The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Renewing their marital vow

    Renewing their marital vow

    General Overseer of Restoration Bible Church Reverend Tunde Bolanta and his wife Pastor Tina have marked their 25th wedding anniversary at the Restoration International Conference Centre, Angwan Romi, Kaduna. TONY AKOWE was there.

    GENERAL Overseer (GO) of Restoration Bible Church Reverend Tunde Bolanta and his wife, Pastor Tina, marked their 25th wedding anniversary on April 28.

    Friends and family gathered at the Restoration International Conference Centre, Angwan Romi, Kaduna to celebrate with them. Their marital journey started by a chance meeting inside a bus from a friend’s birthday. But for Tina, Tunde had caught her attention before the meeting.

    She already knew that they were destined to be together.

    “It was sometimes in May 1987. I was invited to a youth programme that was held at the social centre and he was one of the speakers. When I saw him, I said to myself, what a handsome young man. After that, I did not give it any thought because I was busy serving. That event was my first encounter with Pentecostal life. When I got home and was praying, I heard a voice say to me “that young man will be your husband and you will be a support to him in ministry. So, when we met again inside the bus, I had to start asking him what the ministry meant and other questions. Unknown to me, our parents knew each other before we even met,” she said.

    Revd Bolanta corroborated the story at a dinner organised for the lovebirds.

    “… Inside that bus, she began to ask me questions about my ministry. The bus dropped us in the town where I boarded another bus to Barnawa. Somehow I discovered that she was also going to Barnawa and we continued the discussion until I dropped.”

    Who paid the fare? asked by one of the guests. “I can’t remember now, but I have always been a gentleman and so, I guess I paid. Later that night, while I was praying, the Lord said to me that the young women sitting beside me and talking to me inside the bus is my wife. I went to the Danish woman who was our neighbour and my spiritual mother and told her that I have found my wife and she told me that we needed to create a forum for them to meet so that she can assess her.”

    T he couple got married at a quiet ceremony in Denmark.

    “Our host in Denmark bought everything and we didn’t have to spend a single kobo. It was on our return that we did the rest back home,” Revd. Bolanta said.

    Members of their church and friends showered encomiums on them.

    The couple renewed their marriage vows with Rev. Adeyeye officiating vows. It was the first time they were doing so in Nigeria having tied the knot 25 years ago in Denmark with only foreigners as witnesses. After renewing their vow, they once again exchanged rings. Rev. Bolanta presented a gold ring to Tina to the admiration of guests. Even though shouts of ‘you may kiss the bride” rent the air, Rev Bolanta preferred to give her a hug.

    Wife of Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Mrs Nuhu Bajoga and wife of former Deputy Governor, Mrs Charity Shekari supervised the cutting of the cake. Members of the church stayed late into the afternoon to honour their GO even though the church was supposed to have closed at 11.am.

    The dinner party, which they organised for a few friends at their residence was not different from the one at the church. The main attraction at the dinner was the couple’s dance which the people insisted on even though they were not too disposed to it. At the request of the guests, they took to the dance floor and were late joined by the guests as the church band belted out melodious gospel songs.

    Mary, the first child, admitted said the Mercy Home Orphanage owned by the Bolantas, said she was only seven years old and without any hope when she came into the home.

    “I was only seven years old and have never seen the four walls of a school when I came into Mercy Home Orphanage. But today, I am a candidate for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) exams. Daddy has been very good to us and has never given us any cause to feel the absence of our biological parents. If I have to say all that I want to say, we will spend the whole day here,” she said.

    Mrs. Shekari, a long time friend of the family, testified to the humility of Mrs Bolanta who she described as a great pillar of support to her husband.

    Joseph Ataguba of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said the couple stood by his family in their time of need.

    Mr Ugo Ugorji, a family friend of the couple said: “I first met this couple in the early 90s when they were driving a 1986 model of Honda accord and living a very humble life. People used to say then that when they arrive, their life style will change and today, prosperity is no longer part of their prayer point and they are still as humble as they were in 1995. Today, God has built a home for them and they are still as humble as they were when they were living in one room”.

  • When love wins

    When love wins

    The nikkah between Muqadas and Mariam, children of the late Alhaji AbdulRasaq Ajadi Paramole and Alhaji Rasaq Qazeem, has been held at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat in Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    Muqadas Oladimeji and Mariam Omotayo attended the Lagos State University (LASU) where they met nine years ago. While there, the groom studied Economics and the bride, Political Science.

    They first met at the library where they became friends. The frienship blossomed into a love affair. Since then, it has been one good song the other.

    They are now man and wife having got married at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat in Lagos.

    The venue brimmed with activities and the canopies were filed with friends and well wishers.

    The National Missioner of the Jejewiyat Muslim Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Mustapha Araromi, presided over the ceremony.

    In his sermon, Alhaji Araromi told the couple to love each other.

    “Love yourselves; overlook each other’s mistakes and value your union; be patient with yourself and always pray together,” he admonished.

    The exchange of marital vows was officiated by the Deputy National Missioner of the society, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Thanni, after which the couple exchanged rings.

    Chairman, Bomarah Foundation, Hajia Bola Muse, presented the certificate to the couple.

    Soon after the nikkah, a reception followed immediately at the same venue.

    The couple, in their native attires, danced to tunes from Sunny Glory band as they moved to their seat.

    The occasion was chaired by Mr Tokunbo Fashola.

    Fashola urged the couple to renew their love and always help one another.

    “Renew your love, live together, the family that lives together prays together,” he said.

    Also advising the couple, Special Adviser to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs Mr Kunle Odufuwa said they should not allow a third party in their affairs.

    The cutting of the cake was supervised by the master of ceremony, Bakare Deji (Jnr).

    The elated groom, Muqadas, said: “It is a thing of joy; it is a stage one needs to pass through. I thank God for making today a reality; it is my joyous day. She is caring and has been there for me in my high and low times.

    “We met at LASU; we have been together from year one. We met in the library; we started as friends but later love came in; and today we are celebrating our love,” he said.

    The bride, Mariam, described the day as wonderful and marvelous.

    “It is a wonderful and marvelous day and I am very happy,” she said.

    “He has everything that I think a man should have,”

    Hajia Lara Paramole-Oshikoya advised the couple to love one another and pray together in their home.

    “They should love one another, pray together and communicate and they must also settle disputes amicably within themselves without inviting third party,” she said.

    The groom’s mother, Alhaja Sekinat Ayoka Paramole, urged the couple to live by the teachings of the Quran and be prayerful, saying it is the only way to a blissful family.

    The bride’s mother Alhaja Aderonke Qazim, enjoined the couple to love one another and live by the teachings of the Quran.

    Alhaji Isimoila Paramole, who represented the groom’s father, advised the couple to be prayerful and love one another.

    Guests included Alhaja Falilat Sanusi –Paramole; Senior Lecturer LASU, Dr Kabiru Paramole; Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Kamaldeen Sanusi; member House of Representatives, Hon Hakeem Muniru; Ejigbo Local Council Development Area Council Manager, Mr Babatunde Olaide Mesewaku; wife of the Chairman, Ejigbo LCDA, Mrs Fatimah Bamigbetan; Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Otunba Nurudeen Ojora-Adejiyan; Supervisor for Agric, Rural and Social Development, Ejigbo LCDA, Mrs Oluwyemisi Alashe; Information Officer, Ejigbo LCDA, Mr Rabiu Hassan and Mr Kolawole Oloko among others.

  • Encomiums as Awka buries octogenarian

    Encomiums as Awka buries octogenarian

    The ancient city of Awka, Anambra State capital last weekend buried one of their own, Reginald Nwokoye, an octogenerian.

    For residents of Ziks Avenue, Awka, Anambra State capital, the day was not just like any other one as the people trooped out to bid farewell to one of their own, Elder Reginald Nwokoye, an octogenarian.

    The activities marking the burial started with a Christian wake at his residence and ended with a church outing service at the Cathedral of St. Faith, Awka.

    Though it was supposed to be a sober period, the funeral turned out to be fanfare as people who came said it was worth celebrating, especially these days that people die at their prime.

    At the wake, it was like a carnival as various dance groups tried to outdo one another in a bid to receive the highest attention.

    But the atmosphere on the following day changed when the siren of the hearse was heard as wailings of relations and friends rented the air.

    The wailing by women and muffled sobs from elderly men showed the kind of man that he was.

    His remains were laid in state until the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese Rt. Rev Alex Ibezim, covered the casket and commenced the funeral service.

    The bishop urged the people to always face the challenges of life’s greater expectation of having victory through good life.

    He described the late Nwokoye a.k.a Idejuogwugwu as a great father who had affected many lives around him positively and urged his children to ensure that they uphold the legacies he left behind.

    The prelate urged the people never to rest their hopes and aspirations on worldly things and occultic powers, admonishing that such act can disappoint and eventually lead to destruction.

    He placed emphasis on the need for people to place their trust on God, which he said does not disappoint and urged the people to live diligently in this world and have love for humanity.

    After the late Idejuogwugwu was committed to mother earth, members of his kindred commenced the traditional rites with songs.

    The deceased’s son, Ekene said the counsel of his father will remain indelible in his mind, describing his late father as honest and fair in all his dealings with everybody and had always advocated peace and tolerance in any dispute.

    He said people who had come in contact with his late dad will surely miss his generosity and kindness adding that wickedness and hatred was alien to the late dad.

    In his tribute to late Nwokoye, the son-in-law, Mr Obini Onuchukwu, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, said God used the life of late Nwokoye to change history.

    Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi who was represented by his Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Agbata, described the death of the octogenarian as painful but “we take consolation in the fact that he had the good fortune to live up to 87 years.”

    Obi said: “There is no doubt that a vacuum has been created with his exit. However since we neither choose the time of our birth nor that of our death, but only live our lives to the glory of God, let us be consoled by His promise of eternity which His mercy admits us”.

  • A call to serve

    A call to serve

    The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Lagos West, has celebrated the enthronement of Rt Revd James Olusola Odedeji as Bishop of Diocese. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

    It was fun at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, when Rt Revd James Olusola Odedeji was enthroned as the Bishop of The Diocese of Lagos West, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

    The cathedral was filled to capacity; people also sat outside.

    The celebrator was dressed in a cassock. His wife, Olukemi, wore a blue suit and gold hat; she looked smart and gorgeous.

    About 59 bishops across the Anglican Communion were at the event.

    The service began with the procession which was led by the choir, following which the new bishop was led into the church.

    The enthronement of Bishop Odedeji was done by Rt Revd Bishop Awelewa Adebiyi, the Retired bishop of the Diocese.

    The Archbishop of Lagos, Revd Dada Akinade handed over the Pastoral Staff of Office to Odedeji.

    Revd Akinade urged Bishop Odedeji to watch over the flock, encourage the faithful, restore the lost and build up the body of Christ.

    After receiving the pastoral staff of office, the celebrator was led to his throne by the Canon Residentiary, Abraham Olumuyiwa.

    Deputy Governors Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (Lagos State) and Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori (Osun) presented him gifts.

    Representatives of the cathedral, the laity and the clergy and The See City of Lagos West also gave him gifts.

    Reception followed shortly after at The Haven.

    The hall was decorated in gold and white. There was plenty to eat and drink. Guests were entertained by the choir. Kunle Bamtefa (an actor) was the Master of ceremony.

    Mrs Orelope-Adefulire described Bishop Odedeji as a man of God with a heart to serve.

    “He has the spirit of God and he is well loved by the people. He is young, responsible and I am sure he will lead us right,” she said.

    Otunba Laoye-Tomori urged the people to support Bishop Odedeji.

    The Bishop’s wife, Olukemi said: “The enthronement is a work of God and God will definitely see him through it; God will help us. We made it, not by our works of righteousness, or for what we have done, but by His mercy. If He brought us in, He will take us through”.

    Bishop Adebiyi wished Bishop Odedeji well, praying God to bless him and his family as he carries the mantle.

    The celebrator promised to work for God and humanity.

    In attendance were Lagos State Head of Service, Segun Ogunlewe and former Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Allevation, Chief Kemi Nelson among others.

     

  • A monarch at 50

    A monarch at 50

    The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede clocked 50 last Saturday. He celebrated his attainment of the golden age with a N200million fund raiser for the rehabilitation of the palace. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports.

    The atmosphere was conducive. Vehicles moved slowly down the slopy Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, last Saturday. The town celebrated the 50th birthday of its monarch, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede and also held a N200million fund raiser for the rehabilitation of his palace.

    The mighty and the lowly and traditional rulers from different parts of the state came to share in the joy of the day with the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin.

    The agrarian community also hosted Juju maestro King Sunny Ade. The ageless musician enlivened the event with his sonorous voice, danceable lyrics and beats.

    Indigenes at home and in the diaspora with their friends came out in large number to felicitate with the birthday ‘boy.’

    Twenty persons were conferred with honorary chieftaincy titles, including Governor AbdulFatai Ahmed at the event held at the Baptist Primary School, Isanlu-Isin. The governor was conferred with Akinrogun of Isin land.

    Oba Oloyede said he celebrated his 50th birthday in style to raise N200 million for the construction of a befitting modern palace for the community.

    He said: “I want to have a befitting palace that will be an architectural masterpiece so that when we are talking about palaces in Yorubaland, it will be one of those to behold”, he said.

    Funds were raised among the dignitaries, those conferred with honorary traditional titles and wealthy individuals.

    Governor Ahmed, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Demola Banu, said traditional rulers would continue to be a link between the government and the people.

    “So, I appeal to our royal fathers to always strive to maintain peace, harmony and good relationship within and outside their community. I urge you to always settle all disputes peacefully, especially those regarding chieftaincy and boundary matters.

    “I see this as a further challenge to redouble our efforts towards bringing prosperity, peace and progress to the generality of the people of Kwara State. It is heartwarming to state that Isin people’s reputation for peace, progress and enterprise is worthy of emulation by all,” he said.

    Chairman, Isanlu-Isin Development Association Dr Emmanuel Ibiloye congratulated the monarch, Governor Ahmed and the other awardees.

    Chairman of the planning Committee, Elder E.F Abodunrin said the celebrator chose to mark the birthday because of his affection for his community.

    He said: “It is good to let you know that celebrating this particular birthday in this manner, is a result of the love his royal highness has for Isanlu-Isin community; all his life, he has always strived to make Isanlu-Isin relevant in the scheme of things. Before ascending the throne of his forefathers, everyone knew him as a great philanthropist who has been touching the lives of the less privileged in the society.

    “He intends to channel the proceeds of this birthday to the upliftment of our palace to a modern day one. Therefore, the most priced honour you can give him today is to contribute your quota to this project and our Kabiyesi and the entire Isanlu-Isin community will forever remain grateful to you as you do that.”

    Among those in attendance were immediate past Deputy Governor Joel Ogundeji; a member of the House of Assembly, Mrs Felicia Ojeleye; Commissioner for Planning Chief Tunde Adeoti.

    Traditional rulers at the event included the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Sanni and Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye.

  • Dignitaries bid Moremi Ekiti solemn farewell

    Dignitaries bid Moremi Ekiti solemn farewell

    A man emerged from a road popularly called Basiri, dressed in a black tail coat suit, a black top hat, a purple shirt and a pair of black shoes. He held a stick. Shortly after, seven men appeared, three in front, one in the middle and three others in the rear; clad in the same outfit – black suits, purple shirts, tie and matching shoes. They were all playing trumpets – with the first man acting as conductor.

    Trailing them were two policewomen in mufti and police cap marching in front of a red Mercedes Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) hearse bearing the remains of the late Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka. It carried Moremi Ekiti R350 on its number plate, with the Ekiti State emblem on its hood. The hearse had two flags on its sides and flowers on its top.

    The hearse was followed by no fewer than 25 cars including two ambulances and a Land Cruiser with number-plate EKGH 02.

    They formed a long row on the road leading to the Governor’s office and the church, its destination.

    At a point, some of the people inside some of the cars behind the hearse alighted and started walking behind it.

    Sympathisers lined the route to bid the late Mrs Olayinka farewell. Many of them took pictures of the procession with their cell phones.

    This was the scenario last Friday during the funeral of Mrs Olayinka, who died on April 6 after a long battle with cancer. She was 52.

    Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, was shut down for its illustrious daughter. Her posters, hung everywhere from Basiri to Fajuyi, Okesa Ajilosun and Ejigbo. The posters, banners and billboards contained messages extolling her virtues and bidding her painful farewell. The streets were bare of vehicles and other human activities. The late Mrs Olayinka’s ancestral home in Ado-Ekiti wore a new look.

    About 9.30am, the funeral train rode into view from the Fajuyi end of the town, heading towards Okesa.

    At the roundabout adjacent to the church, the cars turned; the children of the late Mrs Olayinka – Yeside, Olamide, Ololade and their father, Lanre, an architect alighted and walked behind the hearse to the expansive church compound.

    Accompanied by family members who danced to the rhythm of the trumpeters, the train entered the church few minutes after 11am.

    Horde of clerics at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, came out to receive the family and the body.

    Except for dignitaries, no one entered the church auditorium without a tag. Even the Famuaguns, the late Mrs Olayinka’s family had their own special tag. Despite that, they still faced hurdles from security officials before they could gain entry.

    Many of the dignitaries were in white.

    The family members were also in their appearances. They hid their grief behind a stoic calm as Mrs Olayinka remains were now borne in an ash grey casket draped with the flags of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the front, Nigeria in the middle and Ekitis at the rear.

    The widower, Olayinka, an architect, appeared in flowing blue Agbada with a glasses, his children, Yeside, Ololade and Olamide wore French lace purple iro and lilac buba.

    About 11am, the funeral service began with a brief homily performed by the Bishop of Ekiti, Revd. Felix Femi Ajakaye, followed by songs from the choir; one of which was

    My hope is built on nothing less,

    Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

    I dare not trust the sweetest frame

    But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

    (Human: A/M 614).

    In his sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, represented by Archbishop Ecclesiastical, Province of Ondo and Ekiti States, Bishop George Latunde Laosebikan commiserated with the bereaved family, the government and people of Ekiti State over the irreparable lost.

    The death of our sister, Bishop Laosebikan said, is sad and painful considering her age and many things people expect from her.

    “She was a distinguished woman who had accomplished academically, professionally and politically. Hers is a sad testimony that everyone will die somewhere, someday, somehow; in fact, not many of us will have the opportunity of being in the coffin. The corpses of some of us may not even be seen, we may probably die in the sea,” he said.

    He added: “I am happy today because politicians here cut across all parties and they know all the happenings in the nation, particularly the issue of insecurity, political problems and others. I want you to learn from the death of Mrs Olayinka that nobody is too big to die.

    “So, the political class has a lot to do in ensuring that the lifestyles of Nigerians are changed for better, if truly they love this nation. Their bad lifestyles have permeated every stratum of the society. So, the leaders must continue to show good examples to the citizens”.

    For the late Mrs Olayinka, the cleric said: “Even if her life was delayed for 100 years, the end will surely come for her. Like a flower, we (human beings) blossomed in the morning and weathered in the evening. Power will come and go; so, no reason fighting and killing one another for political gain especially in this zone (Southwest). Mrs Olayinka’s passing away is very proverbial. If you were to die today, where will you spend your eternity? Check your life; all the type of stupid, hopeless life that is a norm in Nigeria cannot be acceptable over there (heaven). Heaven is real, hell is real also; the choice is yours. For our sister, the end has come,” he said.

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi thanked God for all things He has done for them, because “in all things, we must thank Him.”

    He said: “Though short, it was eventful, impactful and positive. We should celebrate her because it is a life of service and commitment for the good of the people. She was a class act, a strong pillar of my government and a co-pilot. We pray our own end time will also be peaceful.”

    President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Minister of Police Affairs Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade described Mrs Olayinka’s death as “unfortunate and premature,” adding that she died when her full potentials had not been fully tapped.

    “With the history of the late Ekiti Deputy Governor I read, her life represented that of simplicity, diligence and brilliance, which stood her among her peers,” he said.

    A recessional hymn halleluiah was sang as guests filed out behind the body for the interment.

    At 1:14 pm, the remains of Mrs Olayinka were lowered into the grave at The Heroes Park, behind Enterprise Bank, Fajuyi area.

    In attendance were Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Mr Lekan Ogungbe represented Governor AbdulFatai Ahmed (Kwara); Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Governor Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; National leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; former Governor of Ekiti State Mr Segun Oni; former Military Administrator of Ekiti, Commodore Atanda Yusuf and former Governor of Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua.

    The list of deputy governors included Rear Admiral John Jonah of Bayelsa State; Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (Osun); Alhaji Alli Olanusi (Ondo); Prince Segun Adesegun (Ogun); Mr Efiok Cobham (Cross River); Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (Lagos); Dameshi Luka (Nasarawa); Otunba Moses Adeyemo (Oyo) and Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor, (Central Bank of Nigeria).

    Wives of governors include Mrs Abimbola Fashola (Lagos); Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Oyo); Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (Osun); Mrs Olufunso Amosun (Ogun) and Mrs Kemi Mimiko (Ondo).

    Others were Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Mr Gbenga Oyebode; Senator James Kolawole; Senator Bode Ola; Justice Oyebisi Omoleye; Mr. Odia Ofeimun; former Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Mr Bisi Omoyeni; Senator Gbenga Aluko, Osun State Chief of Staff Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Hon Bimbo Daramola; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Bolaji Aluko; Prof Sharafadeen Amuwo; Prof Akin Oyebode; Mr Segun Abraham; Hon Sirajudeen Adekunbi; Hon Tola Banjo; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Mr Soji Omotunde; Editor, The Nation Mr Gbenga Omotoso; Wale Adebanwi; Kunle Ajibade; Mrs Chioma Ominrin; Hon Wale Ominrin; Bunmi Famosanya; Ms Lunga Hogan; Hon Uhuru Moiloa; Hon Taiwo Orisalade; Nancy Ondi; Mr Salihu Lukman; Dr Moji Oyarekua; Mr Tunji Olowolafe among others.

  • Honoured by their own

    Honoured by their own

    The Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC) is only for men and Ibadan indigenes.

    Its primary aim is to bring development to Ibadan and it always works towards achieving this. The members are big men in their lines of business. Some head companies; others have business abroad.

    The club members gathered on April 9, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, to honour five of their colleagues elevated.

    They were led by their President, Alhaji Remi Bello, a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA).

    The occasion was chaired by the former Minister of Commerce and Industries, Mrs Nike Akande.

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi was the special guest of honour; the President, Centre Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, was the father of the day.

    The citations of the awardees were read by some members of the club.

    After that, the honorees were presented with plaques.

    They are the Director, Business Development, UACN Property Development, Mr Yemi Ejidiran; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Registrars Limited, Mr Bayo Olugbemi; Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, Finance, FirstBank Plc, Mr Bayo Adelabu; Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, Mr Oyesola Oyekunle, and Director, Finance, Regional Municipality of Wood Buaffalo, Albert Canada, Mr Kola Oladimeji.

    Only Oladimeji was absent.

    They couldn’t hide their joy as they received the plaques.

    Mrs Akande urged JBC not to relent in its efforts to promote professionalism in Ibadan and the country at large.

    Oyero congratulated the club for its achievements and praised the members for their contribution to Ibadan and its citizens.

    “I congratulate you for honouring eminent Ibadan citizens. I am delighted to be here to celebrate excellence in Ibadanland. All of you are eminent Ibadan sons with whom we are not just pleased but very proud of; I can say it that of about 19 clubs that form CCII, JBC has contributed more to the town; it has been sponsoring the annual Ibadan Conference and has donated a set of computers to the CCII house and they have also given us a generator to power it”.

    JBC President Alhaji Remi congratulated the honourees.

    “To reach a top executive position in private and public establishments is not an easy task, you will all agree with me. So also you will agree with me the more that reaching the top is not as difficult as remaining and even sustaining the momentum that took you to the top,” he said.

    He noted that the gathering was meant to tap from the experience of the elders.

    “Therefore, in addition to the physical effort of individuals, you need spiritual effort and words of elders. Our gathering tonight is, therefore, not only for wining and dining but to feed ourselves with words of wisdom to sustain our honourees to ensure they remained on top and give those on the way to greatness hints on how to get to the top,” he said.

    Oyero called on the government to ensure sound and qualitative education for the citizens, pledging the club’s willingness to assist it in actualising sound education in the country.

    “JBC is a willing tool in achieving the above call and more in the development of our people and our environment, we have men in all spheres of life to support the government efforts if called upon,” he said.

    Governor Ajimobi said: “My understanding of the club is that it is one that has the noble objective to network people of progressive minds and this club has succeeded in bringing honour, fame and improving the socio-economic development and progress of the state,” he said.

    Ajimobi said the honorees were a pride to the state and the nation at large.

    “You are a pride to this club, Oyo State and Nigeria. I believe you deserve this recommendation and I can extend it; you are a pride to the entire human race,” he said.

    The governor urged the club members to extend their development beyond their scope and participate in active politics.

    “Do not limit yourself to internal development, extend yourself to socio-political development, begin to promote some of your members to participate in politics, we need good people in politics,” he said.

    Given the vote of thanks on behalf of the honourees, Ejidiran assured the club that they would not let it down.

    “We assure you that this is just the beginning; we will continue to make you proud and never let the club down,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer, Taimez Nig. Ltd and Artis Ltd, Mr Taiwo Akande, described the honorees as icons of good ambassadors to future generations and Ibadan.

    “I know what kind of effort goes into earning these feats. You guys are icons of your individual field and that of our generation and good sons of Ibadan. You have just made us to realise that, whatever man can conceive, he can achieve,” he said.

    Guests were treated to choice food and drinks.

  • Ways to speak to be effective

    Sometime ago, I attended a programme in which someone made a presentation. After that presentation, other people were asked to contribute and they did. Among the contributors was a particular individual who spent a while talking, but I did not understand a single word he said. I looked around me and saw several blank faces belonging to people who were also trying to understand what was being said. After the contribution, some people clapped and so did I. A friend sitting next to me asked me about what the contributor said and I replied, “Actually I didn’t hear what he said, but it must have been interesting for people to have clapped.” This is a clear case of an ineffective communication, at least for the majority of the audience.

    A similar case occurred in another programme I attended. An important personality was celebrating his birthday and a public lecture was held in his honour. After the keynote address presenter had delivered his outstanding speech, one of the dignitaries was invited to present a summary of the keynote address. Of course, it presupposed that if the speech lasted about 45 minutes, the summary should not be more than 10 minutes. Well, the summary kicked off well by focusing on the salient points of the lecture…then, it veered into the personal contribution of the dignitary. Five minutes went by, then ten, fifteen, twenty… until the summary was almost as long as the speech itself. Unlike the first case above, I understood what the dignitary said, only that the longer he spoke, the lesser the effect it had on me.

    If effectiveness is your intention, then you must learn that there are different speeches for different events. You must also learn that speeches must vary in lengths depending on the occasion. Inappropriate speeches distract the audience and produce contrary results to what the speaker expects. Appropriateness is the key in public speaking. What may be suitable for one event may not be suitable for another. A speaker was invited to speak at an event and he was given one hour for his presentation. He, however, concluded his speech after 20 minutes. Think of that! Imagine what the organizers would have to do to fill up the remaining time if they are working strictly by schedule! Also imagine what they would do if they actually paid the speaker for the entire hour! True, people would rather have a shorter-than-necessary speech any day than a longer-than-necessary one, but sometimes, the length of a presentation can give you an idea of how much value is contained therein. For instance, how much are you willing to pay to learn to fly a plane in 30 minutes? Do you suppose a 30 minutes lecture (if we can call it that) would do justice to the subject matter? That is exactly my point. Some speeches are designed to be long while some others are designed to be short. Talking of short speeches, what will you do if you attend a wedding reception and the chairman of the event produces a 10 page document to present his opening remark?

    The event should determine the purpose of the speech and the purpose should determine the nature of the speech. What I mean is this, if the event is an academic public lecture, then we know that the purpose of the speech is to inform or teach. That being the case, the speech should be long enough to allow the speaker to pass across the message and also allow the audience to receive the information. A major problem will arise if a speaker does not understand this basic principle. I am of the strong opinion that the success of any speech depends solely on the perception of the audience. Perception can be simply described as the way people see things. We all know that perception is subjective because people tend to change their minds. Hence, their perception is open to external influence. When people are in a relaxed environment, their minds will be relaxed and they will not be receptive to any serious lecture. On the other hand, if they are in a formal or serious environment, they may consider too much jokes by the speaker as unnecessary.

    There are five major types of speeches and they are informative speech, entertaining speech, persuasive speech, technical speech and brief remarks. These are the broad categories for majority of the speeches you will encounter. Each of these speeches has its unique audience, duration and technique. Informative speech is a speech that aims at enlightening the audience on a particular subject; it is educative in nature. Entertaining speech is structured to amuse the audience. Persuasive speech is used to convince the audience to see an issue from the speaker’s point of view and brief remark is a short speech presented when much has already been said and done. It is very important to note that a single speech may make use of any combination of the above. This means that an informative speech may still be persuasive. Nevertheless, each of these speeches will require proper treatment. Hence, we shall dedicate the next few weeks to exploring them and learning how they can be used to achieve maximum communication results.

     

  • Their day of joy

    Their day of joy

    Life is full of possibilities and everyone has his own time of greatness, only if you persevere and are consistent. For me, I just want to give praise and glory to God.”

    Those were the words of Mr Victor Omelieme, one of the foremost telecommunication mast builders, who turned 50 last Saturday. He not only revelled in the day, his wife of many years also celebrated her 40th birthday with him.

    Love filled the air as the Edo State born couple was celebrated by their friends and family members.

    Dressed as a typical Edo man with a wrapper slung over his left shoulder, the birthday ‘boy’ entered the topmost hall of the Civic Centre with the birthday ‘girl’ beside him.

    The celebration, which began at midday, had an array of Nollywood comedians, artistes and actors in attendance.

    Baba Nothing Spoil held sway as the MC, till other comedians, led by the don of comedy, Julius Agwu arrived. Other comedians were Kolo and G-Paul.

    The Awilo group and Francis Agwu, aka Bobo Shakira did the hip and waist dance that left guests asking for more. DJ Ocean dished many memorable old songs.

    There was never a dull moment.

    Soon after the couple cut their cake, gospel musician, Benita sang her Osemudiamen hit song, to the delight of the guests. She led other guests to their traditional dance and kept them on the dance floor for some time.

    Prince Henry Ojobor, a childhood friend of Omelieme, recalled how they began life in a one room apartment in Okokomaiko axis of Lagos. Thanking God for how far they have come, Ojobor proposed the toast and led five other men to pop a massive sized bottle of Moet.

    Mrs Philomena told The Nation that even in their more than two decades of marriage, she never had reason to fret about the future because she believed in her husband and in God. She was full of praise to the Almighty for the grace bestowed on them.

    To the guests, it was the perfect way to spend the weekend as everyone took to the dance floor till late that night.

    Guests from telecoms companies, MTN and Etisalat, were there in their number to felicitate with them.

     

  • Revival of stage performance

    Revival of stage performance

    The palace of Olofa of Offa turned a temporary amphi theatre where some actors and actresses performed live recently.

    The ocassion made it a special day in Offa, Kwara State, as Chief Jimoh Aliu (Aworo), Pa Lere Paimo, Alhaji Abdulkareem Adepoju, a.k.a Baba Wande, Musiliu Dasofunjo (Jogunomi), Iya Ninwe, Sade Aliu and Bola Aliu, among others, staged a show tagged Ogbon Ju Agbara to appreciate the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II, for his contributions to the development of the ancient town.

    Aliu, who is set to mark his 55th year on stage, said he would do everything possible to revive the long-forgotten stage performance. He said the advent of home videos pushed stage performance off the scene. He recalled that fathers of the profession, such as the late Hubert Ogunde, the late Oyin Adejobi, Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala) cut their tooth with stage performance and also attained heights through the Alarinjo theatre.

    Olofa’s Media and Publicity Officer Mr Yusuf Babatunde said Kabiyesi always appreciated creativivity hence his handsome reward for the artistes.

    The Olofa blessed his subjects in the spirit of the celebration. He prayed for peace and progress for Offa community.

    Aliu appreciated the King for his numerous contributions to the development of Offa kingdom.

    “Your Majesty Sir! Some people are born great while others work themselves into greatness. When a boy is born, his destiny lies in the hand of the creator and little is known about him but he continues to strive despite all odds. When it is time for his star to shine, God will single him out and uplift him. God who has raised you up, for the benefit of your people will never let you down.

    “For Chief Jimoh Aliu to celebrate you today is a living example of your greatness. My name has been written in Gold across the globe, because I have, through the theatre arts taught people lessons of life. I have performed in this palace on several occasions, as a musician and dancer. For this community to have Kabiyesi on the throne is a blessing for the good people of Offa. The community has started noticing a very high degree of greatness even in this short time that you have ascended your father’s throne. Kabiyesi, the dividend of royalty is manifesting in Offa where you have turned farmland to streets, bushes into markets”

    Aliu started the make belief business 55 years ago, after his stewardship in Hubert Ogunde and Akin Ogungbe’s theatre groups. He has carved a niche for himself through performances that told Nigeria’s story, especially during the civil war, when the Nigeria Army employed him to perform in its various formations as a way of comic relief in the war situation.

    Other royal fathers, and High Chiefs at the fun fair include Olusan of Osan Ekiti; Afaji of Faaji, Osun State; Alaho of Ahoo Igbada and Onidun of Igboidun Kwara State. The national president of Offa Descendant Union Alhaji Hamzat Adedeji, his General Secretary Mrs A.W Macarthy; Chief Tayo Shittu; Alhaji Mustapha Olowogada as well as former council boss Alhaji Saheed Lekan Popoola.