The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • A memorial for a dear father

    Renowned publisher, politician and philanthropist Chief Ikechi Emenike drew dignitaries, including Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, to his village, Umukabia Okpuala, for the dedication of a replica of the popular Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos in memory of  his father, the late Chief Bartimaeus Emenike Uwagbama, writes OLUKOREDE YISHAU

    Umukabia Okpuala, a village in the Ohuhu community of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, came alive on December 29. It was not because the New Year was around; neither did it have anything to do with its popular Iri Ji (new yam) festival or Ekpe festival, which is termed as the village Christmas.

    It was all because a son of the soil, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, renowned publisher and philanthropist, was putting the village on the global Christian map, with the inauguration of a replica of the popular Tinubu Methodist Church, Lagos.

    The magnificent church, which he built and furnished in memory of his father, the late Chief Bartimaeus Emenike Uwagbama, shone in glittering golden brown paint to the admiration of the gaily dressed guests, who thronged the place.

    The historic dedication was performed by the Prelate of the Methodist Church, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde.

    The church, which replaces the old structure at Umukabia-Okpuala, can accommodate 1,000 worshippers and has an underground and overflow on the upper gallery. It also possesses new musical instruments, which the choir played to the delight of guests.

    The commissioning also marked the one-year remembrance of the death of Emenike’s father, who was the church’s first choir master in 1940.

    The new St John’s Methodist Church has been described as one of the most beautiful places of worship in Abia State. It is part of the Ohuhu Circuit II of the Diocese of Umuahia East. The Emenike family also held the one-year memorial thanksgiving at the event.

    Emenike also provided robes for the choir as well as uniforms for the Women Fellowship.

    The church hall brimmed with dignitaries. They were led by Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, who was accompanied by his wife.

    For several minutes, the choir in red and white robe sang one sonorous song after the other, carrying the congregation along.

    The most memorable session of the service was the sermon by the Prelate, which focused on the essence of living an exemplary life.

    Dr. Makinde praised High Chief Emenike for building such a magnificent edifice, urging all those present never to forget their parents, whether dead or alive.

    Orji praised Emenike for the honour done his late father and for his contribution to the progress of the state.

    The governor thanked Emenike for his kind heartedness and prayed for the continued growth and prosperity of the state. He applauded Emenike for building such a befitting house of worship for God.

    He described Emenike as his brother.

    Emenike thanked the Prelate, the Prelate Emeritus Dr. Sunday Mbang, the governor and the large audience for coming to witness the inauguration of the house “built for the worship and the glory of God in memory of our departed father who was also the pioneer choir master of this church in 1940”.

    Dr Mbang reminded everyone that “God never forgets His own people.”

    He assured Emenike that since he has built for God, “God would also build for him.”

    Among those in attendance were clergymen, politicians, ranking businessmen and senior traditional rulers including Eze Hope Onuigbo; Eze Owoghiri and 90-year-old Eze Uwanamodo.

    The ceremony was also attended by Bishop Chubuzo Opoko; Bishop Lawson Elom; Archbishop of Arch Diocese of Umuahia Most Rev Dr S.I.O Agwu; Bishop Sunday Onuoaha; Secretary for Evangelism for West Africa, Chief Bob Ogbuagu; Chief Ogala Osoka; Sir Emeka Ohadiugha; Lady and Sir Martin Ohadiugha; People’s Democratic Party (PDP) former National Chairman Chief Vincent Ogbulafor; Sir Jimmy Coker; founder of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and current Chairman of United Peoples Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie; wife of Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mrs Ananaba; Chief Emenike’s sisters Mrs Ezinne Ihemadu and Mrs Ngozi Uwaoma and his mother, Nneoma Helen Emenike.

  • A speaker’s pledge

    The sixth annual Hijrah Lecture/Du’au Session of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) has been held at the pavilion of the Assembly complex. OZIEGBE OKOEKI reports

    It was a motley crowd of lawmakers, Assembly staff, clerics, professionals and, of course, civil servants. Many of the men dressed in Islamic robe; most of the women wore traditional attires and covered their heads with hijab. The Alfas and Imams stood out in their dressing. They wore alukinba and turban.

    The Speaker came in a long flowing ash coloured robe with a small white cap to match.

    The programme scheduled for 1pm did not start until about 3pm because the lawmakers sat to attend to some important pending issues.

    The guests were not bothered by the delay.

    It was yet another Hijrah Lecture/Du’au Session organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA).

    The guest speakers Prof Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State and Dr Tajudeen Yusuf of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) spoke on Establishment of a just and balanced society: A critical look at leadership and accountability.

    Describing the theme as apt, Prof. Ladan said it underscores the importance of the duties of Muslims to society, particularly, those in leadership positions on the need to showcase the core religious values in governance.

    He said Nigeria is till at a cross-road because it is a nation full of paradoxes.

    These paradoxes, the don identifies, as poverty in the midst of plenty.

    “With over 70 million people living below poverty line; high unemployment rate among educated youths; widespread/endemic corruption; widening income inequality; high cost of governance and rising debt profile due to lack of financial discipline on the part of all tiers of government. These are clear manifestations of the crisis of leadership in governance,” he said.

    Quoting from the Quran, Prof. Ladan said Islam wants Muslims to establish a society that is just and balanced, orderly, safe, secure, righteous, stable and prosperous “that is founded on selfless service, justice, humility, respect for the rule of law and protection of the rights of the weak, the poor, the needy, the orphaned, minorities/non-Muslims against all forms of discrimination, tyranny, oppression, monopoly and arrogance of the powerful, the rich and the corrupt political and public office holders and their colluders in the private sector of the economy”.

    He urged political office holders to use their position to show good leadership and accountability in office. According to him, those at the helms of affair should be compassionate, merciful and responsible to their followers.

    “The leaders must always be transparent, reliable and posses a sense of accountability. The leaders must be compassionate to the followers, use their position, power and the authority to do good work,” he said.

    Dr Yusuf said Allah forbids injustice, which is the norm in the society today.

    One of the fundamental problems confronting us as human beings, he said, is injustice.

    He asserted that a just and balanced society cannot be achieved unless we follow God’s commandment religiously.

    “In Islam, being a leader is a serious affair and the leadership position must be held with fear of Allah. It is not a thing of joy to be a leader because everyone will be accounted for on the day of judgement,” he noted.

    Ikuforiji promised the lawmakers would continue to show good leadership and abide by the Quranic injunctions.

    The House, he said, will continue to legislate for the betterment of the people’s welfare and for good governance as representatives of the people.

    In attendance were Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole; Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Education, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Olukoga; Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garuba Akinola Ibrahim and Chief Imams from the five divisions of the state, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i of The Muslim Congress (TMC); Ustaz Abdullah Akinbode of NASFAT; Ustaz Abdur Rahman Adangba of Fathu Qareeb; Sheikh Yahya Osoala; Sheikh Jubril Ramadan of Morkaz Salam; Sheikh Abdul Majeed Imran Eleha of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque; Sheikh Zakariyya Thaani of Ansar-ud-deen; Sheikh Abdul Wakil Mustafa and Ustaz Dawud Adelakun both of Association of Muslim Professionals.

  • A queen at 80

    A queen at 80

    Saturday, December 22, was a day of glory for Olori Sabainah Adeyeni  Olayisade, as prominent indigenes of Ekiti State thronged  her Ido Ekiti country-home to celebrate her at 80 that day.

    Olori Sabainah Adeyeni Olayisade, mother of five, among whom is the former Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Akin Olayisade, now the Chairman, Public Works Corporation, is an enterprising trader widely loved by her people in Ekiti State.

    She is the wife of the late Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Adeyemi Olayisade, fondly called the Odundun Asodedero by admirers during his lifetime. As a virtuous community leader, who had served well, Olori Olayisade enjoyed a lot of respect among her people, considering the crowd that besieged her residence and the attendees at the birthday thanksgiving held at St John’s Anglican Church, Ido Ekiti to celebrate with her.

    It was also a day for the exhibition of various lace materials and headgears of multifarious shapes.

    Popular gospel artiste Mrs Funmi Aragbaye and traditional musical funfare by the Ekiti State Cultural Troupe added more glamour to the event.

    Guests relished the sumptuous meals served by waiters.

    Mama, who danced energetically, was joyous throughout the party. She was clad in a purple lace and the same colour of headgear. Her sons – Prince, Kehinde, Adebayo and Adebanji – and the grand children wore a light blue lace while her only daughter, Princess Timilade Oriloye and other female relatives of the celebrator donned deep blue lace wears and yellow headgears.

    The birthday cake was designed in white, blue and purple to reflect the dressing of the celebrator and her children.

    The ceremony was unique in many ways. One, it turned a traditional carnival of sorts. Various groups appeared in aso-ebi and danced round the town to felicitate with the octogenarian women leader.

    Two, it attracted many prominent indigenes led by Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by his wife, Erelu Bisi.

    Mama Olayisade was full of praises to God for not only sparing her life but also for granting her good health, despite the challenges she had faced. She was particularly happy because all her children are doing well in their chosen careers.

    In his sermon at the Holy Communion Service, Bishop C.T. Omotunde, told the celebrator that having spent 80 years, all she was left with is to be born again with the belief that she is spending overtime, going by the biblical injunction that prescribes 70 years.

    Bishop Omotunde, who was full of praises for Mama Olayisade for her contributions to the church and the community, said she must see God as the pillar of her life and that of her children.

    He reminded Olori Olayisade that many of her age mates were not privileged to live to such a ripe age.

    Responding, Olori Olayisade said she has no option than to thank God for sparing her life and that of the children.

    She urged her children to be more diligent and rededicate their lives to the service of God and humanity.

    Olori Olayisade, who said being celebrated at 80 is a rare privilege, prayed for more prosperity for Ido Ekiti community and the state at large.

    Speaking on behalf of the children, Prince Olayisade described his mother as a disciplinarian, who nurtured her children with the best moral upbringing for them to be good ambassadors wherever they may be.

    He said the self-confidence and self-sustenance which she instilled in them helped in shaping their lives and made them successful in their chosen careers.

    Dignitaries included former Governor Ayodele Fayose; Hon Opeyemi Bamidele; Hon Bamidele Faparusi; Hon Bimbo Daramola; former Chairman of Oodua Group, Mr Clement Akinyemi; former UNAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof Israel Orubuloye; former Rector, Polytechnic , Ado Ekiti, Prof Olawumi Ajaja.

    Others were Group Managing Director, Wema Bank, Mr Segun Oloketuyi; former State Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Ropo Adesanya; Justice Kunle Adeleye; Ekiti State Deputy Speaker Hon. Tunji Orisalade; Mr Wole Ajiminsinmi; Special Adviser, Governor’s office, Mr Biodun Akin –Fasae; Chief Medical Director, Ido Ekiti Medical Centre, Dr Majekodunmi Ayodele; Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; Hon Muyiwa Odu; Hon Richard Apolola and Mr Kola Fakiyesi.

    Traditional rulers included Alaaye of Aaye Ekiti; Owa of Ilogbo Ekiti; Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti; Regent Omotunde Adelabu, among others.

  • Bouquet for a sweet mother

    The first remembrance/thanksgiving service for the late Mrs Elsie Abimbola Aduke Odunewu, wife of veteran journalist Hadj. Alade Odunewu, has been held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos. DAMILARE OSHOPALE writes. 

    Family members and well wishers gathered at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Marina, Lagos for a remembrance and thanksgiving service in memory of the late Mrs Elsie Abimbola Aduke Odunewu.

    Mrs Odunewu who died on January 5, last year, was the wife of legendary journalist El-Hadj Alade Odunewu (aka Allah De). She was a business woman.

    The late Mrs Odunewu was an alumna of Saint Mary’s Covenant School and Holy Child College, both in Lagos. She proceeded to the United Kingdom (UK) to study Architecture. After her graduation, Mrs Odunewu returned to work at the Federal Ministry of Works.

    Rev Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House led the church service.

    The entrance hymn what a friend we have in Jesus was sung.

    He also read from 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18, reminding the congregation of the last day when God will call on man to account for his deeds on earth. He urged the congregation to be God fearing.

    The communion hymn was sung by the choir for the baptised Catholics who are in state of grace to receive the communion.

    The recessional hymn Blessed Assurance was taken at the close of the service.

    After the service, guests and friends were hosted to a lavish reception at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

    The expansive hall was decorated in white and laced with gold. The ambience was lively thus setting the mood to celebrate a life well spent.

    Her children and grandchildren still have fond memories of her.

    All looked charming in their attires. The band of Femi Arowolo entertained guests. The melodious tunes from his saxophone added glamour to the occasion.

    One of her sons, Akanni Odunewu, described her death as painful.

    “The pain is great, the loss inexplicable, but who am I to question the will of God for He knows all, sees all and listens to all. Iya rere sun re o. I love you mother with all that I have,” he said.

    Former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba sympathised with the family.

    He moved from table to table to greet the family.

    The deceased’s first child, Mrs Ebun Awosika said her mother’s death hurts.

    “It has been one very strange year mummy. It is very difficult to find the words to describe the emotions I go through daily, I feel I let you down at the time you needed me most and it hurt very badly. I am very sorry. I know it was ultimately God’s will,” she said.

    Mrs Awosika said her mother’s legacies have kept the family going.

  • Entering His gates with thanksgiving

    Entering His gates with thanksgiving

    Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan joined the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse, at a thanksgiving to celebrate the Itsekiri nation last Sunday. SHOLA O’NEIL writes

    It is a yearly event where Itsekiri indigenes gather to thank God for His mercies in the outgoing year. The 2012 edition was held on December 30 at the palace of the Olu of Warri. The church hall in the hallowed palace brimmed with Itsekiri indigenes and their friends, singing and dancing. They were led by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife, Roli; were also there.

    After the Itsekiri and National anthems’ rendition, the Praise Leader, Mrs. Elizabeth Tuoyo, led some prominent Itsekiri gospel groups in an awe-inspiring praise and worship session. Mrs Tuoyo noted that the Itsekiri nation “has so much to be thankful to God for” in a turbulent year in which flood ravaged communities within and outside the state.

    She said their monarch and the Itsekiri were grateful that they made it into the sanctuary of God and not the mortuary.

    The Royal Voices Choir, the famous Ugono for Jesus Group and Joint Native Choir of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Olu Palance took over proceedings for about one hour.

    The most memorable session of the service was the sermon by the Chaplain of Warri Kingdom, Dr. Mark Erumi. The sermon, which focused on the essence of thanksgiving, was laced with the chaplain’s personal experience and the biblical story of Cain and Abel.

    To drive home his point, the chaplain recounted how, as a Class III student at the Federal Government College, Warri, in 1963, his inability to thank his aunt who sent him a gift cost him dearly. He did not receive anything again from her until her death years later.

    The lesson of the story was clear to everybody in the mini-theatre and canopies outside the Church, particularly, the Itsekiri whose communities were not hit by the flood which wreaked havoc in some parts of Delta State.

    Dr. Erumi condemned adultery, reminding men and women, who engage in this ‘sinful’ practice of its dire consequences.

    He said it was not good enough for people to go to church at the end of the year for thanksgiving only to return to their wayward lifestyle after.

    “We can appear before God in thanksgiving – we can give the very best of what we have – but if our hearts are not in the place to please God, we are giving thanks without a pure heart and it will not be acceptable to God,” he said.

    Governor Uduaghan said the yearly event is a blessing to him and his family. He praised the monarch for the progress his reign has brought to the state, saying the greatest stride yet was the establishment of the educational trust fund for the nation.

    The General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Revd. Felix Meduoye, thanked the Ogiame for his kind heartedness and prayed for the continued growth and prosperity of the Itsekiri nation. Revd. Meduoye’s message was delivered by Revd. Sam Aboyeji, Warri District Pastor.

    The monarch and Uduaghan led the palace chiefs, including Chief Gabriel Mabiaku; Chief Willy Edema-Ofoni; Chief Water Omadeli; Tuoyo Omatsuli; Prof Rowland Yomere; Mr Gbesimi Akpere and Hon Kent Omatsone to thank God at the church altar.

    Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Basil Ganagana, led other Deltans from all walks of life to the ceremony. They included Senator James Manager; former Minister of Police Affairs Alaowei Broderick Bozimo; Hon. Ossai Ossai; Hon Evelyn Oboro-Ojakovo; Hon. Pat Ajudua; Hon. Johnson Erijo and pioneer Speaker of the Assembly Hon. Emmanuel Okoro.

    Other guests were Chief Israel Abido; Commissioner for Works Hon. Asupa Forteta; Hon Funkekeme Solomon, his Housing counterpart, Paulinus Akpeki; Political Adviser to the governor Chief Fred Majemite; former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dr. Joseph Otumara; Hon. Michael Diden and Hon. Irene Imilar.

    Revd. Wilson Ofoluwafor said the prayer for the monarch and the kingdom. He said the ethnic group was lucky to have a Christian monarch and prayed for God’s protection over him, his wife and family. Revd. Aboyeji said the closing prayer at 2pm.

  • Displaying their dancing skills

    Displaying their dancing skills

    Ace sports commentator Fabio Olanipekun’s daughter, Omolola has got married to Olaoluwa Fanu at City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there. 

    For the families of Fabio Olanipekun and Adewale Fanu, December 15 was the day the Lord made for their children to be joined together as man and wife. The solemnisation of the union between Omolola Olumayowa (nee Olanipekun) and Akinwande Olaoluwa Fanu took place at the City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

    Looking dapper in his ash suit, a red tie and a white shirt, the groom was all smiles as he beheld the bride. He waited patiently as his bride was ushered into the church by her father, who was decked in a blue national dress.

    The bride looked angelic in her white flowing gown with feathered gather. She wore a veil and had sparkling accessories on her hair, neck, ear and wrist.

    After the marriage, the couple were given special seats at the altar, where they sat all through the proceedings.

    The church had seasonal decorations. Flowers lined the walkway of the aisle.

    Presbyter of the Methodist Church, Rev M.B.O. Arogundade presided at the ceremony. In his sermon, he gave steps to Building an enduring home, which was the title of his sermon.

    The reception was held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The expansive hall was split in two; members of both families sat on either side. It was decorated in the dominant colour of orange.

    The three-layered cake stood in the middle of the hall.

    Many were decked in exquisite clothes. They were there to rejoice with the new couple. Exotic necklaces glittered from the neck of the women.

    Crystal lightening dropped from the roof of the hall, adding glamour and affluence to the arena.

    With DJ Shakur dishing out Nigerian songs, there was no dull moment, as most of the continental music topping the charts were played. Not even the attendants could resist the tunes as they danced intermittently, while moving around to meet the needs of the guests. They served continental and African cuisine with choice wine and drinks.

    The bride was gorgeous as she stepped into the hall with her beau. From one dance step to another, they twisted their waists and ‘bent low’. At some point during the dance, the groom pulled his suit to allow him room to dance well. Each tried to out-dance the other as they headed to their seats, which were specially made for them.

    Shola Samson held sway as master of ceremony (MC) till popular comedian Koffi took the microphone.

    Old boys of Methodist Boys High School, Lagos (MBHS), who have known Mr Olanipekun for over 60 years, came out to make a presentation. In their usual manner, they backed up their presentations with the recitation of their school anthem. The good old friends sang the first stanza with croaking voices.

  • The good, old Ife

    Alumni of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State have gathered in Lagos to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their alma mater. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    It was time to make merry when alumni of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, celebrated the golden jubilee.

    They came in large numbers. From the East, North and Middle Belt; every region of the country was represented. Industrialists, academics, captains of industry and administrators were all present.

    The school rolled out the drums in celebration. Venue was the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a dinner.

    Among those in attendance were three notable alumni — Governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and former Nigerian Bar Association President Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). They dropped their political differences for the sake of their alma mater.

    As guests stepped into the tastefully furnished hall, they could not resist the tunes from the speakers. Some went straight to the dancing floor, others danced to their seats.

    Women wriggled their waists, some danced in twos and threes.

    Many turned out in their best. It was either continental or western; they all looked stunning. It was time to catch up on good old times as old friends and colleagues chatted. The event took off on a merry note as ace comedian, Mr. Gbenga Adeyinka, also an alumnus, set the ball rolling with rib-cracking jokes.

    Chairman of the event, Prof Olu Akinkugbe, recounted the institution’s days of glory and travails. Akinkugbe, with mature humour, told interesting stories of the life of a typical Nigerian student.

    Guests laughed intermittently at memorable occurrences as they applied to them. Some just nodded their heads.

    Akinkugbe called on the alumni not to leave the funding of the university to the government alone.

    “Government not funding the university is not peculiar only to Nigeria. And most of the top universities of the world have resorted to their alumni for a substantial development of their infrastructure. OAU has a unique position among all universities. One of its faculties has produced the only Nobel laureate in literature in Africa and if things had worked out well in this country, all the faculties would have competed well with other universities across the globe,” he said.

    Chief host and OAU’s VC Prof. Tale Omole stressed the need for the alumni’s support. He said the reason for the gathering was to celebrate a university that has contributed greatly not only to the development of Nigeria but also to the world.

    “OAU remains the only university in Africa; in all spheres of life; in big organisations and government parastatals across the globe, we have our products holding their own. We are here to realise our collective dream for Ife. The university has been a great idea and we shall continue to support it to reflect the excellence that has always been its foundation,” he said.

    In a documentary, guests saw what the university used to be when it took off 50 years ago and what it is now.

    This, Prof Omole said, will help the project for it in future.

    Former presidential candidate and publisher of Ovation magazine Bashorun Dele Momodu, also an alumnus, said the gathering afforded him an opportunity to see a people he hasn’t seen in a long while.

    There were presentations in dance, music and acrobatics by the Explicit group, comprising 67 young orphaned dancers.

    Other dignitaries on the occasion include Senator Ayo Arise; Lagos State Head of Service Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe; President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Doyin Owolabi; Chief Gboyega Fatimilehin, Chief Agboola Odeyemi; Chief Ore Falomo, Prof Mike Faborede, and Mr. Bola Akingbade.

  • A call to service

    IT was a two-in-one event — installation of Sheikh Mubarak Jimoh as Imam of the Brazilian Salvador Mosque, Lagos Island, and the conferment of titles on some Muslim leaders.

    Among those honoured were Lagos State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Agbesinga Adinni of the mosque, his wife, Alhaja Aminat, Imole Adinni; Deputy Commissioner of Police Usman Suraj, Majeobaje Adinni and his wife, Alhaja Zinab, Osupa Adinni.

    The mini-hall inside Campos Stadium was filled with dignitaries.

    Praise songs were rendered as the Imam moved into the venue for his installation.

    The hall was ornately decorated in pink and blue colours. Many were clad in white.

    While waiting for the arrival of the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim, the master of ceremony, Mr Waheed Tella, entertained the guests with jokes.

    As soon as Sheikh Garuba arrived, the opening prayer was said. It was followed by recitation from the Quran by Farouk Oshodi.

    The Chief Host and Baba Adinni of the Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Mojeed Salvador, welcomed guests.

    The ceremony was chaired by the Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou. He was represented by Alhaji Isiak Aminu.

    Sheikh Abou appealed to Muslims to give their all to Islam.

    “Knowledge is the basis of Islam, we must contribute to the work of Islam for it to flourish,” he said.

    He congratulated Sheikh Jimoh on his investiture.

    Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Religion Matters Alhaji Shakur Gafar delivered a lecture. He reminded the gathering that leadership is by Allah’s mercy, adding that whoever is entrusted with leadership should rule in accordance with the teachings of the Quran.

    “Your Imamship is by Allah’s mercy, you must be lenient and tolerant with the people,” he said.

    He urged the Imam to consult with the elders in his dealings.

    After Jimoh’s installation by Sheikh Garuba and his assistants, Alhaji Tijani Gbajabiamila and Alhaji Mujitaba Giwa, he was presented with his staff of office.

    An elated Alhaji Pedro promised to continue to work for Islam’s progress.

    “I will continue to do what I have been doing for the progress of Islam and to ensure that the religion progresses,” he said.

    He urged the Imam to play a fatherly role to keep the Mosque going.

    Imam Jimoh described the day as his happiest.

    “It is the best day in my life, it is a memorable day for me and the Brazilian Salvador Quarters,” he said.

    He promised to work assiduously for the progress of Islam.

    Guests included Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General Alhaji Abdul Rahman Ade Ipaye; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Senator Munir Muse; Alhaji Ali Balogun; Alhaji Bamgbose Martins; Alhaji Samson Adelaja; Alhaji Leke Shittu; Dr Gafar Sanusi; Alhaji Kunle Lediju among others.

  • Union of ‘learned colleagues’

    Union of ‘learned colleagues’

    Two lawyers – Atinuke, daughter of the former Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Dr Bolu Ogundowole and Babatope Oriola got married in the ancient town of Owo, Ondo State. TAIWO ABIODUN was there.

    As early as 7a.m, the residents of Government Resident Area (GRA), Owo, were woken up by the traditional trumpeters, cultural dancers and praise singers who displayed dexterity to announce to the community of a great event in the offing.

    It heralded the engagement between Atinuke, daughter of the former Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Dr Bolu Ogundowole and Babatope Oriola.

    ‘Armed’ with a proposal letter and ingredients for the wedding, the groom’s family members, friends and well wishers from Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, were at the gate of the Ogundowole’s in search of a beautiful ‘flower’ Atinuke.

    In compliance to Yoruba tradition, the two families were engaged in an interesting ‘debate’ and each family was represented by an emcees (Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko) who after a lot of pleasantries, exchange of questions and answers allowed the Oriolas in. The necessary rites took place before the train moved to St John’s Anglican Church, Iyere-Owo, for the Holy matrimony.

    The officiating pastor, Olu Abiodun implored parents to devote time to God.

    Parents, the cleric said, should not go to the praying mountain for fasting while neglecting their children.

    He urged the couple to always respect each other’s opinion.

    There was exchange of wedding rings and signing of the marriage certificate.

    After declaring them husband and wife, special songs were rendered by the choristers.

    The couple later took pictures with family and friends.

    At the Aruwajoye Events Hall, venue of the reception, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Bode Oyerinde, congratulated the couple.

    Oyerinde, the chairman Governing Council, founder and Pro Chancellor of Achievers University, enjoined the couple to be tolerant.

    “You should tolerate each other and do things in common with perseverance and the fear of God,” he said.

    The groom described his wife as unassuming.

    He told The Nation how he met her.

    “I met her about six years ago, she gave me a tough time before she agreed to marry me, she is a devouted Christian and that also attracted her to me. I know she is a lawyer but she is more of a pastor as she preaches to me always. Aside these, she is patient, unassuming and pleasant,” he said.

    The bride described him as humble, simple and God-fearing.

    “I am proud to have him as my husband. It is true that I gave him a tough time before I agreed,” she said.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Oriola, thanked God for making the day a reality.

    Dr Ogundowole prayed for the couple to live happily.

    Among those who witnessed the occasion are Prof Kayode Olotua; Prince Olanrewaju Olateru-Olagbegi; Chief Executive Officer Tisco Company Chief Isaac Tapere; Group Captain Olu Daramola; Olori Bola Sijuade; Academic and Non Academic staff of Achievers University, Owo and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

  • Their happy day

    Their happy day

    The wedding between Ibukunoluwa, daughter of Dr Adegoke Kalejaiye and Adesola, son of Otunba Adedayo Adeyinka from Ido-Ekiti, drew friends and family members to Ibadan. BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON were there.

    It was the day many had waited for. None looked forward to the day more than former Miss Ibukunoluwa Kalejaiye and Mr Adesola Adeyinka, who had waited patiently for 11 years to say “I do”.

    For the couple, it was their special day and their looks said it all. December 16, last year, was their happiest day. That day, the young couple brought guests from across the Southwest to their wedding held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    They met at a campus fellowship at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2001 when they were in 100 Level. They became friends and ended up signing the dotted lines to become life partners.

    It was a three-in-one ceremony featuring the court marriage at the registry, engagement and a lavish reception.

    The colour of the day was a touch of wine for the bride’s family and friends; the groom’s family went for a touch of gold for their guests.

    The church service was conducted at Functional Hall, Jogor Centre. Revd Tunji Taiwo of the Lighthouse Baptist Church and other ministers of God conducted the service.

    The cleric urged the couple to stand by their marital vows, adding that God is their witness. He wished them a blissful union with God’s multiple blessings.

    Guests were later ushered into the Hall of Grace at the same venue for the reception.

    A medical consultant and a columnist in The Nation newspaper, Dr. Tony Marinho led the guests.

    Dr Marinho, who chaired the reception, wished the couple a successful married life.

    “It is customary to give words of wisdom at this kind of occasion. But all I will tell you is that you should be conscious of your tongue, because that is what destroys so many marriages and it will save yours if you adhere to it,” he said

    He urged Ibukunoluwa to always obey her husband and be a good daughter-in-law.

    The groom, Ibikunle, decked in a black suit, described his wife as “a true spirited and level-headed person who is God-fearing, hard working and a woman of great integrity.

    “I thank God for making today a reality. I am happy to have her as my best friend and better half. The striking thing is her sense of purity. She is my prayer partner, my confidant, my sister and someone I am helplessly in love with. I believe I have made the right choice because I have peace in my heart,” he said.

    Ibukunoluwa also described her husband as “a comforter and a father.”

    “He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We understand each other and, most importantly, we love each other beyond description. What attracted him to me is that he is God-fearing and he is the best a man can ever be to a woman. I am so, so happy,” she said.