The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • In pursuit of peace, stability

    In pursuit of peace, stability

    The 11th Annual Leadership Lecture and Role Model Awards, organised by Leadership Watch, was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, last Friday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

    It was a three-in-one event – Leadership Lecture, Role Model Awards and Workshop on Information Communication Technology (ICT) – but the lecture took the shine off the others.

    The organiser, Leadership Watch, is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), committed to the promotion of good governance and responsible leadership through research, documentation, capacity building, training, trade and investment promotion.

    The group works in partnership with many international institutions

    The roads leading to the event’s venue Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, were unusually free of traffic that day.

    Although attendance was low, the high table paraded eminent men. The calibre of personalities at the special guests section made the audience’s day.

    Different banners of corporate organisations were hung at the entrance of the auditorium.

    The event began with an opening prayer, followed by the National Anthem before Mr Ayo Opadokun, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), who chaired the event, gave his remarks.

    Decked in black Agbada and a cap, Opadokun congratulated Leadership Watch for putting the event together.

    The NADECO chief said the organisation’s insistence that he chairs the occasion demonstrated the resilient attribute of a strategist who is always unrelenting in pursuing a desired goal.

    He promised to continue supporting every positive action geared towards establishing a much-more effective and efficient national security.

    There were keynote addresses and goodwill messages from other guests.

    Opadokun said insecurity in the country calls for concern, asking for innovative strategies to tackle the problem.

    The guest lecturer, Prof. Anya .O. Anya, took the audience on a long speech.

    His lecture was entitled Today’s Insecurity: What it portends for the future.

    The Chairman of the Alpha Institute for Research in Science, Economics and Development (AISED) said violence and insecurity in Nigeria had their root in the pre-colonial era, as violence was then used as an instrument of social control.

    He said violence and insecurity went through various stages until the emergence of the Boko Haram sect, whose activities became more political than religious or ethnic as being painted.

    Prof Anya said Nigerians should not think that they would never get good leaders.

    “The Nigeria of our dream could not be built in the climate of negativity and depreciation of all leaders. Nigeria cannot survive the present level of hypocrisy, insincerity and general sense of amorality that seems to dominate our progressively materialists society,” he said.

    Anya said pragmatic nation building efforts involved patient and cumulative brick-by-brick construction and some degree of myth-making and even symbolism, founded on the ability to select and amplify desirable elements.

    He said: “Yet the picture is not all gloom. All over Nigeria today, there are young men and women, often under 50, many under 40, who are well educated, very professional and who have done incredible things even in this inclement environment. Some have relevant international experience. They are not bound by geography, ethnicity or class. The challenge is how to build a network of these unusual men and women, imbue them with new values based on merit and excellence and challenge them to take on the onerous duty of socio-political redirection.”

    Prof Anya got a standing ovation for the thought-provoking and eye-opening lecture.

    The awardees were presented with plaques by Leadership Watch President Dr. Martins Iwuanyanwu after reading their citations.

    They included Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola – Leadership Role Model; Managing Director of Mobil Oil Nigeria Mr Adetunji Oyebanji – Leadership Role Model; Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service Mrs Rose Uzoma went home with Excellence in Leadership award.

    Fashola, represented by his Special Adviser on Information, Alhaji Lateef Raji, thanked the organiser for recognising the government’s effort at making life easier for the populace.

    He said reward for hardwork begets more work, promising to continue offering selfless service to Lagosians.

    The governor dedicated the award to the young people at the function.

    Mrs Uzoma was represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr Abbas Ahmed.

    Ahmed said Mrs Uzoma popularly called mother of immigration truly deserved the honour.

    He said securing the nation is the responsibility of all Nigerians.

  • Honour away from home

    Honour away from home

    TYPICAL of Sabon Gari in Kano on a Sunday, people were trooping in and out of fun spots. The Ado Bayero Square, in the heart of the non-native enclave is a major sports and event centre.

    In no time, many in gorgeous dresses started trooping into the square for the investiture of Chief Godwin Agbo as the Life Patron of Nkanu Development Union (NDU), Kano branch.

    Agbo, born in Awkunanaw, Nkanu Local Government Area of Enugu State, joined the Nigerian Army in 1972 and served in the Electrical and Mechanical Department. In 1973, he was sent to Abeokuta for full military training, and later attended the Nigeria Army School in Yaba, Lagos, from where he graduated as an Army Engineer in 1977. He resigned from the military in 1978 and joined UAC Nigeria Ltd.

    The celebrator was described by many as a man of the people. They were not disappointed, anyway, as they were treated to various dances by cultural groups. For many, the event provided the much-needed rest from the hustle and bustle of the week.

    The atmosphere became charged when Chief Agbo, clad in full traditional attire, came in with his amiable wife, Mary-Rose.

    It was all cheers, praises and drumming as he was welcomed into the arena.

    According to the NDU branch President, Comrade Patrick Akaeme, Chief Agbo, the Chinyere Ugo 1 of Nkanu, was chosen as the Life Patron of NDU because of his outstanding leadership qualities and unparallelled contributions to the development of Nkanu and its people in Kano.

    “The union in recognition of excellent service to our people, thought it wise to bestow such honour on a deserving member strictly on merit. Hence, its entrenchment in the union’s constitution in Article 6, Section 2B. This yielded its first fruits on August, 16 1992 when the late Chief Ferdinand Nwafor was unanimously appointed first Life Patron of the union,” Akaeme added.

    He noted that, following all laid-down rules, Agbo was unanimously elected on November 19, 2011, to succeed the late Chief Nwafor who died on April 19, 2010.

    Describing Agbo as an astute gentleman and philanthropist who reaches out to people without recourse to tribal or religious sentiment, Akaeme said “Agbo is one of the pioneer members of NDU and his role in the procurement of what is today known as Nkanu House remains indelible; and his financial, advice and other contributions made Nkanu the first community in Enugu State to have its own hall and among the first 10 Igbo communities to achieve same in Kano.

    “At turbulent times, when some odds rear their heads in the union, aimed at disintegrating us, his fatherly advice and interventions were always the saving grace because he is a man respected by all and sundry.”

    His Royal Highness, Igwe Boniface Ibekwe, Eze Ndigbo IV in Kano, who decorated Chief Agbo as the Life Patron of NDU, Kano, described the recipient as a man of honour and integrity.

    “Chief Agbo is a man of integrity. He served in the cabinet of my predecessor, the late Chief Nnadi, Ezedioramma 111 of Ndigbo in Kano. He is also a member of my cabinet and one of the most respected elders in Igbo Community Kano. I praise the Nkanu community for honouring him and I want to urge other communities to look out for men of such caliber for honour and recognition,” Igwe Ibekwe said.

    Hon. Nicodemus Nwobodo, a leading member of NDU described Chief Agbo as man of peace,.

    “He is a father to many people here. We are proud of him. He is a man at home with his people. He is a man of integrity, very accommodating, and he is not quarrelsome. This is why we have decided to honour him,” he said.

    The celebrator and his wife, Mary-Rose, was full of appreciation. This they showed to the mammoth crowd when they patiently went round the arena, accompanied with Nkanu cultural dance to greet all the groups that graced the occasion, including members of the Igwe-in-council, Igbo Community Association executive led by its President, Chief Chi Nwogu, executives of Enugu State Community, Enugu Youths Association, NDU Women Wing and the Christian community represented by Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Mbah.

    Chief Agbo said he was mesmerised at the way his people, friends and well wishers turned out en masse to honour him.

    His words: “You see, I am very happy with what is happening. I never knew people love and appreciate what I do this much; and I can only thank God for his mercies and opportunity given to me to touch people’s life in different ways. In fact, what I have witnessed today has further spurred me to render even more selfless service to the community and to humanity. I am really thrilled.”

    His wife, Mary-Rose who is also the Matron of NDU Women Wing, said her family was happy at the honour given to the patriarch.

    “Daddy is a father to all. We are not surprised he is being honoured because I know my husband as a man of the people. Our promise today is that we will continue to encourage him to render more help to the people and the community,” she said.

  • A lift for rural dwellers

    DESPITE the chaotic traffic, they remained undaunted. They were going to Victoria Island, Lagos, but the traffic was hell. But because they were going for what they considered important, they braved the rod. They were on their way to Villa Medici Restaurant on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, for a business dinner ogranised by the Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development to raise funds for its projects. There was a red carpet from the restaurant gate to the entrance of the arena. Different banners of the sponsors were mounted at strategic positions. The walkway was lit by the moon which was full that evening.

    Among notable organisations were Skye and Guaranty Trust Banks and the Dutch bank, which officials graced the event.

    In the cool ambience of the restaurant, soft music played in the background. Many were corporately dressed in suits having come from work.

    In the hall were six large round tables, well set to comfortably accommodate 10 guests. All tables were filled as guests wined, dined and discussed the way forward for the rural dwellers

    Anchoring the programme was Mrs Eunice Adewunmi, who said the dinner was to make all aware of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Lagos. Thus, it has come to be a concept in which companies integrate social and business concerns on voluntary basis, to provide suitable environment for business to thrive in the state.

    According to her, the objective of the ministry is to ensure adequate provision of basic social and economic infrastructure in the rural areas of Lagos.

    Prof Femi Otubanjo, in his keynote address, noted that the dinner was held to create an avenue to brainstorm on ways of development through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

    He said: “The problem of underdevelopment is because 80 per cent of our expenditure is not well spent. So we are to enhance resources available to government and bring development more cheaply with efficient management.”

    Otubanjo listed the dangers of PPP as political instability and supervisors who look out for themselves.

    The best was saved for the last. The Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, recounted what the ministry was doing to solicit support.

    Ojelabi seemed very different from everyone else and he turned up simply dressed in a traditional garb and cap.

    With the aid of a power point presentation made visible to all present, the commissioner showed projects that included: rural electrification and water projects, provision of jetties for those in the riverine areas, construction of roads and covets and the equipping the security personnel called the neighbourhood watch.

    He complimented the effort of the Lagos government for its community drive projects, giving a rundown of how communities bring its problems to them. Soliciting the support of corporate bodies in complimenting the efforts of the state government, Hon Ojelabi formally opened the dance floor while other guests followed.

    The event featured musical display by Toju, cocktail, photograph and interview session on the red carpet. Toju sang R & B solos entitled Ololufe and too little too late

    The guests include the Managing Director of Equity Assurance Plc, Mr Dolapo Balogun who chaired the occasion; Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; former Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon Titi Oseni; Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Rural Matter, Mr Babtunde Humpe; Directors of the Ministry; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on PPP, Mr Ayo Gbelyi; Project partners and members of the Lagos State government Corporate Social Responsibility advisory partners.

     

     

  • Ex-bank chief Ike Oraekwuotu charts new course

    THESE are definitely best of the times for Ike Oraekwuotu, former Managing Director of Equitorial Trust Bank. After his exit from the banking industry no thanks to the Lamido Sanusi-led Central Bank sweeping reforms, Ike delves into haulage business and he is said to be smiling to the bank with returns from his investment.

  • Reason Remi Adiukwu Bakare dances a lot

    SOCIETY woman and politician, Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu Bakare, loves to dance. But what many did not know is that the wife of top businessman, Chief Stephen Bakare of the famed Oluwalogbon Motors, is using it as a form of exercise to keep fit.

    You hardly see the stylish woman in her 50’s go to the gym, but a source close to her squealed that she dances a lot, which is another form of exercise. Many of her co-members at Church of Assumption, Falomo, we gathered, also attest to her dancing skills. So, when next you catch the Lika-Aje of Owu dancing, be sure she is exercising.

  • About Paddy Adenuga’s favourite fun spot

    IT is often said that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. There is no doubt that the Group Executive Director of Globacom, Paddy Adenuga, loves to work, and is a stickler for doing it properly. But as he works so hard, he also takes time off for leisure. The son of Otunba Mike Adenuga Jnr., sources disclosed, has a favourite spot where he unwinds and takes care of his tummy. Paddy, we gathered, is a regular face at SIP restaurant and lounge on the Island.

  • Lavonne Cele Tawo’s latest move

    FEW years ago, a young pretty lady returned to Lagos from England and within a short space of time, she took an enviable position in the already saturated society circle. She dominated the social circuit with such charm and charisma. Years after she left Lagos, she remains unforgettable. That is Lavonne Cele-Tawo.

    As a style icon herself and armed with a business acumen, she instantly set out for business with her “House of Etam”. Her area of specialty was both in the creative art of millinery and making bridal dresses. And in no distant time, House of Etam had become a brand.

    But people will not forget in a hurry her whirlwind romance with city lawyer, Festus Keyamo. The sizzling romance was greeted with media frenzy and the product of their much publicised relationship is a baby girl named Xannella.

    Just as the dust was settling on the affair, Lavonne closed shop and relocated to Abuja. She delved into publishing and rolled out Best Moments magazine. She seemed not be resting on her oars, and has put her sour romance tale behind her, as the glamorous lady, sources say, is doing well in the Federal Capital Terriory. Her latest move, we gathered, is to unveil another magazine, Big Boys.

  • Payback time for Kanu Nwankwo, Walter Wagbatsoma, Sade Okoya

    FOR ex-international and former Super Eagles’ star, Kanu Nwankwo, Oil & Gas mogul, Walter Wagbatsoma, and philanthropist, Sade Okoya, it’s time to add another feather in their caps.

    The three successful entrepreneurs will be honoured for their invaluable contributions to humanity by a non-profit organisation, Business Leadership Awareness Group (BLAG), and the colourful event will hold this month in Lagos.

    Popularly known as Papilo, Kanu Nwankwo from a humble background rose to fame with remarkable exploits in football and business. The Owerri, Imo State-born businessman is regarded as one Nigerian with a heart of gold because of his immense contributions to the society.

    Walter Wagbatsoma has made a name for himself as one of Nigeria’s most successful businessmen in the energy sector. He is the co-founder of Ontaro Oil & Gas, a pan African oil and gas company that is notable for its delivery on assured promises. Humble and cheerful, Wagbatsoma hails from Delta State where he has been involved in conflict resolution in the region.

    Sade Okoya, wife of top industrialist, Chief Akanni Rasak Okoya, is one of the nation’s most glamorous women and socialites per excellence. Tall and elegant, the graduate of Sociology from University of Lagos knows how to get everyone’s attention with her fab attires. However, Sade is not just a smart woman with a pretty face, she is one woman with a heart for the less-privileged. With the support of her husband who is the chairman of Eleganza Group and RAO Property, she annually awards scholarships to 40 less-privileged students studying in various institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

  • ‘She’s humane, caring’

    ‘She’s humane, caring’

    The downpour could not stop former Miss Ogechukwu Kendra Emedike of Afube Village, Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, from saying: ‘I do’ to Onyemuche Jubril Madubueze of Umuamadi Amawom Village, Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State, that Thursday.

     

    Thursday, August 28, 2012 was unique for former Miss Ogechukwu Kendra Emedike of Afube Village, Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area.

    It was her traditional wedding day and she appeared in her best, waiting for her beau. She was not only dazzling in her traditional attire but sensuous, attractive, unique and beautiful.

    The weather was clement initially but suddenly the entire scenario became cloudy and it started with droplets before the heavens opened.

    It rained cats and dogs but that did not deter handsome Mr Onyemuche Jubril Madubueze of Umuamadi Amawom Village, Owerri Municipal Council of Imo State from keeping the date with his heartthrob. He endured the rigours of the rains and arrived before the host villagers came for the event.

    The rains demoralised the people of Afube. They wondered what would happen next but a prayerful Ogechukwu was calm.

    On seeing the entourage of the Madubueze family with Onyemuche, a staff of Ceragon Network, Lagos, arrive in the rain, she beamed smiles.

    Adoring a satin designer’s lace, Oge, as the bride is fondly called, glowed, about exhibiting the innate qualities in Igbo land of maids about to be handed over to their suitors. She wore various attires for the event. She was the cynosure of all eyes.

    Her husband was not left out in his Senator attire with a cap to match. Despite the rains, Oge and Onyema completed their traditional marriage rites. At the end of the rites, they were declared husband and wife amid a thunderous applause.

    The rains did not spare the guests but they were not deterred. They sat through the ceremony.

    That day, Afube village witnessed an unprecedented influx of people from all walks of life.

    On his attraction to Oge, Onyemuche said: “ A lot of things; but I will only say one. She is a very humane person and caring. She is kind, humble and caring. So, these attracted me to her. She is loving, too.”

    They met two years ago in Lagos.

    Onyemuche said of the event:“It is not easy thing to pull all these people from all nooks and crannies of this country to come to this place for our sake. My heart is gladdened.

    ‘’When you see the attributes you need in a woman or man , that you want to spend the rest of your live with, you don’t have any choice than to go to the next level and that is why we are here today, moving to the next level,’’ he said.

    On her part, Ogechukwu was joyous. What do you expect? She said. “I feel very happy because I am married. We began as friends and, today, it has reached its climax — becoming husband and wife. So, I am glad that I am marrying a friend,”

    For the bride’s aunty, Mrs Ngozi Emedike, who nurtured her, it was a day to treasure.

    She described Ogechukwu as a good and obedient child.

    “My expectation is that she will do well in her husband’s house because I did well in my own husband’s house. If she follows my footsteps, the way I trained her, it shall be well with her. My prayer is that they shall prosper and God will give them long life and good health,’’ Mrs Emedike said.

    Chairman, Bengas Group of Industries ,Chief Bethram Ichiebuka, congratulated the couple.

    He prayed God to grant them peace, love, understanding and fruit of the womb.

    The bride’s mother, Mrs Paulina Emedike, prayed for them to live in peace.

    The groom’s mother, Hajia Mariam Madubueze, also expressed joy seeing her son getting married.

    Various groups of women, including Umuamadi women Amawom Owerri, Umuada Ime Umuno, Amichi, Uyom Oha Amichi and others showed their solidarity in line with traditions.

    Madubueze Ikechukwu, the groom’s younger brother, who was happy with the reception accorded them, said their journey to Amichi “is that of fetching water from the stream and not looking for wood.”

    Chief Pius Umeigbo (Obi Afube) said his inlaws were worth their mission to Amichi as they did everything as custom and tradition demanded.

  • Exit of an achiever

    Exit of an achiever

    ALL was solemn at the Apostolic Church Lawna International Convention Ground, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos.

    Members of the Senate of the Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, held a farewell service for the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof Samson Folawunmi Adedoyin.

    The convention ground is the school’s liaison office.

    Prof Adedoyin died at 60.

    The event was anchored by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adetokunbo Adeola, who said the opening prayer.

    Many paid glowing tributes to the deceased.

    They praised him for being a disciplinarian.

    Though done in a confined way, the seats in the hall barely contained everybody as guests trooped in.

    The Chancellor Pastor Gabriel Olutola, said the late Adedoyin was a great man who will be missed dearly.

    “Prof Adedoyin was a combination of greatness, power, beauty, excellence and praiseworthy virtues,” he said.

    He described the late Adedoyin as a great academician and an achiever who sailed through the hurdles of life with faith and dedication.

    “In his greatness he rose above all the challenges of birth and growing up to become a great academician in a nation where education is becoming the privilege of few,” he said.

    “Professor Samson, you have left a vacuum too large to fill. You have left a shoe too heavy to find a carrier. You left a cap too large to find a head to fit in, but our hearts are decorated with praise, because you have left for home eternal. We know you are with the Lord. That is why we rejoice and our tears dried. Professor Samson Folawunmi, we shall see on resurrection day. Sleep on Christian soldier, Sleep on, Sleep on, Sleep on,” he added.

    In his tribute, the Overseer and Chairman Board of Trustees of the university, Dr Ebenezer Okebukola described the deceased as an achiever.

    Okebukola said: “This is indeed the exit of an achiever; I call him God’s own V.C because he knew what he was doing in the institution. He is not gone eternally but he is just transformed from mortal to immortal. He will always be remembered as the pioneer VC. He has made a good mark in the school. You would always remain in our hearts.”

    In a poem, the deceased’s son Adedayo Adedoyin eulogised his father. He thanked guests for coming. The poem centred on the loss and the cruel hands of death.

    Others in attendance were Dean of Student Affairs Samuel Adegboyega University, Professor A.I. Akinmoladun; Acting Vice- Chancellor Olabisi Onabanjo University Prof S. Adesanya; Ag Vice Chancellor, Osun State University-Prof G.O. Olatunde; Vice-Chancellor University of Benin- O.G. Oshodin and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Samuel Adegboyega University Elder Bisi Ogunjobi.