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  • NADECO Bishop Adetiloye departs

    NADECO Bishop Adetiloye departs

    A befitting funeral has been held for the former Primate of the Church in Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the most Revd. Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, in Odo-Owa, Ekiti State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    HE lived an ascetic life. Though a man of influence, riches meant nothing to him if they were not spent in the service of God. The late Primate Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye used all he had for God. His family, friends and influence were for God. His funeral in his Odo-Owa, Ekiti State home town last Friday was a carnival of sorts. People came from every stratum of the society. The high and mighty; as well as ordinary folks were there in large number to honour the man that Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi described as the “NADECO Bishop” for his courage to speak truth to power during the years of military dictatorship.

    The late Revd. Adetiloye died at 83. He was Primate of Nigeria from 1988 to 1999, retiring at 70 and leaving behind a worthy legacy.

    The two-day funeral kicked off with a tribute session, organised by the Ekiti State government, in Ado-Ekiti, the capital. It was held a day before the burial in a hall named after the late Adetiloye.

    The outpouring of emotions showed the love the people of Ekiti have for him. Almost everybody had something good to say about the late Primate, who touched many lives.

    That same evening, a commendation service was held in the late Revd. Adetiloye’s country home in Odo-Owa. His home brimmed with activities. The simplicity of the place left many awestruck; they wondered the kind of person he was. Though acres of land stretched as far as the eye could see, the rustic house where he lived till he died stood on a small portion.

    Residents lined the streets, stretching into kilometres. Odo-Owa had never seen such a crowd at the same time. The people stood in awe and watched as posh cars and church vehicles were streaming into the town. Those with camera phones snapped away; school pupils danced on the road to the music of a band in their entourage.

    After the service, there was an all-night wake-keep, where members of the Anglican Secular sang and danced.

    Earlier in the morning, when The Nation got to St Paul’s Millennium Anglican Church, Odo-Owa, venue of the funeral service, all was set for the occasion. By 8.30am, family members were already seated in the church, set for an event scheduled for 11am. They wore purple printed wax with the inscription: “celebration of life of a great man of God.” The picture of the late Adetiloye holding his staff of office, was also on it.

    An hour later, the church was filled. Every pew was occupied. White plastic chairs were placed in every available space. The tents that were erected around the church were not enough to contain the crowd. Others stood in the sun and watched. Many clergy men in black, purple and white occupied the first upper part of the church.

    At the stipulated time, the remains of the late Primate were heralded by a loud shout. A black hearse with ADETILOYE as the number plate bore the body. The late Primate’s wife, sons and grand-children accompanied the body to the church entrance where the officiating ministers received it.

    The Primate of Nigeria, Revd Nicholas Okoh, who presided at the service, spoke of the selflessness of the deceased, his unwavering commitment to evangelism, which paved the way for the proliferation of churches in the diocese from 26 to 76. He prayed that the late Adetiloye’s legacy will endure

    “As a man who stood for God and for the people, he was a courageous prophet who spoke the truth and was ready to pay the price. He has struggled with man and the world and has now finished his race,” Okoh said.

    The cleric said it was not for nothing that the late Revd. Adetiloye’s funeral coincided with the feast of St Paul, the great evangelist of Christendom.

    Revd Peter Jasper Akinola, who took over from the late Adetiloye in March, 2000, said the relationship between them was not that of master-servant or bishop-archbishop but that of father and son.

    “He was so caring and desirous of seeing me move ahead of the task God has given me. Even when I almost resigned as bishop, he held me back. Such a man wrote to powers that be on what they should do or face the wrath of God. He taught me that none could out-give God, and he gave till he gave his life,” Revd. Akinola said.

    Dr Fayemi, who addressed the crowd of sympathisers from the altar, said it was not a day of mourning but of the celebration of a life which is unsparing of itself in service to God.

    He described the late Primate as the “NADECO Bishop” Nigeria’s version of Desmond Tutu, who never ceased to speak truth to the then military dictators in power during his tenure as Primate of Nigeria.

    The governor urged the people of the state to abide by the tenets of the late Revd. Adetiloye, who many years ago initiated the Ido Declaration for politicians and public office holders.

    “Because he belonged to no political party but the party of God, we should keep striving even when he is departed, and say never again will we spill the blood of our people on the altar of politics,” he said.

    Recalling his days as a student at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, when the late primate was Bishop of the state, Fayemi said the late Rev Adetiloye lived on a hill.

    He said: “A man of such immense spiritual and moral authority has gone to be with the Lord. He has fought a good fight, he has finished the course, he has kept the faith. Baba lived well, served well and died well.”

    The widow, Titilayo, was short of words. She wept and wept and wept. She described her late husband as a man bestowed with a rare beauty of mind and grace, whose innate qualities made him a true wonder to all who associated with him. “Always conciliatory and unsurprisingly modest.”

    The first son, Adeola, said though their family life was shattered, his father gave the church everything. He described his father as a courageous man with immense faith in God, a man who used the disadvantages of the family to serve God. “To daddy, the church was number one, two, and three and in every situation he would say: ka ma yin Oluwa.(let us keep praising God).

    There were tributes from President Goodluck Jonathan; Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and other bishops.

    His remains were interred at the St Paul’s Millennium Church Odo-Owa, Ekiti.

    At the funeral were the President, represented by Minister for Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade; Fayemi’s wife, Erelu Bisi ; Gen Adeyinka Adebayo; his son and former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former governors Ayo Fayose and Segun Oni; Justice George Oguntade; Bishop Alexander Ibezim of Awka, Bishop Iyom of Makurdi; Bishop Peter Adebiyi of Lagos West Diocese; the host Bishop Samuel Oke; Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Lagos Adebayo Akinde and Rev Akinyele Omole of Sokoto Diocese.

  • A diligent MD quits

    A send-forth was held for the outgoing Managing Director of Nigerite Limited, Mr Jean-Luc Viatour, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

    The Club, a moderate but exquisite hall at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos is renowned for big events, especially the ones organised by corporate organisations.

    Last Saturday, it hosted another one – Nigerite family’s dinner – between 7pm and 10pm.

    At the centre of the ornately decorated hall was the Bar from where waiters served guests choice drinks.

    The company’s top echelon sat in a reserved area on the right side of the hall facing other guests.

    At the extreme left was a stretch table with beautiful overlays. Various cuisines from local to Africa and foreign were spread on the table.

    There was also a band dishing out good music to the admiration of the guests.

    It was all for one of the brains behind the company’s success. Jean-Luc Viatour, who is leaving the company this month.

    Nigerite Limited was incorporated in Nigeria on April 29, 1959 as a joint venture between Etex Group of Belgium and O’dua Investment Limited of Nigeria. At over 52, the roofing and ceiling company is today the largest organisation in West Africa engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and installation of polyvinyl fibre cement, roofing and ceiling sheets, among other products.

    It is a building component solution company providing employment for over 700 Nigerians.

    The company is the only one in Nigeria to have won the annual award of the best kept industrial premises for over 10 times from 1993 to date.

    To appreciate the dedication of Viatour, who has spent 30 years in the company, the management held a send-forth for him.

    The four-in-one activity began with a visit to the headquarters of the parent company – O’dua Investment Limited of Nigeria in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

    Last Friday, the Board of Directors convened a special meeting at the company’s office at Ogba, Lagos, where Viatour’s exit was formally ratified and a new Managing Director appointed.

    From there, they moved to Protea Hotel, Ikeja for a luncheon.

    On Saturday when they gathered at Sheraton, it was tributes galore.

    The reception featured prayers, eulogies, musical interlude, presentation of gifts and dance.

    In his welcome address, the Board of Directors Chairman, Dr Femi Orebe said Viatour deserved all the honour bestowed on him.

    Dr Orebe said the company cannot thank Viatour enough.

    “He is leaving after ensuring that Nigerite is going into a N4.5 billion naira investment to be completed soon,” he said.

    He wished him well in his next endeavour.

    Dr Orebe accompanied by his wife, Tina said the company had a worthy successor in Mr Albert Tenorio.

    “He has served in many countries; we cannot be luckier in terms of quality personnel at our disposal,” he said.

    Nigerite, Dr Orebe boasted, is the most successful of all the companies founded by the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He promised the new Managing Director that the board representing over 50 million of the Yorubas would give him adequate support.

    Former Chairman, Odua’a Investment Group, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi described Viatour as a friend and brother.

    “He worked very hard and had a successful tenure. I’m sure the future of Nigerite is secured with the new helmsman,” he said.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi told Tenorio that Nigerians are warm people “open up to them and you won’t regret it.”

    Viatour’s predecessor, Mr Thiery Dumont thanked him for improving the company’s lots.

    He prayed Tenorio does better.

    Tenorio described the challenge as a huge task and promised not to disappoint them.

    “A man with a lot of experience is leaving; I’m grateful to him for guiding me through a new culture in Nigeria. Nigerians have been so kind to me and my wife – nice people, good culture and very warmly,” he said.

    Viatour, who holds a Bsc in Electrical Engineering as well as an MBA from the University of Liege, Belgium could not thank the management and staff enough.

    “You are all wonderful people; I will forever cherish my long years in this beautiful country. Thank you for all you have done for me, especially the gifts,” he said.

    There was a photo session and the night was rap up with dance.

  • United by love

    The Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos was filled when Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Otunba Moshood Tijani’s daughter, Oluwadamilola and Deacon John Dara’s son, Oluwagbemiro, got married. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    They come from different backgrounds and not of the same religion. But they are united by love. The relationship that began two years ago through a friend culminated in holy matrimony – last Saturday.

    Welcome to the wedding of Oluwadamilola Aminat, daughter of a Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Otunba Moshood Tijani, and Oluwagbemiro Daniel, son of Deacon John Dara.

    The large turnout of family members, friends and well wishers was a pointer to the love they shared. They looked resplendent in the chosen aso ebi of olive green and Fuschia pink lace.

    They were not perturbed by their religious difference; to them, love is at work.

    The day was the happiest for the couple. They were all smiles.

    Earlier in the day, both families had gathered under a well-designed canopy behind the main hall of the Grandeur Events Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, for the engagement.

    Even though the ceremony was meant for a few people, the arena was later filled with guests and family members.

    The crème of the society were there in numbers.

    Afterwards, the bridal train moved to the main hall for the reception.

    The band of Faith Music led by Ayo Ajekigbe was on stand. Ajekigbe thrilled guests and they responded with naira notes.

    As guests were danced their hearts out to music from Ajekigbe, food and drinks were served.

    The beautifully dressed women from the MO Pampers Events Planner, who served as ushers, made the occasion unique. They were clad in Ankara with beads dangling on their legs.

    The occasion was unique in many ways – from the table overlays to the couple’s picture, artistically designed and placed by the entrance.

    Like an Egyptian wedding, there were people’s signatures on the art work – wishing the couple marital bliss. Guests registered at the entrance before moving into the main hall for the event, with security personnel at strategic places and at the entrances of the hall.

    Since the couple are from different religious background, the holy solemnisation was conducted in the hall by Christian and Muslim clerics before the reception kicked off.

    In his sermon, Revd. Samson Adedokun urged the couple to hold firm the rope of God and let their faith in Him be stronger for them to succeed.

    “Fidelity, honesty and trust are essential in marriage, so be honest with yourselves,” he said.

    “Show compassion and learn how to forgive one another, faith must be a vital part of your life if you want a better conjugal life,” he added.

    Immediately they were declared husband and wife, the Muslim clerics led by the Chief Imam of Apapa Central Mosque, Alhaji Isa Shuaib prayed for the couple.

    Before the prayer was made, Ustadh Abubakar Abdulhameed urged the couple to be God-fearing and show love to one another.

    The reception was emceed by Ushebene of Naija Fm Radio. Guests were thrilled with his jokes.

    Senator Olugbenga Ashafa, who chaired the reception, enjoined the couple to love one another, saying ‘love conquers all.’

    “In love, they can live their life the way they want and have children that will make them happy. They should tolerate each other; coming from different backgrounds, there are bound to be differences but if they live in love they will surmount whatever problem they have,” he said.

    He wished them the best of luck.

    Ashafa also supervised the cutting of the cake. He pronounced the word LOVE for the cake to be cut.

    He told them to feed one another which they did with joy and kisses.

    Fuji maestro Dr Adewale Ayuba mounted the podium to entertain the gathering.

    All took to the dance floor.

    The elated bride, Oluwadamilola, described the day as her happiest.

    The groom, Oluwagbenro, described the day as great.

    “It is the day I have been looking forward to, it is the happiest day of my life because I am getting married to my best friend,” he said.

    The bride’s mother Alhaja Taibat Tijani, enjoined her daughter to take good care of her husband and be a good wife.

    The father of the groom, Deacon Dara, said he was elated.

    “I am very happy, I remember Gbemiro as a baby, it is a great joy to see him matured enough to marry today, we thank God,” he said.

    Guests included Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole and Hon Rotimi Abiru among others.

  • Setting your Communication Agenda for Year 2013 (4)

    It is another beautiful day, so I welcome you to your column on public speaking. Since this year began, we have been trying to give ourselves the right start for the task ahead. Considering that this column is on public speaking and not general motivational speaking, we have been focusing on how our communication can be better this New Year. Today, we will start with a summary of what we have discussed so far and then we will conclude with two additional points as I promised last week.

    In the first article in this series, we noted that a lot of people see the New Year as being very important because it offers them a fresh start in areas of their lives in which they feel they need a change. Based on this, we said that it is necessary to set a fresh agenda for our communication in various areas of our lives so that we can become better people.

    In the part two of the series, we emphasized that time was moving so fast that if we were waiting for something to happen instead of making it happen, we would find ourselves in December before knowing it. Time waits for no one. Once, we were celebrating the New Year, now, we are almost crossing into February. That is the same way the entire year will pass by, but it must not pass us by without us making specific marks of success. That is the reason we need to take responsibility.

    Last week, we examined two areas in which we need to set communication agenda for ourselves. The first area we discussed was our personal lives. No matter how reserved we think we are, we still need people to survive. Everyone needs people. Hence, the amount of success we record in our relationships with other people is a function of the quality of our communication with them. If we make “contribution” the objective of communicating with people (that is, always seeking to add to people) and we respect them, they will value us. Don’t be the type of person that is so absolved by yourself that all you talk about when you are with people is yourself. People will get tired of you easily and start to avoid you.

    Today, we will conclude by considering two more areas in which you need to set communication agenda this year. The first area is your academics and the second is your career.

    •Academics: if you are a worker, you may feel that this is not applicable to you. But if you consider that we are all in a life-long learning process, you may have a second thought. For students, it is extremely important to develop an effective communication system this year. If you have worked really hard in the past and your results did not justify your efforts, then you need to change your strategy. I believe that it is not enough to study a subject, it is perhaps more important to study the teacher. Some teachers don’t like lengthy explanations in exams while some others would not be satisfied until you use several pages. Some teachers like their students to study beyond what is taught in class while some others would not give you the mark unless you give them exactly what they gave you in their notes.

    This crystallizes the fact that no two people are the same. You must learn to communicate with each teacher on his/her own terms. It is not about what you feel like writing but what needs to be written. Again, some students are very intelligent in oral discussions but they are just not good enough on paper. If you fall in this category, task yourself to write five times more than you are required in class and have people read it for you. As they correct you, learn what it takes to communicate your ideas to other people. Some students are really good but their hand writings are not legible; of course, the teacher has to read first before he appreciates their brilliance. If you are one of those, don’t be ashamed to learn to write better. The most important thing is for you to succeed.

    •Career: the workplace is a very dynamic place. It is very important that you learn to communicate with three important categories of people; your superiors, your colleagues and your juniors. Mutual respect is one of the best ways to communicate friendship. When it comes to your superiors, they read both your spoken and unspoken cues. They can tell when you don’t like the job, when you don’t like them, when you are being lazy etc. The best way to impress your superiors this year is to change your attitude to your work; love what you do (even if you have plans to move on soon).

    Your colleagues are also very important because you work with them on the same team a lot. Don’t be the type of person who would like to succeed at the expense of others, or they will work against you. Communicate respect and appreciation and you will find it easy to work with them.

    As for your juniors, if you underestimate them, it is at your own expense. We have heard several cases of junior staff hiding the files of their superiors thereby making it impossible for them to be promoted. I think the lesson here is that we should never look down on them. If you care for and respect them, they will go out of their way to help you if ever you need their help.

  • A church’s golden call

    It was a day of praise and thanksgiving for parishioners of the Chapel of the Healing Cross, Idi-Araba, Lagos on January 18. The church rolled out the drums to celebrate five decades of achievements. It left no stone unturned to ensure that it was a memorable one.

    To guests, it was not only a day to give glory to God, but also a night full of fun and relaxation, having the church outside the church. It was more like a family gathering. Invited guests felt the unity among members.

    The dinner featured fund raising and awards to the founding fathers, deserving members and donors outside the church.

    Purple and gold were the colours on display, and they reflected in the chairs and table overlays. The tables were numbered, but there was no special sitting arrangement. Many men dressed in suits; not minding that it was a working day, the women wore dinner gowns. The Reverends were different – the white lapel pins around their necks stood them out.

    Guests relished the gospel music by the choir of the chapel, which entertained them in a very delightful manner. Thus, before the commencement of the programme, it was not a bore waiting. To them, it was a time of relaxation. The music and food were good; the setting relaxing. They wined, dined and chatted.

    Revd. Tunde Osho led the opening prayer and Gboyeya Adebajo was the emcee.

    Soon after, the first part of the business of the evening began with donations.

    The head of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), Mrs Adeola Azeez, who supervised the session, said the funds would ensure the unique legacy of the chapel does not die.

    The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Revd George Bako, in an interview with The Nation, gave a rundown of the chapel.

    He said the Chapel was founded 50 years ago as a place of worship for the staff of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the College of Medicine. It has since become an interdenominational chapel having expanded beyond its original frontier.

    Revd Bako, who was also the former Vicar of Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, said: “We are family at the chapel and part and parcel of each other. The chain of events was scheduled to run for three weeks because we have a unique way of democracy. We try to satisfy everyone and we brought in representatives from each fellowship group in the church. They aired their views in the council and came up with very many ideas.”

    On the dinner, Revd Bako said it was to raise funds to make an impact, not only on the spiritual life of its members but to those in the immediate community. This, the cleric said, has helped them touch many lives beyond expectation.

    As soon as dinner was served, Adejobi called the awardees to the podium to collect their plaques and certificates. As the citation of each was read, those familiar with them nodded in concurrence.

    The awardees were Revd. Ola Ajayi; the late Ade Adefeso, former Catering Manager of LUTH and Vice-Chairman of the Chapel’s committee for 13 years; former lecturer of Physiotherapy, University of Birmingham and a consultant in LUTH, Sir Ukeje Onyemaechi; Chief Olusegun Ogubosu (aka the silent worker); former principal of Holy Child College, Ikoyi and Community Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos, Mrs Adebisi Adeyeye; Deaconess Olanrewaju Olagbemi aka SSS, (Sunday School Supervisor) and Dr Ireti Sanni.

    When Mr Christopher Nwosu was called to take his award, the hall erupted in applause. He is an all rounder who does the general work of the church all day.

    Mr. Femi Ayodele, an architect, who redesigned the chapel, received his award. He promised to keep using his talent for God. A post hummus award was given to Venerable Olaitan, one of the founders of the church. He was a vessel of history in the chapel.

    Present at the occasion were Head of Department, Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye; Proprietress, Fountain Heights Secondary School, Mrs Adebimpe Delano; Rev Kunle Olaitan; Prof Michael Ajomo; the secretary of the Board of Trustees, Chukwudu Ilogu (SAN); Rev Oluwatoyin Olumo; Rev Alote Papo; Rev Oyinlola Ajayi; and Rev Ayo Richards.

    Among activities held within the three weeks of the celebration were a symposium, charity donations to the LUTH, breakfast fellowships, lecture and thanksgiving, health walk, family day, musical concert, choir contest, youth drama, as well as other things done to impact their immediate community.

  • Vessels unto honour

    Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Najeem Salaam and Senator Mudashir Hussain were on  Sunday decorated with a turban as Asiwaju Adeen and Bashorun Adeen by the Ejigbo Muslim Community. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes.

    Ejigbo, a famous town in Yorubaland and the headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government Area, is one of the oldest councils in Osun State.

    The ancient town, which is about 40 kilometres to Osogbo, the state capital, was founded by Akinjole Ogiyan (abbreviation of “Ogiriniyan”), after the old Oyo Empire. Ogiyan, a descendant of Oduduwa from the ruling family in Ile-Ife, and his brothers, particularly Akire, the founder of Ikire-Ile, left Ile-lfe with Oranyan (Oranmiyan) – the founder of old Oyo, to establish their own town.

    The name – Ejigbo – historians said, was carved from “Ejigbo Mekun,” a market in Ile-Ife.

    Farming is the traditional source of livelihood in Ejigbo but modernisation has taken farming activities in the town to a world-class level. There are large poultry, fishery livestock and farms in the town. In 2008, Ejigbo was ranked the highest producer of cat fish in Osun State.

    On Sunday, two of its prominent sons were honoured with chieftaincy titles by the Muslim community.

    They are the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, and Senator Mudashir Hussain. They were decorated with turban as Asiwaju Adeen and Bashorun Adeen of Ejigbo Central Mosque.

    By 11am, the sprawling city was agog with guests from far and inside. The guests were forced to park their posh cars at a distance and walk to the venue. Their automobiles were put in the care of security operatives who were stationed at strategic points.

    At the heart of the town, where the central mosque is located, politicians, industrialists, government officials, legislators and community leaders, among others gathered.

    It was a fun-filled atmosphere. Itinerant drummers dazzled with the talking drums. Commercial motorcyclists and petty traders made brisk business.

    The arrival of the President-General of league of Imams and Alfas in the Southwest, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Mustapha Ajisafe, signalled the beginning of the ceremony.

    After the opening prayer, the compere invited the Chief Imam of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Alhaji Taofeeq Ahmed, the guest lecturer, to the podium.

    In his lecture entitled: The Challenges of Muslim Leadership, he said leadership is about service.

    Alhaji Ahmed, an engineer, enjoined Salaam and Hussain to see their new titles as challenges and a clarion call to do more in the service to humanity.

    Immediately after the lecture, selected Muslim clerics filed out to decorate the new chiefs.

    The ‘homeboys’ rose as the crowd shouted Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest).

    Salaam, decked in white jalabia, took the first turn, as Asiwaju Adeen. His two wives – Alhaja Adebimpe and Alhaja Muheebat – watched keenly as the clerics decorated him with the turbaned.

    Hussain, wearing the same white jalabia, moved to the front with his wife, Alhaja Risikat.

    Interestingly, their wives were decked in the same chocolate lace material, yellow Ipele, red headgear and jewelry dangling on their necks, ears, hands and legs.

    Sheikh Ajisafe enjoined the duo to be good ambassadors of Islam, their community, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.

    The title, he said, is a trust which they would account for on the day of judgement.

    “Be wary of your activities as Muslims; never engage in activities that would spell doom for you before Allah. Discharge your responsibilities as elected officers and peoples’ leaders. May Allah help you to succeed,” he said.

    The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, praised the Muslim community for honouring the duo.

    Represented by Hon. Lasun Yusuf, a member of the House of Representatives, Arisekola-Alao praised the Ejigbo Muslim community for recognising the leadership qualities of Salaam and Husain, stressing that the duo have what it takes to lead.

    He said: “Hon Salaam is a leader of men. He is humble and humane, and his choice as a Muslim leader is a right decision. Besides, Senator Husain’s vast knowledge of the Quran and exposure would be an asset to the Muslim community not only in Ejigbo, but the state.”

    The wife of Osun State Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola restated confidence in the ability of the duo to live above board.

    She urged them not to relent in impacting on their constituencies.

    This, she said, would make the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. She enjoined women to support their husbands.

    She said: “What we are seeing today is a reflection of a good home exemplified in the lives of the Speaker and the Senator; without this, no one can appreciate them outside.”

    In their paraphernalia of office, Salaam and Husain re-appeared in a red Arabian cap with white foil turban coupled with Islamic royal blue robe called ‘Alkinba.’ They got a standing ovation as guests shouted Sheu! Sheu!

    Salaam thanked the community for the honour.

    He described as sheer hypocrisy for some people to hide under any religion to unleash violence.

    Every religion, he said, preaches morals and love of one another.

    “All known religions preach peace, good neighbourliness and moral values. So, it is alien to Islam as well as other religions to have some pretenders preaching violence, killings people of other faith, and destruction of government institutions,” he said.

    The head of Osun State parliament enjoined clerics to intensify the preaching of peace and love.

    Hussain stressed that those preaching violence and hate are not Muslims, noting that Allah has made it clear in the Quran that He superintends all faiths, by not making them one.

    The Bashorun Adeen said the country’s law recognises the freedom of choice of religion of an individual citizen, arguing that it is a crime for anyone to use religion to unleash violence on the state, insisting that those who were using religion to campaign for violence in the North have a different agenda.

    Guests were later entertained at the Unity College, Ejigbo. Fuji maestro, Adewale Ayuba kept them on the dancing floor for a long time.

    Among the dignitaries at the event were House of Representative member Hon. Ayo Omidiran; Secretary to Osun State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Senator Ayo Adeseun; Senator Gbenga Obadara; Hon. Rotimi Makinde; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowunoula Oyesosin; Olobu of Ilobu Oba Ashiru Olaniyan among other traditional rulers.

    Expectedly Salami’s colleagues were led to the event by Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye; former Speakers of Osun Assembly, Prof Mojeed Alabi; Hon Wale Afolabi and Hon Adejare Bello; Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi; former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Elder Peter Babalola; ACN leader Alhaji Fatai Diekola; Hon Kehinde Lamolu among other dignitaries.

  • Celebration of culture, unity

    The Ngwa Festival Day organised by the Ngwa Patriotic Forum has been held at Ngwa High School, Aba, Abia State. SUNNY NWANKWO reports.

    Though it was a windy day, the people of Ngwa land defied the storm and the scorching sun to join the Ngwa Patriotic Forum (NPF), a socio-cultural organisation of Ngwa extraction, to realise a dream they had nurtured for two years.

    The Ngwa Festival Day, a brainchild of NPF, according to some of the guests, could not have come at a better time than now when most Nigerian and Igbo cultures are being threatened by globalisation.

    A time when many youths can no longer speak their mother tongues.

    It was a day that brought Ngwa indigenes from different religious, political, social, academic and economic backgrounds together.

    The event kicked off at 4pm with the arrival of the royal father of the day, Ezeukwu of Ngwaukwu Eze Bernard Enweremadu and his entourage at Ngwa High School, Aba, venue for the programme.

    Some of the awardees were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Dr Chinyere Nyerere and Minister of Labour and Productivity Chief Emeka Wogu.

    The festival was not all about celebrating Ngwa culture; it was also a day to put smiles on the faces of the indigent as about 100 of them were empowered with bursaries and non-refundable take-off grants of N50,000 each to support their small businesses.

    Highlights of the event, aside the presentation of awards, was the Itu Manya ritual by Eze Enweremadu and other traditional rulers for the peace and progress of Ngwa land.

    Cultural troupes spiced up the event.

    Speaking to The Nation, Senator Nwogu noted that most Ngwa cultural heritages had gone into extinction for reasons unknown, thanking the forum for its laudable initiative in rejuvenating cultural consciousness among the people.

    She called for unity among Ngwa indigenes at home and in the Diaspora, noting that with unity, her people can overcome ethnic, social, religious and economic challenges.

    She described the empowerment of 100 Ngwa undergraduates and artisans as an effort to help the state and the Federal Government to promote literacy among Abia youths.

    “Our people have come to realise that everything must not be left for the government alone. We want to help the indigent ones who will require some level of educational assistance and that is what we have done today,” she said.

    Experts have said that, by 2050, Igbo language will be in extinction. But Wogu had a different view about that.

    He described Ngwa language as one that has outgrown extinction even when language experts have blacklisted Igbo language, saying it would go into extinction in no distant time.

    Wogu said Ngwa has a rich culture and the language is so unique that, there are things said in Ngwa language that one cannot translate into any other Igbo language.

    He said being honoured by his people was a great privilege because of the platform for such recognition.

  • Glitz at Pastor’s daughter’s wedding

    Former Miss Adepeju Adebiyi, a banker with NEXIM Bank, Abuja and her beau, Boluwaji Morebise got married at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Divine Glory, Provincial Headquarters, Okota, Lagos. AKEEM ALAWOKI writes

    The was the cynosure of all eyes as she catwalked with her father into the waiting hands of her handsome beau, Boluwaji Morebise. Decked in a white flowing gown with the top decorated with sequins, former Miss Adepeju Adebiyi, a banker with NEXIM Bank, Abuja, looked stunning.

    The day was her happiest no doubt. Her broad smiles were infectious.

    For Adepeju, the daughter of a retired banker and Zonal Pastor-in-charge of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ikotun Area, Pastor Olufemi Adebiyi, it was a dream come through.

    She could not wait to say ‘I do’ after a courtship that lasted six years.

    The wedding took place at the RCCG, Divine Glory, Provincial Headquarters, Okota, Lagos. The expansive church auditorium could not contain family members, well wishers and members of RCCG, who thronged the venue to felicitate with the Adebiyis.

    As early as 7am, the Olubi Event Centre in Okota welcomed the Morebises from Ode-Irele in Ondo State and the Adebiyis from Ifaki-Ekiti for the traditional engagement. Engagement over, the wedding train moved to the church auditorium within the same vicinity. Though it was a Christian gathering where things were done in moderation, the turn out attested to the fact that the Adebiyis are well loved by all.

    The choir was at its best – they churned out beautiful songs to the admiration of the congregation.

    In his sermon, Pastor Adewale Owolabi, Pastor-in-charge of RCCG Hope Area, admonished the couple to care for each other and forgive at all times.

    Having observed the rituals of the Holy Matrimony, Pastor Owolabi at exactly 12:15 pm, pronounced Adepeju and Boluwaji husband and wife.

    The church shouted ‘halleluyah’!

    The couple and their immediate family members were ushered into the room where Adepeju signed her life to Boluwaji. The congregation erupted in a joyous celebration as the mother of the bride, Mrs. Adebiyi, danced back into the waiting hands of well wishers.

    Again, guests were taken back to the Olubi Event Centre where they were treated to a lavish reception. There was food in abundance while fruit champagne and drinks flowed freely. Harmony G Band was at its best. dishing out Christian and contemporary music that kept guests on their feet for many hours.

    In his admonition, the event’s chairman, Mr. Jacob Falore, congratulated the couple for making their families proud.

    “Today is your day and I am happy for you. Marriage is not a bed of roses and that is why you have to work at it and put God first in your home. There are things you have to be wary of considering the divorce rate. In the olden days, couples celebrated decades of marriage but reverse is the case in this jet age,” Falore said.

    He drew the couple’s attention to three important things in marriage: Patience, perseverance and prayer. These, he said, work in the background.

    “Again, you need to trust and forgive each other because two of you are from two different backgrounds. Try and spend quality time with each other,” he said.

    Falore prayed that the marriage will be fruitful.

    The couple later performed their first assignment, feeding each other. As a well- brought up woman, Adepeju knelt to feed her husband. Of course, this earned her a round of applause from the guests. Harmony G band ushered them onto the dancing floor and they were later joined by the family and church members. The well-attended wedding was rounded off at 4pm while the band played music till later in the evening.

  • Setting your Communication Agenda for Year 2013 (3)

    A wonderful day to you and your dear family. You are on your usual column on public speaking. Frankly speaking, I feel a little embarrassed still titling our current series as “New Year Special.” As I pointed out last week, the New Year greeting is almost completely out of fashion now. Nevertheless, I choose to see this entire month of January as the runway for our takeoff on our glorious flight throughout the year, by the grace of God. As such, we will use this as our preparatory period for the task ahead.

    Previously in this series, we discussed what it means to set communication agenda for the year 2013. It means carefully planning where you want to be at the end of the year and then determining the kind of communication you need to engage in to get there. We also attempted to answer the question on the necessity for setting communication agenda for the year. We said that nothing happens by chance, so, you have to deliberately decide to communicate effectively this year. You cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. If indeed you want this year to be far better than last year, you have to deliberately aim at effective and contribution-oriented communication.

    This week, we shall be examining two of the important areas in which you need to set communication agenda. These areas are: your personal and your business.

    •Personal Life: I dare to say that this is one of the most important areas in which you need to deliberately manage your communication. This area represents your comfort zone. It represents your life when you think no one is watching. It is your life when you let down your guard. It is your life when you think you are not being scrutinized or judged. The strange thing is that, it is also your life, which you don’t want the public to know about.

    There are several people who become something else when they are with “outsiders!” They change so drastically that their families don’t recognize them anymore. Some people are nicer to none family members because they want to put their best foot forward. Usually, loved ones are the victims of this kind of communication or failed communication. This kind of communication is selfish, however. Yes, it is selfish because you believe there is nothing your family can give you that you don’t have already, so, you focus on outsiders who can be of “benefit” to you. Whereas, a lot of times, you have your family and loved ones to thank for whatever you become in life.

    On the other extreme, we have people who entirely focus on their families. Any benefit that should go to other people are diverted “home.” Well, there are more people outside their families than inside, so, sooner or later, they will need help from others. So, what do I advocate? Be good to everybody. Be yourself inside and outside. Know that whatever you do or say communicates something to everyone around you. They either believe that you are a responsible and reliable person to deal with, or they feel that you are better avoided. Remember, if you don’t have people’s respect and trust, they will never listen to you as a public speaker. As a speaker, your first agenda must be to develop your character, and then you can focus on contributing to other people.

    •Business: ok, I agree that I am not your regular business consultant. I may not even have the slightest idea of how to do your kind of business. But I know that they say “customer is king!” Yes, you may tell me how annoying your clients or customers tend to be. In fact, I agree that sometimes, it seems like they actually set out from home to upset you. Nevertheless, that is all part of the fun of having a business. Work will be so boring if you meet the same type of people every day.

    What if you decide to make difficult customers or clients a major target in your business? You can determine that you will make every customer smile about one thing or the other while being attended to. This, of course, does not make you a clown; it just means that you are going the extra mile to make your customers like you and what you have to offer.

    I once had a barber who cut a class for himself. Not only was his shop very comfortable, I also got entertained by watching movies or listening to music while I waited my turn (meaning that he had heavy patronage). But that was not the best part. The guy would just not let me be; he would discuss all the topics that he believed would interest me while cutting the hair and I would never know it until he was done. He made the experience fun for me. Never minding that his fee was more than that of others around, I still followed him to the other end of town when he relocated. So, why did I stop patronizing him? Well, I moved out of town. But then, anytime I was in that town, I always went to his shop.

    The big question is this, why did he make such a great impression on me that he became emblazoned in my mind as the ultimate barber? He cared for his customers and went the extra mile. He was a great barber, but who cares? It was the experience behind the barbing that I would pay for any time any day.

    Communication on different levels is very important to your success in life. The better you are at communicating, the more you will enjoy your relationship with people around you. Next week, we will consider two other areas in which you need to set your agenda this year.

  • Till we meet again

    The remains of Pa Joseph Oyewole Oyedeji, father of Mrs Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha of The Nation have been interred at Ada, Osun State. WALE ADEPOJU reports

    Amidst glowing tributes, the remains of Pa Joseph Oyewole Oyedeji, a renowned teacher, were committed to mother earth at Ada, Osun State.

    Pa Oyedeji, who died on October 29, last year, was 71.

    He is survived by six children, among whom are Mrs Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha, who heads the Health Desk of The Nation.

    The funeral lasted three days. It began on Thursday with various women groups, including in-laws and daughters of Ile Osolo, Ada, dancing.

    The carnival-like atmosphere saw many Ada residents trooping out to catch a glimpse.

    The lying in-state and the wake were held the following day. It was conducted by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, St Joseph Catholic Church, Ada. The choir rendered various songs, reminding the audience of the final home call, encouraging good deeds and equally extolling the good virtues of the deceased who was described as a pivot in the church building project.

    The wake featured readings from the Bible, rendition of hymns, offering and a special anthem in honour of the Oke bi orun osi (No mountain like heaven), as the deceased was fondly called.

    There were tributes from people who shared their personal experiences on how the deceased left a lasting impression on their minds by helping them either in cash or kind or influencing situations in their favour. Some attributed their being literate or even their lineage’s literacy to the deceased.

    By 10:30am on Saturday, a market day, the length and breadth of Ada knew that one of their own was being interred. The pallbearers had a field day as they were in their usual best. The premises of the church under construction, championed by the late Oyedeji was jam packed. There was human and vehicular congestion.

    The parish priest, Revd Father, Benedict Idowu, spoke of the deceased’s commitments to the church, especially his wish to ensure the roofing of the church was done before December 31.

    “Our last discussion, few hours before the final home call, were his resolve to go out there, especially Lagos, where he spent most of his active time, to source for funds for the roofing of the church. But alas, death denied him of that. What would God say of you?” Revd Idowu asked rhetorically.

    The deceased’s remains were sanctified. And the hearse conveyed it to his home where he was interred.

    The train moved to St Andrew Field, where guests were entertained. The file and rank of Multi Choice thronged the dance floor, to honour their Finance Controller, Oyeniyi Oyedeji, the first son of the deceased. Likewise the various cadres of Nigerian Civil Defence, Osogbo came to honour their Chief, Oyeyinka Oyedeji, the second son. Staff of Bode Adeniji, The Nation, Ajumoni Secondary School and Lagos State Development Property Corporation (LSDPC) trooped to the dance floor to celebrate with other children of the deceased.