The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Walking down the aisle the second time

    A member of the traditional ruling council in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Sir Gilbert Nwasike and his wife Lolo Philomena have celebrated  50 years of marriage by renewing their marital vows at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Nteje. NWANOSIKE ONU witnessed the event.

    After 50 years of marriage with seven children and 14 grand children, Sir Gilbert Obi and his delectable wife, Philomena have walked down the aisle the second time.

     It was a carnival-like event with politicians, friends and wellwishers coming to celebrate with them.

    The four bands played solemn music which kept the guests on their feet for hours.

    Lolo Philomena turned heads in her flowing gown.

    She was unique, elegant, full of energy, graceful and dazzling like a pearl on the dance floor.

     The couple, 75 year old Pa Gilbert and 68 year old Philomena were radiating in their milk coloured suit and gown, their male children smartly dressed in gold coloured caftan while the daughters and daughters-in-law dressed in silky wrapper, coated with silver and gold beads, same colour with their head gears

    His holiness, Pope Benedict XVI of the Vatican City of Rome sent a powerfully worded letter in what he called his apostolic blessings to the couple.

    It reads: “To the couple, who have been great inspiration to members of the Catholic Church in Anambra and indeed Nigeria, invoking abundant divine graces on the occasion of their golden jubilee anniversary’’

    The Pope’s message was signed by Felix Ed Blanco Pueto, Archi Episcopus, Eleemosynarius apostolicus “and delivered by Rev John Ogbo who officiated during the mass with Revd Nicholas Akwanya of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the parish priest, Rev Fr Jude Ikenze.

    In his sermon, Rev Ogbo, praised the couple for their love, understanding and unique life style over the years which he said has made them the cynosure of all eyes.

    According to him, “God has made you who you are, he has shown you the way, he opened your eyes and all He wants from you is to reciprocate by giving back to the less privileged, the needy and the downtrodden without looking back.”

    “And by that, you will gladden the heart of your creator while more blessings will equally be showered on you, ‘’ he said.

    Back home, the celebrators’ apartment in Agwa, Ifite village in Nteje, was ornately decorated in pink and orange coloured apparels.

    Guests were thrilled by the songs of the late Osita Osadebe and the late Oliver De Coque.

    The traditional ruler of Nteje kingdom, Igwe Rowland Odegbo led his cabinet chiefs to the event, including members of the state House of Assembly, led by Hon Rebecca Udorji (Awka North Constituency).

    The celebrator, a successful businessman in Anambra, who acquired the traditional title of (Akum in Nteje), got married to Philomena (Onyeanaecheche) in 1962 and both belong to different associations in the church with knighthood titles to cap it.

    However, the couple told The Nation that it takes a lot of prayers and endurance to attain such height in marriage.

    According to Madam Philomena “young wives of nowadays should be submissive to their husbands and also, to always intercede for their families in prayers.”

    The monarch of Nteje, Igwe Rowland Odegbo, told The Nation that it was a thing of joy to see Akum and his wife to reach the golden age in their marital life and wished them more fruitful years ahead.

    One of the celebrators’daughters, Okwuchukwu Anthonia, said it had been a long journey in the lives of their parents; prayed God to guide and protect her own marriage to get to the golden era.

    One of the grandsons of the couple, and a law student at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Uzodinma Emeka praised the attitude of his grand parents, adding that their style was worthy of emulation.

    All the other children of the couple spoke in the same vein.

    The couple put on their dancing shoes to compete with their grandchildren on the dance floor, to the admiration of guests who could not endure but clap and give them a standing ovation in appreciation.

  • Setting your Communication Agenda for Year 2013 (2)

    New Year is always a time most people anticipate. People, irrespective of tribe, gender, religion or location, look forward to the New Year. Whether voiced or not, there seems to be new hopes attached to the New Year because of the perceived fresh start. We try to erase our past mistakes and focus on new aspirations. Even though we cannot wipe our memories clean of past experiences, we at least try to use the landmark of the New Year as a wall to block us off from what we consider to be our failures of the past year. However, the importance of the New Year has been so overrated that some people find it difficult to make any considerable change in their lives anytime during the year.

    Just a few days ago, we were all full of cheers and the only greeting around was “Happy New Year!” We greeted those we knew and those we didn’t really know. At least we all had something in common; we entered the New Year by the grace of God. It all seemed like a really big deal! (Actually it is) But then, in the last couple of days, have you heard anyone greet another “Happy New Year?” If you did, I’m sure you would have been wondering where the fellow was all these days.

    Check the calendar please; we are racing towards the middle of January 2013! If you were one of those who had great plans for 2013, well, here we are! Sometime ago it seemed like a long time, but here we are. “Next year” has become “this year,” “tomorrow” has become “today!” Whatever you don’t do now, you may never get to do. People expect so much from the New Year as though it has a magic on its own to change their lives! If you are still waiting for something to happen, then 2014 may be your turn. But God forbid! Now is your time; but stop waiting and start doing.

    Please understand this, you cannot continue to communicate the way you communicated last year and expect anything different to happen. How can you keep doing the same thing and expect a different result? If you really want to make it as a public speaker this year, or you simply want to communicate your feelings or ideas better, you must prepare to do something different.

    Last week, we discussed about setting a communication agenda for yourself. It is very important that you do. No matter how good you are now, you can always be better. Do you know that in any field in which you are, you need people? Of course you do need people! If you are a doctor for instance, guess who your patients will be? Even if you are a veterinary doctor, the animals won’t just walk into your office, will they? Every business requires communication with people. The more you get along with them, the more they patronize you. Therefore, make it a major objective to communicate better this year.

    I learnt that the field of marketing is currently branching from merely marketing products and services to marketing relationships. This is particularly instructive. The idea behind the migration is that when you sell a product, it may be a once-and-for-all transaction, but if you market relationship, there is likely to be a repeat purchase of the product. Look at it this way, there are sometimes when people wonder into someone’s shop without having the intention of buying anything. Or on the other hand, they may not have found the exact product they are looking for. If you are the shop owner, you can react to them in different ways and each one is communication based:

    1. You can get irritated because they aren’t buying anything and they are wasting your time. If you do, they will notice that you are not friendly and they may never return.

    2. You can pressurize them into buying something else that, according to you, is “the same” as what they are looking for. If you do and they are not satisfied, they will feel cheated. They will also conclude that you are the type of person who cares more about sales than the needs of you customers.

    3. You can be really nice to them, show them around like they are the most important persons around and give them maximum attention. If they don’t find what they are looking for, you can suggest where they can get it or simply ask them to come back for it if it is convenient for them.

    If you are a customer, which will you prefer? The third example will develop such a good relationship that the customers will feel sorry that they didn’t buy from the shop. You can be sure that they will return next time. My point is this; it is more about the communication than it is about the business. If you want to change the way people react to you this year, change the way you communicate with them. If you learn to respect people in your communication with them, you will be surprised how much respect you will get in return. I’m hoping that you will take up this challenge in your life and change something in the way you communicate with people. If you do, then you will have a different result from what you had last year.

  • In memory of a ‘dear father’

    The Akin-Olugbades on Tuesday in Lagos celebrated the 100th posthumous birthday of their patriarch, the late Chief Ohu Akin-Olugbade, who died 25 years ago. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU was there.

    HE died 25 years ago, but he left a worthy legacy which his children are proud of today. To mark the 100th posthumous birthday of the late Chief Ohu Akin-Olugbade, who was a lawyer and politician, his children launched a book: The Great Statesman in his memory. The book was unveiled at a public lecture to mark his birthday at the Agip Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Tuesday. The hall was packed full with politicians, professionals and captains of industry. They were ushered into the hall after filling the arrival and registration forms at the entrance.

    The event kicked off with an opening prayer by Revd S.A. Fagbemi, followed with the recitation of the National Anthem and a welcome address by head of the Akin-Olugbade family, Omo Oba Olasunmade Akin-Olugbade.

    Highpoints of the event were the singing of the Egba anthem, the book launch and group photographs.

    The guests relished the light refreshment served at the foyer.

    Delivering the lecture entitled Self interest, Game theory and Nation building, Prof. James Fabunmi, an aeronautical engineer, urged leaders not to allow their interest to conflict with the national interest.

    Fabunmi urged the country to adopt a different approach to governance, advocating that local governments be strengthened to avoid the current wasteful system inherited from the colonial masters.

    The book editor, Prof. Akin Odebunmi, described the late Akin-Olugbade as exceptional.

    Odebunmi, a professor of Psychology, said he would forever remember the late Akin-Olugbade’s statement that “the difference between you and your driver was opportunity”. This means: “we should not hesitate to help anyone who is in need and should always render selfless service.”

    Odebunmi added: “In Abeokuta, Akin-Olugbade left his footprints as an industrialist and employer of labour who left behind a chain of companies. He built a hospital and social centre for the people of Egbaland. He spearheaded efforts to build a befitting palace for the Olowu, united the warring Owu chiefs, gave scholarships to indigent students and gave employment to many Egba youths.”

    Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Prince Bola Ajibola, who chaired the occasion, recalled his experience with the late Akin-Olugbade.

    The former Judge of the World Court at The Hague drew laughter from the audience during the reminiscences.

    Ajibola who said he shared many significant moments with the late sage, told the audience that the figure 13 was also special to both of them.

    “Akin-Olugbade was born in 1913 as an only child and ended up with 13 children, while I was the 13th child out of 25 children.”

    Olowu of Owu Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu could not control his emotions as he recounted the support he got from the late Akin-Olugbade.

    The monarch, who was close to tears, told the audience that Akin-Olugbade remains the best Balogun Egbaland ever had.

    He said: “I can hardly talk about Akin-Olugbade without crying because he impacted my life.

    “He was a hard drive behind me and many others. He was a man who gave meaning to the life of our people. He cannot be forgotten at all. He gave me strength and courage and taught me the history of the Owu people. He loved his people and gave anything that was needed to establish the importance of his people.”

    He described the book as “a great record of a great man” urging the people to buy, read in order to understand the principles of greatness in a challenging world.”

    Omo Oba Akin-Olugbade described his father as a great man. He described him as a father in a million.

    He said: “My father was born in 1913 as an only child but he left behind 13 children from five women at the time of his death and he never discriminated against any of his children and my mother was mummy to all the children.

    “My father died peacefully. I can remember he had called me and said I should ensure that all his children were adequately educated. He had ordered for a glass of drink and his cigarette. He drank from the glass without finishing it, and then smoked half of his cigarette, after which he gasped and passed on.

    I met great leaders like Leopold Senghor, Babacar N’Diaye, Robert Mugabe and the one and only Madiba, Nelson Mandela.”

    He said: “My father was a straight man, kind, and honest. He never took any piece of land at the high brow areas as a politician neither did he receive fat salary unlike what is obtained today. He worked hard in his business to make money and also touched many lives with the resources he had.

    “I think people should be made to explain how they made their money. Our father always told us to avoid anything that will tarnish his name. In Nigeria today, people are just worshipped because they have money and no one bothers to inquire how they made the money.”

    In attendance were: the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade II, represented by his wife; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III, also represented by a chief, Sonny Oyekunle; former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Akin Aduwo; former Minister for Planning, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi.

    Others include Prof Adebayo Williams; Chief Executive Officer, Zerox Company, Femi Oguade, who represented the chief launcher, Dr. Oladele Fajemirokun; Convener, Safe Nigeria Group (SNG) Pastor Tunde Bakare; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Chief Ladipo Latinwo; Chief Frank Akinrede; Asiwaju Alex Duduyemi; Justice Rosebolt Nonye Ukeje (rtd.) and Chief Joko Akin-George.

  • Their happiest moment

    The Julius Berger hall of the University of Lagos was filled during the induction of fellows and new members of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN). AMIDU ARIJE reports.

    IT was a gathering to accredit new members and honour outstanding players in the public and private sectors.

    It was also the 10th anniversary of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN).

    The awardees were excited.

    The event started at noon when executive members of the body led by its President, Prof A.M Awotokun, filed out in their gowns to conduct the ceremony. They were ushered into the hall amidst a loud applause by awardees and guests.

    They were joined on the high table by heads of departments of some higher institutions.

    Awotokun declared the ceremony open at about 12.40 pm after the recitation of the national anthem.

    After the introduction of guests, he thanked God for the progress recorded in the last 10 years. He charged the new members and fellows to be loyal to the institute.

    The Registrar, Dr. Uche Okereke, who anchored the programme, read the citation of the new fellows to the admiration of guests.

    After the reading of their citation, each of the inductees were handed a plaque and certificate to authenticate their fellowship and appreciate their contributions to the success of the institute.

    Among the fellows are the Managing Director of DHB Construction Company Ltd, Mr Hakeem Alobo-Bakare; Director- General Ekiti State Enterprise Development Agency, Mr Sylvanus Kehinde Aiyeleso; Member, House of Representatives, Hon Faparusi Bamidele Oyedele; Chairman Bariga Local Council Development Area, Lagos, Hon Akeem Sulaimon; Asiwaju Isiaq Akinlade; former Benue State Permanent Secretary Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Atini; Mr Fakeye Taiwo; Chairman House Committee on Science, Education and Technology, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Olabunmi Adeloye; Chief Inspector, Army Education Corps, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Bolanle Muraina.

    Others are Prince Kayode Tejuoso; Hon Olusegun Olabimtan; Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Ogun State, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Chairman Ogun State Service Commission, Alhaji Olatunde Olugbenle and Ibadan-based business woman, Mrs Oluwafunke Oduntan, among others.

    Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Hon Faparusi thanked the institute for the conferment of fellows on them and promised to raise the standard of the institute through promotion of legislative bills that will enhance its effective performance.

    The lawmaker said he would work to ensure the independence of local government administration in Nigeria.

    He said: “The award is timely considering the constitutional review going on. This honour will encourage me to go back to the house to legislate on the true independence of the local government administration as the third tier of government, so it is very timely and I will do all I can to make sure the impact of this award is felt in my jurisdiction.

    “I think the award has shown that the contribution of the beneficiaries to the society has not gone in vain at all. If you look at the profile of those honoured today, it is clear that they have contributed in one way or the other to the development of this great country. Therefore, it means that, somehow, somebody has been watching or monitoring some of us and our strides in various capacities. I want to advise people to do their best in whatever endeavour and positions they occupy.”

    An elated Alobo-Bakare described the day as his happiest.

    “I am happy and without mincing words, I feel highly elated being honoured today, particularly, by one of the most respected professional institutions in Nigeria.

    “Personally, I see today’s honour as a challenge to contribute immensely towards the society and to assist the institute to attain the goals for which it was established. God willing, I will live up to the task because I want to be a very good ambassador of the institute,” he added.

  • Honour for the ‘Honorable’

    The Owalare of Ilare, Osun State, Oba Emmanuel Otebolaku, has conferred a chieftaincy title on a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Lasun Yusuf. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes.

    Hundreds of indigenes of Ilare town in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State thronged the streets leading to the Owalare’s palace on December 28 last year.

    They were joined by personalities from within and outside the state.

    Gun shots by the palace guards enough to drove home the importance of the day. Local itinerant drummers, clad in uniform Ankara fabrics enlivened the ceremony. Of course, they made good money.

    Many residents relished the joy of seeing traditional rulers from neighbouring towns converging on their rustic community.

    The expansive palace of the Owalare of Ilare, Oba Emmanuel Otebolaku wore a new look. The compound reflected royalty in all sense. It was tastefully decorated. Colourful flowers adorned its entrance.

    It was all for a water engineer, Hon Lasun Yusuf, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Federal constituency.

    Yusuf was installed as theAgba-Akin of Ilare, courtesy of Oba Otebolaku.

    The lawmaker arrived at the palace iwithhis wife Rashidat and his hometown monarch, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan.

    Some of his friends and colleagues from Abuja drove behind him to the venue.

    The celebrator was decked in a flamboyant Aso Ofi, well sewn in Agbada, a wrist watch, cap made with Aso Ofi and matching pair of shoe.

    For him and his fellow lawmakers at the occasion, “the ayes have it.”

    Guests and community dwellers watched keenly as the monarch decorated Yusuf with title leaves.

    Yusuf’s wife, Rashidat appeared stunning.

    Her dressing caught the attention of many guests.

    The light-skin Mrs Yusuf dazzled in an expensive lace buba, red Aso Ofi wrapper, Ipele, headgear, golden wrist watch, necklace, earrings, red hand bag and lovely pair of shoe.

    As the monarch placed the leaf on Yusuf’s head, he prayed for more posterity and success. The prayers received loud Amen.

    Oba Otebolaku described him as a worthy son.

    According to him, the title is in recognition of his contribution to humanity.

    The celebrator’s contribution to the state, the monarch said, is enormous.

    He urged him not to rest on his oars.

    Hon Yinka Ajayi representing Ifelodun/Odo-Otin/Boripe at the lower chamber congratulated his fellow lawmaker.

    “It is a thing of joy and a plus, he said, for communities outside our various constituencies can begin to appreciate our contribution to the development of the state.”

    Senator Mudashiru Hussain, a close ally of the celebrator, enjoined him to continue threading the part of honour.

    Hussain prayed God give him enough wisdom to discharge his responsibilities as the new Agba Akin of Ilare.

    The Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye who was Yusuf’s former classmate, hailed the water engineer for imparting in the life of his people.

    Oba Omoloye described him as a brilliant and articulate student while in school.

    Yusuf thanked the monarch for honouring him.

    He was full of appreciation to the guests for their presence.

    He promised working for the betterment of the state and nation as a whole.

    In attendance were the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye; Elerin of Erin Oba Festus Awogboro; Hon Rotimi Makinde; Hon Babatunde Adewale; Hon Oyetunji Ojo; Osun State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon Akintunde Adegboye; Akinrogun Sunday Akere; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Kolapo Alimi among others.

  • All for a worthy ambassador

    The Osun State government hosted Miss Rahmah Aderinoye, a United Nations (UN) award winner at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Osogbo. At the event, the Youth for Intellectual Interaction Initiative (YIII), a brainchild of Miss Aderinoye, was launched. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    Saturday, November 29, last year was a historic day for Nigeria at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States, where the 2012 global Annual Youth Conference was held. Two special themes were chosen for the conference which is generally known as Annual Youth Assembly (AYA). They are ‘Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs) and ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs). The main objective of AYA is to encourage some focused world youth to exhibit their intellectual prowess in proffering solutions to contemporary and future global challenges. There, 23-year old Miss Rahmah Adebodun Aderinoye, a Nigerian studying Biology at the University of Texas, US, dusted 700 other contestants from over 70 countries. She was declared winner of the competition to the admiration of all.

    The laurel automatically qualifies her to become a ‘Fellow of (UN) Resolution and UNICEF global Ambassador. Already, she has been commissioned by UNICEF to develop and work on a concept to empower the vulnerable youths in Africa, an assignment which she sees as a veritable opportunity to further propel the African youths into continental development through a deserving renaissance.

    Miss Aderinoye, the daughter of the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Prof Rasheed Aderinoye, was hosted to a lavish reception by the Osun State Government at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, Abere, Osogbo, the state capital.

    The event featured launching of her non-governmental organisation – Youth for Intellectual Interaction Initiative (YIII).

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Special Adviser on Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade.

    The Hall was ornately decorated in blue and white satin clothes.

    Political titans in the state and traditional rulers turned out en masse.

    Brevity of women ushered guests to their seats.

    The event, anchored by Oluwamuyiwa Ayeni, started on a prayer note. It was followed with the recitation of the National Anthem.

    Comrade Odunlade before formally launched the NGO, congratulated Miss Aderinoye for the rare feat.

    “You have not only made your parent proud, rather our state and Nigeria as a whole. We are indeed proud of you,” he said.

    He thanked her for the initiative of the intellectual scheme that would contribute to the empowerment of the youths in the state.

    Odunlade expressed the Governor’s desire to associate with the initiative and continue to give his support to it and any other initiatives that aim at developing the youth, saying this is one of the aims of the governor.

    “We associate with you and we are in total support of the initiative,” he said.

    Osun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Folake Adegboye thanked Miss Aderinoye for the initiative and implored her not to relent.

    She promised that her ministry will make available necessary resources needed for the successful of the project.

    The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul Rasheed Olabomi hailed the UN Ambassador’s giant stride.

    “I really want to praise the efforts of creating a vocational centre where youths would be trained and reduce teeming youths looking for white collar jobs, it is a very good idea and it is a welcome idea for this country, I appreciate it and I want other youths to team up with you,” he said.

    Miss Aderinoye thanked God for the success.

    She equally expressed gratitude to the guests. She thanked the Osun State Governor and all the traditional rulers who stood by her to see to the success of the launching.

    Given reasons for the establishment of the initiative, Miss Aderionye said idea was conceived because of the level of hunger and poverty in Africa.

    “The idea was conceived as a result of the prevalence of extreme poverty and hunger in our society. This has led to the seeming endless vicious cycle of deplorable living conditions of most Nigerians,” she said.

    An elated Miss Aderinoye said the NGO will work to make the youth live a better life.

    “Our NGO is poised to rewrite the history of the Nigerian youth for better. The organisation is, therefore, set to embark on training the youth on vocational skills through well research programmes; we intend to challenge headlong the ever growing monstrous unemployment industry,” she said.

    Also in attendance were the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Almaruf Adekunle; Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Abdul Kareem Alao Olatunde; Oye of Isagbe, Oba Adelani Ogunjimi; Alarasan of Alasan, Oba Jimoh Ademola Olatoye and Olugbiji of Igbogiji, Oba Sulaimon Oloyede.

  • From Zimbabwe with love

    After six children,  Zimbabwean-based Nigerian businessman Anselem Oguamanam has married his Zimbabwean  lovebird, former  Miss Masslin Munemo, at the Christ the King Catholic Chaplaincy, Alvan Ikoku, Shell Camp, Owerri in Imo State. JUDE ISIGUZO was there.

    The Christ the King Catholic Chaplaincy, Alvan Ikoku, Owerri Municipal Council in Imo State, bubbled from dawn to dusk on December 28. It was the day Anselem Oguamanam and former Miss Masslin Munemo couple formalised their union after 14 years.

    Though their relationship has produced six children, it did not stop the lovebirds from tying the nuptial knot officially.

    The church auditorium was ornately decorated. Various lightings used for the Christmas service still adorned the walls of the church.

    On the right side of the church was the choir, dishing out inspirational songs. The congregation that included guests from the United States, United Kingdom, China, South Africa, Zimbabwe, danced to the choir’s music.

    For those visiting Nigeria for the first time, especially the bride’s family members, they were enthralled by the choir’s performance. They could not resist dancing to the music.

    The solemnisation began immediately the officiating minister, Revd. Father Christian Iwuagwu, mounted the podium.

    The amiable groom stood tall, waiting for his lovebird.

    Oguamanam looked stunning in grey suit, a purple shirt, sky blue tie with a touch of red; a silver wrist watch and matching pair of shoes.

    Behold, the woman of the day, Masslin catwalked into the auditorium with her father, Mr Jackson Munemo.

    Clad in a white flowing gown, beautiful pieces of jewellery dangled from her head, ears and neck; she wore a pair of silver shoes.

    There was pin-drop silence in the hall with the pianist.

    She was handed over to Oguamanam before Revd. Iwuagwu began the marital rites.

    The cleric declared the lovebirds husband and wife after they had said “I do”.

    The church erupted in shouts of halleluiah!

    The couple, their parents and witnesses signed the marriage certificate.

    Recessional hymns were sung as the bridal train filed out.

    The train moved to the newly opened Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu Centre, new Owerri, for the reception.

    There was a photograph session with family members, friends, business associates and well-wishers.

    Revd. Iwuagwu said the opening prayer before handing the microphone to the Founder, Redeemed House of God, Harare in Zimbabwe, Pastor Nick Ohizu.

    Pastor Ohizu urged the couple to support and encourage each other as that was the only way to achieve a successful union.

    Chairman on the occasion Mr Henry Onukwugha, from the United States, congratulated the couple.

    Onukwugha, a lawyer, enjoined them to learn more about each other’s tradition.

    This, he said, would aid mutual understanding.

    There were toast and cutting of the cake before the couple stepped onto the dance floor.

    A Disk Jockey (DJ) played Nigerian, Zimbabwean and South African music. The couple thrilled the audience with spectacular dance steps as if they had trained for a long time.

    An elated Masslin described the day as her happiest.

    She said:”Getting married to a Nigerian is the best thing that has happened to me. If given the opportunity, I will do it over and over again.”

    She promised to encourage other single Zimbabwean women to marry Nigerian men.

    “My husband is caring, soft spoken and hard-working. He knows how to make his woman happy and loved. At first, it was difficult but with time things started falling into shape,” she said.

    The Director at Cen Michaels Investment Limited told The Nation how she met her husband.

    She said: “He came to supply goods to one of his customers who has an office in my father’s shopping complex in Harare. I did not know he was looking at me; he collected my telephone number from a close friend and called me to express his interest and that was how the courtship began.”

    Oguamanam, a former president-general of Imo community in Zimbabwe, noted that it was his wife’s extraordinary qualities that attracted him to her.

    He said: “I cannot break it down but she is every good thing put together. We got close and began to know each other better; I know she was the one for me. We were in courtship for about three to four years before we finally decided to get married. What is happening here, today, is the official handing over in the presence of God”.

    Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were Mrs Prisca Mupfumira and Mrs Lucy Mombeshora, both bride’s aunts from Harare; Afam Okeke from China; Gauis Nwaiwu from UK; David Oguamanam, the groom’s uncle from the United States; Edison Pepsi from South Africa; Paschal Nwaolikaenyi; Ugo Sly; Chima Nwadike; Smith Okonkwo; Simbarashe Chakare and Tinashe Mashitamoyo from Harare, Zimbabuwe and Chairman, Ogwa Community in Harare, Elder Bright Ike.

  • Okorocha’s daugther’s fairy-tale wedding

    Okorocha’s daugther’s fairy-tale wedding

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has given his daugther, Uloma’s  hand in marriage to his Commissioner for Lands Uche Nwosu. The show-stopping event attracted the high and mighty to Owerri, the Imo State capital, reports Nneka Nwaneri

    It was more or less a state wedding. The Holy Cross Catholic Church, Aladinma, Owerri, the Imo State capital, was packed full of dignitaries. They came to share in the joy of Governor Rochas Okorocha, who gave out his daughter, Uloma, in marriage to his Commissioner for Lands Uche Nwosu.

    Being a gathering of governors, top government officials, seasoned politicians and businessmen, security was tight. Streets adjoining the church were blocked with heavy duty vehicles. The police and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); State Security Service (SSS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) ensured an hitch-free event. They frisked people before allowing them into the church.

    Helicopters hovered over the church in circles throughout the service. The place was brimming with people. The whole of Imo, it seemed, was there.

    Many were forced to park their cars in an open field. Only cars conveying the bridal train and top government officials were allowed into the church premises.

    The ceremony billed for 9:30am didn’t start until midday.

    Those who came early waited patiently for the service to start. The church was decorated in all white. Seasonal decorative lightnings ran the entire gamut of the church. The three aisles were beautified with fresh flowers. Each seat was draped with white cloth and given a face-lift with yellow ribbons. Colourful paintings of the saints of the church added to the beauty as guests’ eyes drifted from one end of the church to the other. The gallery was filled.

    Women wore a uniformed yellow lace. Men wore senator’s suit, an attire made popular by Okorocha.

    Okorocha was beside himself with joy as he acknowledged cheers from people.

    A procession of Reverends, Priests and Bishops of the Diocese made their entry a few minutes before noon.

    The clerics were followed by the groom, in an all white suit. His 28 groomsmen followed, they looked handsome in their ash suits and white shirts

    The groom didn’t cause much stir as the bride, who walked into the church with her father. They were preceded by the little bride and groom and fairy-like flower girls who sprinkled the aisle with shiny particles. It smacked of a fairy-tale wedding. The bride’s gown was something. The upper part was styled with lace and had little shiny stones all over it.

    A solo love song played in the background.

    During the mass, the bride took the first reading from Tobit 8:5-7. The groom read Colossians 3:12-17. The passages talk about values and virtues that make a marriage succeed.

    The sermon was given by the Catholic Bishop Emeritus of Orlu, Bishop Gregory Ochia noted that marriage demands utmost care to work. The cleric encouraged the couple to complement each other and not to take themselves for granted.

    “Genuine humility, utmost selflessness, zealous charity and concern for each other should be your watchword. You both must express gentility, so that you will use your behaviour to tame and discipline others,” Bishop Ochia said.

    The couple exchanged rings and the nuptial knot was tied.

    Guests moved to the Woodi Centre, New Government Layout, Owerri, for the grand reception, they were entertained by Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface.

    That same night, a black and white dinner was held at the International Conference Centre, Owerri with musician Flavour on the band stand.

    Okorocha thanked God for blessing him and his family. Expressing joy over Uloma’s wedding, he thanked his wife, for the daughter she gave him, saying:“If I don’t marry again, it is because of the kind of person you are.”

    In attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by the National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki; Governors Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Peter Obi (Anambra); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Chief Judge of Imo State Justice Benjamin Njemanze; former Governor of Imo State Achike Udenwa; Mr Niyi Akintola (SAN); Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu; All People’s Grand Alliance (APGA) National Chairman Chief Victor Umeh; wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola and her Bayelsa counterpart Mrs Rachael Dickson among others.

  • Setting your Communication Agenda for Year 2013

    Happy New Year to you and your wonderful family. I believe last year was a fulfilling year for you. May you change level positively and progress speedily this year. Year 2012 was a delightful year for us on this column. We were able to discuss a few topics on the need to communicate effectively. We focused on why we cannot but communicate and how we can use communication to our advantage and also to benefit others.

    This New Year, I believe it is very important for us to have a solid start with specific objectives in mind. Communication is very important; you communicate whether you want to or not. Just as you make major plans at the beginning of the year, which some people refer to as New Year resolution, you should also have major plans for your communication and interaction with other people. By now, I’m sure you will agree with me that there is nothing casual about communication. This week, we shall be examining the all important topic of ‘setting agenda for your communication in 2013.’

    Agenda Setting

    What does it mean to set an agenda for communication? 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. If you don’t plan your life, your activities will be subjected to chance and chance is never stable. Think about this, supposing you can say all the right things and act in the right way all the time, wouldn’t you be the best person in the world? I know we are not that perfect, but if we can pay attention to about 70% of the communication we are involved in, our lives will change dramatically.

    Along with other personal communication agenda you may set for yourself this year, I strongly recommend that you include this- do all you can to add value to others through your communication. Communication is bi- or multi-directional as the case may be. It is also a transaction. In 1978, Michael Burgoon and Michael Ruffner identified some attributes of human communication. They said that communication is transactional because both the source and the receiver are constantly influencing each other through their interactions. Hence, a change in one element of the communication process naturally leads to a change in the other elements.

    Let me use this simple illustration to explain what they meant. If you want to buy a loaf of bread for instance, you will take part in a transaction that will involve you (the buyer) and the seller. The transaction is based on mutual benefit; you need the bread and the seller needs the money. Supposing the seller tells you that the cost of the bread has increased (which is a change in one element of the transaction), you are left with the option of either paying more than you planned for or leaving without buying anything. If you don’t buy, you will not have the bread and the seller will not have the money. Hence, one change has changed everything.

    The same is the case in communication. When you communicate with people, you are exchanging benefits. When you concentrate only on your benefit, the people you are communicating with will withdraw from you, yet you need them in your life. Don’t focus too much attention on yourself at the expense of others. Whenever you communicate with people, always leave them satisfied and glad that they ever met you. That is the way to build profitable relationships. Remember, before you can be a good public speaker, you must first be good at influencing the individual lives of the people around you. Decide today that everyone who comes in contact with you in 2013 will leave a better person and you will be surprised how influential you will become.

    Why is Setting Agenda necessary?

    Nothing happens by chance. A wise man said that whoever fails to plan, plans to fail. You have to deliberately decide to communicate effectively this year. Whatever you don’t prepare for, if it ever comes to you, it will be by mistake; and nothing that comes by mistake lasts. 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. Communication is like a seed, what you sow is what you reap. Your life cannot be different from what you communicate. God bless you this New Year.

  • Change of baton at Lion’s Club

    Egbeda Host Lions Club has installed Lion Abayomi Oriretan as its fifth president. The event was held at the De Hall of Lagos State Printing Corporation (LSPCC) on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    Live years ago, some people gathered for fellowship at one of the secondary schools in Egbeda, a Lagos suburb. Little did they know that their gathering would lead to

    birth of Egbeda Host Lions Club?

    It was tough getting people to buy into their idea of humanitarian service which the club stands for.

    The club has been growing steadily. Members gathered at the De Hall of LSPCC for the investiture of Lion Abayomi Oriretan.

    The hall was filled. It was decorated in blue and white colours.

    They looked resplendent in their blue Ankara attire.

    Lion Oriretan stood tall among his colleagues; he wore a blue agbada with an abeti aja cap to match. He beamed with smiles and acknowledged cheers from guests.

    Guests were welcomed to the occasion by some well-dressed women.

    Otunba Taiwo Oloyede was the compere.

    The arrival of the Governor of Lion Clubs in Nigeria District 404B, Lion Stella Agbogun, kicked started the event. Her arrival was greeted with cheers and praises.

    The call to order, done by a former President of the club, Lion Azeez Olasode, marked the start of the event. The club’s code of ethics was read by Lion Layi Tailor.

    Lion Gbadebo Salawu thanked the guests.

    Lion Agbogun subsequently gave her speech, thanking the club members for their efforts in the service of humanity. She urged them not to relent

    Lion Agbogun tasked the incoming president to live up to expectations.

    She appealed to the members to support the president to achieve the club’s objectives.

    “Your election to the position of president of the club shows the type of trust your members have in you and you should not allow that trust to fail,” she said.

    Lion Agbogun urged members to work tirelessly to alleviate the sufferings of the Nigerian child.

    “Whatever you can do to alleviate the sufferings of the Nigerian child should be done,” she urged.

    Before decorating Lion Oriretan, Lion Agbogun obtained his wife’s permission to install him as president.

    After his installation, Lion Oriretan listed his programmes for the year and promised to carry all along.

    “Our projects will include provision of boreholes in schools and streets in our community; provision of first aids boxes to schools; free exercise books to schools; visitation to and presentation of relief materials to motherless babies homes among others,” he said.

    To realise the target of his club, Lion Oriretan appealed to all to donate generously to the course.

    The club’s song was sung after the installation.

    Chairman on the occasion, former President of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Rot Nike Maiyaki, urged the Lions to rally round their president for him to succeed.

    She appealed to the president to work for the good of his members and reader service of humanity.

    Guests were treated to delicious meals.