Category: Entertainment

It was as if they were in a dancing competition.

But for the bridal train, many would have mistaken the couple’s entry for another dance reality show.

Former Miss Olusumbo Margaret Agbede, Chief Executive Officer Schengen Investment and Olufemi Ayodeji Adeluka, an entrepreneur, enlivened the gathering with beautiful dance steps.

They hardly waited for the Emcee to introduce them before entering the hall amid a rousing applause.

The Safe Land Hotel, Ile-Anu Crescent, Ijaiye, Lagos State, venue of the reception, bubbled.

The confetti ladies and groom’s men, too, gave a good account of themselves on the dance floor.

Their faces shone as they danced to the music dished out by the disc jockey (DJ).

Some of the guests joined them.

The tempo was further charged as the couple reached their seat.

The reception featured prayers, chairman’s remark, dance, cake cutting, and couple’s first assignment, among others.

The hall was festooned in green, brown and orange satin materials.

Dressed in a black suit, white shirt and yellow bow tie, Olufemi, could not take his eyes off his beautiful wife.

They were congratulated by Pastor Akinpelu Akinkunmi, who chaired the occasion.

Akinkunmi prayed that the union be fruitful.

He urged the couple to always put God first in everything they do, and respect each other.

The couple cut their three-step cake of green and orange.

Performing their first assignment, Olusumbo knelt down to feed her husband; Olufemi reciprocated by sitting her on his lap. He fed her and sealed it with a kiss.

Afterwards, the couple hit the dance floor. They danced to the music dished out by the Himage Entertainment live band.

Breaking the normal routine of throwing the bouquet, the bride shared it among the single ladies who came out.

The father of the bride, Major Agbede Joseph (rtd), could not hide his joy.

“I feel very happy today because this is a great day that the Lord has made in the life of my family. I pray that this journey they have started together would not turn sour,” he said.

The father of the groom, a retired civil servant, Mr Nathaniel Adeluka, enjoined the couple to be “prayerful, God fearing and contented with what they have.”

This admonition complemented the one the couple had during the solemnisation at the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) Ajala, Ijaiye Lagos.

The church service featured exhortation and charge, exchange of vows, presentation of rings, communion, blessing of union, signing of marriage registrar and thanksgiving.

In his sermon, Pastor James Babalola congratulated the couple and their parents.

Marriage, the cleric said, is a union of people who understand each other.

“You have decided to live together and I want to let you know that it will not be a bed of roses. But, in all, you should respect and treat each other right,” he said.

He urged the bride to be submissive. To the groom, he said: “Treat her well.”

The recessional hymn was taken as the newlyweds marched out, accompanied by their parents, bridal train, groom’s men, family members and well wishers.

Olusumbo, who hails from Igede in Ekiti State, described her husband as “loving, caring and a down to earth person.”

“When it comes to house chores, she is very hardworking; she is an understanding and wonderful person”, Olufemi who hails from Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, told The Nation.

HE is 81 and has spent 60 years on stage as a musician. Last Sunday, “The Evil Genius” and ace trumpeter Victor Olaiya was celebrated in Lagos. The event, tagged: “Celebrating a Victor and his trumpet,” was to mark his Diamond Jubilee on stage. The show was the brainchild by popular music promoter Femi Esho and his Evergreen Music outfit.

When Olaiya came on stage that evening, he sparkled like a thousand stars. He showed that he has not lost his spark as he harmonised lyrics, poetry and rhythm in a unique performance that brought all to the dance floor. As the biggest masquerader, he took his turn last. The event took place four months after a similar show promoted Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun of WTS Broadcast featuring Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi and Chief Sunday Adegeye Adeyeye, alias King Sunny Ade, to renew interest in Juju music. It was tagged: ‘Oleku’.

It was an evening of spectacular performances. Olaiya’s children; Bayode, Toba, Dupe, Iyejide, Bidemi and Biodun, backed by their father’s All Stars Band, performed some of his hit songs. The octogenarian Fatai Rolling Dollar was joined by the ‘ageless’ King Sunny Ade in a jamming session that left the audience asking for more. The guests howled as KSA entertained them with the unique dance steps which were in tune with the refrain of the talking drummer:‘Sunny Ade Ma Pami o, Owo Robbu ti won…’ (Yoruba line for Sunny Ade, please spare me your irresistible music, the therapy after the dance could be costly).

If there was a prize for best dancer that day, Yeni Kuti, daughter of the late Afrobeat icon Fela Anikulapo-Kuti could have gone home with the trophy. Not even the erotic dance girls on Orlando Julius’ band stimulated the audience like Yeni, whose younger brother, Femi, also performed. The Femi Esho’s Evergreen Band backed every performer. When it was Olaiya’s turn, the excitement grew.

Wearing a cream colour shirt with red stripes atop a cream colour pant, Olaiya, was in his element; evoking memories of his cherished performances in the 60s and 70s. Brandishing his trademark white handkerchief and gyrating to the combined melody from his trumpet and the All Stars Band, Olaiya sang rendered of his hit songs.

He sent the crowd into frenzy, with long blasting effect from his trumpet. It was a night to remember. The crowd danced and sang along, as he dished out popular tunes like; Kosowo Lode (1962), ‘Adogan’, and ‘Cherry Koko,’ among others. He displayed unusual energy for a man of his age.An evidence of a well-rehearsed event, the cord progression was faultless and so was the originality of the beats, a far cry from the present day computer generated sounds.

Satisfied with the success of the show, Esho described it as “one of the biggest that has happened in this country geared towards celebrating our icons.” He said: “It is high time we celebrated them rather than wait for their obituary before talking about their glorious career. As you could see, ‘Celebrating a Victor and his trumpet’ brought the giants in the industry together. The event also brought to bear the versatility of the Evergreen Band that backed KSA and Femi Kuti, even without rehearsals. And as you could see, Dr. Victor Olaiya is still very strong in the art.”

The presence of Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs Funmi Olayinka; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola; her Ekiti State counterpart, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; former Governors Segun Osoba (Ogun) and Segun Agagu (Ondo); Lagos paramount ruler Oba Rilwan Akiolu; an essayist Prof. Adebayo Williams; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tunji Bello; his counterpart on Tourism, Disu Holloway; Erelu Abiola Dosumu and Senator Florence Ita Giwa, added pep to the ceremony.

Other personalities include: Dele Ojo; Orlando Julius and wife, Latoya; Theo Lawson; Shina Bakare; Laolu Akins; Beautiful Nubia; Chief Rashid Gbadamosi, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi; Senator Ben Obi; Prince Yemisi Shylon and the compere, Yemi Shodimu.

The highlight of the event was the public presentation of the artiste’s 75 hit songs called the ‘Heritage Compendium’. The compendium was a compilation of his works in the last 60 years. Dr. Olaiya autographed just a copy, which was bought for N150, 000 by the Ekiti State Government following an auction.

When it was time to cut the anniversary cake, Chief Osoba, the chief launcher, invited Dame Abimbola to supervise the ceremony.

The celebrator cut the cake with his children round him as cameramen clicked away.

Tributes poured in for “The Evil Genius”.

Dr. Agagu said it is a thing of joy for him “because this is one of the few occasions where we actually celebrate heroes. And one of the great heroes is Dr. Victor Olaiya. I used to know him when I was a small boy at Ibadan Grammar School. I remember how we used to steal out to the University of Ibadan just to listen to Dr. Olaiya. I know he is 20 years older than me. Today, I feel great to be here to talk about him. I also want to thank Femi Esho for the initiative to celebrate a living legend.”

Chief Gbadamosi was full of accolades, not just for the celebrator, but also for Aremo Osoba.

“I’m not surprised today at the height which my friend and former classmate, Aremo has attained. We his friends back then in secondary school had predicted he will go far. His brilliance earned him the alias Sir. James Robertson. I later shortened the name to Sir. James.” Both men, who were clad in white Agbada were full of admiration for each other.

An illustrious son of Ikole in Ekiti State, Dr. Olaiya was also celebrated by two of his Kinsmen; Are Isola Filani and former Controller General of Customs Tayo Ogungbemile. Are Isola said: “We are glad to be here today to witness the honour of an illustrious son of Ikole. As a matter of fact we were sent as representatives to celebrate with our father, uncle, and brother who is celebrating a remarkable feat – 60 years on stage. Personally, I’m very proud to be associated with him. He has not only made us proud, he has made Nigeria proud with his rare talent.”

Dr Olaiya was given some awards. Erelu Fayemi presented him the award of Omo Rere Ile Ekiti (Illustrious son of Ekiti).

He also got Omoluabi Rere (Man of Honour); Alade Ise Orin (King of Music) and Agba (Grand Entertainer) from Osoba; Chief of Staff to Ogun State governor and Lagos State Government.

They started their courtship in 1955 when Papa Moses Adefioye Folayan gained admission into the Ondo Divisional Teachers’ Training College, and Madam Janet Adenike was in her final year in primary school.

The bride’s parents opposed the union, saying Pa Folayan was related to his future wife, as they have the same genealogy as royal family members in Aramoko.

Undeterred, Papa struggled and secured the consent of Madam Janet’s grandmother, which eventually paved the way for the consummation of their union in 1962. Papa Folayan, now 81, and his wife, 74, have been married for 50 years.

The golden jubilee anniversary of their wedding was held at St Philip’s Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti Central Division.

Their children – Mrs Folasade Ofi, an occupational health nurse; Mr. Kehinde Folayan, a Naval officer; Mr. Idowu Folayan, Civil engineer; Mrs. Bolade Jimoh, a chartered accountant; Mr Lanre Folayan – non-governmental organisation (NGO) consultant and Mrs. Olaiya Abe, a lawyer – were in attendance.

In appreciation of their parents, they bought them a furnished house and a new car.

Papa and Mama also showered good wishes on their children at their residence in Aramoko. This phase was marked by the cutting of the golden jubilee cake and the taking of photographs.

Emotions ran high when Papa’s sibling, Mrs Mary Awolokun, a Federal Commissioner, Engineering Safety and Standards Regulatory Commission, Abuja, wept out of joy.

Recalling that the celebrator, Pa Folayan, taught him in 1968 while in primary school, Ven. Jide Adebayo ,who officiated the church service, said Papa also baptised him.

“I would have hated not coming here today to give this sermon. He (Papa Folayan) taught me in 1968 while I was in primary school. When I was checking one of my old diaries yesterday I discovered he was also the one who baptised me,” he said.

Urging governments to do better for teachers in terms of care, he said: “It has been said that ‘no teacher, no nation’; no teacher no lawyer, engineer, or doctor. We want the government to elevate teachers and teachers themselves should do their best to complement government’s efforts.”

He praised the couple for surviving the turbulence of 50 years to sustain the union, saying half of marriages contracted between the time they married and now had collapsed. He added that the malady of collapsed marriages had transcended boundaries.

“Today, as we all know, it is mass wedding and mass divorce; marriage today, divorce tomorrow. As we experience it here, so they experience it overseas. Most go for divorce because they could not endure the twists and turns.

“We should congratulate the couple for enduring the good and bad together. Their union has produced children and their children now have their own children as well,” he said.

After the service, well wishers moved to a small section of the church distinguished for the event, a phase which witnessed dancing and thanksgiving.

Here, the couple gave a good account of themselves as they danced, while the children showered their parents with wads of new naira notes.

The eldest of them, Sade, could not hide her joy:

“My parents deserve all this today. They are the reason for and pillar behind the success of every child here. You can see all of us and how we are.

“We were raised in the way of the Lord and will never depart. I have learnt strict discipline from my father and my mother. They are epitome of humility. While we were young, we knew how she held my father. Up till now, that is the way she still holds him.

“In that attribute of humility is a lesson for brides of today. My mother is an enduring lesson in humility. She also had time for us. Mummy was always around and tended us all to sound sure success.

Sharing her sister’s views, Bolade, a chartered accountant, noted that while her father was the temperamental type who could flare up, mummy was the typical dove, ready to accommodate endlessly.

She disclosed she too had some streaks of masculinity which she took from her dad who had, however, warned her to “learn from and fashion my conducts as a wife after my mother who I can describe as representing the very best of wifehood and motherhood.”

Also in attendance were papa’s other siblings, Chief Idowu Folayan; Alara of Aramoko Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi.

The first time they gathered as Rotarians for fellowship was in July 2000, at one of the secondary schools in Ikorodu. They were just 35, but they scaled all hurdles to become chartered in 2002.

The first President of the club is the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Education, Otunba Abdul Fatai Olukoga.

Eleven years after, the club is still waxing stronger. It has more members and has impacted on its host community, Ikorodu.

Members, their family members and associates gathered at the Harmony Castle Hotel, Ikorodu, last Saturday, to usher in the 11th president of the club.

The hall was filled to capacity with members and guests in various attires. Some decked in suits with matching pair of shoes while others wore traditional dresses.

Members and their guests exchanged pleasantries. It was an opportunity for old friends to meet again.

The national anthem was recited to kick-start the programme. It was followed by a call for to order by the outgoing President, Rotarain Ajani Olufunmi.

Shortly after, the Rotary Grace was said, followed by the Object of Rotary and the 4-Way Test.

The incoming president, Duru Charles, was the cynosure of eyes. He wore a black suit.

The event, chaired by Mr Kayode Ajayi, a TV producer with Insight Television, was anchored by the duo of Yemi Ogunkoya and Saheed Adelanwa.

They made the gathering laugh and clap continously with their jokes.

Olufunmi, while giving account of his stewardship, thanked all for their support to his administration.

He described his successor as a good man and leader.

“He is a good leader, he will accomplish our project,” he said.

Before the investiture, there was a procession of past presidents to the podium.

After fulfilling all requirements for a new president, Duru was installed the 11th president of the club.

Immediately he got the mantle of leadership, he sat on the president’s seat.

In his acceptance speech, Duru promised to work vigorously for the achievement of the club’s goals.

“We shall get our vision by continuously running an effective club with clear focus on annual and long term goals that are shared, measured, challenging, achievable and time bound that impact on our immediate community, District and Rotary International as a whole,” he said.

He thanked everyone for the success of the occasion.

Otunba Olukoga recounted the experience when the club started.

He glorified God for the journey so far.

He said very soon the club would produce the District 9110 Governor. “Rotary club Ikorodu will be reckoned with because of its achievements; we have passion for Rotary; the Rotary Club of Ikorodu will be one of the best. I am proud and happy that Rotary Club Ikorodu is doing well and I will like to see a member of the club becoming the District Governor; I was once a District Assistant Governor, if not for my prior occupation, I’m sure I would have been the District Governor. With the passion of our members, one of them may emerge the next governor,” he said.

He said the club had scaled through trials and was doing well.

Other past presidents of the club are Rotarians Tawio Hassan; Jacob Bankole; Bunmi Anifowoshe; Olusola Olaluade; Oluwagbenga Ajiboye; Joseph Ogunbo and Saheed Adelanwa.

The guest lecturer, Mr Ayo Faroun, spoke on Rotary efforts at promoting peace across the world.

Faroun said one of the ways Rotary helps communities is provision of basic education and water, among others.

The highlight of the event was the induction of Mrs Tosin Ademilua as a member of the club. This was done by Otunba Olukoga.