The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • New fellows on the block

    New fellows on the block

    Despite last Saturday’s rain, guests still turned out in large number for the 2013 Batch A induction for graduating students of the Chattered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN).

    The programme, which started at 11am, was held at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event featured award of certificates, award of final professional graduate diploma and investiture of academy fellows.

    No fewer than 202 were admitted into graduate membership, two, professional fellows and eight, honorary fellows.

    CIPSMN Zonal Co-ordinator, Southeast, Prof Augustine Madu said the ceremony was a major item in the Institute’s calendar.

    CIPSMN President, Mohammed Aliyu, who presented certificates to the inductees, urged them to contribute meaningfully to various organisations and to develop the institute.

    Aliyu advised them to ensure that they applied the knowledge gained during the training in handling assignments for the benefit of the organisation.

    He noted that the institute still requires more serious development in terms of the offices in Abuja and Lagos, lacking equipment, communication facilities, finance, library facilities, operational vehicles and ICT facilities among others.

    “The challenge in the nation has been that there are no professionals. Now that we have churned out over 200 professionals who are skilled enough to handle the job appropriately, the problem of procurement would be minimised’’, he said.

    He said more needs to be done by the Jonathan administration and the political class to ensure that those not qualified in handling procurement activities are not given job.

    ‘It is wrong for non-professionals to be in the field of procurement and supply chain management, saddled with the responsibility to manage the bureau of public procurement. It is in the light of this that the institution has graduated qualified professionals to handle procurement’’.

    He further said that the policy on procurement should not be treated half heartedly. “90 per cent of corruption in Nigeria comes from procurement of goods, works and services. It is, therefore, disturbing that the legal system of this country is held to ransom by a few persons kicking against the full implementation of the law,” he said.

    Deputy Registrar of the institute, Felix Aribiade said procurement is one of the key ingredients to effective budget implementation in Nigeria.

    Nigeria, Aribisala said, is in need of people who will drive and reflect the activity that will bring productivity to the economic development and revival.

    A fellow of the institute, Mr Kayode Tinubu said except experienced and certified procurement professionals were given greater roles in governance, concerns over the dividends of democracy will constantly be a question.

    The involvement of more procurement professionals in the running of the nation, Tinubu said, would correct major pitfalls in the national development.

     

  • Honoured by royalty

    Honoured by royalty

    HE is a son of the soil who has done well. Even though he is a governor, he has not lost the common touch which endeared him to the people as president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole is today reaping his good deeds.

    Last Saturday, he was conferred with the traditional title of Oshiosimua (Divine Redeemer of his people) by monarchs in the state.

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N Oba N Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa was represented by the Crown Prince and Edaiken of Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa. The prince, who rarely leaves the Benin palace, was the chairman of the occasion.

    Crown Prince Erediauwa, said by honouring Oshiomhole, “his people in Edo North and indeed all people of Edo State appreciate him for his achievements and say they are solidly behind him to do more for the state.”

    The prince described Oshiomhole as the Messiah of Edo State urging the people to pray to God and the ancestors to give the state another Oshiomhole after the governor’s tenure.

    The Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, on behalf of the Edo North traditional rulers, said the reception was in recognition of the performance of a son of the soil and Edo State at large.

    “We are here today to celebrate a young man who has served his nation. God says you look at the past to determine the future and the present. Now, what is the past of this young man. He is the foremost pioneer of a detribalised Nigerian Labour Congress and the famous pioneer of the fight to the finish for the rights of man.

    “He has delivered this most successfully before ever he thought about going into politics. Like I said this occasion is grounded in the spirit of Edo State that is why we invited the Crown Prince to be the Chairman of this occasion to analyse and itemise the profile of the governor which he has delivered today.”

    “All I need now to say is that in tandem with the Almighty Allah, we have here in Edo North what the Crown Prince described as a messiah and he has analysed three areas to demonstrate, crystallise and pinpoint his speech.

    “The man we are celebrating today is not Oshiomhole, it is not Adams, not the comrade but Almighty God who has made him what he is and given him the soul to do what he did in the NLC and his first term in office which everybody in the state has bought into,” he added.

    Oshiomhole promised to do his best to meet the people’s expectation. The governor said the honour would propel him to do more for the people, saying “we may not have gotten to where we want to be but we will get there. We will build more roads, hospitals and employ more of our youths, build industries for our people to work. But we must be vigilant about the forces of darkness. They are not resting but with God they are powerless. The people’s will must prevail.

    “Let me thank our royal fathers from different local governments in Edo North for your decision to honour me this afternoon and like the Crown Prince said, it is not everyday you find respected royal fathers from various kingdoms and domains coming together in unison to acknowledge and to give honour to their son.

    “By your action, you have increased my burden because as they say to whom much is given much is expected. Last year I had the fortune of being recognised and appreciated by the royal fathers from Edo Central, from Esan land when they all agreed to confer on me the Adolor of Esanland. When I understood the full interpretation in English and that which you confer on me today it will appear that the minds of our royal fathers are working the same way.

    “I am humbled and I am grateful, I am indebted and committed to continue to do my best using the instrument of my privileged office to deliver joy and happiness and prosperity to the greatest number of our people in Edo State.”

    Other royal fathers at the event include Aidonogie of South Ibie, Kelvin Danesi; the Ogieneni of Uzairue kingdom Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai among others.

    Members of the National Assembly, state House of Assembly, the six council chairmen from Edo North the academia, notable Afenmai indigenes and people from other parts of the state and beyond were also there.

  • Hitting 60 in style

    Hitting 60 in style

    WHAT is it like to be 60? Who else to ask this question if not one of the latest entrants into the Diamond Club, Mrs Yemisi Ogunleye? The Lagos businesswoman, who turned 60 on April 30, says the age signifies “maturity”.

    Her Lekki Phase 1, Lagos home was thronged by dignitaries that day. It began with a thanksgiving at the All Saints Anglican Church, The Diocese of Lagos Church of Nigeria, Lekki Phase 1.

    The Ogunleyes were joined by family members and friends to give thanks to God for His mercies.

    The choir ensured that the gathering had a good time.

    The music was irresistible for the Ogunleyes and their guests danced and danced.

    It was complemented with a soul-stirring sermon and prayers by the officiating ministers.

    Shortly after the church service, guests moved to the Ogunleyes’ Lekki home for the reception.

    A caterer, Hot and Spicy, took care of the guests.

    Reverend Olusola Ajayi said the opening prayer.

    Some big and small greeting cards stood on a table, surrounding a cake.

    The celebrator moved from table to table, exchanging pleasantries with her guests.

    Mrs Ogunleye’s long-time friends were everywhere; ensuring guests had a nice time.

    Two of them, Mrs Laide Akinrinmade and Mrs Bosede Banjo, spoke with The Nation.

    Mrs Akinrimade said she and Mrs Ogunleye had been friends for over 40 years.

    Their friendship became intimate because of Mrs Ogunleye’s father’s accommodative nature.

    “We usually went to their house to play and Yemisi’s dad took us like his daughters; he was free with everyone and even allowed us to play inside his room,” she said.

    Mrs Banjo described the celebrator as a caring woman.

    Mrs Banjo, who alongside Mrs Ogunleye attended the United Christian Secondary School in Apapa, Lagos, said they had fun when they were young.

    “Mrs Ogunleye is highly generous and hardworking. I am happy for her and wish her best in her future endeavours,” she said.

    Mrs Ogunleye’s elder sister, Mrs Esther Oyinlola, described her as one in a million.

    “I wish her many more prosperous years. I am so happy for her. She takes good care of the family,” she said.

    Mrs Ogunleye gave God the glory.

    God, she said, has been wonderful, gracious and marvellous in her life. “I don’t know how to thank God for his mercies in my life.”

    She also thanked her husband, Chief Lawrence Ogunleye, an engineer and businessman, saying:

    “I pray my daughter is blessed with a wonderful man like my husband. He is very kind and disciplined. If I return to this world one million times, I will re-marry him.”

  • All for the needy

    All for the needy

    The sixth annual convention of the Ambassadors of Christ International Ministries was not just a gathering of pious men and women; it was an avenue to touch lives. The programme did not only cater for the spiritual needs of the people but also their material needs.

    The theme of the convention was “Open Heaven 2013” and, indeed, for many, the heavens literally opened. The church took the convention beyond the walls of the auditorium. It held a one-day free medical care for members and others. The convention began with a night of music and drama, put together by the youth of the church. It featured dramas and several sessions of praise and worship.

    The night ended with the edifying words from the General Overseer, Pastor Akinola Ajayi, who challenged the youth to rise and take their rightful place in the society, and be a success.

    Moving on to the next phase, the church organised a one-day free medical care session. Consultancy to test, drug prescription and drug dispensation were offered. Qualified doctors and pharmacists attended to the endless flow of patients.

    In attendance was also the Vice-Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Mrs Opeyemi Akindele. She praised the effort of the church saying it is a good example for other religious groups to emulate. According to her, doing this will reduce the burden of the government and save lives.

    The grand finale was held on Sunday. All was set for the ceremony that took the planning committee one year of preparation.

    With no regard for the proverbial African time, the service started on time with guests arriving shortly before the service commenced.

    The guest speaker, Bishop Olabisi Bankole of the Triumphant Word Christian Global Ministry also arrived on time. When it was time for the word, Bishop Olabisi delivered his message in a blend of humour and stories. He narrated his life ordeal, how he rose from grass to grace.

    He said: “When the heaven of a man is opened, he does not labour, he begins to enjoy favour. For me when I was growing up, poverty was a friend, but when my heavens opened, I ceased to struggle.”

    This edifying message lifted so many spirits; it moved some to tears and others it gave hope of a better tomorrow.

    Chairman of the planning committee, Deacon Emmanuel Orororo, thanked God for the success of the convention.

    Pastor Ajayi also gave all glory to God for the success of the convention and particularly for the lives that were touched and saved.

    He said: “Nothing compares to the joy of seeing men saved, and turned to God, that is our greatest commission.”

     

     

  • A diplomat’s ‘love story’

    A diplomat’s ‘love story’

    SPEAKER after speaker eulogised him. They described him as a man of character and repute. Such a man, they said, is rare to find in public service. Ambassador Dapo Fafowora was in public service for 20 years and he distinguished himself as a career diplomat. Last Thursday in Lagos, the high and mighty gathered to share in the joy of the public presentation of this exemplary public servant’s book entitled: Lest I forget: Memoirs of a Nigerian career diplomat.

    The expansive hall of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos was filled to capacity, with people from all strata of society.

    Renowned essayist Prof Adebayo Williams reviewed the 617-page, 24-chapter book.

    He described the book as rich, noting that the author painted well his encounters with “saints and sadists of powers”.

    Prof Williams gave a rundown of the early life of the diplomat, whose mother died in 1952 when he was 13. The mother’s death influenced the author’s early maturity, he said. The reviewer recalled that the diplomat’s wedding fell on the day of the first coup.Because of this, he said, Fafowora and his wife were whisked to the airport in an ambulance.

    Describing the book as a bold and courageous intervention, Prof Willaims said it wasn’t just a memoir but a love story coming at a time of “national cholera”.

    Former governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, represented by National Publicity Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Alhaji Lai Muhammed said the book was a collector’s item. He said: “The book is a rare enrichment of our essence as Nigerians with our collective institutional memory; a rare enrichment of a career ambassador and a most distinct patriot. One of the heroes of Nigeria’s unity.”

    “He is one of my mentors,” said Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by his Commissioner for Integration and Civic Orientation Hon Funminiyi Afuye.

    The occasion was chaired by the doyen of Accountancy, Pa Akintola Williams (94), who represented former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon.

    In his vote of thanks, Ambassador Fafowora mentioned some of the bright diplomats he worked with while in the United Nations (UN).

    He thanked his publishers, NIIA and the Director-General, Prof Bola Akinterinwa, who he said has been his friend for 30 years.

    He thanked his wife, Bose, for always standing by him through the 47 years of what he calls their challenging and eventful marriage.” While thanking her for their five grown children, he broke down in tears. In a moving scene, Mrs Fafowora left her seat on the high table to give him an assuring hug. She handed him a handkerchief to wipe his face.

    Saying that he has found solace in writing, he noted that he has over the years written seven books. His age, he said, demands that he writes things as they are. The book, tells the history and experiences he has gone through.

    He said: “I have always looked forward to writing my memoirs. I derive comfort and solace in writing. I derive pleasure in reading and writing and at my age, I write things as they are and not fabrication.” So, this is a direct primary source of information.

    In attendance were Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwan Akiolu; the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, a classmate of the author at the university; Erelu Abiola Dosumu, who led an entourage of white cap chiefs; Ambassador Remi Esan; former Federal Commissioner for Works Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN); former Commissioner, Federal Character Commission Chief Tunde Oshobi; Managing Director of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation Mr Victor Ifijeh; its Editor Mr Gbenga Omotoso; Mr Adekunle Abimbola; Mr Sanya Oni; Chief Henry Coker (SAN); Prof Kofi Duncan; former ambassadors and some boys from the CMS Grammar School, Lagos.

    Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Oluranti Adebule. Also in attendance were former Chief Economic Adviser, Chief Philip Asiodu and renowned banker Mr Fola Adeola.

    Ambassador Fafowora studied at the University College, Ibadan (now University of Ibadan). Having obtained a Masters Degree from the University of London in 1966 and a Ph.D from the Oxford University in 1972, he served as secretary to the Nigerian High Commission in London from 1966 to 1968.

    He served as Nigerian High Commissioner to Uganda from 1973-1975; he was between 1981 and 1984 the Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations.

  • Informative speech (2)

    Welcome again. Last week we explored the concept of informative speech. We defined the term and also said that an informative speech is one that is directed at enlightening the listeners. It is designed in such a way that valuable information is passed across to the audience either for the first time or to provide a fresh perspective. Among the requirements for an informative speech that we examined were that the speaker must be knowledgeable, the presentation must be systematic, and that audience’s knowledge must equal the speaker’s knowledge at the end of the speech.

    Today, we shall consider some strategies that will help you to deliver your informative speech effectively. The strategies are as follows:

    •Determine your Objectives: it is not enough to want to inform your audience, you must tell us what about. Unless you know what exactly you intend to achieve, it will be difficult to measure your success. Your objectives must be clear, realistic and measurable. Consider these examples and select the one you believe is clearer, more realistic and more measurable; a) At the end of this lecture, my audience should know about HIV/AIDS. b) At the end of this lecture, my audience should be able to explain the causes, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Obviously, “b” is better. While it will be a problem to determine what “know” means in the first example, it will be easy to tell when the audience can explain the elements stated in the second one. If you state your objectives clearly, they will guide your focus.

    •Research your Topic: we call this an informative speech right? Then we cannot possibly deliver it without proper research. Imagine a teacher coming to class without having a clue about the subject! Imagine an elementary school English teacher attempting to teach higher institution students physics! The moment your listeners perceive that they know more than you do, you will lose your initial respect and attention. Remember that you must have earned a right to talk on the subject. Have you noticed that before a speaker is invited to the podium, proper introduction is made, which may include the speaker’s credentials, former speaking opportunities, places travelled to, practice in relevant fields, etc? All those are done to gain credibility. The person you don’t respect you won’t listen to. All these mean that you must know about the subject more than your audience does, or you must have a deeper insight to present than they already know. When you find a speaker making a presentation and members of the audience are chatting, reading or drawing trees and houses in their notebooks, there is something terribly wrong.

    •Outline your Points: one way to make sure that your message is simple enough for your audience to relate with is to outline your points. I have heard it said several times, and I have experienced it too, that any time you are addressing an audience and you make a statement like, “There are three major types of …” people pick up their pen and start to write. The psychology of this is that people attach importance to clearly defined points. This strategy helps to simplify information. Everybody knows that making money can be a lot of work, but whenever we encounter books with titles such as, “Five Secrets of Wealth,” “10 Steps to Becoming a Millionaire,” and other similar ones, we go for them. Why is that so? It is because we appreciate it when someone else has already conceptualized the process and provides us with the abridged version. On the other hand, if a speaker goes on and on without any major point for us to hold unto, you see notebooks empty. The question on our minds will be, “How does he expect us to understand all that?” The human mind is systematic in its operation. The mind is always looking for connections and relationships between things. Therefore, to be an effective speaker, we must learn to provide simple points that our audience can relate with. I’m sure you would have noticed that I am using the same principle in this article.

    These are some basic strategies that you can use to make your informative speech more effective. There are, of course, several others but we will leave them till a later date. Last week, I mentioned that we will explore what some refer to as “Demonstrative Speech,” but which I believe need not be separated from informative speech. Next week, we will focus on this, look forward to it.

     

     

  • Fanfare as Apostolic dedicate church

    Fanfare as Apostolic dedicate church

    Amidst joy and exaltations, the corporate headquarters of the Apostolic Church (Mount of Zion), was inaugurated in Maryland, Lagos. IBRAHIM APEKHADE YUSUF reports

    SWEET, good memories! That described the lasting impression in the minds of those who witnessed the ordination service as well as the inauguration of the corporate headquarters of the Apostolic Church (Mount of Zion), Maryland, Lagos.

    The twin event, which drew crowds from far and near, was the first of its kind in the annals of the church.

    A cursory look at the auditorium, decorated in turquoise blue and laced with white apparels, complemented by the galaxy of faces including church officials and guests decked in all-white attires. They gyrated to the melodious hymns churned out by the choir.

    The cool ambience added a touch of panache to the occasion as evident in the way and manner the audience in the auditorium chattered about with no care in the world, albeit, in joyous ecstasy!

    The officiating minister, Apostle Isaac Enoch, who set the tone for the celebration, expressed gratitude to God for crowning the efforts of his congregation with success thus far.

    Going down memory lane, an upbeat Apostle Enoch said there was every cause for the congregation to bring out the drums and cymbals to celebrate the successes because the journey has been anything but smooth.

    “This whole thing started nearly over 23 years ago. This church you see standing magnificent here today can be described as a child of circumstance. When majority of us, mainly indigenes from Akwa Ibom, Cross River states, came to Lagos, we wanted a place of worship, where our kits and kin could have a sense of belonging,” he recalled.

    “We faced a lot of persecution from different quarters as our members became the butt of derisive jokes, violent attacks among other untoward sufferings. But our faith remained unshaken. From a humble congregation of only three, we soon rose to tens of thousands. Today what the Lord has done is marvelous in our eyes and we shall rejoice and be glad in it. From our experience, you can see that it is good to serve the Lord in truth.”

    While buttressing the sermon, Pastor Ekomobong Umosoh said, it behoves Christians to imbibe the teachings of the holy book, adding, “This is the only way we can become models to the rest of the world.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, other ministers took turns to give exhortations, even as they urged the congregation to remain steadfast to rededicate themselves to God.

    The cutting of the tape to formally declare the church open was conducted by the presiding bishop, assisted by other elders in the church.

    The highpoint of the occasion was the ordination of some members including: Evangelist Imoh Stephen, Pastor Gabriel Ufot, Savior Ufot, Aniekan Akpan, Samuel Akpan, and Ekomobong Umosoh respectively.

    Speaking on behalf of the ordained pastors, Evang Stephen, a former journalist with the now rested Newswatch and The Nigerian Economist, said the elevation of some members to positions of responsibility in the church was a wake-up call for them to rededicate their lives to the service of God, adding that as ministers of God, they would do everything to justify the trust reposed on them by the church.

  • 25 soldiers in mass wedding

    25 soldiers in mass wedding

    IT was the first time such a wedding would be held in an army barracks. Twenty-five soldiers getting married at the same time and on the same day. It all happened at the Military Cantonment in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State. The men and officers were in their ceremonial uniforms, their brides wore gowns. It was a day to remember.

    Their friends and well wishers chorused amen when the officiating minister joined them.

    And when they sealed the union with kisses, the congregation hooted in joy.

    The mass wedding attracted the couples’ relatives, friends and well-wishers.

    Culture and tradition were on display at the event.

    The special mass wedding was held at the St. Peters’ Military Anglican Church, Onitsha.

    The 25 soldiers and their brides filed out as early as 10am to take the marital vow.

    The Commander, 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigerian Army, Onitsha, Col Taritimaya Gagariga urged the couples to live up to expectation.

    “It is a thing of joy for me to see 25 soldiers getting wedded at the same time. I am overwhelmed with joy that soldiers under my command would want to live responsible family lives,’’ he said.

    Col. Gagariga urged the couples be alive to their responsibiliies in order to create a better society.

    He described the occasion as unique being the first time in the history of the Army that such mass wedding would be held.

    At the church service, the Vicar and officiating Minister, Capt. (Rev) B.G Newton urged the couples to always put God first in whatever they do.

    He reminded the 25 couples of their responsibilities to the society, adding that since the family is the first society, they need to train their children in the fear of God and in accordance to societal rules.

    In his homily, Rev (Sgt) Daniel Danlami urged the couples to put God first in whatever they do.

    Sgt Danlami, whose sermon was entitled: Building a strong marriage, said: “Every successful marriage is a reflection of a family’s closeness to God since it is only God that can grant perfect love in marriages and families. It is certain that marriage is not a bed of roses; at times there might be trials and challenges. But the family that has foundation in the deep knowledge of God would surely overcome in the time of adversity.’’

    A couple who spoke on behalf of others, Sgt and Mrs. Chindo Larai, thanked God for giving them the opportunity to be united in love through wedding.

    A groom, Mr Ossai Abu (49) thanked the commander and other top officers who supported them to wed in the church.

  • ‘We were destined for each other’

    ‘We were destined for each other’

    Former Miss Olaide Oluseyi Olawoye, a medical doctor and her beau, Babafemi Ayobami Odumosu, who works at Larfage Wapco Concrete Mix in Ewekoro, Ogun State, got married at the St James Anglican Church, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. YINKA ADERIBIGBE was there.

    Thirteen years ago while in secondary school, their paths crossed through a mutual friend. Penultimate Saturday that journey ended on a happy note as Olaide and Babafemi got married before their parents, friends, associates and the clergy.

    This is the love story of Olaide Oluseyi Olawoye, a medical doctor observing her housemanship at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State and her beau, Babafemi Ayobami Odumosu, who works at the Ewekoro plant of Larfage Wapco Concrete Mix.

    Guests had a foretaste of what was ahead a day earlier when the Olawoyes hosted the groom’s family to a lavish traditional wedding at their expansive courtyard. The bride’s father, Olusola Olawoye, his wife Temilade and the bride’s godmother Chief Olabisi Oyediji led others in receiving the Odumosu family into their home.

    As grand as the traditional engagement was, the wedding was a show stopper. As early as 9am, the church was filled to capacity, with many who came late standing outside.

    The groom, decked in a black suit with red flowered waist coat, red bowler hat, and black shoe, was ushered into the church a few minutes before 10am by a retinue of groom’s men all in black suit and hats, dancing . As he took his seat, the bride in a shimmering white gown and headpiece accompanied by the bridal train danced in.

    Holding on to her father’s hand, they gyrated to the melodious tunes supplied by the choir as they made for the altar. He walked her to her seat before returning to take his seat behind the couple.

    The clerics led by witty Canon Charles Ayeoribe proclaimed them husband and wife after the father publicly handed her over to the groom’s mother, Mrs Titilayo Odumosu, calling the church to bear witness. Moments later, the couple exchanged rings and they led other family representatives to sign the wedding certificate.

    In his sermon, Revd Shola Ogunniran urged the couple to always walk with God, and ensure they make Him the bedrock of their marriage.

    “Many marriages that were sealed in church today are crumbling because the parties refused to make God their foundation,” Revd Ogunniran said.

    Revd Ogunniran enjoined the couple to respect each other and share each other’s burden and joy.

    He beseeched them to pursue peace at all times and not be too far away from the Bible as soon as they begin to raise a family.

    Members of the Mothers Union of the church filed out to formally induct the bride into their fold. Afterwards, they presented her with a Bible, urging her to make it her daily companion.

    The couple alongside friends and family members moved to Abal Event Centre, Akobo, Ibadan for a lavish reception.

    The venue was tastefully decorated with a touch of gold and wine. A ‘castle’ decorated in shimmering white lights was reserved for the couple.

    The hall erupted in joy following their arrival and they were ushered into the hall with the classic Oruka ti dowo na, African Queen, by Tu Face, Azonto, and other hip hop love tunes by the energetic band. It was an opportunity for ‘Femi and ‘Laide to showcase their dancing prowess. As Femi engaged in the hip hop style, Laide engaged the Azonto dance steps to the admiration of all who urged her on as she sweated it out on the dancing floor.

    Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Prof E.O. Lagoke, enjoined the couple to make their marriage work, adding that it is the only institution where certificates were issued before graduation and where partners must always learn to subsume their individuality under one umbrella.

    He enjoined the couple to take their challenges to God in prayer and refrain from listening to outsiders.

    “In your marriage you must consider even your parents as outsiders and refrain from soliciting advice from any other quarter but from God. When you have absolute inner reliance on God you are never alone and the cross and challenges become easier to bear,” he said.

    He supervised the cutting of the cake, assisted by the designer, who took time to explain the symbolism of the colours of the three- layered cake and prayed for the fruitfulness of the marriage.

    Asked about her husband, Laide said: “I see Femi as a true and kind man. He is honest and down to earth. He taught me love in a good way and brought out the best in me. I know he would be a wonderful friend, husband and father and I pray God Almighty continue to bless him for me.”

    Femi was not also lacking in compliments for his wife. He described Olaide as a beautiful woman.

    “We met 13 years ago. Laide is a peaceful, gentle, caring and straight forward woman. Her definition of love is to ‘give everything without any expectation of any return.’ She has been there through the thick and thin of my life. I’m so honoured and privileged to call her my wife,” he said.

  • Informative speech

    Have you ever listened to someone speak and at the end of it you learnt something new? Have you ever heard someone provide a deeper insight into something you have always known and you thought in your heart, “Wow! I never saw it like that before”? If you have, then you have come in contact with informative speech. So, what exactly in informative speech? An informative speech is one that is directed at enlightening the listeners. It is designed in such a way that valuable information is passed across to the audience either for the first time or to provide a fresh perspective.

    If we look around us, we will discover that we are constantly exposed to so many types of informative speeches. For instance, if you are a student, all the lessons or lectures you take in school are informative in nature. This is because they teach you something new that you will need for your future career. One of the ways to know that school lectures are informative in nature is that you are given tests and examinations to evaluate your level of understanding. Also, there are several empowerment seminars these days. Some of them are on entrepreneurship, career development, skill acquisition, internet business, forex trading and computer training to mention a few. All of these are informative speeches. Their sole aim is to impact knowledge on the listener.

    Some people are of the opinion that informative speech is different from demonstrative speech because one involves only information while the other takes it to the next level of demonstration. I am of the opinion that they are the same. Demonstration is an element of speech that does not necessarily need to stand alone. All the types of speeches mentioned above can be demonstrative depending on the preference of the speaker. Nevertheless, we shall examine this dimension later still under this topic. There are some basic requirements of an informative speech and they are the following:

    •The Speaker Must be Knowledgeable: if it is true that an informative speech must contain fresh information or a different perspective to existing ones, then it goes without saying that the speaker must be knowledgeable. Can you imagine yourself paying a huge sum of money to learn forex trading from an instructor who just learnt it last week and is yet to execute his first trade? Can you employ an English teacher to teach your children Further Mathematics? How about you as an Art student being invited to a conference of computer professionals to deliver a lecture on Bioinformatics? You cannot give what you don’t have. As far as informative speech is concerned, the knowledge base of the speaker will go a long in determining the success of the speech.

    •It Must be Systematic: this simply means that the presentation of the speech must follow a given pattern. It must be according to predetermined procedure. You have to plan your speech in such a way that the information will be effectively passed across to the audience. There are different approaches to this. On one hand, you may begin with what your audience is familiar with and then gradually move on to new facts until you “download” your entire information. On the other hand, however, you introduce the fresh fact directly in such a way that it interests them and makes them want to find out more. Whichever way, be systematic.

    •Audience’s Knowledge Must Equal Speaker’s Knowledge: at the end of your informative speech, your audience must know exactly what you knew at the beginning. This is how it works- you had an idea you want to pass across to your audience. In your mind, the idea is complete. Then you begin the process of imparting that idea into your audience. At the end of your effort, the audience must not have a passing idea of what you talked about, they must not understand a part of it, but they must have the perfect picture that you had in your mind before you started. This is the only indication that you have communicated effectively.

    To achieve all that we have talked about, it is important to understand the techniques for delivering an informative speech. We will explore some of those strategies next week, look forward to it.

    Thanks for following me through our topic for today. I hope you have derived as much pleasure and inspiration as I have. Join me again next week as we explore another important topic on public speaking. Please write to share your experiences and ideas through: sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. You can also ask questions about our topic for today or any other one and I will be glad to make it a topic for discussion. Have a blessed week.