The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • NIM gets new helmsman

    A pharmacist, Dr Nelson Uwaga, has been sworn in as the 19th President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    HE is the first pharmacist to head the 52-year-old Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He stood tall at the Shell Hall of the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Centre in Lagos last Thursday. It was his day of joy and everything was done to make it glamorous for him.

    Dr Nelson Uwaga’s was happy to mount the saddle.

    The institute’s banners were placed at strategic points at the entrance of the venue. They bore inscriptions stating the mission and vision of the institute. The hall was expansive and decorated in white, blue and red.

    The tables were set to sit eight guests. It was a day of merrymaking and felicitation.

    The event, which began shortly before midday, was brief as the organisers went straight to the business of the day. All the elected members of the council from the six geopolitical zones were inaugurated. They included the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr Christy Atako; Human Resources Director of Flour Mills Madam Mary Uraya; Prof Zakari Mohammed of the Library Science Department of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU); and Chief Olusola Dada.

    They filed out one after the other; stood on the podium and were presented with certificates of office by one time chairman of NIM, Chief Leonard Aimiuwu.

    There was also the presentation of a paper, Managing transformation in turbulent times by Dr Lere Baale, who is a member of the Board of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

    Baale noted that transformation is an important factor in the economy of the country which attracts talents.

    He said: “The right thoughts, plus the right people, in the right environment at the right time, for the right reason always produce the right results.”

    The outgoing president, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, who held the position for two years, gave his valedictory speech. Having given account of his stewardship, he expressed confidence that Uwaga will take NIM to the next level.

    “If UNO won’t do it, who else will,” he said.

    As Uwaga’s citation was read, his predecessor was called upon to decorate him with the regalia of office. Chief Olawale-Cole called on the past presidents of the institute to stand by him as he passed the baton.

    In turn, Uwaga performed his first task of decorating his deputy, Prof Munzali Jubril and other members of the Governing Council after which he addressed his members and promised to manage their affairs effectively.

    Uwaga is the Chairman of the Faculty of Community Pharmacy of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists and a lecturer in the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The father of five is a Knight of John Wesley of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.

    Others at the event were: Former Executive Governor of Lagos State Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Chief Jimi Agbaje; Bashorun J. K. Randle and the Onigbongbo of Lagos, Oba Munirudeen Yusuf.

  • For their wives only

    A socio-cultural group, the Edo Elite Club, has thrown a party for its members’ wives at Palacina Guest House Hall, Magodo Phase II in Lagos. WALE ADEPOJU was there.

    There was fun among members of the Edo Elite Club, a socio-cultural group and their wives.

    It was the group’s end-of-the-year party.

    It was held at Palacina Guest House Hall, Magodo Phase II, Lagos.

    Beaming with smiles, some women dressed in traditional Edo attires sat with their husbands. Many arrived into the warm embrace of friends and well-wishers. It was a reunion of sorts.

    Most men were dressed in white with necklaces to complement their outfit.

    The atmosphere was electric and there was much to drink and eat. The reverberating rhythm of Edo music added pep to the occasion as they chorus to the lyric of some of the songs.

    The women were full of praises for their husbands.

    They said they were overwhelmed by the gesture.

    Club president, Mr Abu Napoleon said the aim of organising the party was to strengthen the cordial relationship between members and their wives.

    He said it was decided during the hosting of the club patron, Air-Vice Marshal Joe Ehigie, to treat the women to lunch.

    “This is the fulfilment of our promise that our wives should start feeling the impact of the club. We will be organising the get-together to entertain and celebrate with them,” he added.

    Napoleon said the club, which was founded on social justice, would continue to support the women to make the home a better place for all.

    He said women are important to the success of their husbands, adding: “We appreciate and recognise the support of our wives.”

    Napoleon said the year ending has some challenges because some members took ill. “But through our joint prayers, they are getting better. Our prayer is that we will not lose any member and their family. Our days on earth will be long and we will be progressive,” he added.

    He thanked members for their dedication and hard work, especially meeting their financial obligation.

    Admonishing the members and their wives, Pastor Don Okhuota of the Christ Embassy, Shangisha Branch, urged members of the club to accept Jesus Christ.

    “God doesn’t have interest in anybody who did not accept Jesus Christ into his life,” he added.

    He charged them to live according to God’s will if they desire progress in their club.

  • Love conquers all

    A broadcaster and daughter of an Inspector in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Julius Ayodele Ajayi, Oluwabukola, has got married to Olatunde, son of the Chief Executive Officer of a Lagos company, Adelemo Properties Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Olalekan Adelemo, in Lagos. SEUN AJAYI reports

    GABRIEL Orooro Multipurpose Hall in Ikotun, a Lagos suburb, was decorated in pink and yellow. Guests shone in their traditional attires, many blended with the colour of the decoration.

    Guests came in their numbers to rejoice with Oluwabukola, a broadcaster with Supersport and daughter of an Inspector in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Julius Ayodele Ajayi and her beau Olatunde, a business man and son of the Chief Executive Officer, Adelemo Properties Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Olalekan Adelemo.

    The event had Idowu Oladipupo (a.k.a 100John) as the Master of the ceremony and Eniola Lias Abiodun (a.k.a Queen Ayangbajumo) as the Alaga Iduro.

    Mr Tutor and his band entertained guests with music and jokes, ensuring there were no dull moments throughout the event.

    The hall was filled to capacity.

    The couple’s seat at the centre of the stage was decorated in white with lights across.

    While the bride’s family took to the left, the grooms were on the right.

    The couple’s parents were on the same outfit of brown lace with head gear and cap to match.

    The event started with the opening prayer done in Muslim and Christian way. Praise and worship followed.

    The event continued with the entry of the bride’s parent, Mr Ajayi and wife Mojisola. They were accompanied by some family members and friends. The groom’s parent, Alhaji Olalekan and wife Aderonke entered in the same manner.

    Families were introduced to each other after which they made their intention known.

    Olatunde, clad in a brown agbada, which had orange designs came into the hall in the company of his friends who were on white native. They prostrated to greet the couples’ parents and family members.

    The bride Oluwabukola came into the hall in the same manner as her husband. She wore orange lace buba and head gear to match with brown wrapper and blue shoe with blue neck beads.

    She and her friends knelt down to greet her parents and their family members.

    Soon after, Olatunde and Oluwabukola were presented to both families for blessing.

    Olatunde carried his wife in a show of love as he presented her to his and her families. They sealed with kisses.

    Oluwabukola described her beau as loving.

    “I like his character; even when I am angry, he will always find a way to calm me down, he’s nice, loving and always caring,” she said.

    Olatunde said he loves his wife, saying she is very caring.

    The bride’s father, Mr Julius Ajayi, described the day as a glorious one in his life, giving glory to God.

    He encouraged the couple to work hand in hand and support each other to be successful.

    The bride’s mother, Mojisola Ajayi urged the couple to stay together in love and allow nothing to come in between them.

    The groom’s father, Alhaji Olalekan Adalemo enjoined the couple to love and respect each other.

  • Forever together

    Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Otunba Jide Adebayo has given out the hand of his daughter Anuoluwapo, in marriage to her beau Mr Eyitayo Adedayo Akanfe, in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, writes KRISTY EJIKEME

    For the Akanfe and Adebayo families, December 7 will remain etched on their minds. That day, Anuoluwapo, daughter of Acting Managing Director of News Ageny of Nigeria (NAN) Otunba Jide Adebayo got married to Eyitayo Adedayo Akanfe in Omu-Aran in Kwara State.

    The ceremony was preceded by the traditional engagement at the Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran’s Hall of Fame, the previous day.

    The use of the school premises was a home coming for its Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) of which Adebayo, the Otunba Gbadero of Olla land and Otun Gbobaniyi of Omu-Aran, is an active member.

    The engagement was characterised by the rich culture of the Igbomina.There was drumming and dancing with rendition of traditional songs by different traditional women groups.

    The couple’s marriage was solemnised at the 2nd E.C.W.A. Church, Agamo, G.R.A., Omu-Aran.

    The congregation sang: “It is so sweet to trust in Jesus,” as Otunba Adebayo led the bride into the church auditorium to join the groom.

    Rev. Samuel Adewumi pronounced them man and wife to the congregation’s delight.

    The groom unveiled his bride’s face before they both exchanged their wedding rings and marital vows.

    After the recessional hymn: “Blessed Assurance”, guests were entertained at the Omu-Aran City Hall.

    The wedding got a royal flavour with the presence of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye, and his wife, Olori Omowunmi. Members of the Olomu-in-Council were also there.

    Otunba Adebayo, a former Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in Kwara State, his wife and in-laws attracted many guests from far and near.

  • Garlands for a public servant

    Friends have hosted Alhaji Hassan Bello to dinner to celebrate his appointment as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    In his days at the Federal Government College (FGC) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Alhaji Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), was fond of singing this song titled: He that is down needs fear no fall.

    Penultimate Saturday, he was moved by the warmth that radiated at the Oceanview Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, to recite those lines again.

    He was before a small gathering of men and women from all walks of life comprising his friends and family members.

    It was at a dinner to celebrate his appointment as NSC’s executive secretary.

    Many in the shipping world where he grew were in attendance. The reception was an avenue for lawyers and business tycoons to interact.

    Many stared in bewilderment seeing the ‘learned men in fashionable attires and not their traditional wig and gown.

    Hausa women were not left out. Though their hair were covered, their skirts and gowns glittered; topped with beautiful enchanting smiles. Their mien and carriage bespoke affluence.

    They were there to share in the joy of the former legal adviser to the NSC whom they all spoke about in superlative terms as a good man with a good heart.

    Mike Igbokwe (SAN) anchored the event. He called out guests one after the other to speak on Bello.

    The Special Adviser to the Minister of Transport on Maritime Affairs, Mallam Dikko Bala, said Bello deserved the appointment because of his forthrightness.

    Chief Peter Okocha, chairman of Michelle Terminals, endorsed all that was said, describing Bello’s appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

    Bello’s predecessor Captain Adamu Biu said his successor would take the council to greater heights.

    He urged Bello’s wife of 18 years to support him by managing the home front well to enable him carry out his task effectively.

    Others who spoke were the Managing Director of Ports and Terminals, Lizzy Owude; Chidi Ilogu (SAN); and Mrs Ify Akerele of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping.

    Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States Prof George Obiozor said it was a matter of time before Bello’s good works manifest, expressing confidence in his administration.

    Also present were Funke Aboyade (SAN) and Miss Margaret Nyamse, who was his classmate. They were the pioneer students of FGC, Ilorin, in 1973.

    Born 53 years ago in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Bello’s father was the Grand Khadi of the state. He passed on when he was only three years old. His late mother Hajia Hafsat Bello brought him and 15 other siblings up to be lawyers.

    “Even as the son of a judge, I still have sweet memories of him bringing sweets home for us,” Bello stated.

  • Counting Allah’s Blessings

    A reception has been held for former FirstBank of Nigeria Plc Senior Manager Alhaja Fatimat Oyefeso, wife of former Commissioner, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, following her voluntary retirement. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

    The celebrator’s husband was the youngest among his Law course mates at the University of Lagos but the first to start enjoying the good things of life.

    While his peers were still searching for jobs after graduation, Alhaji Musibau Adewale Oyefeso, former Commissioner at the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and National Amir (President), The Companion (An association of Muslim Men in Business and Profession), had secured a job, lucrative enough to allow him embark on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj.

    He also got married early to a career woman with a penchant for home keeping, and they started having children while many of his colleagues were still dreaming of marriage.

    By the time his colleagues could say Alhamdulilahi (Thank God) for securing a job, Alhaji Oyefeso had built his first house in Idimu, a Lagos suburb.

    These were parts of the highlights of an event held last Saturday.

    The former LASIEC chief invited friends and well-wishers to a reception for his wife, Alhaja Fatimat Yewande Oyefeso, who voluntarily retired from the FirstBank of Nigeria Plc as a Senior Manager after decades of service.

    The three-in-one ceremony featured a thanksgiving for his son, AbdulLateef on his called to Bar last Friday, and completion of a Masters programme of his daughter, Lateefah in the United Kingdom.

    Oyefeso’s new house at the GRA, Ikeja was the centre of attraction.

    His business associates, political friends and members of The Companion were there in large numbers.

    With the posh cars parked on Ladoke Akintola Street, one could be forgiven for thinking the gathering was another political assembly.

    The pavilion of the building was not specially decorated but conducive for the guests.

    It was simply a prayer event with clerics taking turns to seek Allah’s blessing on the Oyefesos and guests.

    In his short but laughter-filled admonition, Sheikh Najimdeen Jumah, the Naibul Imam of Lekki Muslim Community, took the gathering through etiquettes of thanksgiving.

    According to him, it must come with genuine intention, open mind and devoid of sinful actions.

    He said Prophet Muhammad encouraged Muslims to always give thanks.

    Sheikh Jumah, a classmate of Alhaji Oyefeso at UNILAG, said thanksgiving should not be a monthly or yearly ritual but a daily affair “because Allah’s mercies on us are uncountable.”

    He thanked Allah for the life of Oyefeso.

    “Oyefeso, he said, was the youngest among us in school and the first to achieve many things. Allah has really blessed him.”

    Praising the celebrator, Sheikh Jumah described her as the backbone of the family.

    “While many out there were searching for jobs, our own sister retired voluntarily. She is a woman many would pray to have in their family. Her affection for Gele (headgear) did not debar her daughter from embracing hijab (headscarf),” he said.

    He congratulated Lateef and Lateefah for making their parents proud.

    Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who came with her husband, Alhaji Saheed Adebule, extolled the virtues of the Oyefesos.

    She thanked Allah that the Oyefeso matriarch left the banking profession without a scandal.

    She urged her children to continue to be good ambassadors of their family.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Adeyemi Banire congratulated the Oyefesos.

    He told the children that accomplishment of goals is different from success.

    “Whatever you acquire must be beneficial to the society; the knowledge both of you acquired must reflect positively in your relationship with the public,” he said.

    The Amir (President) of The Companion, Lagos District, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, described Alhaji Oyefeso as an unpredictable person in terms of rendering service to Allah.

    According to him, one’s discipline in higher institution does not make such a person successful, but rather the ability to discover oneself.

    “My friend (Oyefeso) studied law, but he is good in road construction,” he said amid laughter from the guests.

    Oyefeso thanked all for honouring his call.

     

  • Jonathan, others bid senator’s mum bye

    President Goodluck Jonathan led dignitaries to the funeral of the mother of Senator Ayogu Eze, Ma Paulina Omadaja Eze in Umuida, Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. CHRIS OJI reports.

    PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan was there. He led a powerful team from Abuja to the funeral of Mama Paulina Omadaya Eze, mother of Senator Ayogu Eze. It was an event attended by the high and mighty. The Senate virtually relocated to Umuida, the Eze’s hometown in Igbo-eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, to commiserate with one of its own.

    Umuida had never seen a thing like this before. Its bumpy and dusty roads spewed dust as one dignitary after the other arrived. The President landed in an helicopter in the community’s school field. He was accompanied by Governor Sullivan Chime. The mass was on when he and his entourage arrived at St Theresa’s Catholic Church.

    Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Godfrey Onah conducted the mass.

    He was assisted by more than 40 other priests. There were also top clergy men and women from other Christian denominations.

    The mass, held at the deceased’s compound, was conducted under a giant canopy, customised to take no fewer than 3000 people.

    It was filled to capacity.

    The first Bible reading was taken by Mrs Nkechi Ayogu-Eze; the second lesson was read by Senator Eze’s sister, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeja.

    The parish priest of St. Theresa’s, Rev. Fr. Joseph Odo, was in charge of the officiating protocols.

    Mama Eze’s remains were in a white casket decorated with golden rims and a large cross on top. It was lifted by six pall bearers from APAMS undertakers.

    The body was taken to the ancestral home of the Ezes, not too far from the church and buried.

    At the graveside, Fr. Odo spoke of the three principles of gratitude, welcome and prayers.

    The clergy took turns to perform the dust to dust ritual and were followed by Senator Eze and other members of the family.

    In his homily, Bishop Onah dwelt on the fear of death. He said he avoided political topics so as not to turn the funeral into a rally.

    The president, Senate President David Mark and Senator Eze said they overcame the fear of death after listening to the homily. Bishop Onah said only those who lived in sin fear death. He said the righteous, like Mama Obodo did not fear death because they knew they were heaven bound. He praised Mama Obodo, who was born into a traditional home but embraced Christianity.

    “Her positive disposition to God and the church endeared her in giving her children good upbringing,” he said.

    He enjoined parents to emulate Mama Obodo. Quoting from the scriptures, the bishop warned against fetish practice insisting that one cannot serve God and Satan.

    President Jonathan asked the clergy to pray for the country.

    He said: “A moment like this when we are talking of somebody who has passed on during the burial, there is something that always encourages us – that is to be thankful for everything that has happened to us. Maybe some young men will ask why we should thank God when somebody has died. To me, I believe we are not thanking God because somebody has died but we are thanking God for bringing that person to have done what the person had done over the years.

    “Today, we are here to celebrate Mama Obodo. The scriptures say that we are to live for three scores plus ten. And looking at the programme, she was born in 1931, we are in 2013. That is a decade plus above what the scriptures prescribed for us. So, we have every reason to thank God.”

    Senator Eze said: “I must confess that until the Bishop gave his sermon since my mother died on October 2, I cried every day, till today. I am not lying about it. But after the homily by Bishop Onah, I convinced myself that maybe crying could be one of the warning symptoms of fear because I have to desist from succumbing to that symptom.

    “Like the bishop said, my mum was a very exemplary person. She did not go to school. Her mother was about four months pregnant when her father died. She was born into a polygamous family. But she had a life of her own from day one. She was able to school herself and she started in a very pastoral way.

    “She wasn’t always a Christian. And it is important that I make that admission. She embraced Christianity at one point but she was losing her issues in quick succession. Every time she had a child, she lost it. So she began to question ‘this place I ran for refuge, there is no refuge here.’ So she returned to the traditional way of worship. But something was waiting for her. On that day she had bought the fowl, yam etc and everything that was needed for sacrifice, It was in the night, and then a scorpion stung her. She left the worship of the idol to run to place where to save her from the sting of the scorpion. After that, the next Sunday, she was the first person to arrive in church. She said: ‘If this idol could not prevent the scorpion from stinging me on an auspicious day with all these provisions for it, then that idol is not worth worshipping.’

    “She ran back to the church and she never left the church. And we grew up under her footsteps because she must send you to farm, she must send you to market and all places. She will never pamper you. I thank God for the training she gave us.”

    Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Federation, Aloma Mukhtar, other top ranking members of the executive and judiciary, ministers; governors, mostly those of the southeast and diplomats.

  • A reunion of Ijesa indigenes

    The Ijesa have honoured some of their own for contributing to the development of Ijesa land. The event took place at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was a reunion of the indigenes of Ilesa in Osun State when they gathered at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos for an induction and awards.

    The event was organised by the Ijesa Society, a socio-cultural organisation devoted to the pursuit of suitable development in Ijesaland.

    The Ijesa met in a fully air conditioned white-painted hall with wooden ceilings and wooden floor tiles.

    The white and coffee brown decorated chairs were set around the gold decorated square shaped tables, which had cream and green flowers in transparent vases at the centre. The backdrop and ceiling had sparkling lights with the same colour of designs for the chairs and tables.

    Most guests wore native attires whose colours blended with the decoration of the hall. Very few wore choice colours.

    The ushers were dressed in black and white. They were all smiles as they welcomed guests who came in exotic cars to the event.

    They moved from one table to the other exchanging pleasantries amid high life music supplied by Niyi Ajetunmobi Productions.

    The event began at the entry of Owa Obokun of Ijesa Oba Adekunle Aromolaran who came in company of his Olori, Olanike and some others. All guests stood as Oba Aromolaran, clad in all-white with red royal beads, entered the hall with dancing, to songs of his praise supplied by the band. Many stretched their necks to see the king’s dance steps; he did not disappoint the guests as he danced in his own style.

    The opening prayer was said by Prince Adelowo Adedeji.

    The event barely started when the State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, arrived.

    Aregbesola, an indigene of Ilesa, entered in company of his crew, amid songs praising him by the life band.

    The National Anthem and Ijesa Society’s anthem followed.

    Welcoming the gathering, the President of the Ijesa Society, Lagos, Chief Olatunde Aluko, thanked all for their contributions to the development of the town. He said the aim of the society was the upliftment of Ijesaland.

    He congratulated the governor on his good works in the state. He said it was the responsibility of Ijesa people to give their total support and encouragement to the governor in transforming the state.

    He thanked Oba Aromolaran for the peace, unity, and socio-economic development he brought to Ijesaland, saying the society is happy he graced the occasion.

    He congratulated the inductees and the honoraries on the joy of the day, adding that the celebration is to set them for greater accomplishments.

    Chairman on the occasion, Dr Festus Adebisi Ajayi prayed God to strengthen and reward all Ijesa people.

    Seven Ijesa indigenes were honoured and 14 new inducted.

    Oba Aromolaran urged the Ijesa people to live a life of service.

    He hailed Aregbesola for turning the state around.

    Aregbesola encouraged the people to embrace hard work, commitment and dedication, saying that maximum effort is required to get maximum profit for you to be effective and efficient in the society.

    He said the day’s celebration was hinged on devotion and service to humanity by some men and women who have distinguished themselves n the society.

    He urged the Ijesa people, whom he described as men and women of value, to always unite and restore the beauty of the land and never allow division in the land. He also told them to see the land as a place for investments.

  • Honour for the faithful

    The main auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was agog during the yearly Conference and Awards organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    The main auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was filled.

    It was three-in-one event: The yearly conference of the society, election of new executive and awards presentation.

    It was organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, an umbrella body for Muslim students in secondary schools, higher institutions and postgraduates.

    The award took the centre stage on the occasion; no fewer than 10 persons were honoured in various categories.

    Among them were the Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic, Dr Abdul Azeez Lawal; former Permanent Secretary/Tutor- General Education, District VI, Alhaja Taslimot Akinwande; Alhaja Sherifat Lawal; Alhaji Abdulwaheed Soluade, an architect; Alhaji Taofeek Ajani; Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Oladele and Alhaji Shittu Adepoju

    The awards segment was anchored by a television-cum-radio presenter, Abdul Hakeem Ishola.

    The hall erupted in applause as each of the awardees was called out. They stood tall as their rich profiles were read.

    “Yes these people deserve the award,” some guests whispered.

    Guests did not only whisper to confirm the credibility of the awardees but also shared in their joy.

    To the awardees, the day will remain memorable.

    Alhaja Akinwande thanked the MSSN for recognising her role in the growth of Islam.

    She acknowledged the role of MSSN in her life.

    “Whatever I am today, MSSN made me. It is not enough to bag certificates in different fields without being morally sound and I thank God MSSN has been doing well in making students morally sound,” she said.

    “I am very happy to be in your midst; I am the happiest today,” she continued.

    She urged the society to issue certificates to students as they learn under them, saying MSSN is a training ground for the trainers.

    After the awards, the result of the election was announced and Alhaji Kamil Kalejaiye emerged as the Amir (President); Malam Saheed Ashafa as Naibul Amir (Vice President); Mr Tajudeen Balogun – Secretary among others. While Hafsah Badru emerged Amirah (Female President)

    In his acceptance speech, the Amir, represented by his Naibul Amir, Mallam Ashafa, sought the cooperation of all to enable him and his executive succeed.

    The outgoing Amir, Alhaji Qaseem Badrudeen, thanked all for honouring their invitation.

    He appealed to the Lagos government to revisit the hike in the state-owned higher institutions’ tuition fee.

    Alhaji Badrudeen also called on the government to allow female Muslim students in secondary schools to use hijab.

    Guests on the occasion included the former Lagos State Elctoral Commissioner, Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso; member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi and Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area, Hon Jide Jimoh.

  • Harvest of songs

    It was a carnival-like outing at The United African Methodist (Evangelical), Abule-Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, last Sunday. It was the church’s yearly Harvest of Songs. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN was there.

    Everything about the service was unique. The Chairman of the occassion, Elder Oluwatoyin Oyewoga, was at home directing things. The choir and the select guests added colour to the ceremony.

    Ushers worked hard, arranging the posh automobiles that flooded the premises of the worship centre. So, it was for some of its elders – Gen Oladipo Diya (rtd), Senator Anthony Adefuye and Dr Funke Adebajo.

    The choir took the centre stage with soul-lifting songs and irresistible drumbeats. Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, the Grand Golden Father of the Day, and Gen Diya joined in the dancing spree, spraying naira notes to the admiration of all.

    Oyewoga, in his brief speech, told the gathering: “Praise song is the master key for unlocking heavenly blessings. We must always praise God in all situations.”

    The Minister-in-Charge, The Very Reverend Oladipo Timothy, later mounted the pulpit to deliver a soul-searching sermon, which echoed Oyewoga’s view.

    “God, Revd Timothy said, inhabits the praises of His people. This gathering is to praise God for what He has done for the church in the year.”

    He assured Nigerians that God would turn the country around and make its multi-faceted infirmities things of the past “only if we praise Him and believe in Him.”

    Diya’s wives – Josephine and Folasade – also devoted elders of the church, were there early enough to be counted.

    On the event, Diya said: “This is a special day for us in this church because it is what we do whenever the Yuletide draws near. The essence is to thank God for being ever faithful to us and the church as a whole.”

    One after the other, all the guests gleefully stepped out to laud the programme and make handsome donations into the church’s Building and Development Fund.

    The event was rounded off with fervent prayers by Revd Timothy. The guests were treated to swell refreshments. It was a moment for all to exchange views on sundry issues and cement friendships.

    Among the guests were former Minister of Transport Chief Ebenezer Babatope; former Military Governor, Ogun State, Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin; former Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Chief Titi Oseni; Evangelist Josephine Diete-Spiff, wife of the first Military Governor of the old Rivers State; Oba Joseph Adewole, the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom; Oba Adedeji Onagoruwa, Alaye of Odogbolu Kingdom and Oba Fatai Irawo-Ogunsi 1 of Odiolowo Kingdon, Lagos.