Category: Entertainment

The remains of Mrs. Elekhia Ayiyi Giwa, mother of the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, the late Dele Giwa, was interred along the Auchi-Ekperi-Agenebode Road, Estako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, last Saturday. OSAGIE OTABOR was there.

The questions on the lips of many journalists that attended the funeral of Mrs. Elekhia Ayiyi Giwa, mother of the founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, the late Dele Giwa was the shape the burial would have taken if Dele Giwa were to be alive to bury his mother.

As expected, dignitaries from all walks of life would have graced the occasion but the event was attended by close associates of the late Dele Giwa.

The funeral for Mama Giwa was held at the Church of God Mission, Ugbekpe-Ekperi in Estako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, a predominantly Muslim community.

The church was wearing a new look while the remains were laid in a wooden coffin brought to the church by well-dressed undertakers.

Mrs Giwa died on January 8 after a brief illness. She is survived by five children, 42 grand-children and 12 great-grand-children. She died 26 years after her first son, Dele, was killed by a parcel bomb in October 1986.

An autobiography of the late Mrs Giwa said the murder of Dele destabilised and shattered her life which led to uncontrollable high blood pressure as a result of thinking and weeping continuously.

The deceased, born in Udaba Ekperi in 1925, got married in 1946 at the age of 21 to the late Bagadu Giwa.

The service at the church commenced at 9am and was led by Rev. Abraham Ikpotokin, who spoke on the need to praise and thank God in situations of life.

Rev Ikpotokin reminded the congregation to live a good life and remain steadfast in the Lord despite setbacks.

He said death was a necessary end that must come but what is important is the kind of life one leads.

He said, “Whatever you sow you will reap. Our mother has lived a good life.”

The interment attended by the late Dele Giwa’s associates evoked the memories of Dele Giwa as Madam Giwa’s remains were buried beside her son’s grave along the Auchi-Ekperi-Agenebode Road.

Dignitaries led by Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi prayed for few minutes at the graveside and Dele’s sister, Ronke Aboaba wept.

Kayode Soyinka, who was with the late Dele moments before the bomb exploded said his presence was a necessary thing for him to do because of the close relationship between them.

According to him, “Immediately I heard of this occasion I made it a point of duty to be here to give that last honour to Mama.

“I was a victim of that bomb. We know those who did it, those who sent the bomb to us. They are still alive. They are walking freely. Nigerians know who killed Dele. We will all die one day. Dele has done his bit. He did well as a journalist both in Nigeria and internationally. His legacy cannot be erased. For those of us still alive, we will make sure his legacies continued:” Soyinka said.

Dr Ogunbiyi said the sight of Dele’s grave was a very emotional experience for him. He said he felt close to Dele at that moment said Ray Ekpu: “It is some kind of nostalgia. We were happy the grave has been maintained. We hope to keep his memory in whatever way we can.”

Ekpu urged journalists to continue with the investigative journalism started by late Dele.

Last daughter of Ayiyi, Ronke described the last five years of her mother as wonderful.

A Reception was later held for guests.

Others in attendance included Dele-Giwa’s widow, Funmi; Yakubu Mohammend; Editor-in-Chief Tell Magazine, Nosa Igiebor; Dan Agbese; Soji Akinrinade and former Media Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Mr Tony Iyare.

Provost of Ogun State College of Health Technology (OSCOTECH) Dr Tunji Dawodu’s daughter, Afolakemi got married to her beau, Ayodeji Adeniji of Etisalat Nigeria in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. KUNLE AKINRINADE was there.

There were exotic cars everywhere. They brought guests to the Adeola Odutola Anglican Church, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. For the holy matrimony of Afolakemi, daughter of the Provost of Ogun State College of Health Technology (OSCOTECH) Dr Tunji Dawodu, and Ayodeji Adeniji of Etisalat Nigeria. Security men paced up and down to ensure that everything went well at the car park.

The joy of the groom and bride knew no bounds as they walked down the aisle. Family members, friends and colleagues came to rejoice with them.

Afolakemi’s father led her to the altar, where the couple was pronounced husband and wife by the officiating ministers led by the former Primate of the African Church of Nigeria, Bishop Abraham Onanuga.

Quoting copiously from the Bible, Bishop Onanuga urged the couple to eschew bitterness and unholy friendships that may frustrate God’s purpose for their marriage adding that the sanctity of marriage as God’s ordained institution must be respected. The service lasted three hours.

After the solemnisation, the bridal train moved to the Prime Hall, Ijebu-Ode for the reception. The expansive hall was beautifully decorated in yellow and pink.

The bride, a graduate of Veterinary Medicine, stood out in a flowing wedding gown as she stepped into the hall with her husband at 3pm.The groom was enchanting in his well-tailored cream suit. They both hit the floor immediately for a dance that lasted more than an hour to the admiration of guests.

Prof. Segun Odunuga, who chaired the occassion, admonished the couple to employ communication as a vital strategy towards strengthening their relationship. He cautioned them against inviting third parties to resolve their differences.

Prof Odunuga said: “You have just started your life as a couple. You must be patient with each other and be tolerant as well. But above all, always communicate very well with each other so as not to give room for undue interference by those around you. When we communicate as partners, it prevents unnecessary elongation of differences and in a way strengthens the marriage, hence, I want to advise you to always share views together, iron out issues without necessarily asking for the intervention of outsiders whose counsels might lead to eclipse of your fledgling marriage. May God be with you as you sojourn in your marital life and I pray your union will be fruitful”.

Shortly after his speech, the couple cut the cake; Afolakemi knelt to do her first assignment by feeding her husband while the groom also fed his wife to the admiration of the audience.

The bride beamed with smiles all day while the groom, was no less either as he flashed winsome smiles.

The obviously elated groom, who could not hide his joy, described his wife as the best gift from God.

“I am so overwhelmed with joy today for walking down the aisle with the love of my life. She is everything a good woman and wife should be; she is caring, dutiful and humane. She is indeed the best gift from God and I am so happy to have someone like her as wife,” Ayodeji said.

Afolakemi described her beau as a straight forward companion and reliable confidant.

“He possesses everything a woman can wish for in a man. He is honest, straight forward and a reliable confidant, anytime any day. I am just happy to have someone like him as my husband,” she said.

The couple with their parents, families and friends posed for photographs.

The bride’s father, Dr. Dawodu, thanked God for making the day a reality. I pray God should grant them the fruit of marriage, long life and peace of mind. But more importantly, I want to encourage them to be tolerant of each other because that is the secret of a happy matrimony. I also want to urge them to always hold firm to the teachings of the Bible and display maturity in their conduct as husband and wife.”

Guests included, the Deputy Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Tola Banjo; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Senior Assistant on Water Resources to Ogun State Governor, Mr Kunle Otunkope and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lanre Ogunbote among others.

The Republic of Lithuania has celebrated its 22nd National Independence Day in Lagos. Its Honorary Consul in Nigeria, Mr Goodie Ibru, was the host. AMIDU ARIJE reports.

LITHUANIA. Where is that, you may be tempted to ask. It is a country with three million people which ceded from the defunct Soviet Union in 1991. It became an independent nation that same year.

Sited in the Northern part of Europe, south of the Baltic Sea, the country shares border with Lativa to the North; Belarus to the Southeast, Poland and the Russian enclave of Kalinigrad to the Southwest.

Since its cession from the Soviet Union on February 16, 1991, Lithuanian has set aside that day for the celebration of its independence.

Last Saturday, the Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania in Lagos, marked its 22nd independence anniversary.

Guests were hosted by the Consul of Lithuania to Nigeria, Mr Goodie Ibru. They were treated to a cocktail party to mark the Day at the Ballroom of the Federal Palace Hotel, Island, Lagos.

Only invited guests were allowed in. They arrived long before the commencement of the programme.

The timely arrival of Mr Ibru marked the beginning of the event.

Guests were resplendent in their attires. Nigerians and Lithuanians were there in their numbers. Though there was no uniformed attire, most Nigerians were decked in agbada and buba. Some of the foreigners were decked in casual shirts and trousers and suits.

Some men came with their wives. The gaily dressed women stole the show with their gorgeous clothes.

The hall was ornamentally furnished with yellow, red and green balloons. The bright colours added glamour to the occasion.

An eye catching ornament was the strategic placing of African traditional bands on all the tables where the snacks were placed. The gangan traditional drum, with its sticks was placed on the table. Other artistic works were also used to emphasise the rich Nigerian culture.

There were no chairs. So, guests stood all through the two hour event. They conversed in low tones and new friends were made. The avenue served as a fertile ground for them to discuss business and other national issues.

Mr Charles Idomah, who anchored the occasion, introduced guests.

In his welcome speech, Mr Ibru described the relationship that exists between Nigeria and Lithuania for the past 12 years as progressive and has helped the two countries tie business relations and made it easier to register Nigeria with the Business Council, enabling citizens of both countries to transact business easily.

He said: “I am delighted to report that relations between Republic of Lithuania and Nigeria have improved in the past 12 years. I am happy to inform you that we have now successfully registered the Nigeria- Lithuania Business Council.

“This council, we hope will provide a platform for activities which will promote economic, social and cultural co-operation and integration between members consisting of nationals of both countries”.

The Consul spoke of his plans to keep exploring avenues to better the political, social and economic relationships between Nigeria and Lithuania.

Background music from the DJ made the occasion convivial. Guests enjoyed every moment spent as they shook their heads in consonance to the tunes from the music.

Communication is a dynamic process of exchanging meanings. Messages are sent by a party to another who interprets them and sends a feedback, indicating that the initial messages were understood. Last week, we examined intrapersonal communication. In that type of communication, you are both the sender and the receiver. Can you send an involuntary intrapersonal communication? Definitely yes! If, for instance, you have a challenge in your place of work and you begin to tell yourself, “I hate this job,” chances are that you will soon be considering quitting. Your productivity will wane, your joy at work will reduce and you will become impatient. You will see more of the faults of your organization than its virtues and you will wonder why you didn’t notice them sooner. What you don’t know is that your words, “I hate this job,” have gone into your subconscious to switch off your tolerance and switch on your resistance. So, mind what you tell yourself.

Today, our focus will be on interpersonal communication. The word “inter” means between or among. So, interpersonal communication takes place between you and one or a few people. In this context, the word few is a little difficult to define. This is because interpersonal communication can take place among people on a dinner table or an auditorium full of people. How then can we identify interpersonal communication? Let’s check out the following elements:

•It is direct: in interpersonal communication, whether you are communicating with a single person or thousands, there is a physical bound that holds you together. In most cases, they can see you and you can see them. You can ask them to physically participate and they can interrupt you if they so desire. In this kind of communication, it is pretty hard to pretend. That is why business deals are closed in person. Your personality and motives are judged and every word you say is evaluated. Even if you are using a microphone to speak to a crowd or you are talking on phone, it is interpersonal communication because you are in direct contact with your audience. I have heard people ask if face book chatting is interpersonal. Well, yes it is a variation of it. Whoever you are chatting with is responding to you directly and that keeps the conversation going. But this is different from having a website and not knowing who does or doesn’t visit.

•It requires conversational skills: to succeed in interpersonal communication, you must be good at engaging your audience. You must be able to discuss a subject that is interesting to the other person. Some people are poor conversationist. When they meet a friend or an acquaintance, the conversation goes something like, “Hey, hello, long time no see.” “So, how are you?” “What have you been up to?” and after that, they go blank, wishing someone else would carrying on. Some people find it difficult starting a conversation with a fellow passenger while traveling because they can’t imagine what to say to last the duration of the journey. What you need is the ability to identify what interests you partner. You also need to learn how to derive interesting topics from your environment. Not that I encourage you to talk all the time, but friendship is one of the greatest assets one can have.

•It requires listening skills: imagine a phone conversation in which the caller is talking about premiership football and the receiver is talking about the Nigerian politics. What if I told you that they were conversing for ten minutes? Won’t you insist that it will only happen if they are not listening to each other? Exactly! You cannot succeed in interpersonal communication without listening to your audience. The richness of your conversation will depend on how well you can listen. So, interpersonal communication is not about how much you can say, but how much you hear.

•It determines your career/business success: while discussing intrapersonal communication, I mentioned that your personal development depends largely on what you tell yourself. In the case of interpersonal communication, you career/business success depends on what you tell others around you. This also applies to every other aspects of your life involving other people. Imagine what will happen if you always say the wrong things to your spouse, children, parents, siblings, bosses, clients, customers, etc? Better imagined than experienced right? Now imagine what will happen if you can always say the right things to all these people! So, to achieve success with other people, you must learn interpersonal communication.

The Chinese community in Lagos has marked the beginning of its calendar year at China Town, Ojota, a Lagos subburb. The event attracted businessmen and members of the diplomatic corps . MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE was there. 

THE venue was changed this year. The event used to hold at the Chinese Consulate. This year, it was taken to China Town in Ojota, Lagos. It is a tradition for the Chinese to mark the beginning of their Calendar year. Their calendar runs from February 10 to January 30 of every year. So, the International Cooperation Industry Nigeria Limited brought Chinese nationals together last Saturday to mark yet another calendar year.

Since the festival heralds the beginning of the Chinese new calendar world over Chinese nationals mark it with fanfare.

For an event slated to begin by 2pm, guests started arriving at by 11 am.

China Town, a shopping centre, where Chinese products are sold, was closed for business. Those who came for shopping were turned back at the entrance by security personnel.

Canopies were erected to shelter people from the sun.

Some guests played cards for the fun of it. Bets were placed in the version of the game called poker.

The event began with the arrival of the Consulate General, Mr Liu Xianfa and other staff of the embassy. On his arrival, everybody stood up for the National Anthems of Nigeria and China.

Xianfa described the relationship between Nigeria and China as legendary and historical.

He said: “You are all welcome to the celebration of the beginning of the New Chinese calendar year. We have always marked this festival yearly and let me thank the Nigerian government and the people for the cordial relationship that exist between us.”

“Let me equally thank my people for obeying the laws of the land, I want to urge you to continue in this spirit of being law abiding while going about your legitimate businesses,” Xianfa said.

After his speech, he was ushered to his seat by two young Chinese Masters of Ceremony (MC), a woman and a man. The handling of the event drew large applauses from the guests.

The cultural troupes from Nigeria and China in resplendent costumes took their turns to perform. Some Nigerian artistes who sang in Chinese language electrified the occasion as they were urged to continue but had to leave for lack of time.

There was no table that was not filled with assorted drinks and food ranging from Chinese cuisine to Nigerian for those who preferred the local dishes. Waiters replaced one course meal for another throughout the event.

The General Manager of International Co-Operation Industry Nigeria Limited, the manager of Chinese Town, Mr Julius Solomon gave an insight into the essence of the gathering.

“We have lots of Chinese in Nigeria and the festival has brought them together more than before. That is why this one held at the China Town is very unique. It heralds a new beginning and dawn. It is the celebration of the unity of the Chinese people in the country,” Solomon said.

According to him, the festival is being held across the world simultaneously.

“This is not the first time Nigeria is participating in the festival but it is mostly celebrated at their embassy or the mission but this one attracted unprecedented guests than previous ones,” he said.

Other side attraction at the event was the raffle draw which was announced intermittently. Winners went home with bags of rice and other items like fridges and deep freezers.

The remains of Mrs Abigail Olatutu Obe (a.k.a Mama Obe), a retired school headmistress, have been buried in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State.DAMISI OJO was there.

It was an event that will be remembered for long in Igbara-Oke, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State. People gathered in the ancient town for the funeral of a community leader and retired school headmistress, Mrs Abigail Olatutu Obe.

The matriarch of the Obe extended family died on September 20, last year. She was 80.

The late Madam Obe was born to the late Anglican Priest, Revd E.A Babalola, the Veteran School Master of Kudeti, Ibadan fame who later became a cleric that secured and supervised many churches that now constitute part of the Lagos Mainland, Lagos West, Badagry and Awori Dioceses of the Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion).

She attended Kudeti Girls School, Ibadan before gaining admission into the famous United Missionary College (UMC) Ibadan where she passed out in January 1951 as a Grade 11 Teacher.

She won a Federal Government scholarship to study Frobel abroad, but rejected the award because the course of study would limit her evangelical thrust to Domestic Science Centre.

It was because of her sterling qualities that family members, friends, church members, children and numerous admirers bid her farewell at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Igbara-Oke penulitmate Friday.

A day to Twenty four hours before the funeral, there was a Christian wake keep.

The remains of Mrs Obe was carried inside a black hearse in a glittering orange colour silver casket by pall bearers, followed by her children and sons-in-law decked in pink Aso-Oke. They were led by the Boy’s Brigade Band of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Esa-Oke.

The casket was wheeled into the church where it was received by a retinue of clergy men.

This was followed by reading of the Bible verses in sequence with organ music at the background, as the corpse was placed before the altar in a long procession of clerics led by the retired Bishop of Ife Diocese, Rt Revd. G.O Oloniyo.

As the Bible passages were read, the Anglican Hymn 542 “All hail the power of Jesus name’’ was chorused by the congregation.

In his almost one hour sermon entitled What is Man? Rev Oloniyo recalled that when God created the Garden of Eden with sufficient comfort, man unfortunately disobeyed God, emphasising that it was not the Biblical Satan that deceived Adam as erroneously believed.

The cleric said: “Whether you are a President or Governor or anything in life, you will die one day, even who assures you the possibility of seeing tonight?.

Bishop Oloniyo asked’’ why are you arrogating yourself, you should endeavour to remember counting your days, so as not to incur the wrath of God’’ He noted that charity begins at home, urging Christians to move closer to God since nobody can determine the end time.

Revd Oloniyo described the late Mrs Obe as an upright, devout and wonderful woman of high integrity who lived an exemplary life full of Godliness.

According to him, she was born into Christianity and practiced it with zeal, calling on the children she left behind to emulate the virtuous woman.

In his tribute, one of her children, Mr Tunde Obe described Mama as a special breed who had a large heart saying’’ you are a responsible mother throughout your life,we will continue to extol you.”

Her son-in-law and Vicar, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Esa-Oke, Osun State, Ven. Lawrence Kupolati said: ‘’Mama was an ideal woman who displayed good virtues without blemish, she regarded all of us as her children; she was a celebrated Christian and woman endowed with enviable character.”

One of the grand children, Marvellous Kupolati said: “You have left us as a beautiful and solid legacy; you walked uprightly and left your footprints on the sands of time’’

After thanksgiving and special anthem rendered for the deceased by the choristers and Sunday School Children of St. Paul’s Church, Igbara-Oke, the late Mrs Obe’s remains were lowered into the grave around 2.30 pm at the church cemetery.

Guests were entertained at Anglican Church Grammar School play ground, Igbara-Oke with assorted food, drinks and music.

Dignitaries at the funeral service included the former Chief of Staff to Late Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Mr Foluso Aminu; Immediate past Managing Director, Owena Press Limited (OPL) and Baba Ijo of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Esa-Oke, Mr Folorunso Babajide; Mr Bayo Olaitan; Mr Femi Fasade; Ven. Idowu Falode among others.