The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Bouquet for Mama Choir

    Bouquet for Mama Choir

    The remains of Madam Felicia Olubola Aderibigbe, mother of Yinka Aderibigbe of The Nation, have been buried in Modakeke, Osun State. JUDE ISIGUZO reports

    As a teacher, the late Madam Felicia Olubola Aderibigbe was loved by many, especially her former pupils. At her funeral, they all came to pay their last respects. The late Mrs Aderibigbe was chorister in her local church till she was 75.

    Her journey to the world beyond began about noon that fateful Thursday. The motorcade bearing her body stormed the sleepy town of Modakeke through Mayfair, via Ondo road to Iraye junction. It made a detour into town and moved slowly through Oke-Amola, Kule Street, down to Amuda Oba Street back to Iraye road.

    From there, the motorcade moved to Gbogbo Lane home of the deceased’s surviving sister and now matriarch of the family Mrs Felicia Folashade Afolabi. A band of undertakers gaily dressed in brown Ankara took over, carrying the casket from the hearse, amid dancing to the 5, Osun Lane home of the deceased and the relations, who had been gathering since the previous day.

    The casket was finally carried into the living room which was tastefully decorated in brown and gold for the lying-in state. The casket was opened for people to catch a last glimpse. Tears flowed freely as people beheld her remains.

    Even the cleric couldn’t help being emotional. Though none wept, all the six officiating clerics at the wake service spoke glowingly of the deceased’s virtues, humility and commitment to the faith.

    The Dean of the Cathedral of St Stephen, Ven. Prof. Akin Ige, whose wife was one of Mama Aderibigbe’s pupils at St Stephen’s B, Modakeke in the early 60s said: “Despite being my wife’s former teacher, (she taught my wife in Primary Three), Mama was very humble, calling her mummy, and always ready to help move the work of God forward. She was not pushy, always very caring, and willing even to part with the little she had if only to make someone else happy. She was so devoted to her husband (also of blessed memory), and always ready to counsel women especially those facing challenges in their marriage to work through such with prayers,” Ige said.

    For Revd Wale Adeleke, the Cathedral Chaplain, Mama Aderibigbe was a lesson in commitment. “As the vicar of one of our branches close to her house, for many years, I tried to convert her to start attending the church, but she would make me realise she and her husband had vowed not to change from attending the Cathedral. I was always visiting them, and each time, I marvel at the kind of love that existed between the two of them that has defied age,” he said.

    The next day, the two sons of the late Madam Aderibigbe, Funso Adewale, an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Education, Abuja and Adeyinka Olumide Aderibigbe, led other relations among who were Prof. Anthony Dele Afolabi, of the Department of General Studies and a former Dean of Students Affairs, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, the Chairman Ayedaade Local Government Area, Gbongan, Osun State, Evangelist Nathaniel Olusoji Arabambi, Mrs Olubanke Olubunmi Olaleye, a retired Apex Nursing Officer of the Mushin Local Government Area, Lagos, Dr. Modupeola Oyesiji, of the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Mr Olayiwola Adejumo, Mr Seye Adesigbin, Mrs Ronke Omotosho, a Vice-Principal and Mr Patrick Kayode Afolabi, a businessman, among several others, to the entrance of the church.

    Also on hand at the main entrance, were the Adesigbin led by Mama’s direct sibling Pa Abel Oluboye Adesigbin, Mr Banwo Adesigbin, a retired principal, Mr Lawrence Olarewaju, and others family members from the Oloje compound of Ode-Omu, as well as their children and associates who accompanied the remains of their sister.

    The brown casket bearing the remains of Mama Choir was received by the college of clergy, who after some pronouncements accepted it into the church, signalling the commencement of the funeral service.

    Led by the dean, each cleric prayed for the repose of the deceased and the church’s choir took turn to render a special anthem in memory of their late member, whose tenor voice they admitted they would sorely miss.

    But the church shook and everyone was left with wet eyes when members of the Young Women Progressive Society. (YWPS), a group she co-founded with other young women in the 60s, took the microphone to render their special number in memory of their departed heroine.

    They, thereafter, had a replacement for mama in the group, as Mrs Aderonke Aderibigbe was announced and warmly received by the association’s leadership.

    During the funeral service, Revd Adeleke, said there is hope in resurrection because Christ had died and risen. He added that all those who died in Christ did not die, but slept and there is hope that they all shall be woken up at the last day to partake in the glories of beholding the father.

    Adeleke urged everyone to prepare for the end journey as procrastination might be costly.

    He said though Mama was a devoted Christian, she became more committed to God when she had a personal encounter with God, over two decades ago, adding that this encounter was responsible for the recommitment she made all through her life.

    Adeleke charged the congregation, particularly the family and children of the deceased to take heart, knowing that their matriarch and one of the pillars of faith in the church had gone to rest in the bosom of her maker.

    The family had a thanksgiving service shortly thereafter and the clergymen led the closing procession out of the church for the interment which took place at Alabameta, the church’s cemetery in the outskirts of the town.

    Modakeke’s typical hospitality was on high display at the reception which took place much later in the day on the playground of St Francis Catholic Primary School, Iraye, where a musical group manned the band stand.

    The town emptied itself unto the field as they took their seat under the presidential canopy that provided a shelter from the sweltering sun and many had a feel of the hospitality of the grassroots people of Modakeke in the assorted foods and drinks to wet throat of the famished.

  • Persuasive Speech (4) Methods of Persuasion

    It’s great having you on this column again. I believe you have been putting what we have discussed so far to good use. Remember, public speaking is not only about reading or learning about speaking; it is mainly about “doing” speaking. Have you made a public presentation lately? In public speaking, you learn a lot from doing. So, find every opportunity to practice. Last week, we examined some methods of persuasion. We looked at persuading using: facts, statistical credibility, speaker’s credibility and appeals to basic human needs, wants and desires. This week, we shall be considering some of the challenges you are likely to face when persuading your audience.

    Persuasion can be a lot of work, particularly when your audience does not want to be persuaded. I attended a business seminar recently and I listened to a speaker try to persuade me (as part of the audience) to make a business decision. To start with, I had no idea that the business meeting was about network marketing or I most definitely would not have showed up. I don’t consider myself a good marketer, so, I avoid any business that requires direct sales. So, there was I, sitting there and wondering why I attended. The speaker started with general information about people needing other sources of income other than from their full-time jobs. Then we were gradually led to the main course for the day. As interested as I was about the general direction of the speech, which was financial independence, I was absolutely disinterested in the business proposition. Suddenly, I heard the speaker mention that the business was not about selling products- you don’t even have to sell a single one! Now, that caught my attention, and from that point on, I listened with rapt attention. Whether or not I eventually decided to sign on is not even the issue; the main issue is that the speaker was able to break through my strong disinterest to get me interested. That was one talented speaker!

    Anytime you have to deliver a persuasive speech, you are faced with three major categories of people: a) Those who are strongly against your idea b) Those who are in support of your idea and c) Those who are indifferent. Therefore, proper attention must be given to each of these groups. Your greatest asset is the group in support of your idea and your greatest challenge is the group against your idea. How you manage these two groups may go a long way in determining where the “indifferent group” will belong. Remember that even if those for you and those against you are equal in number (which is most unlikely), the third group will be the tie-breaker. A mass movement towards any side will determine your success or failure.

    Now, let’s consider specific challenges you may encounter while presenting a persuasive speech:

    •Making the audience listen: how do you make a person listen to you when the person already knows that your motive is to “change” him or her? It is particularly difficult when your listeners already know the topic you intend to speak on. Imagine how you react when you walk past a group of shops and each of the sales persons is calling you and grabbing at you to come and buy something you don’t even need? Naturally, you turn the other way. That’s what it is like to speak to disinterested people. To deal with this, I suggest that your topic does not entirely betray your intention. Be creative in fashioning your topics. After that, identify with their positions before you present yours.

    •Dealing with Attitudes towards Commitment: earlier on in our discussion on persuasive speech, we mentioned that it goes beyond making people sit passively and be informed, to encouraging them to commit to a course. This is a very sensitive part of the whole deal. I can listen to you talk about the number of children who die of malaria every day, and I can agree with you that your foundation needs a lot of money, but, must I part with my money? That’s the big question! You have to learn to bring your listeners to the point where they are willing to act.

    •Dealing with Ethical Challenges: in a bid to convince the audience, several people get desperate and include some false information. Some people present half-truth just to make the audience buy an idea. This is not right. Ok, I agree that your job may depend on it, but you may be setting a trap for yourself. Don’t forget that last week we talked about the credibility of the speaker. If I ever discover that you lied to me once in your speech, I won’t trust you again. If you sell a bad product, you may have sold that first time, but you will never sell the same thing to the same person twice.

    There are some strategic ways of getting your audience to listen to you, even if they don’t like your subject matter. We will deal with those strategies next week; make sure you don’t miss them.

  • Seeking the best for their alma mater

    Old students of Anwar-Ul-Islam College formerly Ahmaddiya College in Agege, a Lagos suburb, held a reunion dinner at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, last Friday in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the school. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    IT is a yearly tradition. Every year, old students of Anwar-ul Islam College in Agege, Lagos gather for their reunion. This year’s coincided with the celebration of their alma mater’s 65th anniversary. The two-in-one celebration was held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja last Friday. As the night wore on, the old boys and their guests kept bubbling inside the hotel’s hall. The gathering was not only for merrymaking, it was also to raise fund for the school, formerly known as Ahmadiyya College.

    Many of the old boys were dressed in either white or blue native attires with caps to match. The caps were in the school colours of blue and gold. Their wives and other female guests used ipele and gele of the same colours. The hall was decorated in white, with a large banner welcoming guests, hanging on the wall over the dais where some dignitaries sat.

    President of Anwaru-Ul Islam College, Agege Old Students Association (ACAOSA), Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the school gave them an opportunity to acquire western education.

    The chairman of the occasion and a former judge of the World Court, Prince Bola Ajibola, (SAN) said his love for the college reminds him of a part in Shakespeare’s Macbeth which says: “The love that follows us is our problem”.

    He also spoke of his hero and a one time student of the college the late Justice Olawale Elias.

    “All through his life, he was instrumental to making the young ones to study law in the United Kingdom.

    “He was a great contribution to Nigeria from the great Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege. I also recall those days when we used to sit at his feet in Britain, where he will urge us to move on with our legal pursuit,” he said.

    In a lecture, a university teacher, Prof Sherif Adetoro, also an old boy relieved the school’s yesteryear.

    On a large projector slide, guests were shown the present state of the school and how the old boys want it to look like in no distant time.

    Dr Abiodun Afolabi Tajudeen was given the task of raising funds.

    Everyone present had something to say about the school.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the government is happy that the old boys are concerned about their school.

    “School days are the best days of our lives because it was fun,” said former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, an old boy.

    “I am who I am today because of the college. Those formative years were so strong and that is why we honour the name of the school. We are either the best or nothing,” he said.

    Mr Lateef Babalola bagged the president’s award for Best Old Student; Mukaila Bashua (SAN), got the Distinguished Life award.

    In attendance were Prof Saheedat Mabadeje; Senator Muniru Muse; Bolaji Ajimotokan; Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Hon Oyinlomo Danmole; President, Anwar-Ul Islam Mission, Alhaji Mustapha Oshodi; Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Lagos, Mr Ade Ipaye; Justice Fatai Adeyinka(rtd); Mr Rahman Alarape; Muftau Ottun; Hameed Rasaq; Hameed Ogunnaike, Mukadas Akinwande; Hakeem Ogunniran; Tunde Olubando; Secretaries from different Ministries and members of the Lagos Executive Council.

  • Alaafin, Owa Obokun, others honour Third Eye publisher Akanni-Aluko at daugher’s wedding

    Alaafin, Owa Obokun, others honour Third Eye publisher Akanni-Aluko at daugher’s wedding

    Last Saturday, Adekemi, daughter of business mogul and publisher of the defunct Third Eye newspaper, Chief Akanni Aluko, exchanged marital vows with her heartthrob, Christopher Tolaore, son of the late Colonel (Dr) Atalabi. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, who witnessed the event, reports. 

    Hundreds of eminent personalities within and outside the country thronged the home of famous publisher and businessman, Chief Akanni Aluko, last weekend in honour of newly married couple, Agnes Adekemi and Christopher Tolaore. The wedding programme, which commenced penultimate Thursday at the Ilesa, Osun State home of the bride’s father, Chief Akanni Aluko, saw hundreds of invited guests from Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Kano states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.

    The Thursday programme, christened the traditional engagement of the couple, included the acceptance of bride price and the consent of the bride’s parents to giving their daughter’s hand out in marriage. The scores of dignitaries who attended the event included the juju maestro, King Sunny Ade and members of his musical band, who entertained the guests. Others in attendance were the wife of former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, Alhaja Mutiat; wife of the late Ibadan politician, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose; Prof. Solomon Kadiri; Prof. Salako; Prof. and Mrs. Ogunbiyi; Chief Olusola Gilbert and wife; Chief Olu Abiola; Chief Martins Sesan; former Registrar, University of Ibadan, Chief Mrs. Moji Ladipo and the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin and some of his chiefs.

    All the large canopies erected were filled to the tilt by guests. The bride’s parents, Chief Aluko and wife, Kofoworola, were in joyous mood as they obviously enjoyed every minute of the event. They sat in the front row opposite the groom’s family members. The bride price, which included a copy of the Holy Bible, was accepted before the audience with applause as they pronounced the relationship valid. There were traditional songs, accompanied with performance by dancers from Emure Ekiti, Ekiti State, the home of the groom’s parents, which ushered the groom and his friends to the stage. There was plenty of food and assorted drinks for guests.

    At the St. Mary’s Catholic Cathederal, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, where the marriage was solemnised last Saturday, the church building was filled to capacity. Among the dignitaries at the church were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana represented by High Chief Eddy Oyewole; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran; wife of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Alhaja Mutiat; wife of the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao; the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; Chief Pery Aluko; members of the University of Ibadan community; the business community and politicians.

    The church service, presided over by the chief host, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Arcbishop Alaba Job, was full of counsel and admonition for the new couple. The premises of the church were filled with assorted cars. The couple was ushered in with praise songs provided by the choir. All eyes were on the couple who thrilled the congregation with their dance steps.

    In his sermon, Bishop Emmaneul Badejo of Oyo Catholic Diocese enjoined the bride and the groom to be faithful to each other in fulfillment of their marital vows. He reminded the husband to honour his wife, while the wife should also have deep respect for her husband.

    Speaking on same sex marriage, Bishop Badejo said: “Catholics all over the world should rise up to fight against same sex marriage. It is a fight that must be won because the act is a gross sin against God, and we should not allow it in the sanctuary of the living God”.

    At the venue of the reception, Jogor Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, the musical band of Wale Zion entertained the guests. It was full of fun. Everyone ate and drank their choice food and wine. The bride’s father, while thanking God for His mercies upon him, said: “I feel very high and my spirit is once again alive. I feel I am waking up from slumber. God has touched my life positively and He has given me all these great things you are seeing.

    “I thank God for His mercies, His blessings and provisions for me. I also thank all those who gave me massive support both here in Ilesa and in Ibadan. May the Almighty God continue to replenish them.”

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland took the audience by surprise when he led his chiefs to the floor to dance. The entire hall exploded with applause as they watched the monarch doing it the royal way.

  • Club gets leaders

    On May 11, members of the Primus Club of Lagos converged on the Piccadilly Hotel and Suite, Lekki for its Annual General Meeting (AGM). It elected Navy Commodore Eddy Akingbemila (rtd) to lead them for two years.

    Last Friday, the Club’s House in Mushin, Lagos was filled with those who came to felicitate with the new executive members and the club. It was also a day to celebrate its members.

    The club, which will be 25 years next year, is a platform for people of different backgrounds to find a common ground to actualise their dreams. The event was also to celebrate members’ unity and friendship. One after the other, they trooped into the venue till the place was bubbling with excitement, music and dance.

    The club’s patron Archbishop Magnus Atilade said he was happy that it is growing.

    Akingbemila promised to promote the values of the club during his tenure, among which is the establishment of an endowment fund for bursary and scholarship for indigent children in the community; to open a website for the club and register the club’s business outfits.

    The president performed his first task of administering the oath of office on other members of the executive, after which they took to the dance floor, with gospel songs by Yinka Ayefele.

    In attendance were the Baale of Matori Chief Sesan Akintunde; former president of Rotary Club, Kennedy Ejakpomewhe; former Special Adviser on Transportation in Lagos State Hon Lai Olawale; Prince Kola Robert; immediate past president of the club and chairman of Seco Construction Mr Gbenga Shoyebi and Chief Gbenga Obasa, among others.

     

  • ‘She stood by me with prayers’

    The wedding of Khadija Oluwafunmilola Rajee-Adenowo and her beau Sulaiman Omotayo Adaranijo was held in Ikorodu Club, Ikorodu in Lagos.

    Khadija and Sulaiman appeared in native attire. The bride wore iro and buba; the groom was in brown sokoto and buba with a pair of shoes to match.

    The bride studied Sociology at the National Open University(NOUN); Sulaiman graduated from the Lagos State Polytechnic(LASPOTECH).

    Chief Imam and National Missioner of the Islamic League of Nigeria, Alhaji Rajee Sulaiman officiated at the wedding.

    The couple answered: ‘Yes I do’ when the minister asked them if their decision to marry each other was unanimous.

    Earlier, the two families gathered for the introduction and engagement. During the event, the bride was asked to sit on her parents laps for prayers of success in her matrimonial home. Tears flowed freely from her eyes as her parents prayed for her.

    The reception was anchored by Toyin Kawojue of the Lagos Television (LTV).

    It was chaired by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Segun Ogunlewe, who was represented by Mr Folarin Adediran.

    He urged the couple to let love reign in their home. He said they should not allow third party in their affairs.

    He also supervised the cutting of the cake.

    Couple;s feeding of each other followed.

    The groom said the day would remain memorable to him. “It is a very grateful day for me. It is a day that will be in my record forever, I thank God, my father-in-law and others for their support,” he said.

    He described his wife as prayerful.

    “She has stood by me with prayers. I always see the impact of her efforts and prayers in my life,” he said.

    The bride said her wedding was the best thing to happen to her.

    “It is the best thing to happen to me in life. I am very grateful to Almighty Allah for making my day successful,” she said.

    She described her husband as a humble, handsome and caring man.

    Their parents prayed for their conjugal bliss and wisheded them a happy married life.

    The day became livelier as all took to the dancing floor to joy the couple and rejoice with them.

  • Londoner hooks ex-commissioner

    Londoner hooks ex-commissioner

    Dressed in Bini traditional regalia, former Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Anita Evbuomwan and her London-based beau, Elbert Odeh, gracefully danced into the beautifully decorated Marquee, venue of the reception, to the cheering of guests who included political big-wigs.

    Glued to each other like Siamese twins, the couple was full of smiles. The colours of the day were green, gold and red.

    Earlier, the love-birds, who many described as a wonderful pair, solemnised their long relationship at the Oredo Local Government Area Marriage Registry, after which the traditional wedding rites was done in the bride’s father’s house.

    The wedding was simple.

    Although the couple made arrangements for canopies, in case it rained, for guests who may not have seats inside the tent, the weather was clement.

    As the couple danced out to change their attire, a popular Benin based artist, S.K.O., who was the Master of Ceremony, spiced the event with rib-cracking jokes, with ushers leading dignitaries to their seats.

    Fully kitted in gold buba and royal beads that complemented the dressings on the traditional cake, the newlyweds re-appeared in the hall, as servers refilled guests’ empty glasses and plates.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwart Gentleman Amegor, who chaired the ceremony, gave the couple tips on a successful union. He advised them to ensure that they kept no secret from each other and to avoid third party intervention in their affairs.

    The traditional cake was cut at the spelling of love, after which the lovebirds took to the floor for the bridal dance. The former commissioner, who danced for almost an hour non-stop, told The Nation that she has always envisaged her wedding day.

    ‘‘I love dancing a lot and I have always looked forward to my wedding day. Words cannot express my happiness. All I can say is that I am grateful to God for giving me not just a husband, but a friend and companion.

    ‘‘He is always willing to listen and is never tired. What many people do not understand is that marriage is a union of two people with two different stories, who have decided to have one new beginning. I would not have asked for a better man,’’ she said.

    For the groom, Anita’s beauty and humility caught his fancy, which made him move closer to know her better.

    ‘‘I was first caught by her beauty, but took my time to study her from a distance. Then, to my surprise, she was so simple and humble, despite the position she occupied. So many women would be full of themselves if they held such a position. Another good thing I noticed was that she was straight forward and very upright.

    ‘‘After a few encounters, I told myself I have got to my bus stop. I am a happy man today, just knowing that I have Anita as my wife, friend and confidant. She is my treasure.’’

    To the bride’s father, Festus Evbuomwan, giving the former commissioner away, though a good thing, was a difficult decision.

    ‘‘I am already missing her. If I had my way, I won’t let her marry anyone. She is a daughter to be proud of. Until she got married, even while she was a commissioner, she was living with the family.

    ‘‘Then, she has always been my voice. Once, her younger ones or anyone misbehaved, the moment they heard her voice or sighted her, there is quiet and peace. But we cannot hold her back forever; she has her life to live and has met a good man, too. My prayer is that God will increase, protect and see them through life,’’ Evbuomwan said.

    Although the vote of thanks by Odeh marked the end of the reception, the celebration continued at the groom’s place later that night, when the bride was escorted by her relatives, according to Bini tradition.

    Among those who attended the grand event were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, with his wife, Endurance; State Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Thomas Okosun; former President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice J.O. Olubor, with his wife, Roseline; former Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Bright Omokhodion; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe; former Head of Service, Anthony Edokpayi and former Attorney General, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana.

    Others include commissioners for Oil and Gas, Osas Uwadia; Environment, Clem Agba; Agriculture, Abdul Oroh and Lands and Survey, Donald Osikhena; former commissioners, Mrs Cordelia Aiwizie; Anselm Ojezua; Victor Enoghama; Peter Ikem, as well as state legislators and the officials of the state’s sports Ministry.

     

  • Persuasive Speech (3) Methods of Persuasion

    We took a further plunge into the world of persuasive speech, last week. We considered some characteristics of the speech such as: urging the audience to choose one option above the others, not being about teaching but about advocating, focusing on evidence, demanding commitment from the audience and focusing on leadership. Today, we shall go on to talk about some of the methods of persuasive speech.

    Method can be simply explained as a systematic way of doing something. Hence, we want to examine some of the systematic ways of delivering persuasive speeches. The knowledge of the methods will help us to understand how we can maximize the results of our speeches. So, today, we will be looking at persuading using: facts, statistical credibility, speaker’s credibility and appeals to basic human needs, wants and desires. Like we usually do, and like I suggest you continue to do, we will highlight our points and take them one after the other.

    •Persuasion through the use of facts: facts are statements or assertions based on verified information about a particular subject. Without sounding too academic, this simply means that the information you are dealing with must be one that can be proved. Using fact is one of the major ways of persuading your audience. Of course, the information you are presenting is one that cannot be contested by your listeners. This helps to strengthen your case while you are trying to make them adopt your point of view. There are three types of facts you can make use of:

    •Past Facts: this involves presenting information about past events or situations as evidence for your points. If, for instance, you want to present a persuasive speech on the need for job creation in Nigeria, you can use past facts by providing statistical data of the number of unemployed graduates from Nigerian higher institutions in the last five years and compare them with the rise in crime within the •Present Facts: you may find yourself in a position where you are expected to defend your current level of productivity in your office. What you need to do is gather information about the current activities you are undertaking and convince your employers that those activities are vital to the overall objectives of the organization. That is one of the ways to use present facts.

    •Future Facts: This is a kind of projection into the future. You cannot do this effectively without drawing from past and present facts. This is how it works, if your speech is on malaria for instance, you can say something like this (the figures here are made up): within the last five years, 50 million children died of malaria (past fact), as we speak now, an average of 15 children die every minute (present fact), if this trend continues, in the next five years, more than half of the country’s population would have been lost to malaria (future fact), can we afford to sit and do nothing?

    •Persuasion through the use of statistical credibility: the use of statistics provides concrete information, which helps to substantiate your points. This does not mean that you flood your presentation with graphs and diagrams and data to impress your listeners. Whatever you include in your speech must be relevant and carefully interpreted so that your listeners can understand what you mean. Let’s assume your topic is on population control and you need statistics on the number of births and deaths in the country, you must take three things into consideration: a) the source of the data (did you get your information from the original or authorized source?) b) the reputation of the source (can we trust your source?) c) the recency of the data (are you using a data set that is old and outdated or a current one?).

    •Persuasion through the speaker’s credibility: have you ever wondered why there is a lot of publicity when a “big” speaker is coming to town? Have you ever wondered why a lot of time is “wasted” on introducing a speaker to the audience? It is because you must believe in the speaker before you give him/her you time. When you don’t trust a speaker, you don’t listen to what he/she has to say; and if you don’t have a choice but to listen, you will definitely be disinterested. As a persuasive speaker, your greatest asset is not your “sweet mouth” but your credibility. Be someone your audience can trust.

    •Persuasion through appeals to basic human needs, wants, and desires: if you have been following this subject from the beginning, you will recall that we said persuasion is more emotional than objective. In this case, your persuasive energy must be directed towards focusing on what your listeners need, what they want and what they desire. If you are an investment broker and you are about to address a group of middle-age people, you may want to use the sense of security to sell them the idea of investing. At their age, they may not have the luxury of changing jobs; they have families and are seriously thinking of the future. By associating with their current phase in life, you may get them to invest.

    Understanding the methods of persuasion is very crucial to the delivery of a successful persuasive speech. But all of this talk about persuasion is too good to be true! Are we saying persuasion is foolproof and without challenges? Well, you’ll have to wait till next week for that.

  • Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji in a class of her own

    Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji in a class of her own

    my second major assignment in the early days as a Corporate Finance Manager and a Stockbroker was to float one of the earliest Community Banks in Nigeria.

    Former military president Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida(IBB) had just announced the community bank scheme in 1990 and Silver Financial Services, a dealing member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange was on the 7th Floor of LSDPC House in the center of commercial activities in Lagos Island. The vision came to High Chief Luyi Rotimi, Chairman/CEO of Silver Financial Services that we should promote a Community Bank for Lagos Island. Our location and target catchment area informed the 3i Community Bank, name which was given the company. 3i evolved from the first three alphabets of Idumota, Idumagbo and Isale-Eko. I pursued the project in my usual style of seeing anything honorable through not knowing I was going to eventually marry from Ashogbon Chieftaincy family of Isale-Eko.

    The Community Development Association is a major requirement of the Central Bank of Nigeria for every promoter of a Community Bank. Thus, in the course of seeing the project through, it was imperative to carry along some indigenes. Consequently, I met one Alhaji Giwa in the heart of Idumota. Yet, to make a considerable progress we needed more natives of note who can take ownership by way of equity participation and subscribe to the share capital. I mentioned the challenge in the presence of my friend, Abi Adigun who worked for Mobil Plc when they were still in the Bookshop House on Broad Street, Lagos. Abi then said: “Caucus (my nick name); my senior colleague, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), his mother was the Iyaloja of Lagos”! “With her on your side, take your project as done”. Abi who later succeeded BAT as the Treasurer of Mobil, said.

    Meanwhile, most of the time I visited Abi in the office, I saw BAT. Of course, Abi mentioned it to his boss who readily supported the project. He arranged for me to meet Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji and Mama naturally became part of the project. Thereafter, raising the N250,000 minimum capital required then to obtain the community banking licence became a walk-over. Alhaja Mogaji became the founding Chairman of the board and one lady, Abiodun nominated by their group served on the board too.

    What first struck me about Mama Abibatu was her sense of duty at old age in her 70s then. She came to our LSDPC building few times we needed to consolidate as a board on the establishment plans of the 3i Community Bank. I’m particularly grateful to her because she made my job easy.

    Most things that would have constituted a stumbling block for us to see the project through were simply levelled with Alhaja behind the project. It was amazing! Prince Demola Adeniji Adele was the Lagos Island City Hall Chairman then. He finally got us a take-off point in Odo Alagbafo area of Lagos Island.

    The inauguration was well celebrated to the glory of God as the first Community Bank in Lagos. The success of it eventually led me to meeting Prince Adeyanju Olateru-Olagbegi and Sir Rufus Giwa who both sought my assistance in the floating of Owo & Oke-Agbe Community Banks in 1991.

    I must also mention a special bond between Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji and BAT during my brief encounter with the highly respected old woman. She would tell you that Bola has advised her on the matter you brought before her. This I found very interesting. I’m always fascinated when I see hard working elderly people who with little or no formal education, they stand out in a typical Nigerian setting. I’m not surprised that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu achieved so much against all odds, when I remember that he is a product of an amazon, a distinguished grassroots woman of substance and perhaps one of the greatest women who made their marks in the affairs of Lagos after the unequalled Madam Tinubu of Lagos that the Tinubu Square was named after.

    I greet egbon BAT and other omolokus for the grace of succeeding a mother in a million. Fare thee well, the evergreen Iyaloja-General of Lagos. She was in a class of her own.

    Sun re Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

  • Their happy day

    Their happy day

    A former National Life journalist, Rev Timothy Oyeola, has given out his daughter in holy matrimony to Samuel Fele, an engineer, at the Fear of God Gospel Ministry (FGGM), Akute, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports

    June 8 would linger in the memory of Rev Timothy Oyeola, the President of Fear of God Gospel Ministry (FGGM) and the Feles. Their children Victoria and Samuel got married that day.

    The couple is from Ekiti State.

    Samuel is a graduate of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH); his love, Victoria, is a graduate of Political Science from the University of Ibadan.

    The ceremony started with the engagement at the FGGM in Akute, Ogun State.

    It was followed by the wedding in the same venue. The church choir opened the floor with praise songs and stylish dance steps.

    The groom was the first to enter the church accompanied by his best man. The bride followed.

    Pastor Joseph Atunase took the Bible reading from Philippians 2:1.

    Pastor Moses Oyeola, in his exhortation, noted that marriage is an honourable estate instituted by God and it signifies the union between Christ and the Church.

    He said: “Marriage is not a thing to be rushed into. It should not be undertaken to satisfy our carnal lust and appetites, but it should be done in the fear of God.”

    Pastor Samuel Oduntan joined the couple in holy matrimony. After they took their vows, the Pastor joined them. Exchange of rings followed.

    In his sermon, Pastor Oluwole Oluwatemi told the couple to ensure the spirit of God dwells in their home, adding that, this is the only way they can live in peace and harmony. He urged them to build their marriage on unconditional love and a forgiving spirit.

    The couple with their parents and some pastors went for the signing of the marriage register, after which Pastor Moses presented the marriage certificate to the couple.

    The reception followed at Martins Memorial Methodist Church, Akute.

    Seyi Best and his Life Band entertained guests.

    The couple cut their four-step cake designed by gifted hands and minds.

    The couple took to the floor to dance to their hearts content. Guests joined them on the dance floor.

    Samuel decked in black suit and a lemon shirt thanked God for making the day a reality.

    “Our marriage today is God’s arrangement because when I met her about seven years ago, we were just friends but, today, the story has changed. Everything about her attracted her to me and she carries all the qualities that I ever wanted in my woman; she is beautiful, focused and supportive,” he said.

    Victoria, in her white flowing gown, described her husband as the most handsome man in the world.

    “For me, everything about him is attractive; he has all the qualities I want in my man,” she added.

    The couple’s parents wore green lace.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Felica Fele, urged the couple to stay close to God in their endeavours.

    The groom’s father is late and was represented by one of the groom’s elder brother’s, Mr Femi Fele.

    The bride’s father, Rev Oyeola said: “I am happy about the celebration of the day. It is a great joy seeing Victoria, our last born and the only female child, getting married.”

    He urged the couple to serve God with all their hearts.