The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Exit of a judge’s judge

    The funeral of the late Justice Samuel Obakayode Eso was held with pomp and ceremony. It  drew people from far and wide. ADESOJI ADENIJI reports.

    Family members, friends and admirers of the late Justice Kayode Eso bid him farewell at a well attended ceremony at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cathedral, Omofe in Ilesa.

    A day to the funeral, an afternoon of tributes was held at the Governor’s Office in Abere, Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    The ancient town of Ilesa witnessed a large presence of security men. The police; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Commission, were on ground to enforce law and order.

    He believed in the law as an instrument of justice for the rich and poor, the weak and strong. He was the quintessential legal intellectual. Everything was done to ensure that he had a befitting burial.

    Justice Eso, who died on November 16 at 87, was described by eminent Nigerians who graced the funeral as one of the best on the bench.

    At the church service before his body was laid to rest at his residence, the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, described the late Justice Eso was an epitome of justice and fairness. In the sermon entitled “Life as an Investment,” Archbishop Okoh said there was no abiding city for any individual on earth, stressing that all mortals would one day taste death and return to their creator who would judge all their deeds on earth.

    The cleric said: “Let the congregation here know that there is no abiding city on earth. It is appointed to all human being to die once and after the death is judgment. Those who live long and those who live short will all die one day. We are all on transition here on earth and only those who lived righteously before they are transited to the great beyond can have eternal abode with God.”

    Bishop Okoh urged Christian faithful to renew their relationship with God. Extolled the virtues of late Justice Eso, said the late legal icon invested his life in the service of God and man. He enjoined every leader in the country to learn from the humble life style of Eso, who he described as a brave Judge of his time. According to him Eso during his life time gave justice to the poor and the rich in the society.

    The cleric said: “He was an advocate of righteousness and a lover of truth. He defended the helpless and served his country till he breathed his last. Money is the bane of Nigeria progress. Our leaders have much love for money more than their countrymen. Nigeria needs deliverance from all forms of evils that have befallen it. And every leader must be servant leader. Christianity demands that leaders must serve and not only lead the followers.”

    Last Thursday, there was a  a farewell oratory session in honour of the jurist tagged an Governor, Aregbesola, who reiterated on the reason for the celebration of the life of Justice Eso described him as a quintessential Omoluabi and a patriot.”

    Aregbesola said Eso bestrode the Nigerian legal firmament and the hallowed chamber of the Supreme Court of Nigeria like a colossus.

    Speaking further, the governor noted that Eso was a judge’s judge and the father of judicial activism in Nigeria.

    Justice Eso had a stellar public service beginning with his appointment as Acting Judge in Western Nigeria in 1965 until his retirement from the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1990, he noted that Eso did not just pass through the land but left giant legal landmarks.

    Eso was shot into national prominence when he successfully defended Black miners in the tin mines of Jos who were protesting against British colonial authorities.

    Eso at the Western Nigeria judiciary gave landmark judgments, most notable of which was the trial of Prof Wole Soyinka for bringing gun into the television studio of Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.

    Governor Aregbesola said: “He discharged and acquitted the Nobel Laureate. This was a courageous decision that earned him ‘banishment’ to Akure as a punitive measure. He also gave the dissenting judgment on the 1979 presidential election petition. Though the Supreme Court with a verdict of 6-1 resolved the petition in favour of Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), justice Eso ruled in favour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). His position then was that two thirds of 19 states ought to be 13 states and not 12 2/3 states since a state is a whole entity and indivisible in a mathematical sense.

    “Justice Eso belonged to the rarest breed of legal minds whose life and times were who brought much erudition, especially elevated language, to the service of law without losing the greater objective of justice.

    “He was a patriot per excellence, a humanist and above all, a devout Christian who wholeheartedly served his God, especially in his later days. He was a great ambassador of the State of Osun and an inimitable Ijesa. His passage is a huge loss to the legal profession and the cause of anti-corruption in the country. It is a void that would be difficult to fill,” Aregbesola said

    In attendance were the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada; Osun State deputy governor, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori  and former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Halimat Muktar sent a representative.

    Others were: Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega.Oyetola, the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye and other top government functionaries.

  • Reward for diligence

    Comptroller in charge of Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Owerri Zone C of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mohammed Biu, has been given an award by the International Merit Organisation (IMO) based in Geneva, Switzerland. OKODILI NDIDI reports.

    The International Merit Organisation, South Africa has honoured the Comptroller in charge of Federal Operations Unit (FUO), Owerri Zone C, of the Nigeria Customs, Mohammed Biu with a merit award.

    The award, in recognition of the unprecedented achievements of the Custom boss in the fight against smuggling in the 11 Southsouth and Southeastern states under the zone, was presented at the headquarters of the FOU Zone C at the Federal Secretariat.

    It was a brief but well-attended ceremony. Customs officers were decked in their full regalia.

    On the award, the country representative of the organisation and the editor of the Global Newsreel magazine, Mr Tony Nzekwe, said the organiser’s choice of Biu as the recipient of the 2012 annual award of the International Merit Organisation (IMO), was influenced by his unprecedented achievements in the fight against smuggling in states within his jurisdiction and for his professional conduct in the discharge of his duty.

    Nzekwe said the annual award is given to outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective professions.

    He said: “In the history of the FOU Owerri Zone C, no one has recorded the feat achieved by Biu in the last six months and it is the belief of this organisation that the award will spur him and his men to do more in safe guarding the country’s borders against the illicit smuggling racket.”

    Highlighting the criteria for the conferment of the award, Nzekwe said Biu, through his professionalism and commitment to his job, has stood out among many others shortlisted for the 2012 edition of the merit award.

    “The process of the emergence of the award recipients, is a thorough and transparent procedure that puts into consideration the achievements, commitment and vision of the candidates before any of them is finally shortlisted.”

    Receiving the award, which he dedicated to the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, Biu said the gesture would motivate the zone to work harder to rid the country of contraband.

    “After my assumption as the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit ,Owerri, Zone C, with the assistance of my lieutenants, we were able to reduce the rate of smuggling to the barest minimum.”

    The elated Customs boss, who has won several other awards since assumption of office as the helmsman of the zone, however, charged the media to assist his officers in the anti-smuggling campaign.

    Congratulating the Comptroller, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration and Revenue, Anthony Mba, thanked the organisation for recognising the contributions of the zone in its effort to stem smuggling in the country.

    He affirmed positivity that the sterling leadership qualities of the Comptroller will galvanise the officers in the zone into action, assuring that the officers will not rest on their oars until the smugglers were stopped.

  • Farewell to a ‘political generalissimo’

    Farewell to a ‘political generalissimo’

    Akure, the Ondo State capital, was in festive mood last weekend for the funeral of the leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire (a.k.a Omo Ekun). DAMISI OJO reports.

    His was a life of integrity, transparency and honesty. People converged on St. Thomas Anglican Church, Isinkan, Akure Ondo State, last Friday, to pay their last respects to the late Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati.

    The late Adegbonmire, the Asiwaju of Akureland, died on December 28, last year a few hours after celebrating the 75th birthday of his wife, Chief Solape Adegbonmire, on December 27.

    He died after receiving his last Holy Communion.

    Shortly after ‘Omo Ekun’ (as he is popularly known), died, a burial committee was raised to ensure a befitting funeral for the committed Awoist.

    The funeral programme was packaged, with a special day for tributes, the second day for wake and a service of songs to herald the final internment last Friday.

    A commendation service was held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Isinkan, where he was for years a strong communicant and a leading member of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA).

    The late Adegbonmire, who began his career in Ile-Ife, Osun State and rose to become the Assistant Registrar Grade 1 in charge of students welfare at the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), was also a loyal member of the Men Christian Fellowship of All Souls Chapel, OAU, Ile-Ife

    Adegbonmire had earlier studied English Language in the same university through a Federal Government scholarship from 1963 to 1966.

    Before the arrival of his remains, in a glittering silver casket with golden strips, carried by pall bearers decked in blue Agbada and Sokoto Aso-Oke, the 4,000 capacity auditorium of St. Thomas Anglican Church had been filled to its capacity.

    Guests outside the church, who sat under canopies specially erected on the premises, outnumbered those inside.

    The casket was wheeled into the church entrance where serving and retired Archbishops, Bishops and other clerics received the corpse, followed by a reading of the Bible amid background organ music.

    From the Anglican Hymn Book 327, the song My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, was chorused as the casket was wheeled along the church’s aisle and placed before the altar.

    Blue Ankara of varying styles dominated the arena. Children of the late politician were dressed in light brown Aso-Oke with shoes to match.

    There were many exotic cars which competed with each other as eminent personalities from within the state and across the country lobbied to find strategic places to park.

    Four choirs —All Souls Chapel, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; St. Thomas Anglican Church, Isinkan ,Akure; that of Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) of the same church and Men’s Christian Fellowship (MCF) of All Souls Chapel (OAU) Ile-Ife rendered melodious songs at the event.

    Among eminent personalities at the event were former Lagos State Governor and National Leader Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, who described the late Adegbonmire as a role model and man of integrity.

    Tinubu said: “He was one of the longest serving members of the old guard politicians reputed for being principled and progressive in orientation.

    “Adegbonmire epitomised discipline, dedication, conviction and patriotism unequalled in his brand of politics,” the ACN national leader said.

    In his sermon, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, of the Church of Nigeria, Revd. Adebayo Akinde, described the late Adegbonmire as a “political generalissimo’’ who exhibited an uncommon high sense of integrity.

    Revd. Akinde, who is the Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese said:“Adegbonmire during the days of military dictatorship stood by the Yoruba nation through his powerful column in the days of the Nigerian Tribune now rested, and Daily Sketch with the title Omo Ekun.

    “The ACN leader was a principled man. He was loyal to the ideology of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to the very end. He believed and practised Awoism political doctrine and lived by it, when he was also in government, he never enriched himself.

    Revd. Akinde, who expressed resentment over the present situation in Nigeria, called for political re-engineering to move the country forward

    Wondering why Nigerians were still suffering in spite of the abundant resources God endowed the country with, the cleric urged good governance.

    He also urged political office holders, particularly those who are Christians, to be serviceable to the electorate that voted them into their respective positions, rather than self-enriching themselves.

    The widow, Solape, described her late husband as a dependable partner, honest and highly responsible.

    One of his children, Tobi, rendered several soul-inspiring songs in memory of his father, whom he described as a great man who will surely be missed.

    Tobi, by the directive of the retiring Bishop of Akure Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Ipinmoye, was automatically admitted to the YMCA to fill the vacuum created by his father’s exit, and he received a blessing.

    Others in attendance were Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun was represented by his deputy, Ade Adesegun. Also present were General Adeyinka Adebayo; former governor of Ogun State Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former governor of Ekiti Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Nigerian Bar Association president Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Senator Ajayi Boroffice and renowned essayist Prof. Adebayo Willams.

    Others included Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Senators Gbenga Kaka and Gbenga Asafa, Chiefs Mojisola Akinfenwa, Ayo Adebanjo, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Gen. Olufemi Olutoye, Chief Olu Falae, Senator Titus Olupitan, Mrs. Adetutu Adefarati , Otunba Gboyega Adefarati,Mr Ayo Afolabi and Prince Olu Adegboro among many others.

    The ministers of God included Archibishops Adebayo Akinde and Gideon Olajide (Rtd), Bishops Bolanle Gbonigi (Rtd), Rt. Rev, Michael Ipinmoye and Bishop-Elect of Akure Diocese, Very Revd. Simeon Bokinni; Provosts; Venerable; Canons and priests of the church.

    Many traditional rulers from within and outside the state were represented at the funeral by their staffs of office.

    The late Adegbonmire’s remains were laid to rest at about 2.45pm.

    A grand reception was held at the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Arcade, Igbatoro Road, Akure.

  • Adieu, ‘people’s teacher’

    The remains of Pa Michael Aderibigbe, father of Mr Yinka Aderibigbe of The Nation, were interred penultimate Friday at the Cathedral of St. Stephen’s Church, Itaasin, Modakeke, Osun State. AMIDU ARIJE was there. 

    IT was a solemn moment for the family of Pa Michael Aderibigbe whose remains were buried in Modakeke, Osun State, last Friday.

    For the children of the late Pa Aderibigbe, it was a time to thank God for a life well spent.

    The late Aderibigbe was a teacher in many schools in Ife, Modakeke and the environs for many years.

    He taught and served as headmaster in many schools. Some of his pupils are teachers today.

    The late Aderibigbe was also known for his philanthropy – he assisted many pupils in his community to get quality -education. To this end, he set up a group called the Quality Group which he headed for over 30years.

    The former treasurer of the St Stephen’s Church died last December at 84.

    A huge crowd came to honour him last Friday.

    The body, in a white casket, was received at the church entrance by the clergy men.

    In his sermon, Rev. Canon Olanipekun urged the children and family members to emulate the virtues of their father for he was ‘a true servant of God,’ who sincerely served the church.

    After the service, the closing hymn was taken with processions of church warders and priests. The corpse was taken for interment.

    The children, wives and family members watched helplessly as their father’s body was lowered into the grave about 1pm.

    After the interment, they moved to the Modakeke High School, for the reception.

    Before their arrival, guests had filled the giant tent mounted on the Modakeke High School playing ground.

    Songs from popular musicians kept the guests nodding their heads; those who could not resist the melodious tunes took to the dance floor.

    When the family members joined them, the merriment continued. They exchanged pleasantries and banters with the guests.

    D’Omega Band led by Dotun Ale entertained guests.

    Guests were treated to choice foods and drinks. It was fun all day.

    One of the sons, Asiwaju Funso Aderibigbe, said he was happy for the life well spent by his father and the legacies he left behind.

    “I feel great, it is the prayer of every child to bury their parents and not the other way round, so I feel great; that is why you see people merry and happy. My father was an enigma; he was a disciplinarian; one thing that I really cherished in him is his Godliness; he taught us how to embrace God,” he said.

    The deceased’s brother, Prof Dele Afolabi, a lecturer at the General Studies Department of the Ladoke Akintola University, described the deceased as a “teacher of teachers.”

    “He was a good man, good father, highly disciplined, very honest, sincere and forthright. He was an incorruptible person; a committed teacher, he was the one that taught us how to burn midnight oil, he also taught us how to live a good life, he loved and he wanted the best for all of us,” he said.

    Mr Yinka Aderibigbe of The Nation said the death of his father was the end of s phase in his life.

    ‘It is an end of a phase in my life, I was used to seeing and interacting with him each time I had opportunity of coming home. We talk through the night because he always had so much to tell me, but that face is gone now,” he said.

    To Yinka, his only regret is that he would have no confidant again.

    “I will miss his love and prayer,” he said.

    The widow, Mrs Elizabeth Olusola, was happy with what she described as the good life her husband lived.

    She was grateful for having the deceased as a husband and would remember his cleanliness and love for his children.

    “I will, forever, be grateful for your deeds and positive impact on all your children. Your cleanliness is part of what sticks in my mind. Having a man like you as my husband is part of the greatest things that will ever happen to me in life,” she wrote in her tribute.

  • Who do you communicate with? (1)

    Intrapersonal Communication

    This week, we shall begin to consider the concept of communication under three broad categories; intrapersonal, interpersonal and mass communication. What makes one category different from the other is the audience with whom you are communicating. Your success in achieving your life goals will be determined, to a large extent, by the way you manage each of these categories of communication.

    Intrapersonal Communication: remember we said that each category is unique based on its target audience, so, the target here is you. ‘Intra’ simply means ‘within.’ Hence, intrapersonal communication involves you sending a message to yourself. There is a general believe that those who speak to themselves are either troubled or insane. This is not always the case. In fact, speaking to yourself is probably the most important influence in your life (though I suggest you don’t do it in public). Let us take a closer look at some of the elements of intrapersonal communication:

    •Powerful influence: there is a motivational story about a competition that took place in a certain village. According to the story, competitors were required to carefully place an egg on a teaspoon and move it from one end of the village to the other. Lined up on one side of the road were people hailing the contestants and on the other side, there were people booing them. After the competition, the winner was asked which group helped him the most- those hailing or those booing. Interestingly, he said neither of them helped. His explanation was that if he had listened to those hailing him, he would have gotten over confident, while those booing him would have discouraged him. His strategy was to focus on his goal and repeatedly tell himself that he could make it. And of course he did. When people want to be mischievous, they blame their failures on other people, but the ultimate responsibility actually lies with them. It doesn’t matter if people told you that you would never succeed, your opinion is what counts. You have to decide to agree with them or reject their opinions. What you repeatedly tell yourself is what you eventually believe and act on.

    •Asset and liability: what you tell yourself either helps you to succeed or to fail. According to Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or you can’t.  Either way you’re right.” It is what you believe about yourself that translate into action. Think about this, why is it that a lot of students don’t like mathematics? It is simply because they have convinced themselves that the subject is too complex and they don’t like it. Once they have concluded that, they stop concentrating and making efforts, hence, they continue to fail it. Whereas, some other students consider Mathematics to be their favourite course. It is all about what you tell yourself. If you deliberately control your thoughts and words to focus on positive things, they will become your assets, but if you focus on negative things or you allow your thoughts and words to roam uncontrolled, they will become your liabilities. There are some people who always look for the negative side of any matter or life as a whole. While they think they are only “being realistic,” they are actually preventing themselves from seeing possibilities. Really, only unrealistic things that have been achieved get celebrated.

    •Thoughts vs words: thoughts are very strong; they ultimately control our actions. Have you ever realized that your mind is never empty? Most of the time, you are either thinking about something important, worrying, singing or day dreaming, among others. Most thoughts come into your mind subconsciously, that is why you find yourself humming a song you claim to hate. The song must have gotten into your mind, and before you knew it, you are singing it. If negative thoughts about your life or business get into your mind, they paralyze you with fear and worry. Don’t ever try to fight them with positive thoughts because you will keep drifting back. The best way to deal with it is to engage in intrapersonal communication. Speak out positive things about the situation. Since your voice is louder than your thought, you will get to hear yourself and soon start believing. Don’t forget that faith comes by hearing.

    •Formula for personal development: if you ever want to achieve personal success, engage in intrapersonal communication. A lot of times, your opinion about yourself is a result of what people think about you. That is why you ask people how you look before leaving home in the morning. While it is good to have positive reinforcement, what happens if everybody around believes that you can never succeed? It’s about time you start believing in yourself. Therefore, if you want to excel in your personal endeavours, invest consciously in intrapersonal communication. Have a blessed week.

    Dr. Amodu lectures at the Department of Mass
    Communication, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

  • Reliving the good old days

    The Apostolic Church Grammar School Old Students Association (TACGSOSA) has held a reunion luncheon to celebrate the school’s 49th anniversary. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    My next year, the Apostolic Church Grammar School, Orishigun, Ketu, Lagos, will be 50. To that end, the activities have already begun to herald the golden jubilee.

    Thus, the school’s old students association gathered for a luncheon which also served as a meeting to discuss ways to move their alma mater forward.

    The venue was the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event, which has come to stay, is a new platform where they thank God for seeing them through the year, as they didn’t lose any member; they had double cause for celebration —annual luncheon and anniversary.

    The old students, from diverse walks of life, are successful in their various fields. They were happy and spoke with pride for all the school had taught them, making them the men and women they are today. Most of them have retired from service. They champion the name of the school in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

    The school, which began in January 1964 with 44 boys and 22 girls, has, for over five decades, moulded many to attain their destiny.

    Though the gathering was small, less than 50 members, those present represented the substance of the old students. There were representatives of most sets of the school. Thus, it was more or less a small family gathering to associate, reminisce and chart the way forward.

    Chairing the occasion was the former financial controller of Bank of Industry, Mr Araoye Babalola, who said the plans of the old students have been fulfilled.

    Earlier in the year, the association completed and handed over an e-learning centre to the school.

    Most of the attendees were clad in native attires. Only the President of the association and lawyer, Chuks Nwachukwu, wore a suit topped with a black hat to complement his dressing. He was the Library Prefect during his school days between 1976 and 1981. Although each of them looked stunningly much younger than the other, the day, they said, is one of those that they had looked forward to for a long time. It was a time when they could meet again.

    There was a flash back on their good old days. Old jokes cracked back then in school were recalled; those pranks that made them stronger as students were played out. Though it was fun, the ‘students’ looked back and wondered how they could do such things.

    They thought of the yesteryears and how the school has impacted them positively.

    They could not help but sing and hum some of the old songs in APOLLO, which they used to sing back then, that made them proud.

    First to share his experiences was a past president of the association, Anthony Oluwole Abati. He recalled having walked into the school with a box on his head and left with a small bag in 1973. On mentioning that he was in Blue House, those who knew him hollered his nickname Sacramento.

    Also, his mate, Olusesan Adeshile, who was in the school between 1969 and 1973, was the House Captain for Blue House.

    Deaconess Folu Odetunde, who was then known as Grace Ifebogun, said she repeated twice while in school. So, instead of spending four years, she spent six.

    For Pastor Tope Odulami, Sundays were the dullest days in the school, despite being a Christian. He used to be a very stubborn boy before he entered secondary school. He said before he left the school, he was a completely changed person.

    Euphoria filled Mrs Omobolanle Erogbogbo when she took the microphone and stood before the smiling guests. Though she hasn’t gone back to the school since she left it 41 years ago, she said: “It’s been a great pleasure because the school has given me such a good foundation in life. Whenever I look back at it, I am so proud of the school and who I have become. I have a good foundation in Christian life. I cherish all the memories.

    I hated my Fine Arts teacher because he always made us to draw. Now, I design water gardens artistically.”

    Mrs Erogbogbo encouraged present day students to take every subject they do seriously, as it will be useful to them later in life.

    Other women shared their experiences of how they were taught not to be liabilities to men.

    Yemisi Adegboye, now Yemi Opemu, who works with Oando left the school in 1980. She noted that it was the deeply-rooted Christian principles of the school that changed her religious belief from Islam to Christianity.

    The high point of the event was the entry of the Chairman of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area, Mrs Bolanle Akinyemi Obe, of APOLLO’s 1970 set. As soon as she stepped into the hall, she ignited the atmosphere and charged the women into stepping on to the dance floor.

    Every year, during its reunion, it awards a member as a distinguished old student. This award is given to those who make the school proud.

    This time, an Honorary Degree of Membership was given to Mr Ade Odunewu, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Vintage Press Ltd, publishers of The Nation newspapers. As soon as his citation was read, a plaque was presented to him by Mr Nwachukwu, who explained that though Mr Odunewu isn’t an old student of the school, he has always identified with them. And thus, the award was given to him because of his desire to help the institution grow.

    Mr Odunewu worked briefly in the school as its librarian.

  • Behold, the Lagos Archbishop

    Behold, the Lagos Archbishop

    A thanksgiving service has been held for the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Most Revd. Adebayo Dada Akinde. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    He was full of joy and appeared fulfilled. He has grown in the vineyard of the Lord, and served God the best he could.

    Last September, Revd. Akinde was elected the Archbishop of Lagos in Asaba.

    On January 27, the church held a thanksgiving in his honour. It was the day he was presented as the Archbishop of the Province of Lagos.

    His brother bishops came to share the joy of the occasion with him. It was a service of praise and thanksgiving. Tunes blared from the piano as guests took their seats in the church pews.

    The Cathedral Church of St Jude, Ebute-Metta was agog with worshippers. It was a great day and the faithful turned out in their numbers.

    Beautiful people from all walks of life were present. Stewards decked in their black suits. A red scarf was used on the neck of the ladies, complemented with ash-coloured hats. The men wore red ties on white shirts.

    Other guests and parishioners wore traditional and western garbs. The expansive church auditorium was filled. So also was the gallery. Those who couldn’t get seats inside watch the proceedings through the transparent glass of the church windows.

    There was a long procession of the clergy as the service began in earnest with the hymn Christ is made the sure foundation. They were decked in their full regalia and the Bishops were the last to mount the altar holding their staffs of office.

    The scripture, 1 Corinthians 9:15-23, was read by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire. Soon afterwards, God announced his presence with showers of rain.

    As the celebrator stepped onto the pulpit to give the homily, all he could mutter was God bless you. He gave account of the journey of the church with three provinces. In 2002, it had 10 ecclesiastical provinces, with 13 dioceses, comprising that of Ogun and Lagos, constituting the Lagos Province; it is so till date. Revd. Akinde thanked his predecessor and pioneer Archbishop of Lagos, Revd. Adebola Ademowo, who he served under as Archbishop of Ijebu-Ijesha in 1965.

    “Since my birth, God’s hand has been on me for good. I am here to serve and not be served and I will serve more diligently than ever before. All my expeditions had a reason. It shows me that God’s hand has been upon me for good and he has given me his most precious gift; He made me His child.”

    Reciting Psalm 108, the cleric said it capture the totality of his life, having made a re-commitment to God in November 1960. Thanking his mentor for 21 years, the late Jonathan Adeniyi, who made many prophetic statements on his life in God’s vineyard which are still manifesting.

    Revd. Akinde’s message for the day: “God does not know anyone who he created that he does not love.” The elated Bishop told The Nation he has no agenda than God’s agenda.

    An Electrical and Computer Engineer, the new Archbishop was born in 1946 in Kaduna and hails from Egba in Abeokuta. The sixth of nine children, he attended Baptist Day School, Kaduna and is an alumni of the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife.

    In attendance were many academics led by the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof Adebowale Omole; Prof Isaac Adiwole; Prof Ayo Banjo; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Rahamon Bello and Dr Christopher Kolade.

    Others were the paramount ruler of Ogun State, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo; Chief Ernest Shonekan; Rev Raphael Okpoko; Chancellor of Ijebu Diocese Otunba Segun Demura, Chief Dan Etiebet; Bishop of Egba Rev Emmanuel Adekunle and Justice A Oyebanji of the Lagos State Judiciary.

    The post of the archbishop was formed for administrative convenience, efficiency and coordination. The Anglican Church is divided into provinces. Nationwide, there are 26 provinces. But that of Lagos consists of Lagos and Ogun states.

    The 13 bishops meet occasionally to harmonise positions and deliberate on issues affecting the church, where they make presentations to the larger body of the Church of Nigeria in Abuja.

    The post of the Archbishop spans five years. Thus, the Diocese of Lagos Mainland will be the headquarters of the province of Lagos for the next five years.

    The leader of the church in Nigeria is the Primate. The head of the Diocese is the bishop. The Archbishop is the coordinator, who sees to issues that transcend the immediate confines of the Diocese.

  • Honour for military chiefs

    The Osun State government has held a reception for former Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin and former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammed Dikko Umar. Adesoji Adeniyi writes.

    Two retired top military officers were treated to a red carpet reception last Friday by Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    Friends and relations of the duo, and senior government officials joined former Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin and former Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammed Dikko Umar at a banquet hosted for them by Aregbesola at the Government House.

    The Banquet Hall of the Government House was a beehive of activities. Many uniformed military officers paraded the arena. Men of the State Security Service were also on hand to ensure that invitations were checked before guests made their entry.

    Governor Aregbesola, who extolled the virtues of Petinrin and Umar, described them as one of the finest officers of the nation’s military, adding that they brought into their office the kind of elegance almost lacking before they assumed office. The governor enthused that he was proud to be associated with these officers for their sterling performance in the course of serving their country.

    Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Almaroof Adekunle Magbagbeola, in his remarks, said Petinrin, who is from Ipetu-Ijesha in Osun State, by all standards is truly a virtuous citizen of Osun State by his character. The monarch praised the officers, describing them both as distinguished and detribalized Nigerians, whose contribution to defense of the nation is commendable. The monarch said the top military brass also shows unrivalled commitment to the cause the Yoruba people. The governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, said the civic reception for the two military officers was one well deserved, noting that it was a token from the state government to appreciate Petinrin and Umar.

    In response, Petinrin sang the praises of the governor, who he said is a working for the interest and the progress of the state. He commended the governor for his swift response in paying compensation to the people of Ipetu-Ijesha, whose land Federal Government used to build an Air Force School.

    “Aregbesola is an action governor. He is always interested in the growth and progress of Osun. He runs a nationalist government. He recognises good performance. This is why he is honouring a man from Kano in the person of Air Marshal Umar,” Petinrin said. For Umar, who was radiating with smiles, said he felt elated for the reception. He thanked the government and the people of the Osun State for considering him and Petinrin worthy of honour.

    In attendance were Deputy Governor, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Head of Service Mr. Sunday Olayinka Owoeye; the state chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Elder Adebiyi Adelowo; former GOC 2nd Mechanised Division now the Chief of Administration in the Army, MD Abubakar; many cabinet members, members of the House of Assembly and traditional rulers.

    Among the traditional rulers at the occasion were the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal, Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Almaroof Adekunle Magbabeola.

  • 70 cheers to a philanthropist

    A thanksgiving has been held to mark the 70th birthday of the Patron-General of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Wonderland Group of Churches, Evangelist G.O Fagbemi. JUMOKE  IDOWU was there.

    He surely is blessed. He radiated joy as he danced to the altar in praise and thanksgiving. The Patron General of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Wonderland Group of Churches, Evangelist G.O Fagbemi, having attained the biblical age of three scores and ten, rolled out the drums in celebration.

    The occasion was witnessed by his family members and friends who stormed the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Wonderland Group of Churches Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

    It was one of his happiest days and the celebrator radiated with joy and excitement. He felt like a little boy who was having his first birthday.

    The septuagenarian looked quite younger than his age. He didn’t wear anything spectacular but adorned the sect’s uniform of a white garment. His smile complemented his clothing.

    Encomiums poured in for Fagbemi, who have scaled through many challenges and tribulations in life and yet lived to the age of 70.

    To many, his evangelism has been a success and having been blessed with a peaceful family and longetivity, he had many reasons to thank God for his life.

    To rejoice with him were his family members and church members and friends who came from far and near. They all looked stunning in their pink and peach aso-ebi attires.

    Beginning the activities for his birthday was a church service held earlier that Sunday. It was a thanksgiving service and began at 10am with a prayer session led by the celebrator.

    Hymns were sung by the church’s choirs.

    The readings of the day were taken from Genesis 3:1-24 for the first reading and the second was taken from Romans 5: 12- 21

    Whilst the biography of Fagbemi was read, many wowed at the fact that he once worked as a Customs officer.

    Though now retired, he served diligently. The graduate of the University of Ibadan (UI) joined the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after his Youth Service in 1973.

    The church choir led by Prince Adeniyi Adewale –Solomon rendered melodious gospel and worship songs that entertained guests and kept them on the dance floor.

    A three layered cake was cut by the celebrator. He was joined by his wife and children.

    Later during the ceremony, the evangelist changed his dress to a white agbada and purple cap for the reception which was held in the church premises.

    Being the cynosure of all eyes, the celebrator gave his best steps on the dance floor.

    The church’s Secretary Mr Adeola Mayigun, described the ‘birthday boy’ as a mentor worthy of emulation and a man who reveres God.

    “I am happy the patron’s life is being well spent. Having shepherded many churches is an acknowledgement of the good will of the man,” he said.

    One of the celebrator’s friends, Mr Yomi Osuniyi said: “Baba is a unique person, a humble man, his integrity speaks for itself.” he said.

  • Fond memories of a loving mother

    The remains of Madam Esther Olufunke Somefun have been interred in Lagos. A service of songs was held at the Saviour’s African Church Cathedral, Agege, a Lagos suburb.  AMIDU ARIJE writes.

    The children of the late Madam Esther Olufunke Somefun, have celebrated what they call the good life of their mother who died at 89.

    Eulogising the virtues of the late Madam Somefun, they described her as a mother to all, very loving and caring.

    The funeral service was presided over by the Primate of the African Church, Rev Emmanuel Udofia, who extolled her virtues.

    Guests converged on the Lagos State University (LASU) Museum field at Pen Cinema, Agege, Lagos, for entertainment. It was a big bash.

    Five large tents were erected on the field. Guests stepped in, impressive and resplendent in their flower-patterned Ankara uniform of different styles.

    The children left no stone unturned in ensuring their mother had a befitting burial, having trained them to be disciplined, honest and fear of God.

    At the reception was the Band of Faith Music led by Ayo Ajekigbe.

    One after the other, each child of the deceased was called out to the dance floor.

    Taiwo described his mother as an epitome of humility and honesty.

    “Today, I celebrate her life and what she stood for: humility, contentment, hardwork, discipline and prudence. She was the foundation of the family who led with diplomacy. She will remain an important piece of a final puzzle in our hearts.”

    Mrs Funke Ogundimu said she would miss her mother. She said her mother’s exit is painful.

    In attendance were Chairman, Agege Local Government, Alhaji Abdul Kareem Jubril; Deputy Director at the Federal Institute of Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr Okeowo and his Director General Dr Gloria Elemo; Mrs Dupe Faworaja; Mrs Olabisi Obaseki; Chief Stephen Adeseun; Mrs Doyin Olaitan; Chief Felix Kokumo and Director General Nigeria Natural Medicine Agency (NNMA), Mr Tamunoibuomui Okusagu, among others.