The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • ‘How I got inspiration for my album’

    The auditorium of the Christ Apostolic Church, Alagbado, Lagos State was filled to capacity for the launch of a music album: titled Ogun Alajobi by Prophet Samson Akin-Olugbade.

    The event billed to start at by 1pm did not started until 3pm, yet guests waited.

    When it eventually started, all listened painstakingly with rapt attention to the proceedings on the occasion.

    The occasion was anchored by Pastor Olalere Ezekiel.

    An elated Pastor Akin-Olugbade was dressed in a ash colour suit with cap and a pair of shoes. He waved to guests and shook hands with others on arrival.

    Mr Tunde Lawal, the chief launcher and chairman of occasion, praised Akin-Olugbade for the good job.

    The album, according to Lawal, was on household wickedness which, he said, was a victim.

    The album, he said, well thought and composed – teaching people the nitty gritty of challenges likely to be encountered in family.

    In his speech, Pastor Akin-Olugbade thanked God for the successful completion of the work.

    “It is a revelation from God because having consider what people are going through on the surface of earth today, many people don’t understand the battle they are fighting and the Lord told me that the source and the major battle that confront everyone is the Battle of House-hold wickedness, even Jesus Christ fought that battle and now everyone is fighting it,” he said.

    Pastor Akin-Olugbade said the inspiration to do the album came from the Biblical history on the creation of the first man on earth, Adam.

    He said the story of Prophet Adam, his wife and children was the reference point from which he derived his idea of the album.

    He reminded the gathering of the story of Prophet Joseph and how his brothers wanted to kill him.

    “Joseph’s brother sent him to captivity in Egypt this is also an example of House-hold wickedness and since that time up till now people are still fighting,” he said.

    Guests included Pastor Awokunle Femi and wife, Taiwo; Mr Thomas Adesua among others.

     

  • Honour for ‘pillars’

    Honour for ‘pillars’

    ALL those honoured at this year’s Eyegate Media Limited awards, at the Arakan Barracks, Apapa, Lagos had one thing in common: They are residents of Ajegunle, a Lagos suburb, who have made their marks in the area. And it was deliberate, says Mazi Edwards Ndukwe, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer.

    According to him, to some, the mere mention of Ajegunle (popularly known as Aje City) signifies an area populated by miscreants or troublemakers. He said: “We are here to appreciate those who have contributed to the development of this place. We want to show that Ajegunle people are not violent; that in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, there are people God has blessed and are using their wealth and other resources to develop the place.”

    He said the youth of Ajegunle are also using their resources to improve their lot and the place. ‘’One of them, who is less than 40, has 40 employees. Instead of living a life of violence, smoking Marijuana, he trained himself to be useful to the society,” Ndukwe said. It is for this and other reasons that his firm called them community pillars.

    Congratulating the awardees, he added: “If we have resources and use them for the betterment of society, there will be peace for all of us.” Quoting the late business mogul, Chief MKO Abiola, Ndukwe said: ’’If we all have the same resources, there will be no need to steal from each other.”

    Although there was no high table at Mess, venue of the ceremony, it was never a dull moment for the four hours or so the event lasted. Every one sat together, showing equality of life. Not even the awardees were quarantined in a special corner or space.

    The event started with a fashion parade which was applauded by all. Except for some linguistic sloppiness, the Ghanaian Masters of Ceremony (MCs) gave a good account of themselves. Both the comedian and an artiste known as Dawoo spiced the day with good performances.

    The awardees of the Seventh edition of the event were Chief Emmanuel Oluremilekun Folorunsho, a lawyer and political activist; Magaret Uzo Isinguzo of Wazobia FM; Mr Opadeji Peyemi Olumide, Steve Akpos, Lucky Asubaja, a community crime fighter; Mrs Elizabeth Ehigiamusoe, a gospel musician and wife of the Chairman, Micro Investment Support Services Limited; Pastor Dolly, a gospel musician and cleric; Chief Simeon Mbanefo, proprietor, Peace Fashion and Domestic Centre, Ajegunle; Francis Amos Udoh, the Coordinator, Action Committee of Friends, Olodi-Apapa, Jerome Nwokwo, Zonal Board Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Editorial Board, Ifelodun Zone and Chief Lanre Olatunde.

    There were also awards for some organisations. They included Positive Change Organisation (POCO) , Asociation of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and Larry Place Event Centre.

    As the awardees filed for their citations and awards, they were greeted with applause, indicating that they made some impact in the area. For example, when it wsa the turn of Folorunso, 84, and a former Associate Professor of Law, there was no doubt in any one one’s mind that he deserved the award. He received more applause for not only being one of the founders and ‘pillars’ of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), but for also teaching his former Headmaster (HM), a fact the MC alluded to from time to time.

    Chief Folurunsho said: “I have got awards in many places in Lagos, but this one in Ajegunle is notable. My mother started politics here in 1946 and since then, I have monitored events here.” He promised to assist Eyegate.

    Mrs Ehigiamusoe was not only satisfied with her award, she gave back to society the stuff she was made of when she thrilled guests with some selected songs from her album. She sang both in her native Ibo and her husband’s language Edo, despite being ‘ill’. She said her song Suru means patience and another God the Great Traveller

    Pastor Dolly said: ‘’I love to give joy, hope to the hopeless. I will love to do that in the community. I will talk with my GO to do something for this community.”

    After all said and done, it was obvious that the mess was too small for the event in future, a point Ndukwe noted.

  • New leader for Okota Lions

    The De Hall Event Centre, Ikeja Lagos wore a new look penultimate Saturday. It was beautifully dressed and decorated in various colours. Members of the Okota Lions Club were agog for the investiture of Mrs Folashade Joseph as its 20th president.

    Their joy radiated in their dressing and the way they related with one another and their guests. Pleasantries and banters were exchanged among members of the club.

    It seemed the day was her happiest. Mrs Joseph smiled all day.

    Members of the club were dressed in various attires; guests who came in company of their relatives were also looking smart and good in their attires.

    The event commenced with reading of the Lion’s prayer, followed with the the club’s Code of Conduct.

    It was directed by Kayode Shode and chaired by Mr Bayo Daramola.

    In his welcome address, Mr Daramola thanked God and all that grace the occasion.

    Daramola bemoaned the level of poverty in the country, saying all hands must be on deck to uplift the less-privileged for a better society.

    “Although it may be argued that poverty cannot be eradicated, if all hands are on deck in the spirit of selfless service, there are many things we can do to help the less privileged poor in our midst. While the government must work assiduously to limit the ravages of poverty in the society, the society must also take active participation in the effort to reduce the level of deprivation in our communities,” he said.

    The installation was supervised and coordinated by the District Governor of Lion Club District 404B Nigeria, Mr Yinka Bolarinwa.

    Knowing full well the task ahead for the incoming president, he sought the permission of her husband Mr Segun Joseph’s permission in installing his wife as president. Mr Joseph granted him permission.

    After this, Mr Bolarinwa gracefully installed Mrs Folashade. This was followed with cheers.

    Mr Bolarinwa held Mrs Joseph moved round the hall to present her to them as the new president; guests appreciated with more applause.

    In her acceptance speech, Mrs Joseph thanked God for the success of the day. She promised to keep the flag of the club flying.

    She spoke of her club’s year theme which is ‘Follow Your Dream’, the theme which they subtitled in the Okota Lion Club as ‘Making our Dream Come True’.

    “We are ready for the next level which the leaders of this club envisage in the beginning and the future belongs to those who believe in making their dream come true. Okota Lions club of our dream is one where accountability and probity rule, a club with efficient and capable hands, a club we can all be proud of,” she said.

    She promised that her club will undergo projects that will impact positively in lives of youth in the community.

    “In reducing unemployment, we all know the current insecurity confronting our great nation, youth unemployment is a precursor to restiveness that could contribute to insecurity, because there is a limit to the number of available jobs in the public domain. It is therefore our intention to empower at least 100 youths; equip the library of public primary schools to promote reading culture; restoration of sight through cataract surgeries; donations to the sight and hearing impaired schools,” she said.

    About N6 million was raised for the accomplishment of the club’s projects.

    The outgoing president Mrs Folashade Akingbojule who handed over to Mrs Joseph thanked God for His help on her during her tenure as the president of the club for the success achieved in office. She urged all members of the club to lend a service hand to Mrs Joseph for her to achieve her drams of transforming the club.

    One of the highlights of the occasion was the presentation of merit awards.

    Some of the awardees were Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area, Hon Shamsudeen Olaleye, who was represented by the Secretary to the council Hon Jubril Olusegun; Hon Bamidele Ajibolade who was the mother of the day; Alhaji AbdulHakeem Smith and Mrs Yetunde Aiyeola.

    Guests on the occasion included the immediate past president of Lion Club of Egbeda Mr Yomi Oriretan; Mr Taiwo Owkolade; Mr Lucky Adetiwa and Mr Kola Oyekanmi.

     

  • A woman of substance

    Mrs Elizabeth Olomofe-Kufeji, 67, and proprietress of Starland Private School in Ogba, Lagos beamed with smiles as she was installed the District 911 Chairman of International Inner Wheel.

    Mrs Olomofe-Kufeji, the Vice-President and Chairman, Education Committee, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Southwest Zone became the 30th chairman of Inner Wheel at an elaborate event at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja.

    She joined the club in the early ’80s and served in different positions before becoming the chairman of District 911, Nigeria. Her district comprises Lagos and Ogun states.

    She wore a blue lace with a yellow damask gele to complement her looks.

    Most of the guests and Inner Wheel members at the event turned out dressed in various attires. Some wore suits; others were in natives with gele on their heads. Wrappers and blouses, Iro and buba, skirt and blouse and gown competed for the best attire trophy.

    The few men there looked good in suits and ties, others donned native wears with caps.

    The event started with the Inner Wheel anthem.

    Guests, members and executives, both past and present, were all recognised, including some Rotary Club members.

    Lagos and Ogun Inner Wheel Club presidents danced to the podium with their banners flying high.

    Awards were given to The Sun Deputy Managing Director, Mr Femi Adesina, and The Guardian Newspapers for their contribution to the progress of the club.

    After the citation, the immediate past chairman, Mrs Taiwo Adisa, removed her collaret and placed it on Mrs Olomofe-Kufeji.

    Thereafter, the new executive was inducted.

    Before stepping aside, Mrs Adisa mentioned two people who were assisted by the club for hip replacement surgery.

    They thanked the club for giving them a second chance to “come back to life.”

    The new chairman welcomed her team on board and prayed to God to see them through the year. She promised to do her best.

    She called on members and guests to continue to assist the club financially to achieve its goals.

    “I feel fulfilled being the new district chairman and I want to also feel fulfilled by the end of my tenure that I have done my best,” she said.

    Mrs Adisa enjoined the new leader to look up to the Lord and she promised to give her support to the new executive.

    She wished them a successful tenure and urged them to ceaselessly put smiles on the faces of the less privileged.

    National representative/President of the Club Ifeyinwa Ndefo congratulated Mrs Olomofe-Kufeji. She told her to work hand-in-hand with her executive and club members to achieve success.

    The guest speaker, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, said the executive should give priority to looking after orphans and widows.

    Afolabi, who was represented by director, Sifas Group, Major Henry Ajetunmobi,, said the district must work towards uplifting people.

    He also said they needed to look for more opportunities to make greater impacts in the society.

    Guests at the event included the 9110 District Governor of Rotary International, Olugbemiga Olowu, and his wife, a retired Director of the Budget Office of the Federation, Margaret Olaore.

     

  • ‘This is beyond my thought’

    It was a night of fun on July 29 for Pastor Samson Jedafe, the senior pastor of The Breath of Life Ministry at Wheat Bakers Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    He was treated to a surprise birthday party by some of his church members. The old, youths and children gathered to rejoice with Pastor Jedafe who clocked 40.

    Jedafe, a graduate of Holding Forth Bible Institute, in the United Kingdom served under Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and the late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya of the Fountain of Life Church, Illupeju, Lagos for several years.

    He is the president of Mega Praise Summit, a worship conference.

    Guests looked gorgeous in their dinner attires. They waited patiently in the restaurantfor the celebrator’s arrival of the celebrator.

    He came into the venue in company of his lovely wife, Opeoluwa and their two children, Ufuomaefe and Onome.

    Jedafe was moved to tears on entry. Clad in a trouser suit with white shirt, he was shocked when he saw the crowd. He said he never expected such an amazing treat.

    “My wife only told me that we are going for a family dinner. I am surprised to see my church members here”, he said with excitement.

    Guests dined on choice food, pastry, fruits and drinks. It was a buffet supplied. The hall was nicely decorated. White chairs were stylishly set around white tables. CY, the MC, cracked interesting jokes and ensured no dull moment throughout the event.

    At the cutting of the cake, Jedafe held the knife to cut his green with gold decorated cake at the resounding name of J-E-S-U-S.

    A session of photographs followed.

    Guests joined him to take pictures.

    The event continued with a toast. It was led by Temitope Odebiyi.

    Opening the floodgate of good will messages, chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs Agnes Fagbemi, said her pastor is a man who is interested in everything about everybody.

    She described him as a man who is ever ready to listen and give needed attention to all. Mrs Fagbemi said Jedafe is a prayer warrior and a good servant of God.

    “I like him and I respect him a lot,”she said. Mrs Titilayo Olawoyin, a lawyer, described the celebrator as caring, loving, encouraging and compassionate. She said he is a man that ispires others to work hard and make it in life.

    “I wish you well and pray for fresh anointing upon your life,” she said.

    Mr Blessing Bassey, a civil servant, described the celebrator as a man who has so much love for others.

    He said: “Jedafe is a man you need to study for you to understand him.

    “He is simple and a complex man.”

    The cheerful celebrator’s wife, Opeoluwa clad in a flowery suit with black skirt thanked all the guests for turning up to share in the joy of her beloved.

    She said; “It’s been 18 years since I met my husband and it looks like yesterday. Despite the quarrels, fights and misunderstanding, we are still one. I am happy and I thank God that I am married to him, because, without him, I won’t be where I am today”.

    She encouraged husbands to support their wives to the highest level saying that men must never be intimidated by their wives capacity.

    She sealed her goodwill message with a deep kiss to her soul mate.

    Responding, Jedafe thanked the gathering for the reception.

    Thrilled by the surprise dinner, turn out of guests and the out pouring of encomiums, Jedafe described the reception as amazing.

    “I appreciate you all and I say a big thank you. I was cleverly treated today and this was beyond my thought, I am shocked and excited,” he said.

     

  • ‘In God we trust’

    ‘In God we trust’

    It was a Sunday service like no other. Like the congregation, the clerics turned out for an overriding purpose: To convince their “sheep” that their spiritual strength comes solely from God.

    Dressed in white flowing agbada, former Chief of General Staff and second-in-command during the late Gen Sani Abacha regime, Gen Oladipo Diya (rtd), the Baba Ijo of The United African Methodist (Evangelical), on Akinsola Lane, Abule-Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, was on his feet for about one hour penultimate Sunday. So was Senator Anthony Adefuye, the church’s Patron, and Dr Funke Adebajo, its Matron.

    The session came in the middle of the church’s usual Sunday programme, which was presided over by Minister-in-Charge, the Very Reverend Oladipo Timothy. It was the oath-taking by the church’s ministers before its Counsellor, Chief Kehinde Diya, a lawyer.

    Members of the church choir were at their usual best, dishing out soul-inspiring songs which sent the congregation to the dance floor. For bystanders and passersby, the music was too infectious to be ignored. While some nodded their heads, some sang along; others stood by watching from outside.

    Before the choir could pause for the day’s event to continue, the scanty auditorium was nearly filled.

    An elated Rev Timothy, in his sermon, had, with copious biblical allusions, emphasised the fact that it is spiritually suicidal for anyone to worship mammon with God, saying whoever does it is cursed.

    Speaking to the choir in Yoruba language, the cleric said: “Eni to ba fe korin imisi, ko gbodo fi ara se ohunkohun meaning “whoever wants to sing inspirational or soul-lifting songs must be holy.”

    Afterward, the priests, in turns, stepped onto the pulpit, told the congregation that they did not and would never belong to any secret organisation, asking God to visit them with His wrath should they. After appending their signatures, they were issued certificates affirming that they had no secret pact with mammon.

    The church’s choristers were not left out of the exercise. They read out the oath of allegiance to God after the oath’s administrator.

    Elders of the church, including Diya’s wives – Josephine and Folasade – and Chief Mabel Komolafe, also stepped out to be counted among those reaffirming their unbroken romance with God.

    At the end of the session for which every one expressed satisfaction that they were under the spiritual care of “pure” ministers in the church, the elders could not hide their excitement as they exchanged pleasantries.

    Gen Diya told The Nation: “This is a special day for us in this church because it is what we have long expected. The essence of the declaration service is to establish it and be sure that those who are divinely saddled with directing the affairs of the congregation serve no other god except The Almighty. This, as one could feel and see, has boosted the confidence of the congregation in those who constantly lay hands on them. They can now be convinced that they are being led by true servants of God.”

    Senator Adefuye spoke in the same vein: “The programme has succeeded in convincing all that our church is unique in purity; that here, we serve only God in unalloyed honesty, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. I think it is something other churches can emulate in the interest of the body of Christ and the nation in general.”

    Saying that the event did not surprise her, Adebajo added: “This church was founded on the tradition of solely advancing the Word of God. What we did here today was simply to cement our robust relationship with God to effectively serve our congregation. By this, we will all reap bounteous fruits of our stainless loyalty to Him.”

    Before the congregation departed, the choir stepped out again, entertaining all and reminded of their take-home message.

     

  • Farewell to a ‘mother in a million’

    Farewell to a ‘mother in a million’

    It was a carnival of sorts as the remains of Mrs Folake Aragbaiye were laid to rest in Owo, Ondo State, penultimate Sunday.

    The funeral rites began on Thursday with a traditional dance (Ajabue) round the town. The men decked their necks and wrists with special coral beads as they carried ceremonial swords (agada).

    The women were not left out. They adorned their necks with coral beads, held their beaded female fly whisks (iyasin) and danced round the town with the traditional cultural troupe.

    Local drummers almost tore the leather of their drums, while the trumpeters mesmerised the crowd with their skill as they sang the praises of the deceased, laced with panegyrics (oriki).

    More colour and flavour were added. The dancers displayed their acrobatic dance skills like never before. Some wore T-shirts with the picture of the late Madam Aragbaiye. Other guests wore the uniformed cloth chosen for the occasion.

    Specially made umbrellas shielded guests from the downpour. It also shielded the high-profile guests from the scorching sun that followed after the rain.

    Both locally-produced and foreign wines were served. Palm wine was brought in kegs. It was taken with the pounded yam and bush meat served guests.

    The following day, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) was jam-packed as human and vehicular traffic competed for space to attend the wake. They caused a disorder. As the undertakers brought out the brown casket with the name of the deceased engraved on it, drums erupted and bells rang, announcing the arrival of the body to the town.

    The undertakers went into frenzy, displaying their dancing skills as they raised the casket above their shoulders and danced with it. A woman with a bouquet of flowers, slow walked in front of the black Jeep that conveyed the body.

    It took six hours to take the body home for the wake and lying-in- state. The crowd was too rowdy to control. Men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and policemen were on hand to ensure that the situation was manged.

    The event featured prayers for the deceased and soul-lifting songs.

    On Saturday, the Saint Patrick’s Anglican Church where the funeral took place was besieged by many sympathisers.

    About 21 officiating ministers led by Rt. Rev. John Oladunjoye came for the ceremony.

    Oladunjoye in his sermon implored those present to emulate Jesus. He described the late Aragbaiye as a woman of humility, who trained her children well and was not proud in spite of her children’s status in the society.

    The cleric implored the children of the deceased to love one another.

    Her remains were interred beside that of her husband who died 18 years ago.

    Dr Esther Lambo, one of the daughters of the deceased, was glad that her mother’s wish to be buried by her husband’s side has been fulfilled.

    Mrs Dele Aragbaiye wept profusely.

    Many described the late Mama Aragbaiye as a traditional philosopher whom everyone went to when in trouble in the community. Little wonder she was compared with Socrates while some praised her for her wisdom in resolving issues.

    Mr Samuel Aragbaiye described his mother as an embodiment of honesty, humility, integrity, generosity and Godly virtues.

    The eldest son of the deceased Elder John Aragbaiye who is a former Sketch Editor described his mother thus: “She was a rare gem, friendly; always cheerful, humble and very compassionate. Mama was full of wisdom and knowledge.”

    Prof Eyitayo Lambo, a former health minister, who is a son in-law to the deceased wrote in his tribute: “The relationship between me and mama was not that of a mother-in-law and a son-in -law but that of a loving and caring mother and her son.”

    At the ceremony were: Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Ondo State Deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi the Olowo of Owo Oba David Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III , the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Momoh Akadiri III, Ojomo Oluda of Owo, the Oba Olunaun of Unanun, Owo, Oba Olanrewaju Abegunde, Honorable Deji Aseniserare,Tunde Okunrinboye, Banji Aralepo, among others.

     

  • A fellow in the house

    A fellow in the house

    How true the Yoruba aphorism that people are one’s apparel. The truth in it came to the fore at the decoration of a former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commissioner, Benson Enikuomehin, in Lagos. His people from Ilaje in Ondo State turned out in large number to share in the joy of the day with him at Oriental Hotel on Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos. Dressed in traditional and foreign attires, they were the cynosure of all eyes on entering the hotel.

    They marvelled at the setting of the hotel’s auditorium – its mirror-like floor, dazzling lights and unique scenery, among others.

    A live band led by Remi Ado entertained the house.

    The aroma from a sizzling dish wafted in the air. Waiters moved from table to table, attending to guests’ needs.

    It was all at the decoration of former Commissioner of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Benson Enikuomehin as a Special Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN).

    Enikuomehin, who represented Ondo State on the NDDC board, also bagged a CILGPAN’s Distinguished Performance Award for his achievements during his tenure.

    Enikuomehin, a lawyer, within two years on the NDDC board, put smiles on the faces of his constituents.

    Among other projects, he saw to the construction of the multi-billion naira Ugbo-Oghoye road, donation of science laboratory across the state and constructing solar street lights in about 14 communities.

    In June 2011, Dr Enikuomehim brought in medical experts from India to perform surgery on over 2,500 people.

    The celebrator came with his beautiful wife, Mabel and son Boluwatife.

    He was in a black suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie, eye glasses and a pair of black shoes.

    His wife wore a simple white attire.

    The ceremony featured the recitation of the National Anthem, showing of a mini documentary of Dr Enikuomehin’s achievements, the reading of his citation and musical interlude.

    Guests stretched their necks to see what was happening when CILGPAN’s President Prof Adekunle Awotokun decorated him with an academic gown, collar and cap.

    He later received a plaque and a letter, certifying him as a fellow.

    The Council’s Registrar, Dr Uche Okereke, said Enikuomehin was selected after a careful consideration of his achievements.

    Dr Okereke described him as a man of calibre.

    “A man who has helped his people; the choice of Benson was done after due consideration of his management of public institutions,” he said.

    Before he delivered his acceptance speech, Dr Enikuomehin revelled in the entertainment supplied by the Ondo State Cultural Troupe.

    After their superlative performance, one of the lead singers danced to where the celebrator and other guests were seated and handed horsetail to him and his wife.

    The couple did not disappoint the cultural troupe; they headed towards the stage and gave a good account of themselves on the dance floor.

    The couple got a standing ovation for their dancing skill. Some of the guests, including traditional rulers from Ondo sprayed them with new naira notes.

    Congratulating Enikuomehin, a legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urged Nigerians to emulate his selfless service to the people.

    “I have known him for years; he’s just like a junior brother to me; if you see us, you will think that we are biologically related. I have since taken keen interest in him; his activities in the legal practice and even in his politics, he is a focused person,” he said.

    Olanipekun, who returned to the country because of the event, said: “Honouring him (Enikuomehin) is like honouring God because he’s a worthy citizen of this country, a worthy product of Ondo State and an ambassador.”

    Oba Philip Olabisi Kalejaiye from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State described Enikuomehin as a dynamic person.

    Oba Kalejaiye said: “He is upright; ready to serve at all times; he has written his name in gold; he spent only two years on the board of NDDC representing Ondo State and his achievements were tremendous. He had a little problem which took him to India; after his treatment in India, he arranged to bring the doctors to Ondo State to give us treatment free of charge and the cost of the exercise was not on the bill of the NDDC. Dr Enikuomehin is a kind-hearted man, more people like him is what we need to make the nation better. He is not extravagant. I wish him success.”

    The Alagho of Odonla, Oba Elias Ikuomola, described the celebrator as a man of integrity.

    “He was born to be a head; God will take him to higher level. I pray God to spare his life till then. My advice to him is to be patient and be prayerful so that God will take him to where he is going,” the monarch said.

    An elated Enikuomehin said: “I am humbled by this award because I did not lobby for it; in fact, I am seeing Prof Awotokun for the first time. I appreciate the entire members of the council; this is nothing but God’s grace,” he said.

    He thanked Chief Olanipekun who flew in from London to grace the event.

    Dr Enikuomehin reserved special praise for his wife, Mabel for taking care of the home front.

    “To manage me, you need a woman like her; she was there when it was raw. She is an embodiment of encouragement and also beautiful,” the hall erupted in laughter to his speech.

     

  • A yearly ritual

    The day will linger in people’s memory.

    Women from different parts of Lagos ignored class, wealth and ethnic differences as they gathered at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos to celebrate.

    It was the yearly Family Day organised by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State chapter.

    The women were gorgeously dressed in different attires and colourful clothing and hijabs to depict the festive mood and atmosphere.

    As many as they were, each local government representatives wore different material. They were distinct in their clothing, hijabs and shoes with matching bags.

    The FOMWAN members in Ikeja wore peach on white and those from Lagos Island went for the Nigerian green white green. Ikorodu women had different colours. Some in wine, others in white and blue. Alimosho old and young women took the centre stage as they paraded various colours.

    They wore various colours — cream on chocolate brown; green, purple and blue.

    Special guests also dressed well to suit the occasion. The Amirah, Alhaja Fatima Gawat, wore a green and black attire.

    All those at the event could attest that it was, indeed, an occasion worth celebrating.

    The yearly event was packed with various activities to makeit memorable.

    Students participated in quiz and quran competition and the best three received trophies and gifts.

    Aside that, some schools in Lagos were represented and the children participated in a march past, showing different skills in the process. The best ones also received gifts.

    FOMWAN members also marched past with their banners. The best local government was recognised and given a trophy.

    There was an empowerment programme for individuals from various local governments. Some were given provisions, some machines – grinding and sewing. There were those who got books, drinks, hair accessories, children clothes and even fish. It was presented to each of them by the Arowoshadini of Nigeria, Alhaja Muyinat Shopeyin-Akande, and other guests.

    Four indigent students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) were given gifts to assist them in their education.

    It featured the recognition of the past Amirahs with awards and certificates for their contribution to the society.

    The General Secretary of the group, Alhaja Rahmatallah Olaniran, described the day as great.

    “We make ourselves happy because we are celebrating the Family Day. That is why women appear in their best colourful clothes. It is a family affair, meant for mothers and their children,” she said.

    She promised that the 2014 edition would be better than this.

    Vice-Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government and FOMWAN state Assistant Public Relations Officer Kudirat Omolara Dada noted that the Family Day was a special occasion.

    She prayed for more people to witness it next year, in good health and prosperity.

    Alhaja Shopeyin-Akande said the yearly event makes many women happy and they looked forward to it.

    She said it is like a re-union party for many to celebrate and mingle.

    The children had fun, riding the train, jumping on the bouncing castle and other games provided for them.

    Some of the guests at the occasion were Senator HAB Fasinro; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu; Dr Jubril Oyekan; Alhaja Yinka Ayanwale; Alhaja Ramdat Okunola and many others.

  • Farewell to a ‘sweet’ mother

    The funeral of Alhaja Sikirat Omolabake Akinderu, mother of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, was held at Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat in Oshodi, Lagos, last Saturday. RISIKAT RAMONI was there.

     

    Everything about the event was classy. Passers-by and motorists knew that something big was in the offing.

    Eminent personalities trooped into the expansive pavilion of the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat in Oshodi, Lagos for the event.

    The mini-stadium beside the secretariat was reserved for guests to park their vehicles. There was no room for sports that day.

    Itinerant drummers competed in singing praises of guests and were rewarded handsomely.

    Petty traders had a field day.

    At some point, men and women, old and young in blue and green T-shirts arrived to, according to them, to honour a ‘great’ matriarch – the late Alhaja Sikirat Omolabake Akinderu, mother of Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai.

    Alhaja Akinderu (nee Bankole) from Abeokuta, the Ogun State, capital, died on June 4, at 74 after a brief illness.

    She is survived by a widower Alhaji Fatai Osho Akinderu, five children — Hon Akinderu-Fatai; Mrs Ramota Akinola; Mrs Nimota Fasusi; Alhaja Kudirat Asiyanbola and Alhaji Ismail Akinderu and grand children.

    There were big banners with the portrait of the late Mrs Akinderu at strategic corners within the Oshodi vicinity.

    The funeral was blend of class and sophistication.

    No fewer than 15 legislators from the lower chamber of the National Assembly were present to felicitate with their colleague Akinderu-Fatai whose name was temporarily changed to ‘Omo Oloku’, meaning ‘the son of the deceased,’ a popular Yoruba term for someone who lost either or both of his parents.

    Traditional rulers, the business class, political associates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned out in large numbers.

    Their outfits and the scenery made the event stand out.

    The spacious open ground was filled with various tents. There was the VIP tent for lawmakers, political leaders, traditional rulers and other special guests. A bevy of beautiful women attended to guests’ needs.

    The main tent, a giant one, was big enough to accommodate thousands of guests. Guests looked carefully at each of the tents to read the tags on them before sitting with their friends.

    Majority of the guests wore a blue ankara. The others had a peach ankara of the same design. Women were seen in small groups with clothes peculiar to them only. The rest of the guests were in traditional attires.

    Most of the women had on a gele (headgear) made of damask to complete their dressing.

    The official dress was the blue ankara Aso Ebi.

    Music filtered into the air from different quarters.

    A live band, Alhaji Shefiu Alao, popularly called Omo Oko, and his Fuji Cardozo band thrilled the gathering.

    Alao’s mastery of Egba songs and language hyped his performance. Many of the Egba indigenes could not resist the beat. Some danced on their seats; some dug it out while standing while many stormed the dancing floor.

    Taiwo Akinsola, a renowned radio presenter, was the master of ceremony.

    He enlivened the event.

    An ewi exponent, Alhaji Sulaiman Ayilara popularly called Ajobiewe, entertained guests by praising the Egba kingdom, the late Alhaja Akinderu’s clan, her children and some selected guests.

    The ceremony was devoid of any formalities. Guests, especially politicians, came to unwind. Efforts by The Nation to speak with them were futile.

    The arrival of Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Budget and Research, charged the atmosphere.

    For Bamidele also known as MOB, it was a great homecoming. His political supporters kept shouting ‘incoming governor, ‘awaiting governor’, governor in the making.’

    Each group and individuals took turn to greet him. They exchanged banters and jokes about their old days in Oshodi.

    Bamidele later joined ‘Omo Oloku’ on the dance floor with other party members.

    MAF as Akinderu-Fatai is fondly called later went round to thank the guests for honouring him.

    He wished them successful return to their bases.

    In attendance were Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her husband, Segun; Hon Isiaka Toyin Suarau; Hon. Akeem Muniru; Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat; Hon. Bukky Buraimo; Hon Chris Eta and Hon Okoma Inyang. Also there were Onitire of Itire Oba Lateef Dauda; Oba Olatubosun Jolaoso and wives Olori Bolanle and Adejoke; APC Lagos Interim Chairman Otunba Henry Ajomale; Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Comrade Dele Ogunsakin and wife Monisola; Revd. Tunji Adebiyi, Hon. Daisi Oso; Busola Akeredolu; Dr. Bayo Boye and wife Funmi; Hon. Samuel Adejare; Hon. Olayiwola Olawale; Oladehinde Bakare; Ola Oladunjote; Rotimi Kadin; Olufehinti Olusegun and wife Nike; Yusuf Kehinde; Akinwa Babatunde and Lanre Adekola; Pastor Wole Shonde and wife Nike; Hon. Bode Makinde; Hon. Niyi Adenuga; Chief Olayeni Goke; Francis Fayomi; Patrick Avoseh; Olamilakan.