The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • A governor’s day of joy

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi celebrated his 52nd birthday at the Government House, Awka. It was a low-key event. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

    Penultimate Friday, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi celebrated his 52nd birthday.

    As at 7am, he was in a meeting before his wife, Margaret and children Amaka and Eloka set the birthday ball rolling with few invited guests.

    Obi arrived for mass in the Governor’s lodge chapel at 8.15 am. The guests could have shouted happy birthday but for the presence of some men of God led by Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop of Awka who presided over the mass. He was assisted by the Chaplain of the Governor’s lodge, Rev. Fr. Jonas Benson Okoye. Other reverend fathers in attendance included Rev Father Fabian Obi, the govenor’s immediate younger brother.

    The mass was attended by Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Oseloka Obaze, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftains including Mr Maxi Okwu, commissioners and Advisers and a friend of the governor, Chief Okey Ezeibe, among others.

    Obaze performed the toast and supervised the cutting of cake.

    The dress code was not special. Obi appeared in his normal senator wear, with his wife dazzling everybody with her usual style and panache.

    The celebrator was amazed at the ceremony because he had ordered that there should be no celebration. But it was a quiet one. Mrs Obi was happy as she danced gracefully with her smiling husband and children.

    The first family indeed savoured the moment as people enjoyed the delicacies provided.

    The Chaplain of the Governor’s lodge, Rev. Fr. Jonas Benson Okoye praised the governor for living a disciplined life and always working toward excellence in all facets of life. He noted the governor’s courage and political will in correcting the mistakes of the past and laying a foundation for sustainable development.

    Most Rev. Ezeokafor, in his homily, appealed to the people of Anambra to pray God to give the state somebody better than Obi after he leaves office.

    He insisted that Obi’s successor must be somebody who will continue and even surpass Obi’s impressive records.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Mr Patrick Obi described the Governor as a role model who has touched many lives and set a standard others.

    His Youth and Sports counterpart Dr. Edozie Aroh said the governor is exemplary in his conduct.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Anambra State University, Prof. Fidelis Okafor, said Obi had excelled.

    Responding, the celebrator repeated his call for collective efforts to building a progressive society with opportunity for everybody.

    Obi said prudent and judicious use of resources was necessary to build nation posterity will be proud of.

  • Bundles of joy

    They waited for 25years for a child. When eventually God answered them, He gave them a set of triplets. The joy of oil and gas guru Lawrence Ezeh and his wife, Lina, knew no bound on the arrival of these bundles of joy. They dedicated the babies at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Kings Palace GRA in Port Harcourt. BUKUNMI OGUNDARE writes.

    THEY were praying for one. And for 25 years, their prayer was “God bless us with a child.” When God’s time came, He blessed them with a set of triplets. Last Sunday, family members and friends joined Lawrence Ezeh and his wife, Lina, to dedicate the babies at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Kings Palace GRA, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The dedication of Prince Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Princess Christiana Onyekachi and Prince Lawrence Uchechukwu also served as opportunity for their parents to thank God.

    Ezeh, a prince of Mburubu Kingdom, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, is a politician and oil/gas guru.

    The service was officiated by Pastor Edmond Osahon and Pastor Soji Oni.

    The church service, graced by a mammoth crowd, was followed by a colourful and well attended reception at the Grace Events Place, Evo Road in GRA, Port Harcourt.

    An elated Ezeh said he and his wife were grateful to God for finding them worthy of the children.

    “The triplets are perfect and wonderful gifts from the Lord; they represent an amazing blessing to us, they are lovable, delightful and adorable and I must confess we are enjoying every moment of their existence,” he said.

    He urged parents to always dedicate their children as it is scriptural and an opportunity for parents to publicly commit themselves to the Godly rearing of their child.

    To the proud princess, the joy of motherhood has outweighed the challenges.

    “We are looking forward to seeing them grow into men and a woman who will inspire their generation and dedicate their lives to the cause of God by His grace,” she said.

    At the event were: the paramount ruler of Mburubu kingdom, Igwe E.M.O Ezeh; paramount ruler of Imeoha Nkerefi Enugu Luke Ogbuta; Hon John Anichukwu; President General of Egi Peoples’ Assembly and Chairman of the Rivers State SURE-P programme Chief Oris Onyiri, among other high profile dignitaries.

  • Love across boundaries

    Love across boundaries

    A co-founder of Newswatch magazine, Ray Ekpu, has given out his second daughter, Edikan, in marriage to Alexander, son of a Lagos politician, Fidelis Osho. The event was held at Redeemed Christian Church of God, (Victory Chapel), Magodo Phase II, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    SHE is worth waiting for and he waited for her despite his friend’s proddings to forget her and move on with his life. She was in Switzerland then and he kept agonising that he is missing her. “Why waste your time on her? Why don’t you look for another woman and move on with your life?” friends urged the lovestruck Alexander Osho.

    “There was a time some of my friends advised me to forget the relationship and move on with my life. But I couldn’t … I just couldn’t,” Osho said.

    His patience paid off last Saturday as he took Edikan Victoria, daughter of Mr Ray Ekpu, a founding editor of Newswatch Magazine, to the altar.

    The journey of Alex, son of a Lagos politician, Mr Fidelis Osho, an investment accountant at FirstBank Capital and Edikan, an employee of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), is obviously one ordained by God. They were colleagues at KPMG auditing services, where their journey to the altar began.

    “Every time she gets into the complex, he gets restless. He suddenly becomes absent minded, restless and his body goes jigi jigi,” best friend of the groom Lawrence Amadi told The Nation.

    However, they soon parted ways when Edikan travelled to Swizerland for her Masters at the Institute of Management and Development. Alex left for FBN Capital, but still kept in touch with her.

    To cut the long story short, their friendship climaxed into a colourful wedding in Lagos last Saturday. The previous week, the couple was joined traditionally in Ikot Udo Ossiom in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, where the bride hails from.

    Edikan is Ekpu’s second daughter.

    Their union was solemnised at Redeemed Christian Church of God (Victory Chapel) Magodo Phase II, Lagos. Their friends, family members and well-wishers came to share in the joy of the day.

    The marriage was officiated by Pastor Adebisi Olowoyo.

    From there, guests moved to the reception at Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, where they were feted with sumptuous delicacies and choice drinks.

    The hall was embellished with crystal lightings dropping from the roof. The chairs and table linings were all white. The walls had loop patterned gold fabrics over the white coated wall. At the centre corner stood a couch with the word LOVE, boldly written on it, and illuminated with colourful lighting. There, the couple sat.

    Opposite them were Ego and the Indigo Band, dishing out timeless music to guests’ delight.

    Soon after, the couple was ushered into the hall by the groomsmen and bridesmaids. They danced to songs like Flavour’s Adanma and D’Banj’s Scapegoat. Their appearance caused many to turn in their direction and stare. With their dressing and their dance steps, they held guests spellbound.

    While Edikan wore a simple off-shoulder fitted white gown, she rolled up her hair with a glittering hook. It shone simultaneously with her dangling earrings.

    The chemistry between the couple was felt by all. They stared at each other at intervals.

    With Luther Vandros’ hit song, Dance with my Father, Edikan had an emotional dance with her father. Ekpu held her close and gave her reassuring pats on the back. He then handed her over to the groom, who displayed scintillating dance steps.

    Chairman on the occasion and former governor of Ogun State Chief Segun Osoba, urged guests to stand for a minute and pray for the couple to have a blissful marital life blessed with children.

    Playing on the bride’s middle name, Victoria, he prayed for her to have victory and be victorious always.

    The couple cut their simple four-layered flowered white cake with Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, officiating. Senator Ita-Giwa said unions like that of Alex and Edikan showed the country was “truly united.” To her, the marriage is a fusion of two great families.

    Ekpu described his ‘new son’ as an intelligent person.

    “Excited is the word to describe how I feel right now. I am so proud and I urge the lovebirds to narrow down their areas of disagreement and expand that of agreement,” he said.

    The older Osho knew he had every reason to be happy, having got a daughter-in-law with the striking qualities of her father.

    “Her father is honest and has a large capacity. I see her on that binocular as one who can face challenges. And because her mother is also a strong woman, she is indeed a product of a rugged terrain,” he said.

    He urged the couple to be cautious of the company they keep.

    At the event were Publisher of Vanguard Sam Amuka- Pemu; Guvnor of Nightshift Coliseum, Ken Caleb Olumese; Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Dan Egbese and Kunle Afolayan (SAN) among others.

     

  • Love at first sight

    Love at first sight

    The Michael Olawale-Cole and Adebayo Ekundayo families have become one. Their children Abiola Oladipupo and Rebecca Oyindamola got married in Lagos. The traditional wedding was witnessed by the high and mighty. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    Fashion, glamour, class, prestige and beauty were on display on Saturday July 13, when the Michael Olawale-Cole, President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and Lagos politician Adebayo Ekundayo families became one following the marriage of their children, Abiola Oladipupo and Rebecca Oyindamola.

    The Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, venue of the event, was a beehive. Family members, friends and well-wishers were there to share in the families’s joy.

    The Olawale-Coles brought baskets of gifts and fruits, tubers of yam and boxes for their in-laws.

    Guests were resplendent in pink and yellow attires. The bride’s family wore pink, the groom’s yellow.

    The Shell Hall of the centre, decorated in white, was split in two. Each family occupied one half eating and dancing to the music of a popular female Juju artiste Ayo Balogun and her Harmonic Voices.

    The parking lots within and outside the venue were jam-packed. Some roads were turned into parking lots.

    Street urchins made brisk business hailing guests as they stepped out of their posh cars.

    At noon, the ceremony began with drumming and singing of traditional songs. The female Master of Ceremony (MC) spiced up the gathering with her rib-cracking jokes.

    The groom, an accountant, beamed with smile as he waited to be summoned by his in-laws before his ‘asset’ is handed over to him.

    “Have they called me, ma?” He asked nervously from The Nation reporter, mistaking her for a family friend.

    “No, sir. I’m just a reporter. Congratulations, sir! I just want to ask you how you feel today,” the reporter replied.

    “I’m just here thinking if they have called the whole thing off. I have waited long enough and I can’t wait any further. Besides that, I am the happiest man,” the excited groom said.

    When he was ushered into the hall, his joy knew no bound as he danced with his friends, spreading wide his hands to display the green embroidered agbada he wore. On his head rested a cap, which he stylishly wore.

    The itinerant ballad drummers that provided more entertainment did not regret their coming. For the MC alagaduro, it was the right time to strike as the groom and his friends mangled the Yoruba language. The MC would have none of that as he ordered the groom to pay a fine or return home empty handed. Though the bill was high, the groom’s friends rallied round him to pay.

    They were also fined for subsequent mistakes made, provoking laughter from guests. When he got to the front of the hall, where his parents and those of his bride sat, the groom and his friends prostrated. They rose after guests stretched their hands and blessed him.

    Abiola recounted how he met Rebecca five years ago.

    “After work, I hooked up with my friend who came with his cousin. I was struck when I saw her.

    “She has it all; everything from beauty, class, humour, brains and intelligence. The likeness was instant and we exchanged numbers and here we are today. Though there have been challenges, the good times have the better part. No reason my father loves her more than he loves me,” he said.

    The Ekiti-born bride stepped in, accompanied by pretty damsels, including some foreigners she met friends while studying in England.

    After prayers, the couple, cut their cake to the admiration of all. Among the gifts brought by her in-laws, she picked a copy of the Bible.

    On it, was a boxed ring, which her husband placed on her finger, sealing it with a kiss.

    At the event were: former deputy governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Mr Bosun Jeje; High Chief Folarin Williams; White Cap chiefs who represented Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; paramount ruler of Yewaland and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbende.

     

     

  • In Zik’s hall of fame

    In Zik’s hall of fame

    This year’s Zik Prize in Leadership was won by House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and three governors, among others. They received their prize in Lagos last Saturday, at a ceremony, which attracted eminent personalities. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

    BEING a Saturday, the traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island, Lagos was light. So getting to the Civic Centre was easy for the guests. They had no traffic to contend with.

    Security officials ensured orderliness especially in warding off some social miscreants who sang praises of the dignitaries for cash.

    The expansive centre was chilly, thanks to the ocean behind it, from where cold breeze blew.

    While some women in strapless attires looked for scarves to cover their bodies, others in full outfits, especially those in traditional iro, buba, ipele and gele, took time to savour the gift of nature.

    A huge banner at the entrance welcomed guests into the main building

    The banner heralded the event: Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC) Year 2012 Zik Prize.

    There were other big banners giving pictorial explanation of the winners.

    The awardees were Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi; Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, (NB) Chief Festus Odimegwu.

    Tambuwal received the Public Service Award; Kwankwaso, Uduaghan and Fayemi bagged Good Governance awards.

    The event began around 7:30pm with music by star musician-cum actress Onyeka Onwenu. It was delayed for a while to allow the Muslims break their fast. Fruits were served before Ebele – The Flutist rendered the National Anthem.

    Her rendition evoked the memory of flutists of old. She got a round of applause.

    Chairman on the occasion Chief Sunny Odogwu and Special Guest of Honour Chief Ernest Shonekan gave short remarks before the gathering adjourned for dinner.

    Odogwu said the list of awardees was impressive.

    He congratulated the organisers for their painstaking effort in choosing the recipients.

    He described the late Azikiwe as a great man.

    Shonekan, former Head of Interim National Government (ING), said the awards were well-deserved because the recipients had made contributions to the country’s development.

    Shonekan added: “Whatever we do in any human endeavour is being recorded and does not go without being noticed.” Hence, everyone should not relent in contributing positively to the development of Nigeria.

    He described Zik as Azikiwe was fondly called as a dynamic leader.

    “The late Nnamdi Azikiwe believed in Nigeria where people are achievers and could hold their heads anywhere in the world. I had the opportunity to meet him twice; one of the occasions was at Onikan where Zik was playing lawn tennis. I used to go there to look for pocket money. One day, I got three pence from him; a huge money then. Since then, I have always admired him,” he said.

    He urged the recipients not to rest on their oars.

    After the dinner, Mr Sony Irabor took the microphone to read the citation of the awardees one after the other.

    Some members of the House of Representatives shouted ‘Sayi Tambuwal!’ during the Speaker’s turn. Fayemi got the loudest ovation. His supporters from Ekiti outnumbered those of other awardees and they did not hesitate to recite the Ekiti Anthem when Fayemi was called to the podium.

    The awards were presented by Shonekan and Odogwu, but Tambuwal and Anambra State Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu presented Professional Leadership plaques to Ihejiahi and Odimegwu.

    A short drama played out over who should respond on behalf of the awardees.

    Uduaghan was given the microphone by the moderator; he passed it to Tambuwal who in turn gave it to Fayemi.

    Fayemi pledged that the recipients would rededicate themselves to the struggle for a just and prosperous Nigeria, while also working with and for the people to make the country greater.

    “In accepting this award, we are conscious on one hand of the increased burden of expectations on us as we join the distinguished cadre of winners of the Zik Award across the continent. On the other hand, we are cognisant of the weight of responsibility that comes with being a recipient of an award that was inspired and named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, of blessed memory”, he said.

    According to him, the zeal and impetus for Nigerians “to trust one another, dream together, work together and succeed together in building the Nigeria of our aspirations” comes when the hearts of citizens beat together in patriotic rhythm.”

    PPRAC Advisory Board member Emeka Obasi said Shonekan and Odogwu requested Tambuwal to also respond.

    Tambuwal said jokingly “all the recipients except myself are qualified for the award.”

    He hailed the three governors on the list, saying they have done well to merit the honour.

    Onyeka Onwenu brought the glamorous event to a close with one of her hit album – One love.

    In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; wives of Ekiti and Delta State Governors Bisi and Roli; former Governor of the Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Senator Tony Adeniyi; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; Hon Ayo Omidiran and her husband Alhaji Moroof; Hon Oyetunde Ojo; Hon Robinson Ajiboye; Hon Bamidele Faparusi; Hon Bimbo Daramola; Hon Ife Arowosoge; Action Congress of Nigeria National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Akin Oyebode; Prof Patrick Aina; Dr Femi Orebe; the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor Chief Yemi Adaramodu; Delta State Commissioner for Education Prof Hope Eghagha, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Ekiti State, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, his counterparts in the ministries of Land, Urban and Regional planning as well as Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr Remi Olorunleke and Chief Ronke Okusanya; Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Multilateral Relations Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Editor, Hallmark, Mr Casmir Igbokwe.

    Some notable past recipients of the prize include former Ghanaian President J.J. Rawlings (1995); former Tanzanian President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere (1997); Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998); former Nambian President Sam Nujoma (1999); former South African President Nelson Mandela (2000); for Ugadan President Yoweri Musoveni (2003); former Ghanaian President John Kuffor (2008); President Seretse Lan Khama (2009); Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Otunba Subomi Balogun (2010); President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (2011), amongst others.

     

  • A union of like minds

    A union of like minds

    The families of Chief and Mrs Olatunde Onakoya and the late Prof and Mrs Adegbesan Adenuga celebrated the union of their children, Babajide and Ayodele, at Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

     

    Yoruba culture was on display at the engagement of Babajide, son of the Chief Executive Officer, TED Limited (makers of Lanson Champagne), Chief Olatunde Onakoya and Ayodele, daughter of a former Chairman of the Ogun State Civil Service Commission, the late Prof Adegbesan Adenuga.

    Dignitaries, family members, friends and well wishers came from within and outside the country to share in the couple’s joy.

    Les Genies Live Band and Fresh Wave (DJ) entertained guests.

    Darlington Hall in Ilupeju, Lagos, the venue of the event, was decorated in gold and white. There were also sparkling lights across the hall.

    The bride’s family, friends and well wishers wore orange head gears and caps; the groom’s family looked radiant in blue.

    The hall was filled to capacity and guests looked resplendent in traditional attires.

    There were choice foods and drinks.

    A set of young pretty women ushered guests to their seats. They wore gold mixed with a brown traditional attire, popularly called Oleku.

    The groom, Babajide, looked charming in his cream Agbada and Sokoto with cap to match. The bride dazzled in her cream lace buba, iro and gele. She wore a pair of silver shoes.

    Babajide, an engineer, hails from Ikorodu in Lagos State. He was accompanied into the hall by his friends after the families had been introduced.

    He and his friends prostrated for his family and his in-laws and they prayed for him after he was introduced.

    They danced to the music supplied by the Alaga’s drummers and took their seats.

    The bride, Ayodele, from Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State, was also escorted into the hall by her friends and some family members amid songs.

    She knelt to greet her in-laws and parents, after which they prayed for her.

    The bride later joined her beloved on the cream bridal chair.

    A minute of silence was observed in honour of the bride’s late parents.

    Dr Ronke Ibirogba, Dr Paul Adenuga, Senator Olabiyi Durojaye and Chief S. B. Falegan represented bride.

    Leap 4 Joy Dance Company enlivened the atmosphere with traditional dances. They danced to Igwe by Midnight Crew and other songs supplied by the DJ and a band.

    The groups ensured that there was no dull moment.

    Princess Temilolu Ibirogba read the marriage letter from the groom’s family. The bride’s family did the same.

    The couple took to the floor and later cut the cake.

    A session of photographs followed.

    Prayers were said for the couple following which they returned to the dance floor. Families and friends joined them on the floor.

    The groom said he was happy and excited.

    He described his lovebird as a woman who knows what she wants and would make any man happy.

    The bride described her beau as loving, caring and nice. She said she was happy for the joy of the day.

    The groom’s father urged the couple to study the word of God, saying that it would guide them on the right path.

    He prayed God to sustain and keep them all the days of their lives as they embark on their life-long journey.

    Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Prof Modupe Adelabu, advised the couple to live together as friends and protect each other so that they can have a happy marriage.

    Present at the event were former Governor of the Old Western State Gen Adeyinka Adebayo and wife Modupe; former Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Chief Alani Akinrinade; an entrepreneur, Mrs Kike Ojo, Oba Adeleke Ogunleye and Oba Oladejo Olayiwola, among others.

  • So You are Scared of Public Speaking? Good… So am I!

    Dealing with the fear of speaking requires the willingness of the person concerned. By now, we have learnt that we are not alone in our fear of speaking and that there is a need to renew our minds. Now, we must take deliberate steps to deal with the fear. Some of those steps are:

    •Know what you want to talk about: when you talk about something you don’t know so much about, you will lack confidence. You should be so familiar with your subject matter that you won’t have to think (or try to recall) while speaking. If you are good at what you do, then you need not fear speaking about it.

    •Know your audience: if you don’t know the people you are talking to, you will find communication difficult. Do a detailed analysis of the people you intend to speak to; who are they? What do they want to know? What do they need to know? How do they prefer to learn? If you can answer some of these questions, you will feel familiar with them enough to be comfortable. Remember that familiarity eliminates animosity; if you are comfortable with your audience, not only will you enjoy speaking with them, they will also enjoy responding.

    •Prepare adequately: don’t leave anything to chance. Prepare for your presentation diligently. Remember, you must be worth listening to before people do. One of the major rules of public speaking is that you can never prepare enough. Till the moment you deliver the speech, you must be preparing. We shall dwell on the subject of preparation later in the column.

    •Be passionate: if you talk about something you are passionate about, you will quickly forget your fear. The excitement of your topic will take you through the speech before you remember your nervousness. Have you ever seen a group of young men discussing premiership football? The energy with which they defend their clubs may force a passerby to wait and listen. That is the power of passion.

    •Be yourself: the worst mistake you can make is to try to be someone else while speaking. The only way you can be at ease is to be yourself. If you try to speak like someone else, your audience will judge you by the standards of that person and you will fall short. Who can be better than you in playing you? I attended a speech competition and a young man did a fantastic rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech. It was so good that the ovation was resounding. But the question on my mind was this, “If he has to present his own speech, will he be as successful?” Dr. King’s persona may not be appropriate all the time. So, it is important for you to develop yourself, not to mimic others (though it may be needed in some contexts), but to be yourself to your audience.

    •Stay in your comfort zone: find out what works for you and do it. If, due to your nervousness, you prefer to stand at the podium, do so without looking stiff. If, on the other hand, you prefer to walk around, try not to be clumsy and do not distract your audience. The posture you adopt will say a lot about you to your audience (we will deal more on that later).

    •Know that your audience will listen anyway: once you stand to speak, know that people are listening to you. If you are confident, they will listen, and if you are fearful, they will still listen (of course with a different reaction). So, forget about the fear and focus on your presentation.

    •Focus on being a showman instead of being a mind reader: whenever you are speaking, know that your main concern is to satisfy your listeners instead of reading their minds. You cannot worry and speak at the same time. Leave the minds of your listeners to them and you keep your mind on your speech. What they think may be useful to you later in preparation for future speeches, but while your current speech lasts, you don’t need that distraction.

    •See multitudes as one person: I have heard some people recommend that when you stand before a crowd, look over their heads so as to avoid anxiety. Some others say that you must look into their eyes. We will leave arguments on that for another day. But this is what I recommend; treat the crowd like you will treat an individual. I don’t mean that you pick out one person from the crowd and focus on him/her; I mean that you should adjust your mind to be comfortable with all as though they are but one. Will you look over the head of one person when having a conversation? Will you be scared of communicating with one person? If your answer is no, then transfer the same mentality to your audience; after all, every crowd is a collection of individuals.

    Fear of public speaking is not new. As you are sacred of it, so am I. But I will not let that keep me from speaking when next I have the opportunity to. When you are afraid, you are underestimating yourself. Fear is not strong enough to prevent you from speaking; only you can do that! If you don’t stop yourself, no one else can! This concludes our three part exploration of dealing with the fear of public speaking.

     

  • Farewell to a ‘dutiful mother’

    The remains of Mrs Christiana Aderonke Akintelure, mother of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Ondo State deputy governorship candidate Dr Paul Akintelure, have been interred in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    T will need some searching to find the place in the map. But people found way to Igbotako, a rustic community in Ondo State, penultimate Saturday for the funeral of Mrs Christianah Aderonke Akintelure, mother of Dr Paul Akintelure, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) deputy governorship candidate.

    The ceremony was held at St Pius Catholic Church in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Mrs Akintelure died on June 14, in Lagos, at 83, after a brief illness.

    Mama’s remains were in a brown casket with golden designs. They were conveyed in a black exotic car – R500 4MATIC.

    The programme started with a Christian wake on Friday at Akinpapa Compound, Oke-Idebi quarters, Igbotako, Okitipupa. The interment was on Saturday and thanksgiving, Sunday.

    The Saturday service began with an opening prayer after which some Bible passages were read. The church choir sang some hymns, and prayers were said for Mama and her family.

    In his sermon, Revd Father Akinyose Anthony described Mama as a woman who was dedicated to God and church activities.

    “She is always giving godly advice and will be greatly missed. She has written her name with a golden pen in this church; she nursed her children on the right path of life and she was prominent in the church and in the society at large,” the cleric said.

    He urged guests to live a good life, saying “one day we all shall go back to our Creator.”

    After the funeral service, the pall bearers danced round the church with the casket. Family members, friends and well wishers also joined in the dance. The M.I.C. Brigade played the instrument.

    Mama’s remains were interred at the Akintelure’s compound before the guests moved to Otunba compound, Off Ode-Aye road, for the reception.

    Some guests were also entertained on the church field.

    The reception venues were decorated in white and gold. Chairs were set stylishly and there were sparkling lights.

    A band was led by Kolayemi Kuti.

    Running mate to Olusola Oke in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Saka Lawal said Mama lived a good life worthy of emulation.

    He said she brought her children up in a way that showed her good character and value for good name.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State governorship candidate Chief Olusola Oke spoke glowingly of the late Mrs Akintelure.

    He said: “From today’s gathering, I am sure Mama must have lived an exemplary life and it shows her good deeds in her life time towards her children and others. It is one that everybody should learn from.”

    In a tribute, Akintelure eulogised his mum, saying: “The main difference between my mother and God is that my mother did not create me. She was everything to me. To my fellow citizens, I want them to learn from the good life of this woman, the kind of life my mother lived was a life of good attributes. She trained her children well, she was very good at morals and above all she served God.”

    Senator Kunlere Boluwaji described her as a mother in a million.

    “She lived a life of love to her family members and beyond. She lived a decent life and taught all her family members good morals,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer, AK Media Asiwaju Benson Akinteju described her as a great woman.

    He said she was a woman that many respected.

    Among the dignitaries were, Dr Pius Akinyelure represented ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Ondo State Commissioner for Finance and ACN chieftain Chief Tayo Alasoadura; Wale Akinterinwa; Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Bola Ilori; Caretaker Chairman ACN Kwara State Sola Iji; Governorship candidate of ACN in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Mr Akinfeyinwa Awodeji; State Secretary of ACN Adedipe Adegboyega; Mrs Elizabeth Boluwaji; Prince Olu Adegboro; wife of the late former secretary to Ondo State government, Wumi Adegbomire, Bimpe;

    Members of the National Assembly and local governments were also present.

  • Colleagues, others bid Ewerhido farewell

    The remains of Senator Pius Ewerhido were interred in his Ewu hometown in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State last Friday. Staff Reporter OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE was there

    THE mood inside the sacred Heart’s Cathedral in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State was pensive last Friday. Many were dressed in black. As the remains of Senator Pius Ewerhido were brought in, some guests took a deep sigh. The widow and her children sat quietly, listening to the sermon.

    Outside the church, members of the community could not control their emotion. To them, a great son is gone. They could not be pacified by the presence of cream of the political class that came to pay their last respects to a Trojan in Delta State politics fondly called “Gogorogo” by his admirers.

    Ewerhido died at the National Hospital, Abuja on June 30 after suffering a stroke. He represented Delta Central District in the Senate.

    He is survived by wife Doye, six children, aged mother and siblings.

    The church service featured hymns, Bible reading, soul-lifting sermon and special prayers

    In his homily, Reverend Father Anthony Anamali said the late senator was a man that could make the country work.

    The clergyman said some salient bills sponsored by the late senator were germane and appealed to his colleagues not to let those dreams die.

    Leading the tribute, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan reminisced on the life of the late Ewerhido, saying they both shared a long political journey.

    He recalled meeting the late senator shortly after his electoral victory into the state legislature when the need to elect a deputy speaker for the legislature arose.

    He said the late Ewerhido won despite the presence of the caucus for a different candidate in mind.

    Uduaghan said, notwithstanding the tumult that followed his emergence as governor in the 2007 elections in which the late Ewerhido was his rival, they both had mutual respect for each other.

    His words: “Our political history is very long, a lot happened between us in the last eight years. In all these, we had great respect for ourselves. You will not read anywhere where Pius said something negative about me to the media. He never did so; neither did I do it to him. Even in his private discussions, nobody has come to tell me Pius said any ill thing about me.

    “So, we have great respect for ourselves. Even while in the Senate in another party, we also have great respect for ourselves. A few days ago somebody asked me ‘Pius was sick and we heard you were there; why did you go to that extent?’ I told him that if the reverse was the case, Pius would also be there for me. He would have done the same thing for me.”

    Senate President David Mark said the Senate had lost “a gem” in the late Ewerhido.

    He said: “Pius throughout his stay in the Senate demonstrated nationalism and patriotism, the passion with which he expressed himself, the sincerity with which he expressed his wishes of Delta and by extending the wishes of the ordinary Nigerian was beyond reproach.”

    Rev Fr Anthony Ewerhido said his brother gave the people of Delta Central Senatorial District vibrant and effective representation, adding that in less than two years, he sponsored four bills and co-sponsored 12 other bills, urging the Senate to help immortalise the late senator by passing one of the bills he sponsored.

    Ewerhido’s remains were interred at Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state at 4:15p.m.

    In attendance were Edo and Imo state governors, Adams Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; former governor of Edo State Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Uche Chukwumerieje; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Festus Keyamo, a lawyer and Delta House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei among others.

     

  • ‘I can’t believe she’s gone’

    No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want them to go. The tears of the children of the late Mrs Winifred Olanike Omonijo whose remains were intered in Ilesa, Osun State on Saturday are yet to dry.

    She died on June 25 at 75. She was the mother Mr Omobolade Omonijo, Member, Editorial Board of The Nation.

    Those who knew her are still mourning the loss of an outstanding woman. Her widower, Pa Gamaliel Omonijo, cannot imagine life without his jewel.

    Mama and her husband were soul mates. On her sick bed, mama defied pains to ask how her husband was coping at home.

    Mama’s remains were intered at St. Peters Anglican Church Cemetery, Bolorunduro in Ilesa, after a funeral service in the church at Isona.

    The rites of passage began on Friday with a service of songs at her residence. It climaxed with the funeral service the following day.

    The church was painted in white.

    Its wooden chairs were set in rows. The choir rendered solemn songs, with the congregation standing as the remains of Mrs Omonijo were brought in, in a gold brown casket. There were flowers on the casket.

    Smartly dressed women, ushered guests to their seats.

    In a sermon, Ven. Akintunde Morakinyo, described mama as a selfless woman.

    The late Mrs Omonijo, Venerable Morakinyo said, was a diligent woman.

    He urged all to live a life that is pleasing to God.

    After the sermon, special prayer were said for the family, their guests and the nation.

    Mama’s remains arrived at the cemetery in a white car; ESCALADE and T.A.C were the pall bearers.

    As Mrs Omonijo’s remains were being lowered into the grave, the large number of sympathisers wept.

    Reception followed at the United Methodist/Anglican Grammar School Premises, Bolorunduro, Ilesa.

    Guests had a nice time, winning and dinning.

    Relations and friends took time to dance to music supplied by Sweet Jesus Music Ministries.

    Dword Music Institute a.k.a Olagunju Oluwaseyi was the Master of Ceremony while S.Rock Band also entertained. Diverse itinerant drummers were present.

    The venue was decorated in gold, pink and blue. Chairs were set round tables.

    In his tribute, Pa Omonijo described his wife as a prayer warrior.

    “The place of my late wife will remain unfilled; it is very difficult to reconcile with the fact that she has departed this world, leaving me lonely.

    “My wife knew what I should wear, what to eat and ensured that the home was organised the way I loved it. I look forward to joining you too.”

    Omobolade, the first son described his mother as a wonderful woman who lived a fulfilled life.

    His words: “My mother delights in the joy and development of others, she was a disciplinarian who took good care of all her children and even other people’s children like her own.

    “She walked with the Lord, and served God with all her heart, she touched the lives of so many people and she is worthy of honour.

    “She never left daddy, she was always with him and also took care of him.”

    He urged mothers to ensure that they build their homes, saying that the day to day administration of the home is in the hand of the mothers.

    Mama’s daughter-in-law, Mrs Yinka Omonijo said: “Mama was everything to me. She was not only my mother-in-law, she was my mother and my confidant”.

    She described mama as generous, kind hearted, and a woman who is ever ready to give herself to everybody.

    “Mama accepted me freely to be her daughter-in-law and told me many things about my husband (her son).”

    Mrs Omonijo was moved to tears when she said she can never forget mama because she was very caring.

    She said: “Mama will always remember our birthdays to greet us.

    “I learnt something from her. Mama will never borrow rather she will give you more. I will never forget her,” Mrs Omonijo said.

    Mama’s second son, Mr Bolaji Omonijo said mama was caring and loving

    “She brought us up in the way of the Lord and she will never spare the rod to spoil a child,” Bolaji said.

    Chairman, Editorial Board, The Punch, Mr Segun Adediran, said mama was a great and good mother.

    “She will be missed,” Adediran said.

    Present at the event were Ambassador Akinola Falase and his wife, Nike; Prof Ayodele Falase and his wife, Adelola; Asolo of Isolo Ijesha Dr. John Adeyemi, and Oloro of Orogba Ijesha Chief James Ajayi; members of the staff of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, were there in large number.