The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • A great man at 63

    A great man at 63

    It was to be a birthday party but it turned out to be an evening of variety as the youths and children who gathered at the National Library in Yaba, Lagos Mainland, entertained guests with scinctilating performances. Members of the audience marvelled at the children’s sense of history following an educative cultural dance by a group, Footprints of Africa.

    It was all to celebrate the 63rd birthday of former House of Representatives member, Olawale Oshun. The event was organised by a literary group, The Pen Society. It started with a competition between pupils from seven primary and secondary schools around Yaba on social media use and abuse.

    After the interactive sessions, came the colourful display of rich cultural heritage by the young dancers who through their music and steps, educated the audience that life is a market place where different destinies meet as well as the need to be diligent and prudent.

    The birthday cake was cut and books were donated to the best three participating schools. The dance group got cash gifts.

    In attendance were Oshun’s wife, Anthonia, his brother, Oluwole and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwarts like Essien Omolola; Jimoh Kamal; Jide Jimoh; Bola Linda-John and Rauf Ayodeji, who all paid glowing tributes to the celebrator.

    Others include poets, Uche Nwadinuju and Bob Eket and singer, Eda Otto staged brilliant performances to honour the icon.

    Linda-John, who is the leader, Yaba, Local Council Development Area (LCDA) said Oshun means a lot to them. ‘‘Baba is our father, leader and mentor. He is everything to us. We really appreciate him and I am happy to be here to celebrate him. I have to cancel so many things to be here for Baba. I pray that God will keep him safe for us, be with him and when he is 70 years, we all shall be around to celebrate him in good health.”

    Ayodeji, a former secretary of Yaba LCDA, described Oshun as a lover of children, adding that he is a good example of a people’s leader. He described the celebrator as a book lover; a writer who has public undisguised romance with books.

    ‘‘Baba, in spite of his numerous achievements, remains a humble man. He is shown us that a good political leader must be rooted with his people at the grassroots. He is always thinking of programmes that will enhance the wellbeing of his people.

    ‘‘He is a wonderful leader and that is why I am always happy to be associated with him.’’

    Drama, poems and debates were held by the children to illustrate the misuse of social media by teenagers and the effects of such unguided use on the society.

    A moved, Oshun said his generation has failed the youths.

    He said: ‘‘When we were very young, the basic training we had was to respect our elders. If you respect your elders they will pray for you and bless you.

    ‘‘We have to change our society and values. We have failed our children. That is why they talk about uninspired youth. From the parents, political, economic, business, religious and traditional spheres, we have failed to show discipline for our children to pick and learn correct values so as to be inspired.

    ‘‘But, as children, you also have the responsibility to discipline and train yourselves because you all know what is wrong or right. So, it is both ways, we have the responsibility to lead you and show you the correct path but you also have to include self effort to be inspired.

    ‘‘You know that you can make a thing better; that is why you are talking about your love for Nigeria, the same Nigeria that has not inspired you.

    ‘‘I am elated that these children, many of whom do not know me or have not even heard my name came here today to honour me. They would have spent their time on something else, but they decided to come here to learn something.

    ‘‘The whole essence of the engagement is to challenge the children to be what they aspire to become. This to me is a kind of mentorship programme to make sure that our children are inspired to greater heights.”

    Oshun who said God has been good to him, added that he had a good childhood, sound education and working life.

    ‘‘Having children around is creative. I love children so much, they have exceptional qualities. They grow to meet and surpass you. Today, I can tell you that I gained a lot from their discussions and interactions. Their thinking surpasses my generation and they are more superior in their arguments.’’

    Asked why he has not written books for children, Oshun said: ‘‘you can only have a generation addressing its own issues. Let children write for themselves. All I can do is pray that you do not allow people who will lead you badly. You should be upright, say your minds and express your feelings at all times. I have written for my generation and so, I will allow you to address your generation.’’

    Oshun advised the children to be prepared to go into politics after they must have attained their career status. He said that if they allow politics in the hands of bad people as his generation did, they will have dangerous people governing them. ‘‘By the time I went into politics, I could look people in the face because I could do without politics,’’ Oshun said.

     

  • Honour for the Editor of editors

    A send-forth was held for the Chairman, Publicity Committee of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Prince Henry Olukayode Odukomaiya at the  church last Sunday. AMIDU ARIJE was there.   

    IN the newspaper world, his name rings bell. He had been Editor, General Manager and Managing Director of many papers and served diligently, leaving his marks. Henry Olukayode Odukomaiya, a prince, has since retired, but he is not tired. Once in a while, he contacts his ‘boys’ still in the profession, to advise them on how to improve their work.

    Odukomaiya was born in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State in 1934. He got a job in 1957 in Lagos as a teacher, and developed interest in writing. His first port of call was the now defunct Daily Times, where he retired as the Editor.

    Daily Times sent him to the School of Journalism in Glasgow Royal Polytechnic in Scotland. He also trained at the Scottish Daily Record (a tabloid) for six months.

    From Daily Times, he moved to Concord at its inception in 1979. He left in 1982. Five years later, he set up Champion for Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. He retired as the Managing Director in 1994.

    His passion for journalism made the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral to invite him to head its publicity committee in 1997.

    He was also the Editor-in-Chief of the church’s magazine “The Outlook”. He held the position for 16 years until he retired this year.

    Odukomaiya was honoured last Sunday at the Adetiloye Hall of the church for his meritorious service.

    The sendoff marked the end of his active pen profession, his retirement as the chairman publicity committee of Archbishop Vining Church.

    The event began after the day’s service, Rev Babatunde Ogunbanwo said the opening prayer.

    The event was chaired by the former Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Wale Omole.

    Thanking the committee for honouring the Odukomaiya, Omole said: “He is a great achiever, more than anything else highly, committed to excellence. A number of people said he is rigid; in this country, people run away from rigidity; to be rigid what they called rigidity is simply doggedness, what is doggedness, standing for excellence all the time, not bending the rules, being proper all the time and that is the only way we can achieve excellence; a lot of people want to bend the rules, they want it half ways and they want you to pass over. He wouldn’t do that; he is diligent and that has helped him over time,” he said.

    Omole advised the church’s publicity committee to live up to the standards Odukomaiya has set for them.

    He added: “All those that will take over must be diligent, hard working and they must go for excellence and more so for perfection.Our country needs that all the time at all levels, this is what we are missing and this is the man who stands for that. This committee should stand for that, and as a committee we should make sure the church stands for that, the church is the hope of the mind, it is the builder of the mind,” he said.

    To a member of the church, Mrs Frances Adebajo, Baba Odukomaiya is a disciplinarian who is self controlled and straightforward.

    “I have known him as a disciplined person, self controlled, when he says yes, he means yes and when he says no, he means no. I like people who are forthright, you may like him or may not but in the end you are going to admire him,” she said.

    Minister of Information Mr Labaran Maku was represented by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Garuba Bello Kankarofi and the Zonal Director of NTA, Mrs Elizabeth Aina Scott.

    Alhaji Kankarofi described the celebrator as a father and mentor. He congratulated him on his retirement and prayed for good health and long life for him.

    For his excellent performance in office, Odukomaiya was presented with awards, plaques and gifts by the chairman and members of the church.

    Rev Abraham Ogunmuyiwa, who presented the retiree with gifts on behalf of the church said: “We cannot reward you for your services. We only appreciate you, it is only God that can reward you for your meritorious service to God and mankind,” he said

    The Reverend described Odukomaiya as a committed servant of God who is well known in his home town and Lagos where he is based.

    Rev Ogunbanwo urged the members of the publicity committee to keep up the standards Odukomaiya has set.

    More eulogies came from Prof Idowu Shobowale, who described Odukomaiya as the Editor of Editors who will never take any story lightly except thoroughly done.

    “He was my Editor at the Daily Times, he always said I should still do the job as thorough as I should do, he is Editor of Editors,” he said.

    Mrs Comfort Ubosi said of Odukomaiya: “He is a man of integrity, he is a sincere man and he is very humble”.

    The celebrator, Odukomaiya was happy for the honour done him.

    He said: “I am a principled and simple person and I am a go getter. Once I set my target I pray to God to help me. “It is like witnessing ones burial because if all these could happen while I am still alive then I don’t know how much differene there will be between now and then,” he said.

  • A ‘good man’ at 70

    A ‘good man’ at 70

    Alhaji Ganiyu Mohammed, elder brother of Alhaji Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has marked his 70th birthday in Lagos. Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN reports.

    He had every reason to throw a lavish party to celebrate the grace of Allah in his life, having spent seven decades on earth. But no; he opted for a low-key celebration. From the planning to the execution, it was a display of the celebrator’s trademark modesty.

    The Kewu Lere Street, Itire-Ijesha, Surulere, Lagos home of Alhaji Ganiyu Mohammed, elder brother of the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was the place to be. It was a moment to showcase Allah’s goodness to his family.

    At 70, the celebrator is still agile. He was on his feet, pumping hands with guests, with a warm smile.

    His first son, Alhaji Saheed Mohammed, joined him to welcome guests. His wives and other children were not left out. They were all over the place to ensure that the guests are comfortable.

    Chief Imam of Oroland in Kwara State, the celebrator’s hometown, Alhaji Mukaila Jamiu Onitan, led some of his friends, relations and well-wishers to the event.

    “One thing I like in this family is the fact that humility runs there; look at Alhaji Lai,” a guest told her friend, pointing at Alhaji Lai Mohammed when he got to the venue. Rather than wear a toga of pride as a celebrated politician, he stooped to shake hands with virtually all who rose to welcome him.

    Besides Lai, other members of the ACN, especially in the locality, stepped out to be counted.

    Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Hakeem Bamgbola, expressed his love for the celebrator, by spending the weekend with the “good man”.

    So did his Ifelodun counterpart, Alhaji Fatai Ajidagba.

    Alhaji Onitan kick started the the event with soul-lifting prayers in appreciation of Allah’s goodness to the celebrator and his family.

    Earlier he had admonished those in attendance to imbibe the virtue of humility that many had seen as the guiding principle of the celebrator, noting that it is a virtue appreciated by Allah.

    The highpoint of the occasion, after the cake-cutting was when guests rose to praise Alhaji Mohammed. Guests jostled to have their turns to talk about the man that many described as a community leader and a father among fathers.”

    Lai described his elder brother as a blessing to the family. The ACN spokesman said: “He is very compassionate. He is unbelievably contented and he leads a life of Spartan self-discipline. He bears no grudge against anyone. And with his little resources, he would always want to touch everyone positively, especially in the family. He never covets and would always not want to hurt anyone. In fact, my brother is an example of all known positive virtues.

    “He is a worthy family head who will never leave any family matter unattended to, even if he has to make sacrifices. We can’t have a better family head than him. We in the family can only wish him many more years in good health so that we all can continue to enjoy his selfless services.”

    Saheed said of his father: “Every positive adjective aptly describes my father. He taught us to lead a life of contentment and that has remained our guiding light. If I have to live this life again, I won’t wish for another father; I will jump at him. I believe he’s is just beginning his life.”

    To say that food, drinks and other consumables were enough for satisfy guests is perhaps an understatement as the Mohammeds actually begged everyone to eat and drink to satisfaction.

    But how did the celebrator feel on the occasion? Hear him: “I feel good. It is an opportunity for me and my family to thank Allah for His grace. He has been more than good to us. I thank Him and everyone that shared the day with me.”

  • So You are Scared of Public Speaking? Good… So am I! (3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • From carpentry to His Vineyard

    The founder of the Melototah Church of Zion, Baba Aladura Abel Babatunde George Durojaiye, has celebrated 45 years in God’s vineyard in Lagos. BODE  MONOGBE was there. 

    “I was on the other side of the divide. I attended church services but didn’t grasp the whole essence of God’s intimate relationship. I was into charms to make ends meet as my furniture and joinery work did not flourish. As I encountered God on March 8, 1968, He instructed me to empty all my charms in a pool of water beside my house or suffer paralysis. I eventually obeyed.”

    These were the reminiscences of Baba Aladura, Abel Babatunde Durojaiye, as he marked his 45 years in the vineyard last week.

    The cleric, who said the hallmark of his ministry was the salvation of souls, stated that “prosperity is a natural consequence for a true believer, but you must first accept God and the gospel. You must manifest Him in your thought and actions, and then He will bless you. That is the order, it cannot be other way round, No!”

    The cleric, who is still vibrant at 88, said he had his prophetic tutelage under the late Most Rev Apostle Elisha Ogunfeyimi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Zion in Ugbonla, Ondo State for 28 years. God instructed him to establish his own ministry in 1998 to bear the name Melototah Church of Zion. The church has been growing by leaps and bounds with branches across the country.

    The ceremony was electric: members and guests were in a joyful mood; they looked resplendent in their white flowing garments. Choristers rendered soul-lifting songs with drummers in their element. It was as if, for once, the heavens were in one accord with humans. They danced, danced and danced.

    To the octogenarian cleric, who walked briskly without the aid o f a walking stick, it was a day to celebrate God’s fulfilled promises in his life. He said he was particularly happy that God has been directing his path ever since, speaking to him daily.

    The man of God advised the nation’s leaders to do the will of God, saying that is the only panacea to the nation’s problems. “My advice to our leaders is to do the will of God, they should know that God wants the best from them and to Him, they and all of us would return. They should be serious about their fight against corruption. They should equally work harder to provide for all particularly they youth,” he said.

    He urged churches to be more involved in saving souls than preaching prosperity which encourages get-rich-quick syndrome.

    “ There is no church again, when I started ministering everything was free and it is still free till today and will be free for ever. It is regrettable that the present day churches preach prosperity indiscriminately, if you don’t have money now, nobody will pray for you, which is bad. They should do the will of God first, it is God that gives money. I built my church within three months. It was God that provided the money, not me. The new generation church should believe in this and wait for God’s intervention in their lives,” he said.

    He urged the youth to be hardworking and believe in themselves. They should reject crime and embrace discipline and self employment.

    The Chairman of the church Executive Committee, Most Superior Senior Apostle Solomon Akinjeji attested to his dedication to the work of the gospel, saying that he learnt a lot from him since he became a member of his church.

    He said: “He has been a father indeed. He has weathered many storms for me. He gives me advice from time to time that had been of immense benefit. I can only pray God to prolong his days.”

    The head of the youth group, Apostle Idowu Akinyomi equally showered encomiums on the cleric, saying he has led well and will continue to be a reference point for the youth.

  • Mayor of philanthropy

    The Lions Club International has conferred the exalted Melvin Jones Fellowship Award on Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Mayor Abiodun Mafe for his contribution to the development of society, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.   

    Whenever members of Lions Club come together, problems get smaller and communities get better because they render help where it’s needed with zeal.

    The club that started in 1917, today ranks among the world’s largest service organisation.

    The founder, Melvin Jones, told members of his local business club then to reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. After contacting similar groups in the United States, an organisational meeting was held on June 7, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, United States (US). The new group took the name of one of the invited groups, the “Association of Lions Clubs,” and a national convention was held in Dallas, Texas, US in October same year. A constitution, by-laws, objects and a code of ethics were approved.

    Within three years, Lions became a respected international organisation for integrity and transparency.

    With over 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members across the globe, the club is now a force to reckon with as far as humanitarian activities are concerned.

    The club recently honoured an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Mayor Abiodun Mafe with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his humanitarian services.

    The event was held at the renovated hall of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ipaja, Lagos.

    The Lions were led by their District Governor, Lion Stella Agbogun. She was clad in a white top, yellow head gear, eye glasses and matching pair of shoes

    The event featured the creation of the club at Mosan-Okunola LCDA.

    For Mafe, it was another feather on his cap. He was recently appointed a member of the Board of Directors of the World Conference of Mayors during the International Leadership Conference in Equatorial Guinea.

    The event began with the National Anthem. Mafe was asked to read the club’s mission.

    Lion Agbogun who spoke on behalf of the club’s international leader, hailed the ACN chieftain for his humanitarian gestures.

    After educating the gathering on the mission and programmes of the club, she decorated the awardee with the apron and the lapel pin.

    She also gave Mafe a certificate before handing a plaque to him.

    There was a thunderous applause followed by the song “For he is a jolly good fellow”.

    Lion Agbogun said anyone who received the award would have his name written on the Melvin Jones Awards’ list at the national headquarters.

    She congratulated Mafe for the achievement.

    “Anytime you travel to the United States, visit our headquarters to see your name on the list. Congratulations once again,” she said.

    Mafe thanked the club for the honour.

    The award, he said, will spur him to do more for the society.

    He promised to assist the organisation in its quest to impact on the society.

    Present at the occasion included President Ipaja Lions Club Lion Kolade Afun; his counterparts in Agege, Ojo, Abule-Egba, Ikeja, Lions Aderonke Adebode; John Oluwakayode; Akibu Amusa Oyekunle and Bukola Owatemi

  • A Midas touch

    A Midas touch

    Midas Hotel, the first four-star hotel in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has opened for bussiness, reports SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

    IT has the distinction of being the first of its type in Ekiti State. Hotels have sprung up in different parts of the state in the past, but it stands in its own class. And it comes with an enchanting name: Midas Hotel. The 56-room four-star hotel in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital is the first of such facility in the Fountain of knowledge. It was commissioned on February 9, by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    The hotel occupies nearly 5,000 square metres of land on Midas Avenue close to Ayemi Motorpark. It is almost 270 metres off Ado-Iworoko road, Opopogbooro, Ado-Ekiti.

    The hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Its immediate conveniences include its 56 luxury rooms/suites and a presidential luxury apartment of four bedrooms, all fitted with plasma LCD TVs.

    Also accessible in all rooms are therapeutic mattresses, weighing scales, bathrooms fitted with functional Jacuzzi and safe boxes for the keeping of valuables.

    The classical finishing of the outdoor fixtures is a statement of the taste of the initiators; its iron fence opens to a sprawling parking space large enough to accommodate more than 100 vehicles.

    The opening which attracted indigenes and non indigenes coincided with the birthday of the governor who saw it as a special “birthday gift.”

    The host community presented a gift to the hotel management, saying the facility has brought blessings to the community.

    Fayemi came with his wife, Erelu Bisi, Chief of Staff, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, and other personalities.

    The Chairman of the hotel, Prof Clement Olowokande, relived the experience of some of the directors of the hotel which led to its establishment.

    Olowokande said the hotel is a child of necessity.

    “It is borne out of a genuine desire to create a first class hospitality haven in Ado where hotel buyers can derive maximum comfort, excellent and quality service and also have value for their money,” he said.

    “What we are offering at Midas is a complete hospitality service of international standards with the bench mark of utmost satisfaction, without compromising the desire and expectation of buyers. We have here a hi-tech hardware in terms of facilities and software in terms of tested, trusted and polished personnel.

    “Our niche here, apart from the facilities, lies in our unique personalised services unobtainable elsewhere in the state. We are more after a relationship with the customers than their hard earned money,” he boasted.

    Governor Fayemi expressed appreciation for the great gift of yet another hotel which he saw as a befitting addition to about four others he had earlier inaugurated since he assumed office.

    The governor briefly outlined efforts so far taken by his administration to make the state a haven of investment, assuring that efforts would be sustained in making sure that more businesses are attracted to the state through initiatives in agriculture, tourism and small scale industrial ventures.

    Fayemi said: “I can confirm that in the hospitality segment alone, this state has witnessed investment in the region of about 3 billion naira in the last two years. In the last two years, we have commissioned three other hotels and this is another one and I know that very soon, another big one will be inaugurated.”

    Noting that Ikogosi resort is another home for tourists and investors, the governor asserted that business succeeds in a conducive environment where people get comfort and are equally assured of their safety.

    “We have tagged this year a year of empowerment and consolidation. I will like to assure the management of Midas Hotel of the full cooperation of the state government in fulfilment of our deliberate policy of promoting trade and investment in the state by providing a very favourable condition for genuine investors.”

    In his goodwill message, Director General of Ekiti Enterprise Development Agency (EEDA) Mr. Oscar Ayeleso said the coming of the hotel would consolidate the investment status of the state.

    The hotel, Ayeleso said, will surely promote investment and economic growth in the state.

    Thanking the investors for the great move, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejuyigbe invited other investors to come to the state.

    “We are willing to have as many investors as possible in Ekiti. The government is trying to fix everything that will attract investors to the state. There is a good road network, stable water and electricity supply and other amenities,” Oba Adejuyigbe said.

    Others in attendance at the event included the Olukoro of Ikoro, Oba Adebamji Adeleye; Oniropora of Iropora, Oba Joel Ajayi; the Alaakene of Ikenne, in Ogun State, Oba Adeyinka Onatade.

    The Onikoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, the town of origin of the founders of the hotel, Oba Adeleye expressed joy for witnessing a great idea which was the brainchild of his own town’s people.

  • ‘Our school made us’

    ‘Our school made us’

    The old boys of St Patrick’s College (SPACO), Ikot Ansa, Calabar, Cross River State, have celebrated their patron, Saint Patrick, at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Ikoyi, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    AS students, they slept on a long wooden plank supported by two blocks. Any student who brought a mattress to school faced expulsion. Then, their only means of transportation were bicycles. These bicycles had first class front seats which cost six pence. The second class back seats cost three pence.

    They left all they had at home and made use of what the school provided.

    Today, these ‘boys’ looked back and smiled at what their alma mater shaped them into: hardworking, humble and diligent men. They are the old boys of St Patrick’s College (SPACO), Ikot Ansa, Calabar. Cross River State.

    Last Sunday was the feast of St Patrick, their patron saint. The Lagos State branch of the Old Students Association gathered that morning at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, for a thanksgiving mass to celebrate the day.

    All St Patrick’s alumni associations in diaspora also celebrated the day. Though it is the Lent season, it didn’t allow that to stop them from marking the day.

    Soon after the mass, they swarmed into the Ball Room of the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, for a reception.

    The new grey haired ‘boys’ came with their wives. They had a swell time. Yellow and green fabric and leaves ran through the hall. The chairs and tables were decorated in white. In the middle of each table was a long glass vase of flowers with fresh green leaves. To the left of the hall were food stands stocked with varieties of continental and African dishes.

    The setting was more like that of a picnic in a garden. The ambience of the hall reflected the patriotic thinking of the ‘students’.

    The ‘Patricians, as they are called, sang their college anthem and songs of praise with pride. They wore their school blazers and ties bearing the school logo. Complementing it with white shirts, they looked more like the pupils they once were. Many of those present left the school more than 60 years ago.

    Their wives wore a uniform headgears; other guests were in their Sunday best: red Igbo caps, Yoruba caps and various styles and shapes of headgears.

    SPACO Alumni Association National President Chief Charles Ifeanyi, in an address, said the members were proud to have attended the school, adding that they had a solid foundation which led to their success in life. He paid tribute to the late members of the association.

    He condemned the government for taking over missionary schools.

    “Catholic missionary schools have been known to inculcate traits of loyalty and hard work in the young ones that have kept us where we are today. Those who leave from missionary schools are moral catalysts that spread around; but there has been a decadence since the government took the schools from them,” Ifeanyi said.

    The Lagos branch President, Mr Sigsimond Fernandez, in his welcome speech, said the reunion on the feast day has come to stay as a yearly ritual.

    He talked about the 80-year-old school.

    “The St Patrick Missionary Society founded it. The motto of the college is: COR MUNDUN MANUS FIRMA VERBUM CONSTANS. The type of education we received in this college is anchored on these six Latin words. The type of education given to us not only exposed us to open and broadmindedness of heart, it strengthened our hands through the dignity of labour and above all, it made us honest Christian gentlemen whose words can be trusted at all times without equivocation.”

    Fernandez also spoke of the association’s plan to rehabilitate the college’s kitchen and dormitories which are in bad shape. This, he said, will give the new generation students an institution with physical structures conducive to learning.

    Some benefactors were given awards for their support in giving the college a new lease of life. They were Mr Ibe Kachukwu and Mr Sylvanus Edet aka Old Major. His name was then changed to Old General by the old students for doing what generals do.

    An alumnus of the school, Mr Dennis Okoro, in telling their story, praised the students who passed through the school as men who can survive in any condition they find themselves.

    He recalled that the college in Okoransa Local Government, Area of Cross River State catered for the rich and the poor under Reverend Fathers who served as the college’s principal officers.

    He narrated how he, an 11-year-old boy, would trek to a five-mile camp to get fresh water from a stream. After fetching it, on return to the dormitory, the seniors take it all.

    “Back then, we knew who we were and we could never go wrong. We are forever grateful because now, many years later, the bond of what we passed through as boarding students is more stronger than the bond of blood,” Okoro said.

  • Farewell to a ‘man of the people’

    The late Pa Babafemi Akilo, a retired school administrator, politician and community leader, have been laid to rest in a grand style at his Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State country home. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    Pa Akilo, a staunch philantrophist and one of the founding members of the Action Congress Chairman Elder’s Forum in Ido-Osi, Ekiti State died on January 23, 2013. He was 81.

    Like the morning of swarm bees, members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stormed the streets of Ido -Ekiti, the home town of the deceased to pay their last respects to one of their own.

    A large crowd were decked out in white t-shirts with the portrait of the deceased printed on them. They danced from Ido-Ekiti Medical Centre’s morgue, where the deceased was embalmed to his residence for the wake-keep procession.

    The broom-wielding ACN members chanted the slogan of the party intermittently to the admiration of the on – lookers. They were also out as early as possible on Friday to usher the remains of the late Pa Akilo’s to Saint John’s Anglican Communion (Palace of Healing), Ijemu, Ido-Ekiti for the funeral service.

    The ceremony was also attended by top politicians across party lines, top civil servants and members of Ido-Ekiti community, Governor Kayode Fayemi who was represented by her wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.

    Delivering his short sermon, the Vicar of Anglican Church, Ikere-Ekiti, Rev. Bode Otenaike, described the late Pa Akilo as a strict person, who believed in transparency, accountability and probity in all his dealings.

    The cleric, who was full of praises for Pa Akilo, said the “no-nonsense” former school principal, was a strong believer of good governance and selfless service, urging that politicians and those in positions of authorities to emulate his good gestures.

    In his condolence message to the family of the late politician, Governor Fayemi described the late Pa Akilo as a man who would forever be remembered for his humility, selfless service and ultimately, for his stickler for rule disposition.

    “We really thank God for his life. I recall his logged and principled fight against injustice and your consistent support for the party and government. He lived well and served our people with diligence and love.” Fayemi said.

    Another chieftain of the ACN Prince Akin Olayisade described the deceased Akilo as an upright politician, a working father and leader whose political blue prints were eternal time interest.

    The late Akilo’s son, Tunde, a Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Ministry of Works, said that he would miss his father’s caring attitude and affection towards his children, urging that the virtues his father was noted for during his life time be sustained.

    In attendance were: former Governor Niyi Adebayo; ACN State Chairman, Chief Jide Awe; Special Adviser to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Akin–Fasae; Ekiti State Chief of Staff, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, members of the National Assembly, members of State House of Assembly, among others.

  • A glorious honour

    The Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN)  inducted new members and honoured its fellows for their contributions to the institute. Miriam Ekene-okoro writes. 

    IT was a two-in-one event: an induction of new members and a luncheon for fellows. It was organised by the Institute of Public Analysts (IPAN).

    The event featured some of those who contributed to the country’s socio-economi growth.

    Guests began arriving at the Ogun Hall of the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the event, in exotic cars. They were decked in colourful attires. The recipients came with their family members and well wishers.

    Many IPAN members, who had lost contact on seeing themselves again shout for joy. Soft tunes from a live band entertained guests as they settled down for the business of the day.

    The event was chaired by the Managing Director of MOPSON Pharmaceutical Limited, Mr Michael Paul. He said the occasion was a platform to examine some of the issues affecting public analysts urged members to collaborate with fellow practitioners to maintain standard in the practice.

    He advocated the creation of a standard national laboratory for certified public analysts, saying a national analytical facility was long overdue for the profession and a country faced with severe health challenges.

    He praised IPAN for producing quality laboratory scientists for the public and private sector, saying an analyst institute without a national public laboratory open to qualified professionals was incomplete.

    His words:“We all know the issue of counterfeit, faked and expired products in our public places, covering all areas – food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals and medical equipment. These are issues that public analysts can help resolve with quality laboratory services, if they are given necessary facility to work with.”

     IPAN Registrar and Chief Executive Professor David Oluleye, who responded to the chairman’s remarks, assured that the project was on course, adding that the institute aimed to expand existing laboratory.