rebuild the walls of Okeigbo. The activities of OCF in the last one year were tailored towards rebuilding Okeigbo,’’ Oduwale said.

He listed some projects the group executed. These include the completion of the community’s market and bank.

Oduwale, who is the Chief Executive Officer, Encore Hotel and Suite, Ajao Estate, Lagos reviewed the group’s activities.

He said: ‘’In less than a year of its existence, we can proudly say, we are doing extremely well. The future is bright.”

Akinrera, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, said: “We want to assure the entire kingdom that we are taking the award as a clarion call to duty. As far as we are concerned, we have not done anything. The rebuilding of Okeigbo is a task that must be done and that it will be done in 2014.’’

Venerable Segun Ajayi, the first ordained priest of the Anglican Communion from the community, who was called to pray, not only prayed but also preached. He took his sermon from Nehemiah 2:8, urging the sons and daughters of the community, like Nehemiah, to rebuild their town. He enjoined them to be united and be patient, noting that the Almighty God will bless their efforts.

“There will be accusations and counter-accusations. But let’s continue to unite. We will be together before the Lord can come in,’’ he said. He prayed God to bless Okeigbo. ‘’Every thing the enemy stole from Okeigbo shall be restored,’’ he prayed.

At the event were some indigenes of the community and their friends, including Mr Sina Hamzat, a lawyer and staff member of NNPC.

Members of the Klassic Club, Ikere-Ekiti gathered in Lagos to celebrate one of their own, Maj-Gen Sunday Adedapo Adebayo, Commander, Nigeria Army Education Corps, following his promotion. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

What have I done to deserve this honour?” Maj-Gen Sunday Adedapo Adebayo asked no one in particular as he wrapped himself up in his white flowing agbada. He shook his head intermittently as he beheld the party thrown for him to mark his promotion.

Adebayo, the Commander, Nigeria Army Education Corps, was promoted a Maj-Gen a few weeks ago. He was treated to a reception by his peers at the Klassic Club, Ikere-Ekiti at the ITF premises in Ojota, a Lagos suburb penultimate Saturday.

It was indeed, a classy affair. Among the exotic drinks served to wash down sumptuous meals stood out ‘Classic red wine’ in what a guest aptly described as “a show of class.”

It took no time for guests to know that God is the club’s pillar as Dupe Adamu kicked the event off with praise worship. The National Anthem and the club’s anthem were recited, Funke Ogundana said the opening prayer, and Afolabi Abe prayed for the club.

Lola Oluwasuji did a supplication for members and their families before Tope Aluko took over the microphone for a soul-stirring exhortation.

Aluke dwelt on the essence of life, asking all to imbibe the virtue of piety that Jesus Christ was noted for, submitting: “We must live a righteous life; we must seek the good of one another and remember always that we owe it as a duty to aspire to leave our world better than we met it.”

In his opening remark, Wale Oluwasuji, the club’s President, said the ‘Klass Day’ was being observed as an annual event, noting that this year’s was different with the recognition being accorded Adebayo and the club’s Patron, Prince Lanke Adegboye.

After Adebayo’s well-applauded citation read by Ola Ogundolapo, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Communications, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State who described the general as “an epitome of loyalty to the Nigerian Army and his fatherland,” everyone took to the dance floor to rejoice with Adebayo. A musical ensemble on the band stand made the session a pleasurable one as it dished out melodious tunes that legs found irresistible.

Ovation rose to high heavens when Prince Adegboye presented a plaque to Adebayo. Beaming with smiles, the recipient responded, thanking his hosts for the honour, which he described as “humbling and encouraging.”

“What you have done for me here today, I must add, is a further challenge for me to do more in the area of selfless service to the nation and my home, Ikere. This is a cause to which I’m irrevocable committed and I urge you to continue to contribute your quotas to the elevation of our dear town because there is no other place we have as our home,” Adebayo said.

Another session for Adebayo to have an idea of his worth before his people came when guests and his co-Klass-members stepped out to extol his sterling virtues in superlative terms.

Everyone agreed that the Army officer remained a serviceable compatriot, a lover of his hometown, ever-ready to assist his kinsmen, and “an outstanding servant of his fatherland.”

Before the floor was thrown open for something close to a dance contest, Oye Adebero and Femi Ayodele gave a heartwarming vote of thanks and closing prayer respectively.

At a point, amid naira rain during the final dance session, Ogundolapo took over the microphone from the musician of the day. He gleefully took all down memory lane as he dished out various Ikere traditional songs to the delight of all.

Spanish-based businessman Christain Chuks Ezenawaka, got married to former Miss Nene Chibogwu Ekwugha at the Catholic Church of the Presentation, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

Not all lovers rekindle their love after many years of being apart. Theirs is a story of perseverance and patience that paid off.

Their long courtship culminated in Holy Matrimony on January 11.

The young couple was full of joy and contentment after being joined by the parish priest of Catholic Church of the Presentation, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Rev Fr Ethelbert Ukpabi.

It was not a loud ceremony. The guests comprised just a few of their family members and friends, who were there to support them as they took their first step into marital bliss.

The reception held at one of the halls of the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

It was decorated in red and gold. Each table, with names of each guests attached to each table.

When the couple was called into the hall, they did it stylishly. The groom entered the hall looking for his wife. His facial expression was that of a confused man. He refused to listen to whatever his friends told him. Then, some of the bridesmaids gestured him to go outside to where the pretty Nene was waiting.

As Chucks dashed outside, he danced in with Nene to Flavours Ada Ada. Guests wowed and applauded at the mini drama performed.

While the couple kept dancing to familiar Nigerian songs from the Disco Jockey, the guests were treated to sumptuous food both continental and African and topped with choice wine and drinks.

Elder sister of the groom, Mrs Nneka Okonkwo proposed the toast. In doing so, she told everyone how Chucks brought Nnene to her during his National Youth Service (NYSC) days and introduced her as his wife.

“He was still living with me so I didn’t take him serious. He soon after left for Spain to seek greener pastures and Nnene went to the United Kingdom to further her education.

“They actually lost contact until one day, Chucks called me and told me he has found Nene and the rest is history”.

 

All roads led to the ancient city of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, when Adefemi, a lawyer and son of former Osun State Commissioner of Works, Chief Soji Longe, got married to former Miss Adepeju Onikoyi. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.

It was, indeed, a memorable day when Adefemi, a lawyer and son of former Osun State Commissioner of Works, Chief Soji Longe, took his jewel, Adepeju Onikoyi to the altar.

The elaborate wedding, which took place in Ilorin, was preceded by an engagement where the lovebirds received their parents’ blessings.

Before the dignitaries filed out to the reception Hall, there was a service at the Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, situated a few metres away.

Inside the church, colourful tapes and beautiful linen were used to decorate the inner part of the church.

The parents of the couple who were decked in Aso oke, sat in the front roll; next to them were the couple – the bride wore a white flowing wedding gown and the groom, a well made black suit.

The bridal train wore a colourful dress. The women adorned a uniform red head-gear and a yellow strip buba lace. But the young men put on red caps to match. Others wore light brown yellow ankara.

For more than two hours, the dignitaries at the sprawling church edifice listened to counsel from the officiating minister, Pastor Segun Oni, and his co-Pastor, Abraham Adeyemi, who interpreted into Yoruba language.

The cleric reminded the couple that marriage was instituted by God; hence it should be honourable because God is honourable.

He said: “That is why a husband and wife must treat each other with honour. Honour is the opposite of shame. Another virtue expected in marriage is joy, love, goodness and favour, which brings peace.

“Love is what cements marriage. Husband and wife should live a healthy prayer life and cast everything unto the Lord. They must pray together. Marriage is not a traditional institution, not man-made; therefore to get the blessings of God in a marriage, you must honour and celebrate God, the owner of marriage institution.”

Members of the church choir rendered gospel songs intermittently.

At the reception hall, guests marvelled at the well-decorated tall wedding cake and two royal chairs prepared for the couple. The stage was decorated in white linen.

Soon, the couple were ushered in with dance and music rendered by the Nigerian Police Band. Other family members joined the chorus to welcome the couple to their seats.

The arrival of the couple kicked off the reception. There were various local and continental dishes as well as assorted wine.

After cutting the cake, the couple hit the dance floor.

On how the two lovebirds met, Adefemi said: “Well, I came to Ilorin for the first time ever in April, last year with the intention to relax and to attend my friend’s introduction and she happened to be the friend of the bride and so my friend introduced her to me and since that day, the whole thing developed. That is how it happened.”

Chief Longe was full of joy and gratitude to witness the day.

“I feel very extremely good because it’s a long journey for this young boy. He is a lawyer and he has been a very good son to us in the family. So seeing him getting married is a very joyful moment,” he said.

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has conferred fellowship on deserving members at its annual Dinner and Awards night. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

The last edition of the annual dinner of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) was different from others in the past.

The venue was the Lagoon Restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos. Green and gold draped the expansive hall in a neatly arranged format. Same colours were used to decorate the table overlays and chairs.

In no time, the hall was filled to capacity.

Many of the guests are masters in tax matters and their dressings reflected that.

Among the guests were 208 of the newly inducted fellows. Also, present were corporate bodies and individuals who have made an impact in the institute’s practice and administration in the country.

Long before the stipulated commencement time, men and women decked in glamorous English and native attires had already begun networking. Soft music serenaded in the background as they moved around exchanging pleasantries, hugs and handshakes.

The high table was exceptionally high and could be seen from all angles of the hall. It was a long stretch of arranged chairs, where prominent members and special guests were called upon. They were ushered up by uniformed women.

Soon after the National Anthem, the event’s Committee Chairperson, Mrs Adebola Olumegbon welcomed guests, where she urged them to make use of the titles acquired that evening after their names.

The President of the institute, Mr Mark Anthony Dike said the gathering was just appropriate to wind up the year.

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy,” he said.

Dike urged the Nigerians to pay their taxes so that the government can make use of the money collected.

He urged the inductees and fellows, to give those coming behind something to emulate.

The special guest, and Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire was represented by the Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Revenue and Tax Mr Bola Shodipo. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partner the institute to ensure its mission is achieved.

Citations were read and long service awards given to those who have worked for the institute.

Consequently, the fellows were conferred with their awards, among them was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea Adamu Babangida.