Category: Entertainment

Old students of Ola Oluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have held their inaugural annual reunion and dinner at the Sheik Ibiyemi Multipurpose Hall. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN writes.

It was an evening to remember for old students of Ola-Oluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, the capital of the Ekiti State, when they converged on the school’s Sheik Oseni Ibiyemi Multipurpose Hall.

Beaming with smiles, the old boys, many of whom had not met since leaving school, recalled their school days.

They talked about how their teachers supported their dreams. One of such teachers was Mr Francis Daramola, who, as the school’s principal then, according to Mr Mojeed Jamiu, steered the students on to the right path.

Besides Daramola, some former teachers were also there as well to rejoice with the old boys. Among them were Mrs. Taiwo Akinyede, also a former principal, Mrs Modupe Fagbeyiro, former Biology teacher and Chief Ayo Olorunofin, English. Mr K.D. Fasanmi, head of the school was also in attendance.

Numbering about 50, the old boys, who have made their marks in different fields, broke a jinx to hold what they termed the First Annual Reunion/Dinner Nite.

The evening featured the raising of N50 million for the maintenance of the school established in 1970. It was recently renovated by the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration.

Solemn music from Sese Alhaji Band from Ado-Ekiti and many took to the dance floor.

The old students appeared mostly in traditional dresses.

Led by Lieutenant Col. Dele Tajudeen Olabode of the 1981 set, they danced, sang and ate together to savour a day which officially marked the beginning of an annual get-together.

Welcoming colleagues and other invited guests, the Protem president, Col. Olabode recalled how much time and commitment were invested into convening the maiden meeting, mentioning the roles of some members.

He said the meeting was important to “renew and strengthen old friendships, meet and socialise among the classmates and design strategies for taking the school to higher attainments.”

Mojeed Jamiu, who had set the stage for talks, recalled how students would insist on being taught the practical aspect of reproduction during biology classes while the teacher, Mrs Fagbeyiro, would appeal to them to accept only the theoretical, saying the practical must be postponed to a later date.

He recalled: “Pa Daramola came to the school when the level of discipline was low and within a short time he was able to reverse the situation so much that the students got easily propped to perform wonders. Mr. Francis Daramola was a disciplinarian.”

Pa Daramola hailed them for taking the plunge, despite the tight schedules of their offices. He praised Governor Kayode Fayemi for the unprecedented move to renovate every secondary school in the state.

He said: “We cannot gain say the fact that the governor means well for every sector, section and segment of this state. The best we all can do is to support him with our prayers. When I realise that teachers are opposed to the Teachers Development Needs Assessment, I just remember that we wrote tests during our time as well.

“That time, we would travel as far as Ibadan to sit for the test. No one then opposed the government. No one could even dare such. This is because we all believed in the plans and intentions of the government.”

In a short address delivered by one of his Special Assistants, Biodun Akin Fasae, Fayemi praised the old students on the achievement, noting that the state government would always encourage them to return to their former schools to partake in their development.

After a few years of teaching, one of the things I learnt fast, and which has become a personal rule, is not to begin a class with a question. I realised that any time I began with, “What is …?” the next thing that followed was silence. Usually, it would take a longer session of motivation to get someone to speak, which wasted a lot of time. Well, the scenario might be different once in a while if a particularly active student decided to attempt the answer. There might have been several reasons responsible for that, but chief among them was the fear to stand and speak. Immediately I asked that question, one could imagine a few thoughts run through their minds: “What if I’m wrong?” “What if I don’t say what the teacher has in mind?” “My friends may make fun of me.” “My classmates will think I’m too forward or that I want to display my knowledge.” “I know the answer, but I don’t know if I will be able to explain it effectively.” The summary of the whole thought process is, “I think I’ld rather sit quietly.”

Several times in life, we opt to sit quietly instead of speaking confidently. This may unfortunately lead to timidity. Someone once said to me, “You mean I should speak to that crowd? I will just die!” That may sound funny, but it was exactly how the individual felt at that moment. If you had ever found yourself in a situation in which you needed to face a crowd, you might have shared the same sentiment.

Now, is the fear of public speaking peculiar to you? The answer is “No!” Several people fear public speaking, perhaps more than you do! In 2005, someone posted a question on a website named Speaking Channel claiming to harbour extreme fear for public speaking and seeking to know if the site could be of help in dealing with it. In response to the query, the following information was posted on the site: “Fear of public speaking and overcoming fear of public speaking are together a major issue in today’s marketplace. Those who fear speaking in public suffer untold white knuckle terrors with their public speaking phobia, and statistics show that around 70% of people rank giving a public speech as their greatest fear!” If 70% of people really “dread” public speaking, why do you think you are alone in it? But this is not an excuse for you to relax in your phobia. When most of us listen to a particularly charismatic speaker, we wish we can speak that way; however, we quickly remind ourselves that we are not made for something like that. But then, is it that we really believe public speaking is not our gifting or that we simply dread the possibility of having people listen to us?

There are two important facts you should know about the fear of public speaking:

•Fear can be helpful: some level of fear can help you. Fear is a natural instinct planted in us to make us conscious of things that can potentially harm us. When we are afraid of something, we tend to take precaution. When you are about to make a presentation, it is natural to be a little scared, but this is meant to help you take precaution rather than make you give up. If you have to write an examination and you are a little scared, what do you do? Do you go to sleep and expect it to go away? No! You prepare extra hard to ensure success. The same thing applies to public speaking. Your fear should motivate you to be well prepared. If you ever lose that little fear, you may get over confident. Pleased note that there is an extreme level of fear that practically leaves its victims paralysed- that is not the fear I am talking about. That kind of fear is harmful.

•Most professionals still experience some degree of fear: it may amaze you to know that most professional public speakers still feel scared before each presentation. Dale Carnagie, arguably the most famous public speaking trainer who ever lived, said, “Many professional speakers have assured me that they never completely lose all stage fright. It is almost always present just before they speak, and it may persist through the first few sentences of their talk.” “Why?” You may ask. Well, I’ll tell you why! It is because you never meet the same audience twice! Whenever I am going for my classes, I take into consideration that, though I will be teaching the same set of students I taught last week, or even yesterday, they may not be the same at all. They may have had a long day and are very tired; they may have had a boring class before mine and are already bored before I even begin; they may just not be in the mood; they may have had a particularly exciting class that I will have to match (or surpass) unless I want an anticlimax effect, etc. All these and many more will affect the outcome of my classes. You may wonder why I care. When communication is your intention and you know that you have not succeeded until your audiences know what you want them to know, you will care. If one has to be that conscious about the attitude of the people one interacts with everyday, how much more the “strangers” one is just confronting? So, it is usual to entertain a little stage fright, but it must not grow on you.

The Chairman, Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources and Waterfront Infrastructure Development of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Lanre Ogunyemi, clocked 50. He celebrated with friends and family members. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

With praise and thanksgiving, he stepped into the golden age. The chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources and Waterfront Infrastructure Development Hon Lanre Ogunyemi was full of gratitude to God for his life.

Ogunyemi, who represents Ojo constituency, said: “I am nothing without Him who formed me.”

The atmosphere at the K and G Centre, where the reception was held was calm. If not for the dainty cars parked by the road side on Kudirat Abiola way, nobody would have known that such a big event was on.

It was a two in one celebration. Ogunyemi’s 50th birthday and book presentation.

The celebrator with his wife, Yemisi and children – all decked in blue Yoruba attire, danced way to the front of the hall. Well-wishers followed them.

The Chief Imam of Oto-Awori, Taofiq Arogundade said the opening prayers; gospel saxophonist, Rev Kunle Ajayi, played scintillating praise and worship tunes.

Daughter of the celebrator, Ayomide also did a special number for her father with the trumpet.

Chairman of the occasion Oba Olatunji Hamzat described Ogunyemi as a loyal and disciplined party man.

Oba Hamzat urged those who want to succeed in politics to emulate the lawmaker.

The book was reviewed by Prof Olu Akeusola of the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED). He said the book is in the prosaic and narrative style and dedicated to the former Governor Bola Tinubu.

Akeusola, who has been friend with the author for over 30 years, said many thought the celebrator will be a professor.

The book was presented by Deputy speaker of the House, Hon Musbau Kolawole Taiwo.

Many described Ogunyemi in superlative terms. The celebrator’s wife, Yemisi was full of praises for him.

“Oloworimi, the man I met 19 years ago and every day, I know new things about him. And because he never takes no for an answer, he has impacted positively on my life.”

More accolades came from Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who praised Ogunyemi for not turning his back on his political family.

Aregbesola, from an excerpt from the book launched, said the celebrator never faltered throughout his political travails.

Secretary to Lagos State Government (SSG) Dr Oluranti Adebule described Ogunyemi as an honest man who keeps to his word.

“He does not turn from his word, very passionate about the growth of the party. So, this is just the beginning of more successes in life” Dr Adebule said.

After he cut the birthday cake, Majority Leader Lola Akande proposed the toast. She described the celebrator as amiable and tolerant.

The celebrator thanked his mother and late father for protecting him in the 60s in Kaduna during the Civil War.

The Ijebu born politician thanked his wife. “She was with me even when I was nothing. She believed in me and even as a classroom teacher, she stood by me,” Ogunyemi said.

With talented gospel maestro, Yinka Ayefele on the bandstand, there was no dull moment as guests took to the dance floor till late into the night.

In attendance were: Cardinal James Odumbak0u aka Baba Eto; Secretary to Osun State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Hon Bisi Yusuf; Lgos Commissioners Taofiq Tijani; (Energy); Cornelius Ojelabi (Rural Development) Lagos State Lateef Ibirogba (Information and Strategy); Mr Sunny Ajose; State Organising Secretary of ACN, Alhaji Shakiru Akani; the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Oba Momodu Ashafa; Hon Wahab Alawiye-King; State Secretary of ACN, Hon Charles Odubesi; Special Adviser to the governor on Education Hon Fatai Olukoga; wife of the Speaker of the House, Mrs Mayowa Ikuforiji, among others.

Hon Ogunyemi studied at the Lagos State College of Education where he read English and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lagos State University (LASU). He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and holds a Masters in International and Strategic Studies.

A book: Vision and Purpose for Life Success written by Ayodeji Olusoji Bandipo has been launched in Lagos, reports ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN.

It was a day of joy for Ayodeji Olusoji Bandipo when his book: Vision and Purpose for Life Success was presented in Lagos.

Gaily dressed guests, arrived early for the event held at the Redeemed Christain Chruch of God (RCCG) Covenant Chapel, Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

The master of the ceremony was Emmanuel Agbakobo.

Host Pastor Akin Laoye said the opening prayer which was followed by his welcome address.

Ayo Sax entertained guests with melodious tunes from his saxophone.

A special prayer for the author was led by Pastor Raphael Omalade.

The chairman of the occasion Dr Bola Olaosebikan, in an address, congratulated the author on the great achievement he has attained.

“Ayodeji has been a zealous and hardworking man since I have known him when he worked with me when I was Commissioner of Health in Kwara State. He is a man with vision and purpose; he is an activist and I know he has gathered the materials for this book not to make money but to touch lives. I also recommend this book for everyone here because it will help you and others you would buy it for and I pray that this good work Ayo has begun would not stop half way and more blessings would come upon him,” he said.

The author thanked all for making his day. He said though he faced a lot of challenges, the book is a landmark.

The 85-page book with Seven chapters was reviewed by Mrs Funmi Akingbegboun, who recommended the book for everybody aspiring to succeed. She referred to the book as timely, inspiring and loaded with insight for an individual to discover God’s vision and purpose.

The guest speaker, Pastor Olumide Emmanuel spoke on The Five Irrefutable facts of life.

A former Acting Management Accountant of The Nation, Oyedele John Owolabi and his beau, Opemipo Modurodoluwa, a Customer Service Representative at Mansard Insurance, have been joined in holy matrimony. NNEKA NWANERI
and DAVID ADEJO write.

They first met at a party at Eleko Beach in Lagos two years ago. That day, they got talking and exchanged addresses. Last Saturday, their courtship ended in marriage.

Oyedele John Owolabi, a former worker of The Nation, now Project Accountant at Makon Engineering, has every reason to thank God. He walked down the aisle with Opemipo Modurodoluwa Akintajuwa, a Customer Service Representative at Mansard Insurance (formerly GTAssurance)

Their Traditional marriage was held two days earlier. Colourfully regaled in peach and green attires, the couple showcased the rich Yoruba culture. With the necessary rites done, the bride wore her beau a green cap made from Aso-Oke material, which symbolised their union.

The solemnisation was held at Gospel Faith Mission International (Mercy Assembly), Ikorodu, Lagos.

With her father leading the way, Opemipo clutched to him with her right hand. She held a flower bouquet with the left hand. Her ball wedding gown was dazzling white. The upper part was made of lace and shiny stones. She was a beauty, even without accessories, just her dangling earrings. It was her happiest day and she beamed with joy.

There on the altar, the groom, decked in an ash colour suit and patterned inner waist coat over a white shirt, waited for her.

The officiating priest was Pastor Olorunfemi. Preaching from John 15:4, the cleric admonished the couple to enrich themselves in the word of God which is the Christian compass.

“You should abide in our Lord Jesus as he is the true vine so you can be the branch with these, you can bear much fruits. Love one another as Jesus loved the church”.

The reception was held at the Ikorodu Town Hall on the outskirts of Lagos.

The two thousand capacity hall was filled with well-wishers, friends and family members who came in their numbers. It was tastefully decorated in purple and pink colour linen cloth. White was the dominant colour. It gave guests a homely feel and added glamour to the venue. Lightening decorations were lined across the decorations.

A couple of minutes after 1pm, the lovebirds arrived in a metallic brown Lincoln navigator. Their train followed suit in exotic cars. They came in an entourage.

Dele and Ope, as they are fondly called by their parents and friends danced all the way to the white seat made especially for them at the front of the hall.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Michael Ola-Ajala congratulated the couple.

Ola-Ajala said: “You should learn from each other and be patient with yourselves, live as one, and share issues; communicate between yourselves and do not let any third party into your affairs lest they give you wrong advices.”

The couple cut their purple and white polka dotted four layered cake, and there after performed their first assignment in style. To the admiration of all the guests, the bride knelt, fed her beau with some cake and water to drink.

Soon after the couple took to the dance floor, many posed for photograph with the couple.

A reception has been held for the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who received Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum Studies from Lagos State University (LASU) last Thursday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

THE is the engine room of the Lagos State Government. As Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaja Idiat Oluranti Adebule occupies a prime post. Last Thursday, she added a feather to her cap when she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Lagos State University (LASU).

Dr Adebule bagged (PhD) in Curriculum Studies after three years of research.

LASU’s auditorium complex was filled to brim. People in different colourful academic attires were seen moving in and out of the auditorium.

Majority of the guests were also in academic gowns except for the traditional rulers who shone in colourful attires with royal beads, waxing horsetails to the admiration of guests.

The event began with a convocation procession led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa. The graduands were also in the procession.

Soon as they entered the complex, the convocation package comprising Order of proceedings, Convocation brochure and souvenir magazine were distributed.

The graduands were robed in the colour prescribed for each faculty.

The Post-Degree recipients put on their caps, with the tassels placed at the left hand side, indicating that they already have their first degrees. The female graduands showed courtesy when they shook hands with the Vice-Chancellor; their male counterparts bowed with their caps on still their heads.

Shortly after, LASU Pro-Chancellor, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas presented the certificates the receivers of Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs)

Dr Adebule received applause as she exchanged pleasantries with the guests on her way to receive the certificate. Her husband, Alhaji Saheed Adebule watched keenly.

Decked in flowing blue agbada, Alhaji Adebule, a Computer Scientist later hugged his wife, congratulating her on her feat.

There was photograph session outside the auditorium before guests joined the celebrator at Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall inside LASU Sporting Complex for a lavish reception.

The hall was tastefully decorated in yellow and chocolate colour satin clothes.

The Adebules received guests comprising members of the state executive council, lawmakers, council chairmen, eminent jurists, captains of industry, academicians, party faithful and students.

LASU band entertained the gathering. Sumptuous cuisine – African and International dishes were at the guests’ mercy.

Choice drinks were also in abundance to eat in and take away.

A cake, placed on table at the centre of the hall was later cut by the Adebules assisted by some of the guests.

“Congratulations, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule on your great achievements” was boldly written on the cake.

There were no speech making as the gathering was simply to wine and dine. But those who chose to speak with The Nation showered encomiums on Dr Adebule.

Her colleague in the state exco, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, described the feat as result of hardwork.

Mrs Oladunjoye, the Commissioner for Education said: “She deserves today’s honour. She is a hardworking person; very cerebral and passionate about her job. God has crown her efforts; I wish her the very best.”

Magistrate Sheri Solebo described her as a humble person.

“She is not just a politician, but a focus one that is academically upright. She is a woman many women would learn from. I love her and wish her more success,” she said.

Prof Babatunde Oderinde who supervised her thesis described her as a brilliant person.

Prof Oderinde who came with his wife, Laide said he had no regret for supervising her.

“She is ever willing to learn, correct her mistakes diligently and argue her way out where necessary. Her humility is another factor. Lagos State is lucky to her among the executive. I’m proud of her,” he said.

Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso, a former Commissioner with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) said Dr Adebule has added value to state’s affair.

“She has been mobilising women in Badagry Division to key into the policy of the government even before she became the SSG. Aside this, she usually carry out lot of responsibilities on behalf of the state government diligently,” he said.

Her earning a PhD, Oyefeso said, has struck a balance between her educational pursuit and political career without influencing her way out.

“She worked hard for it; that is why she deserved all the honour. I’m not surprise because being a member of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in her school days, the training she received then has continues to influence her way to success,” he said.

Dr Adebule thanked all for coming to relish in her joy.