The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • A gathering of ‘learned colleagues’

    The law firm of SPA Ajibade & Co held its fifth annual business luncheon in Lagos, writes NNEKA NWANERI.

    Their dressing gave them out; men and women decked in dark suits. It was a gathering of learned gentlemen and Senior Advocates of Nigeria who were, last Thursday, treated to a business luncheon at the La Scala Restaurant, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

    They came from various firms for the fifth Annual Business Luncheon hosted by the law firm of SPA Ajibade & Co. It had the theme: The Future of Legal Practice in Nigeria – Specialisation and the Barrister-Solicitor Divide.

    The restaurant wore a different look as the tables and chairs, covered with white clothes, blended with the lawyers’ favourite colour: black.

    The chief host and founder of the host firm, Chief Simon Peter Ajibade, looked different. Knowing that everyone would turn up dressed as expected of lawyers, he chose to go the traditional way.

    He looked young for his age in his white agbada with blue cap, greeting guests as they arrived, complimenting their looks, asking about their job, and wishing them well.

    Beside him and doing the introductions was his Managing Partner, Dr Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), who looked classy in his ash-coloured suit.

    Before the event began, the younger Ajibade called for the observance of a minute’s silence for the late eminent jurist, Justice Kayode Eso. It was a solemn moment as the lawyers paid respects to the departed Supreme Court justice.

    The guest speaker was Prof Fidelis Oditah (QC, SAN), who questioned the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to non-advocates, saying it was not surprising in a nation where citizens love titles.

    He said while the award of SAN to academics may be justified, since they are assumed to have contributed significantly to the development of knowledge, it is not so for transactional lawyer (non-advocates).

    “The rank of Queen’s Council (QC), England’s version of the SAN rank, is not awarded to transactional solicitors. The few solicitors who are QCs are all litigation solicitors, all of whom enjoy the rights of audience in the higher courts.

    “In England, QC is primarily recognition for excellence in advocacy in the higher courts and is conferred on experienced advocates, both barristers and solicitors, who have demonstrated other requisite competencies such as excellent legal knowledge and good professional reputation and integrity.

    “English transaction solicitors do not have such competencies and therefore do not apply for QC. In the same vein, Nigerian transaction solicitors should not apply for or be conferred the rank of SAN,” Oditah said.

    He was of the view, however, that it is possible to excel as barrister and transactional lawyer in a specialised field of practice. According to him, if a lawyer remains narrowly focused and enjoys the cut and thrust of legal argument, it is possible to excel both in court work and in transactional work.

    He admitted that the extent to which a lawyer desires to and can do both successfully is often a function of the availability of work.

    Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, was represented by Justice Datijo Mohammed. She praised Lagos lawyers, saying the state has remained the centre of excellence in legal practice.

    Oditah’s paper was discussed by Dr Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN), Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), former Kano State Attorney-General Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) and Dr Gbolahan Elias (SAN).

    Ajayi predicted that in another 20 years, Nigeria, like developed countries, would have large firms of 500 lawyers.

    “We must begin to prepare for the future by specialising. We have to encourage partnerships,” he said.

    Idigbe said the regulatory framework needs to be enhanced to encourage commercial use of specialist skill.

    According to him, without certainty in outcome in Nigeria’s court system and law reform to upgrade commercial laws to international best practices, the country cannot be a destination for dispute resolution and choice of law. It is a chicken and egg dilemma, he said.

    “There is need for the creation of a new institution to regulate lawyers and the practice of law in Nigeria. In many ways, the practice of law in Nigeria is virtually unregulated. There is a positive correlation between the regulation of law and the use of lawyers for transactions.

    “Better regulation increases confidence in the profession, and invariably, increased usage of the services of lawyers and at lower cost to the consumers. Ideally, lawyers should drive transactions not other professionals like Bankers, Estate Surveyors, etc,” Idigbe said.

    Also at the event were Chairman, Legal Aid Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), George Oguntade (SAN), Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Taiwo O. Taiwo,

  • Another feather on Chisco’s cap

    Another feather on Chisco’s cap

    At exactly 2:45pm, a black Rolls Royce with plate number OKEYI 1 pulled up at one of the entrances to the Zinna Hall of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. With drum beats and trumpets, that heralded the arrival of the man of the day. Chairman of Chisco Transportations Chief Chidi Anyaegbu was installed as the Patron of Amichi Youths Social Club of Nigeria.

    His arrival was greeted with accolades and chants. For an event that was to begin at noon, the long wait was finally over for guests who left all their engagements to celebrate with a friend and brother.

    As they trickled in one after the other, the parking lot was filled with exotic cars.

    On entry, a large number of people followed Chief Anyaegbu into the hall. He was dressed in a white attire and red chieftaincy cap. There was a big white feather tucked into the cap. His wife was with him as he moved around the hall, greeting guests with hugs, handshakes and back pats.

    One of the guests whispered to his sister that it’s not often that one finds in large numbers a gathering of the Igbos in Lagos, and the occasion was just one of the many of them.

    Though it’s not yet Christmas, guests had a feel of the coming season. Christmas decorations and lightening were all over the hall. Members of the all men club were decked in a white and black uniformed ankara fabric.

    Pretty young girls adorned with beads on their heads and necks ushered guests in. Their uniformed George wrappers were tied across their chest down to their knee. They were barefoot.

    A mini-stage was set for two. Double king-sized chairs and a table were at the centre of the hall. Artificial flowers in vases surrounded the setting.

    Each table had a plate of garden eggs and pepper sauce.

    Chizoba Omeokachie of Sasha Events anchored the ceremony.

    There was the breaking of Kolanut, as is the usual tradition of the Igbos whenever they gather. It was passed round the hall till everyone got a share of the ‘kola’.

    The National President of the Amichi Youth Club, Chuba Ochubili, in his welcome address, described Chief Anyaegbu as a great industrialist and employer of labour, who has contributed immensely to the growth of the club.

    Ochubili highlighted some of the awardees philanthropic activities in the state, thus, conferring him as the patron of the 34 year-old club in appreciation of his contribution to Anambra State and Amichi town.

    In his keynote address, the Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joe Odumodu said the club has become a binding force for the Igbo who find it difficult to come together.

    He titled his address Excellence does not just happen, noting that honouring such a man gives people liberty to emulate him.

    “Excellence is what stands him out. Excellence is the top of quality and it does not just come to you. You have to work your way to get it. Hard work, resource and diligence have earned him the respect he has. There is more to life than quick money and grandeur. A culture of no excellence can be destructive,” he said.

    As Chief Anyaegbu’s citation was read, he stood at the centre of the stage. The 56-year- old begun his transportation business in 1981 with just a bus and today, it has grown into a fleet of 200. He is an entrepreneur of haulage and oil and gas.

    The president of the club, accompanied by the first and second patrons of the club installed him with a staff, the insignia of office. As he accepted the staff from his predecessor, Chief Edwin Okekenwa, fireworks, trumpets and flutes played in the background. His wife, Ngozi was given the horsetail.

    The club raised funds for some of its upcoming projects.

    In response, Chief Anyaegbu expressed delight that men of same age group honoured him.

    “It isn’t easy to see men that are your mates honour you. I appreciate the fact that they agree that I rule them and be on top of their affairs. I’m grateful for this honour,” he acknowledged.

    Those in attendance were: CEO Emzor Pharmaceuticals Mrs Stella Okoli; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Mr Walter Ezeh; President, Igbo Coalition in Lagos Chief JP Ekwilo; Chairman of Ibeto Group, Dr Cletus Ibeto represented Mr Victor Umeh; Dr Milton Jibuno; Chairman, Young Shall Grow Motors, Innocent Obianufo; Sam Ekpuchionwu who is the first Igbo man to be president of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Lagos chapter Spokesman Joe Igbokwe; former gubernatorial aspirant of Anambra, Dr George Opkagu; the Udemba of Amichi, Chief Mike Umeh; Member, Anambra House of Assembly Hon Chris Azulo; former first Lady of Anambra State, Mrs Omerua; National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh; Mike Igbokwe (SAN); Prof Anya Anya; Bishop Mike Okonkwo; former Group MD of Citizen’s Bank Chika Mbonu; former Minister of Interior Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho; CEO, Globe Motors William Anumudu among others.

  • A ‘living legend’ @ 80

    All roads led to Oke-Agbe, Akoko in Ondo State for the 80th birthday of an expatriate and pioneer principal of the famous Ajuwa Grammar School, Ondo State, last weekend. DAMISI OJO reports.

    It was a moment of joy and celebration for teachers, old and current students of Ajuwa Grammar School, Oke-Agbe, Akoko, Ondo State last Saturday. Royal fathers, government functionaries and indigenes gathered to honour a seasoned educationist, administrator and first Principal of the school, Chief Guy Gargiulo, who turned 80 on August 13.

    The colourful event saw the old students decked out in Aso-ebi uniformed Ankara outfits. They were happy to celebrate a man who shaped their lives.

    Dignitaries sang praises of Gargiulo for his immense contributions to the development of the school and Oke Agbe community.

    GG, as he is fondly called by his students, started his career in Britain. He came to Nigeria in the early 1960s and worked as a teacher at Igbobi College in Lagos before he was contacted by some prominent indigenes of Oke-Agbe to act as the principal of the secondary school.

    Gargiulo served as principal for 15 years between 1963 and 1978.

    Some of his old students who occupy positions of authoriy in the country, include, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Sehinde Kumuyi; a lawyer, activist and politician, Dr. Tunji Abayomi; former Commissioner for Finance, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, Dr. Solomon Ayo Oladunni, frontline businessman and former Vice Chairman of Mobil, a former World Bank chief now Ajana of Afa Oke-Agbe, Dr. Oladunjoye Fajana.

    Others are, the late Ambassador Boyede Ige, a member, House of Representatives, Gani Dauda, a shipping magnate, Mr. Moses Oloro and former managing Director, Unilever, East Africa, Oluwatuyi Ehindero.

    The celebrator was decked in traditional attire, wearing unfading smiles and showing so much appreciation for the encomiums showered on him.

    For his contributions to the development of Oke-Agbe community, Garguilo got a chieftaincy title.

    He was known to be a disciplinarian. Gargiulo’s students described him as a “living legend”.

    At the ceremony, the National President, Ajuwa Old Students Association (AOSA), Mr. Adeboro Eniola, said ‘GG’, who was the principal from 1963 to 1978, had been identified with the communities in Akoko land.

    Eniola noted that ‘GG’, in his 15 years tenure as principal, touched the lives of his students. The celebrator, he said, sponsored some indigent ones and lightened the burden of many poor parents.

    “He contributed in no small measure to the development of education and sports in Ondo State. Chief Gargiulo is reputed to have introduced continuous assessment to Ondo State Secondary Schools education system when he was Deputy Director, Continuous Education. He has no biological child of his, he has been father to all. Amongst them, a former World Bank guru, now Ajana of Afa Oke-Agbe, Dr. Oladunjoye Fajana,” he stressed.

    The chairman of the occasion, Oba Alex Jimoh, the Owage of Oge kingdom, praised GG, saying “we are celebrating excellence in all ramifications”.

    “We are celebrating excellence in education, excellence in discipline, excellence in culture. Though, he is a Briton, but he preferred to leave his comfort and spend most of his life time in Nigeria and he was able to adapt easily with our culture.

    “He is excellent in character. He is excellent in language, he can speak English fluently, despite his parents are Italian. He is able to speak Yoruba and Oke-Agbe language and he can also speak French.

    “Why I am saying this is because I was one of the first set of the school. Before the arrival of Gargiulo, our school was on the verge of collapsing. The regional government then had concluded plans to distribute us on other school because we have no principal.

    “When GG was employed as Principal in 1963, our hope came back again. My Principal, who is now a living legend, assisted most us in becoming great in life. Most of the existing structures in the school were built by Garguilo,” Oba Jimoh said.

    Also, a 1963 set, Mr. Kayode Smith said GG was a fulfillment of destiny.

    Former President of AOSA Mr. Ayorinde Imoru also described GG as a dedicated man, saying his impact on the community will never be forgotten.

    His words: “I am 1973 set, GG is an excellent man. There is a saying in this community ”No Garguilo, No Ajuwa; the school was about to be closed down when he came and he came as saviour. He was able to transform the school and the school became one of the best in the state. GG is a man of so many parts. Very dedicated, very hardworking and he was able to bring out the best of the students and whatever he writes on your testimonial is the truth”.

    The present Principal, who also served under Garguilo in 1977, Mr. Samuel Adogba, described GG as a father to all the students.

    Adogba said despite his old age, GG always visited the school to support the teachers.

    The Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr Ayo Ogedengbe, said the birthday was to honour Gargiulo for his contributions to the development of the school.

    He described him as a selfless, hardworking, disciplinarian and seasoned educationist, who will ever be remembered in the history of the school, Akokoland and Ondo State.

    An excited Gargiulo thanked his old students for the eulogies.

    He said the old students were praising him for turning things around for them, stressing that it was not him, but he managed to find out the best the students could offer and developed on that.

    Said Gargiulo: “We started swimming, but I am not a swimmer, I am not a painter, bricklayer. I don’t know any of these things. But, I managed to bring out your best and developed on it. It was the old students that made Ajuwa a famous secondary school among others.”

  • When ‘Corpers’ found love

    When ‘Corpers’ found love

    IN Saturday November 17, lovebirds Ikpemhosi Amakhabi and Oluwatosin Olatunji got married at the Love and Peace Garden, Ikotun, Lagos in a very colourful ceremony.

    On the same day, they held their engagement.

    The event started with prayers and praise and worship songs at the hall which was decorated in pink and silver, the colours of the day.

    The alaga, who also served as the compere of the engagement, introduced the parents of the couple. She called for all to observe a minute silence in honour of the bride’s father, who passed on three years ago.

    The groom came into the hall in style. It was his day of joy and he stood tall and different from everyone else in the hall.

    Adorned in a baby blue lace agbada with matching accessories of a gold chain and a big red bead, depicting his Ishan, Benin roots, he was ushered in by his friends, among who was the popular music producer, ID Cabassa.

    Ikpemhosi was made to prostrate before his in-laws, as is the Yoruba tradition; his friends also joined in such gesture.

    The alaga interrogated him to what was his mission in the hall. The groom replied that he had come to beg for the hand of the bride in marriage. He was made to ‘settle’ the alaga before being allowed to go. He greeted his ‘new’ and ‘old’ parents before he was allowed to take his seat in their midst.

    After this, it was time to usher in the bride. Tosin came in dressed the same matching baby blue iro and buba lace, complete with red accessories and shoes. She greeted her parents and was ushered onto her seat. Tosin was given her beau’s (Ik as he is popularly known as) cap to wear it for him, which she did to the admiration of all.

    After this, the audience prayed for them after which the groom lifted his bride and presented her to his parents. They were prayed for again by the audience. The engagement ended with the traditional thank you dance by the groom’s mother and members of her age group.

    The reception started immediately with another opening prayer. The couple’s parents were ushered onto the high table with dancing and singing. After which, the couple were accompanied into the venue by their friends. The groom was dressed in a black suit with white shirt and the bride in a long cream dress with a pink rose in her hair. Both looked radiant and splendid.

    The toast was given by Chika Okechukwu of Keystone Bank, who told of the ‘beginning of the love story’. She said: “The couple met when they were serving in Lafia, Nasarawa State. IK was the choir leader in church and Tosin was a member of the choir.

    “I recall that they both lived in the Nigeria Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) hostel. But IK was hardly ever in his room; you would always find him in Tosin’s room. This is the first product of NCCF Lafia and we’re glad we’re all happy to witness it. May God bless your union,” she prayed.

    The chairman of the occasion, Mr Oyerinde Gbadebo , admonished the couple to live together in love. He urged them to always resolve their differences without any external influence.

    The highlight of the reception was a surprise for the bride by the groom. The groom went on his knees, singing various renditions of romantic songs for the bride. This elicited excitement from the audience, with much shouting and tears from the females in the audience.

    Declaring the vote of thanks, IK said: “She is the girl of my dream. I’m glad I made my move when I did. Tosin is the girl for me; she is everything I want in a woman. Words cannot really express how I feel about her. I can’t describe it. In fact, I’m speechless and lost for words.”

    The bride said of her man: “He is God sent. You know when God specially creates something and hands it over to you; that is what IK is to me. He completes me; makes me feel special and am glad that am his wife.”

  • Church installs new chairman

    The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ewutuntun District sub headquarters installed Special Apostle Solomon Olatunde Akinsanya as the District Chairman. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    Anyone who visited the Anthony Obe Street, Lagos, in the early hours of Sunday, November 18, would take the street as a Mecca of sort. The members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church converged in their large number.

    They shone in their white flowing garments, radiating joy. They sang and danced gleefully in their usual tradition. Security personnel were stationed at strategic locations leading to the street to forestall any disturbance.

    The gathering was for the installation of Special Apostle Solomon Olatunde Akinsanya as its District Chairman, and the inauguration of the church as a District Headquarters.

    With the processional hymn, the church session began as all sang: Olugbala a de loni lati wa da majemu ran emi iye re si wa k’o so gbogbo wa dotun meaning O! Our Saviour we come today to perform the vows we made. Send thy spirit of redemption and renew our souls, was the processional hymn for the commencement of the church service.

    The sermon was given by the Spiritual Head and Chairman of the C and S Movement Church Worldwide, Rev Samuel Abidoye.

    Rev Abidoye challenged members to work for the redemption of life for Christ.

    After the church service, the inauguration of the church as a District was followed. This was anchored by Rev Abidoye and assisted by the C and S Movement Church Secretary- General, Dr Bayo Ogunlusi.

    Wanting to know why the church has opted for district status from the central body, Rev Abidoye tasked to supply answers.

    Ogunlusi said the church can be granted the district status for the purpose. Ogunlusi said district status if given to Ewutuntun Sub District will give them opportunities to grow numerically, opportunity to embark independently on developmental programmes like building of schools among others.

    The district is made up of 11 branches. It was inaugurated by Rev Abidoye. After the inauguration, there was jubilation with the congregation shouting halleluyah amid trumpeting by the church brigade band.

    Then came installation of the District Chairman followed, it was also coordinated by Rev Abidoye.

    Special Apostle Akinsanya appeared in a regalia with an insignia of his office. He was accompanied by some members.

    They walked up to Rev Abidoye who was to install him as Chairman.

    Having confirmed that Apostle Akinsanya is able to lead the church, he installed him the District Chairman.

    He was given a hymn book, Holy Bible, bell, register and a staff of office. His installation was greeted with cheers amid the chanting of halleluyah.

    Apostle Akinsanya, while taking the oath of office, promised to take the church to greater heights and to obey the church’s of constitution.

    He solicited the support of members and others to enable do justice to the office so as not to let the church down.

    “We promise never to betray that confidence and trust,” he said.

    He assured the congregation of his administration’s desire to take evangelism to the next level.

    “We are prepared to take the challenges of Evangelism and soul winning beyond the shores of Nigeria,” he said.

    ApostleAkinsanya said he would stand and work by the truth.

    “It may not be business as usual from our end as we shall be guided by truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, for the sake of the church, the pillar and foundation of truth,” he said.

    It was pomp and ceremony; all danced to the music by the church choir.

    They were treated to choice foods and drinks.

  • Church installs new chairman

    Church installs new chairman

    Anyone who visited the Anthony Obe Street, Lagos, in the early hours of Sunday, November 18, would take the street as a Mecca of sort. The members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church converged in their large number.

    They shone in their white flowing garments, radiating joy. They sang and danced gleefully in their usual tradition. Security personnel were stationed at strategic locations leading to the street to forestall any disturbance.

    The gathering was for the installation of Special Apostle Solomon Olatunde Akinsanya as its District Chairman, and the inauguration of the church as a District Headquarters.

    With the processional hymn, the church session began as all sang: Olugbala a de loni lati wa da majemu ran emi iye re si wa k’o so gbogbo wa dotun meaning O! Our Saviour we come today to perform the vows we made. Send thy spirit of redemption and renew our souls, was the processional hymn for the commencement of the church service.

    The sermon was given by the Spiritual Head and Chairman of the C and S Movement Church Worldwide, Rev Samuel Abidoye.

    Rev Abidoye challenged members to work for the redemption of life for Christ.

    After the church service, the inauguration of the church as a District was followed. This was anchored by Rev Abidoye and assisted by the C and S Movement Church Secretary- General, Dr Bayo Ogunlusi.

    Wanting to know why the church has opted for district status from the central body, Rev Abidoye tasked to supply answers.

    Ogunlusi said the church can be granted the district status for the purpose. Ogunlusi said district status if given to Ewutuntun Sub District will give them opportunities to grow numerically, opportunity to embark independently on developmental programmes like building of schools among others.

    The district is made up of 11 branches. It was inaugurated by Rev Abidoye. After the inauguration, there was jubilation with the congregation shouting halleluyah amid trumpeting by the church brigade band.

    Then came installation of the District Chairman followed, it was also coordinated by Rev Abidoye.

    Special Apostle Akinsanya appeared in a regalia with an insignia of his office. He was accompanied by some members.

    They walked up to Rev Abidoye who was to install him as Chairman.

    Having confirmed that Apostle Akinsanya is able to lead the church, he installed him the District Chairman.

    He was given a hymn book, Holy Bible, bell, register and a staff of office. His installation was greeted with cheers amid the chanting of halleluyah.

    Apostle Akinsanya, while taking the oath of office, promised to take the church to greater heights and to obey the church’s of constitution.

    He solicited the support of members and others to enable do justice to the office so as not to let the church down.

    “We promise never to betray that confidence and trust,” he said.

    He assured the congregation of his administration’s desire to take evangelism to the next level.

    “We are prepared to take the challenges of Evangelism and soul winning beyond the shores of Nigeria,” he said.

    ApostleAkinsanya said he would stand and work by the truth.

    “It may not be business as usual from our end as we shall be guided by truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, for the sake of the church, the pillar and foundation of truth,” he said.

    It was pomp and ceremony; all danced to the music by the church choir.

    They were treated to choice foods and drinks.

  • communicate your ideas

    Hello there! Welcome to this column on public speaking. I believe you are reading this article because you want to learn how to communicate your ideas effectively to other people, or you simply want to be better in the art of public speaking. Whatever your reasons are for reading this column, I hope you find the experience quite rewarding. We shall examine several aspects of speaking, starting from the concept of communication. We shall also pay particular attention to answering questions that may be raised by readers; this is a major part of the learning process. Considering that we meet and communicate with several people every day, the knowledge of public speaking is recommended for everyone. Do enjoy the experience.

     

    Communication: you do even when you don’t!

    It is quite interesting how we assume we know some things, but when we are faced with them, we realise we don’t know them as well as we think we do. Take communication, for instance. Well, everyone knows what communications is! Or so we think. Some say it is talking to someone else and some others simply say it involves passing across a message to another person. While they are not wrong, communication goes farther than that.

    Communication is popularly defined as the process through which a source conceives and encodes a message and then passes it through a medium to a receiver who in turn decodes it and sends a feed back. Ok, that sounds academic. But it does not even completely capture the idea of communication. That’s because a lot of times, we communicate without deliberately conceiving the messages in our minds. As a matter of fact, there are several times we don’t even intend to communicate, yet we do. Take for instance, two or three students involuntarily yawning in a class while the lecture is in progress. Their actions send the message that they are tired or bored or both. Though they didn’t plan to communicate, they actually did, and a sensitive teacher may take note. Now think of all the times you have been accused of implying something you didn’t actually mean. It’s because you unconsciously did or said something that was misinterpreted by others. From this, we realise that we cannot but communicate.

    An influential cultural and media critic by the name Marshall McLuhan often asked the question, “Does a fish know it’s wet?” to which he would reply “No,” because the water is its natural habitat. It is when the fish is out of water that it realises that something is wrong. Have you ever noticed that you never pay attention to the fact that you are breathing unless you have a cold or some challenge with your breathing. How many people can tell the number of times they breathe in a minute? That is because it comes naturally to us. Likewise, we are so used to communication that we are not aware that we do.

    We live, eat, sleep, wear, and breathe communication. If you doubt this, kindly answer these questions for me: why do people associate certain food to specific parts of the country or continent? If an individual has an examination to write, yet he or she sleeps for 18 hours in a day, what will you expect? If a job applicant attends a bank interview wearing a pair of ragged jeans, a T-shirt, and a face cap facing backwards, what are the chances of him or her being employed? When you meet someone breathing hard and fast, what questions are you likely to ask that individual? The answers you give will show the messages you received from those actions. My point is this, there is nothing you will ever do or say that would not be interpreted to mean something by observers. Making meaning out of life is how we survive.

    More often than not, it is our involuntary communication that hurts us or the people around us the most. Since we don’t usually mean to send the messages, we don’t screen them to determine their effects on others. It is when they react that we start to play back our words or actions in our minds to find out what warranted that reactions, but by then, the deeds would have been done.

    It is therefore very risky to leave communication to chance. True, we cannot control everything we communicate, but we can sure try. One of the major ways we communicate is through our words. We can train ourselves to think before we speak and to skillfully present our ideas. We also have to learn not to speak if we don’t have anything to say, or people won’t take us serious when we actually want to make valuable contributions. The ability to speak clearly and convincingly is one of the most valuable assets one can have. Several people have spoken themselves into leadership and so can we.

    Thanks for following me through our topic for today. I hope you have derived as much fun and inspiration as I have. Join me again next week as we explore another important topic on public speaking. Please write to share your experiences and ideas through: You can also ask questions about our topic for today or any other one and I will be glad to make it a topic for discussion. Have a blessed week.

     

  • A virtuous woman turns 50

    A virtuous woman turns 50

    The Allen axis of Ikeja was calm penultimate Sunday. The cars that thronged into the Chinese restaurant opposite Osata Supermarket was an indication that something big was happening.

    It was an atmosphere of celebration for the loved ones and well wishers of the former Secretary of Dunlop Nigeria, Mrs Femi Babayemi on her attainment of the golden age. They came in their numbers, underscoring the love they have for their sister, friend and mother.

    Earlier on that Sunday morning, a thanksgiving service was held in her honour at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Zion Sanctuary, Anthony, Lagos.

    The arena was filled with light music as guests walked into the restaurant in their beautiful and gorgeous attires. Many stopped over on their way from church, thus, turning out in their Sunday best wears. They took their seats and chatted.

    It was also an avenue for the celebrator, Mrs Babafemi to catch up with her old schoolmates and friends outside the office as her co-workers and former classmates, who were also present exchanged pleasantries among themselves.

    The ‘birthday girl’ looked resplendent, though one with a quiet disposition, she sat beside husband, her aged mother and mother-in-law. She wore the same grey and wine lace with her husband.

    Those who came to celebrate eulogised her. They took turns to speak glowingly about Mrs Babayemi who has been an inspiration to most of them. Virtually everyone had good testimonies of her.

    From her home, her office environment to her immediate and extended family, she has been a blessing to them. Even her aged mother-in-law couldn’t resist. She thanked God and the celebrator’s mother for giving them a queen for a wife. “May your children also be celebrated “, mama prayed.

    Mrs Babafemi’s colleague in the office and member of the Board of DMT, Mr Niyi Sholanke, agreed that it was good to see her outside the office smiling and relaxed.

    “She is the only woman among the board so we never saw her as a lady but as a man. She’s the Margret Thatcher of the executive members because she is very assertive.” Mr Sholanke commended her for her hard work, while wondering how she has time to do other things.

    Thanking guests for sharing in his joy, the celebrator’s husband Tope said: “I have found a good thing. I consider myself a lucky man in this long hazardous journey to have someone like her.”

    For her second son Yinka, growing up wasn’t easy with his mother who was quick not to spare the rod. But for her discipline, he never knew she could have been a better person.

    In response, the shy ‘birthday girl’ cleared her throat and said: “What I have before me is an embodiment of my life. I’m speechless. What I see here is what makes up my entire life. From the cradle, my mother, my classmates at queens school Ibadan, with whom I share treasured moments and the school that nurtured our ethics and has held me in our society today. I see friends whom I haven’t seen since 1976 when we left separated from in school.

    “I thank God for my family and particularly my father-in-law. From the first day I met him, he put me on his lap like a baby. From then on, there was no turning back,” she said.

    Guests were treated to Chinese cuisine while they wined and dined. She cut her brightly coloured cake, which was same colour as her attire. The large cake had a bold 50 imprinted on it and was courtesy of her husband’s family. Everyone took turns to pose for photographs with her after which they danced to gospel music.

     

  • Kodjo Williams now focuses on business

    STYLISH former chairman of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA), Kodjo Williams, is a man whose lifestyle makes him a sought-after celebrity. His very short tenure as the chairman of the NFA wasn’t without its drama, but after his 15-year-old marriage to his orthodontist wife, Remi, crashed, the man who loves to keep fit despite being in his 50s has been conspicuously missing from the social scene.

    Kodjo, sources say, now focuses on his business, Kojo Motors, and shuttles between Nigeria and overseas, where he also has other business interests.

  • Osas Ighodalo set to cause stir

    FORMER Miss Black USA, Osas Ighodalo, is set to cause a stir on Africa Magic’s popular soap,Tinsel .The New York-born Nigerian-American actress is already at work in Lagos filming scenes for her new role in the series.

    On Tinsel, Osas, plays a free-spirited and forthright Adanna, an art student from the US who travels to Nigeria to find her inspiration.

    A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Osas has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and dual minor degrees in Entrepreneurship and Theatre. She also holds a Masters degree in Fine Arts in Acting from the Actor’s Studio Drama School at Pace University.

    The determined performer has appeared in theatre productions such as The Coloured Museum, Revenge of the King, and the award-winning off-Broadway play, Platanos & Collard Greens, among others. Osas who is also a model-cum-dancer is a devoted campaigner for social causes, focused on raising awareness around malaria and heart disease.