The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • ‘In God we trust’

    ‘In God we trust’

    It was a Sunday service like no other. Like the congregation, the clerics turned out for an overriding purpose: To convince their “sheep” that their spiritual strength comes solely from God.

    Dressed in white flowing agbada, former Chief of General Staff and second-in-command during the late Gen Sani Abacha regime, Gen Oladipo Diya (rtd), the Baba Ijo of The United African Methodist (Evangelical), on Akinsola Lane, Abule-Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos Mainland, was on his feet for about one hour penultimate Sunday. So was Senator Anthony Adefuye, the church’s Patron, and Dr Funke Adebajo, its Matron.

    The session came in the middle of the church’s usual Sunday programme, which was presided over by Minister-in-Charge, the Very Reverend Oladipo Timothy. It was the oath-taking by the church’s ministers before its Counsellor, Chief Kehinde Diya, a lawyer.

    Members of the church choir were at their usual best, dishing out soul-inspiring songs which sent the congregation to the dance floor. For bystanders and passersby, the music was too infectious to be ignored. While some nodded their heads, some sang along; others stood by watching from outside.

    Before the choir could pause for the day’s event to continue, the scanty auditorium was nearly filled.

    An elated Rev Timothy, in his sermon, had, with copious biblical allusions, emphasised the fact that it is spiritually suicidal for anyone to worship mammon with God, saying whoever does it is cursed.

    Speaking to the choir in Yoruba language, the cleric said: “Eni to ba fe korin imisi, ko gbodo fi ara se ohunkohun meaning “whoever wants to sing inspirational or soul-lifting songs must be holy.”

    Afterward, the priests, in turns, stepped onto the pulpit, told the congregation that they did not and would never belong to any secret organisation, asking God to visit them with His wrath should they. After appending their signatures, they were issued certificates affirming that they had no secret pact with mammon.

    The church’s choristers were not left out of the exercise. They read out the oath of allegiance to God after the oath’s administrator.

    Elders of the church, including Diya’s wives – Josephine and Folasade – and Chief Mabel Komolafe, also stepped out to be counted among those reaffirming their unbroken romance with God.

    At the end of the session for which every one expressed satisfaction that they were under the spiritual care of “pure” ministers in the church, the elders could not hide their excitement as they exchanged pleasantries.

    Gen Diya told The Nation: “This is a special day for us in this church because it is what we have long expected. The essence of the declaration service is to establish it and be sure that those who are divinely saddled with directing the affairs of the congregation serve no other god except The Almighty. This, as one could feel and see, has boosted the confidence of the congregation in those who constantly lay hands on them. They can now be convinced that they are being led by true servants of God.”

    Senator Adefuye spoke in the same vein: “The programme has succeeded in convincing all that our church is unique in purity; that here, we serve only God in unalloyed honesty, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. I think it is something other churches can emulate in the interest of the body of Christ and the nation in general.”

    Saying that the event did not surprise her, Adebajo added: “This church was founded on the tradition of solely advancing the Word of God. What we did here today was simply to cement our robust relationship with God to effectively serve our congregation. By this, we will all reap bounteous fruits of our stainless loyalty to Him.”

    Before the congregation departed, the choir stepped out again, entertaining all and reminded of their take-home message.

     

  • Farewell to a ‘mother in a million’

    Farewell to a ‘mother in a million’

    It was a carnival of sorts as the remains of Mrs Folake Aragbaiye were laid to rest in Owo, Ondo State, penultimate Sunday.

    The funeral rites began on Thursday with a traditional dance (Ajabue) round the town. The men decked their necks and wrists with special coral beads as they carried ceremonial swords (agada).

    The women were not left out. They adorned their necks with coral beads, held their beaded female fly whisks (iyasin) and danced round the town with the traditional cultural troupe.

    Local drummers almost tore the leather of their drums, while the trumpeters mesmerised the crowd with their skill as they sang the praises of the deceased, laced with panegyrics (oriki).

    More colour and flavour were added. The dancers displayed their acrobatic dance skills like never before. Some wore T-shirts with the picture of the late Madam Aragbaiye. Other guests wore the uniformed cloth chosen for the occasion.

    Specially made umbrellas shielded guests from the downpour. It also shielded the high-profile guests from the scorching sun that followed after the rain.

    Both locally-produced and foreign wines were served. Palm wine was brought in kegs. It was taken with the pounded yam and bush meat served guests.

    The following day, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) was jam-packed as human and vehicular traffic competed for space to attend the wake. They caused a disorder. As the undertakers brought out the brown casket with the name of the deceased engraved on it, drums erupted and bells rang, announcing the arrival of the body to the town.

    The undertakers went into frenzy, displaying their dancing skills as they raised the casket above their shoulders and danced with it. A woman with a bouquet of flowers, slow walked in front of the black Jeep that conveyed the body.

    It took six hours to take the body home for the wake and lying-in- state. The crowd was too rowdy to control. Men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and policemen were on hand to ensure that the situation was manged.

    The event featured prayers for the deceased and soul-lifting songs.

    On Saturday, the Saint Patrick’s Anglican Church where the funeral took place was besieged by many sympathisers.

    About 21 officiating ministers led by Rt. Rev. John Oladunjoye came for the ceremony.

    Oladunjoye in his sermon implored those present to emulate Jesus. He described the late Aragbaiye as a woman of humility, who trained her children well and was not proud in spite of her children’s status in the society.

    The cleric implored the children of the deceased to love one another.

    Her remains were interred beside that of her husband who died 18 years ago.

    Dr Esther Lambo, one of the daughters of the deceased, was glad that her mother’s wish to be buried by her husband’s side has been fulfilled.

    Mrs Dele Aragbaiye wept profusely.

    Many described the late Mama Aragbaiye as a traditional philosopher whom everyone went to when in trouble in the community. Little wonder she was compared with Socrates while some praised her for her wisdom in resolving issues.

    Mr Samuel Aragbaiye described his mother as an embodiment of honesty, humility, integrity, generosity and Godly virtues.

    The eldest son of the deceased Elder John Aragbaiye who is a former Sketch Editor described his mother thus: “She was a rare gem, friendly; always cheerful, humble and very compassionate. Mama was full of wisdom and knowledge.”

    Prof Eyitayo Lambo, a former health minister, who is a son in-law to the deceased wrote in his tribute: “The relationship between me and mama was not that of a mother-in-law and a son-in -law but that of a loving and caring mother and her son.”

    At the ceremony were: Mrs Jumoke Anifowose, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Ondo State Deputy governor, Alhaji Ali Olanusi the Olowo of Owo Oba David Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III , the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Momoh Akadiri III, Ojomo Oluda of Owo, the Oba Olunaun of Unanun, Owo, Oba Olanrewaju Abegunde, Honorable Deji Aseniserare,Tunde Okunrinboye, Banji Aralepo, among others.

     

  • A fellow in the house

    A fellow in the house

    How true the Yoruba aphorism that people are one’s apparel. The truth in it came to the fore at the decoration of a former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commissioner, Benson Enikuomehin, in Lagos. His people from Ilaje in Ondo State turned out in large number to share in the joy of the day with him at Oriental Hotel on Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos. Dressed in traditional and foreign attires, they were the cynosure of all eyes on entering the hotel.

    They marvelled at the setting of the hotel’s auditorium – its mirror-like floor, dazzling lights and unique scenery, among others.

    A live band led by Remi Ado entertained the house.

    The aroma from a sizzling dish wafted in the air. Waiters moved from table to table, attending to guests’ needs.

    It was all at the decoration of former Commissioner of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Benson Enikuomehin as a Special Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN).

    Enikuomehin, who represented Ondo State on the NDDC board, also bagged a CILGPAN’s Distinguished Performance Award for his achievements during his tenure.

    Enikuomehin, a lawyer, within two years on the NDDC board, put smiles on the faces of his constituents.

    Among other projects, he saw to the construction of the multi-billion naira Ugbo-Oghoye road, donation of science laboratory across the state and constructing solar street lights in about 14 communities.

    In June 2011, Dr Enikuomehim brought in medical experts from India to perform surgery on over 2,500 people.

    The celebrator came with his beautiful wife, Mabel and son Boluwatife.

    He was in a black suit, a white shirt, a black bow tie, eye glasses and a pair of black shoes.

    His wife wore a simple white attire.

    The ceremony featured the recitation of the National Anthem, showing of a mini documentary of Dr Enikuomehin’s achievements, the reading of his citation and musical interlude.

    Guests stretched their necks to see what was happening when CILGPAN’s President Prof Adekunle Awotokun decorated him with an academic gown, collar and cap.

    He later received a plaque and a letter, certifying him as a fellow.

    The Council’s Registrar, Dr Uche Okereke, said Enikuomehin was selected after a careful consideration of his achievements.

    Dr Okereke described him as a man of calibre.

    “A man who has helped his people; the choice of Benson was done after due consideration of his management of public institutions,” he said.

    Before he delivered his acceptance speech, Dr Enikuomehin revelled in the entertainment supplied by the Ondo State Cultural Troupe.

    After their superlative performance, one of the lead singers danced to where the celebrator and other guests were seated and handed horsetail to him and his wife.

    The couple did not disappoint the cultural troupe; they headed towards the stage and gave a good account of themselves on the dance floor.

    The couple got a standing ovation for their dancing skill. Some of the guests, including traditional rulers from Ondo sprayed them with new naira notes.

    Congratulating Enikuomehin, a legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), urged Nigerians to emulate his selfless service to the people.

    “I have known him for years; he’s just like a junior brother to me; if you see us, you will think that we are biologically related. I have since taken keen interest in him; his activities in the legal practice and even in his politics, he is a focused person,” he said.

    Olanipekun, who returned to the country because of the event, said: “Honouring him (Enikuomehin) is like honouring God because he’s a worthy citizen of this country, a worthy product of Ondo State and an ambassador.”

    Oba Philip Olabisi Kalejaiye from Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State described Enikuomehin as a dynamic person.

    Oba Kalejaiye said: “He is upright; ready to serve at all times; he has written his name in gold; he spent only two years on the board of NDDC representing Ondo State and his achievements were tremendous. He had a little problem which took him to India; after his treatment in India, he arranged to bring the doctors to Ondo State to give us treatment free of charge and the cost of the exercise was not on the bill of the NDDC. Dr Enikuomehin is a kind-hearted man, more people like him is what we need to make the nation better. He is not extravagant. I wish him success.”

    The Alagho of Odonla, Oba Elias Ikuomola, described the celebrator as a man of integrity.

    “He was born to be a head; God will take him to higher level. I pray God to spare his life till then. My advice to him is to be patient and be prayerful so that God will take him to where he is going,” the monarch said.

    An elated Enikuomehin said: “I am humbled by this award because I did not lobby for it; in fact, I am seeing Prof Awotokun for the first time. I appreciate the entire members of the council; this is nothing but God’s grace,” he said.

    He thanked Chief Olanipekun who flew in from London to grace the event.

    Dr Enikuomehin reserved special praise for his wife, Mabel for taking care of the home front.

    “To manage me, you need a woman like her; she was there when it was raw. She is an embodiment of encouragement and also beautiful,” the hall erupted in laughter to his speech.

     

  • A yearly ritual

    The day will linger in people’s memory.

    Women from different parts of Lagos ignored class, wealth and ethnic differences as they gathered at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos to celebrate.

    It was the yearly Family Day organised by the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State chapter.

    The women were gorgeously dressed in different attires and colourful clothing and hijabs to depict the festive mood and atmosphere.

    As many as they were, each local government representatives wore different material. They were distinct in their clothing, hijabs and shoes with matching bags.

    The FOMWAN members in Ikeja wore peach on white and those from Lagos Island went for the Nigerian green white green. Ikorodu women had different colours. Some in wine, others in white and blue. Alimosho old and young women took the centre stage as they paraded various colours.

    They wore various colours — cream on chocolate brown; green, purple and blue.

    Special guests also dressed well to suit the occasion. The Amirah, Alhaja Fatima Gawat, wore a green and black attire.

    All those at the event could attest that it was, indeed, an occasion worth celebrating.

    The yearly event was packed with various activities to makeit memorable.

    Students participated in quiz and quran competition and the best three received trophies and gifts.

    Aside that, some schools in Lagos were represented and the children participated in a march past, showing different skills in the process. The best ones also received gifts.

    FOMWAN members also marched past with their banners. The best local government was recognised and given a trophy.

    There was an empowerment programme for individuals from various local governments. Some were given provisions, some machines – grinding and sewing. There were those who got books, drinks, hair accessories, children clothes and even fish. It was presented to each of them by the Arowoshadini of Nigeria, Alhaja Muyinat Shopeyin-Akande, and other guests.

    Four indigent students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Lagos State University (LASU) were given gifts to assist them in their education.

    It featured the recognition of the past Amirahs with awards and certificates for their contribution to the society.

    The General Secretary of the group, Alhaja Rahmatallah Olaniran, described the day as great.

    “We make ourselves happy because we are celebrating the Family Day. That is why women appear in their best colourful clothes. It is a family affair, meant for mothers and their children,” she said.

    She promised that the 2014 edition would be better than this.

    Vice-Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government and FOMWAN state Assistant Public Relations Officer Kudirat Omolara Dada noted that the Family Day was a special occasion.

    She prayed for more people to witness it next year, in good health and prosperity.

    Alhaja Shopeyin-Akande said the yearly event makes many women happy and they looked forward to it.

    She said it is like a re-union party for many to celebrate and mingle.

    The children had fun, riding the train, jumping on the bouncing castle and other games provided for them.

    Some of the guests at the occasion were Senator HAB Fasinro; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu; Dr Jubril Oyekan; Alhaja Yinka Ayanwale; Alhaja Ramdat Okunola and many others.

  • 2face initiates N6m peace awards

    2face initiates N6m peace awards

    A Nigerian Pop Star, 2face Idibia, is introducing the “2face Peace Awards” to promote peace and support young Nigerians involved in peace projects in their communities.

    Idibia told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that six winners would be selected for the awards.

    According to him, the six categories are Women-led Peace Building, Youth Peace Building, and Peace building in the environment (for those having conflicts over resources).

    Others award categories are Projects on urban violence and community peace building, the use of technology or Social Media for peace building and Mediation directed at reducing violence against women and girls.

    The pop star said that N1million would be presented to each winner, along with opportunities to attend key global peace summits and exchange programmes in 2014.

    Idibia said that almost a quarter of the world lived in areas affected by military or civil conflicts.

    He, however, noted that there were young people who were busy building bridges across communities.

    “These young people are mostly unnoticed but you will find them working hard in various places, educating people and helping to manage conflicts and promoting peace.

    “They have become community leaders in peace building, reconciliation and post -conflict reconstruction, thereby establishing themselves as the next generation of leaders.

    “As we march towards Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in 2014, more than anything else, we choose to celebrate these young unsung heroes, who are active in their communities, promoting peace.

    “We want to celebrate them through the ‘2face Peace Awards’’, ‘’ Idibia told NAN.

     

  • No regrets from Beverly

    No regrets from Beverly

    LIKE or hate it, the 2013 edition of the Big Brother Africa reality show tagged The Chase got its desired attention and it’s no gainsaying that our own Beverly Osu, the only contestant who was never up for eviction throughout the duration of the show and of course Melvin, contributed to making the reality show a mind-blowing experience for viewers. Just back into the country, Beverly and Melvin shared their ordeal.

    Did they feel bad that they came, saw but never conquered? This is what they both had to say: “Well, we were not cheated. It is the votes. In the Big Brother House we were very united. The winner deserved to win. Melvin is on One Campaign and I broke record. Fair enough, we didn’t come out winners, but we came out with something.”

    One of the things that made this year’s BBA tick was the ‘Nigerian factor’ and Beverly brought it on in full glare. But that apart, the X-factor as most viewers have stated, was the amount of nudity on display. Beverly notes: “I took my bath naked. We all did and I couldn’t be different. I did not bring out the video, Big Brother did, so I should not be judged, I represented Nigeria well.”

    Refuting the general opinion, Beverly says that she did represent Nigeria well. She also cleared the air on having sex with her Angolan lover, Angelo. “I would say I did not have sex in the house and I never had sex in the house. I had a relationship, and we didn’t have sex.”

    To cap it all, Beverly revealed she doesn’t have any regrets as far as the show is concerned. “I’m a very open person. I say what is on my mind. And for me to reveal myself to the world, it didn’t feel like I was revealing myself to the world. I was talking to my housemates. I don’t regret the things I said about myself and my family. Because if I am on this platform, people have to know the real me and what I have been through.” Now that BBA is over and she’s back home, just what’s next for Beverly? The undergraduate student at the National Open University where she’s studying Mass Communication said, “Before going into the house, I was into entertainment. Before I left I had a show called Beverly… I am pushing it. And if you watch Big Brother, you would have seen that I can act. So I am going into movies. And I have to finish school, because I am just in 200L at the National Open University studying Mass Communication.

  • Top comedians as guest artistes for Pepper Soup

    Top comedians as guest artistes for Pepper Soup

    TERRA Kulture is expected to be filled with lovers of arts and entertainers today as an adaptation of the popular novel by Elechi Amadi will be staged today September 1, 2013.

    The stage play will feature the likes of Yaw, Katherine Obiang, Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, Lawal sheriff and Tuebi acting alongside with two foreigners Carla Chidac and Caitlin Conaty.

    According to information, comedians Ali Baba, Gbenga Adeyinka and MC Abbey will feature as guest appearances because the play is a blend of music and comedy.

    The play is produced by Tuebi Abidde and directed by Sola Roberts.

  • Orezi returns from South Africa with Rihanna

    Orezi returns from South Africa with Rihanna

    HIP hop artiste Orezi returned from South Africa last week where he went on a nationwide tour. The artiste also took the opportunity to shoot the video of his song, Rihanna.

    On his return, the singer narrated his experience, especially how he was able to get a Rihanna look-alike from Mauritius after a rigorous effort to get the American singing star did not work out due to her busy schedule.

    “We had a wonderful time in South Africa. It was truly a rewarding experience and a most educative one for me as a very young artiste. At the end, we came with something that the world will talk about for a long time, the video for the all hit song, Rihanna,” Orezi said.

    When all efforts to get the American super diva Rihanna to feature in the multi-million naira video did not work out, he explained that his management team as well as his label, Sprisal Records, went online to shop for a Rihanna look-alike. The search finally paid off when a Rihanna sent in her entry from Mauritius. “This young, beautiful ‘Rihanna’ named Kim was chosen above over 200 pictures.”

    Orezi also took time out to clear the air on the issue of which record label he is signed on: “I am signed on to Sprisal Records and the deal is good. I have a boss that is like an elder brother who listens,” he added.

  • Okocha invests in Majek Fashek movie

    Okocha invests in Majek Fashek movie

    REGGAE artiste Majek Fashek will be making his first appearance as an actor in a new movie produced by popular ex-Super Eagles captain, Jay Jay Okocha. Reports have it that the former Super Eagle’s midfielder has decided to invest in a movie centred on the life of the reggae artiste.

    The movie, according to information, is written by Charles Novia and features other artistes like Sam Dede, Stella Damasus, Francis Duru, among others. The movie as stated by Charles Novia is shooting on 35mm and took three years to put together. He also revealed that the project is currently at pre-production stage, and by next month the crew will be travelling to New York to shoot some scenes, which is the major part of the film.

    To make the movie live up to expectation and attract international recognition, it is also revealed that actor Francis Duru, who is cast for Majek Fashek, has been taking on music lessons, which include how to play the guitar.

  • African legends come alive on Glo X Factor

    African legends come alive on Glo X Factor

    THE seventh gala show of the Glo X Factor talent hunt show did not come and go without a dose of the thrills the show is known for. Princess Pat set the ball rolling with her performance of Omo mi seun rere, by the late songbird, Christy Essien Igbokwe. Clearing the way for her, some children came on stage to add colour to her performance, lending credence to the song title.

    Decked in the Yoruba owanbe style attire, she sat in the midst of the children as she crooned on. Just like a school teacher, she dispensed timeless messages, including the names of her children and the judges in the song as she admonished them to seun rere (do good deeds).

    It could be because it was her contemporary’s song or maybe Princess’ performance was thrilling, Onyeka Onwenu, one of the judges remarked: “I have to thank you for bringing back memories of my late friend. Your outfit, sincerity and passion are unbelievable. I thank you so much. Christy loved children, and your bringing children on stage clinched it for me.”

    Next on line was Vicky who performed Yvonne Chaka Chaka’s Umqombothi. By the judges’ reactions, it was clear she did justice to the song with her smooth delivery. “You keep fighting and you get better every time,” MI said, commenting on her performance.

    Reggie, who has lost all his contestants in the game, said philosophically, “Everybody is bringing their A game on. I have no other contestants left, so I’m waiting to see who is next.” On her part, Onyeka said, “My friend, Yvonne, will be so proud of you with your performance tonight.”

    DJ Switch was next, and she sang Brenda Fassie’s Voom Voom Daylight. Dressed in a white shirt and orange-flavoured trousers, she shook and waved her horsetail as she performed. Pandering to the applause of the audience, she pranced around the stage energetically. In an amazing blend of traditional African music with hip-hop, she did an inspiring synchronisation of Brenda Fassie’s with homegrown hip-hop.

    Reggie said; “I’m a big fan of DJ Switch. I can imagine young folks getting inspired by your performance tonight.” MI also had sweet words for her: “Your story will be told over and over again. You spoke a language you don’t even know the meaning, yet you communicated with us all. You always make us happier every time you come on stage.”

    The last man standing in the competition, Pheel, was next as he sang Oliver de Coque’s Ibiri ka m biri. On why he chose the song, he said, “The song has a strong message and I’ll like to pass it across in my own way.” And he did just that as he took full control of the song to the delight of the audience. Mid-way into his performance, he switched the style by introducing a hip hop flavour, twisting and turning to squeals of excitement from the ladies.

    Apparently referring to her comment last week when she said she wanted to ‘know’ the real Pheel, Onyeka said, “I think I’ve done you some good. At least, I’ve seen the fun side of you now.”

    Last to perform was Ghana’s Eshun who sang Angelique Kidjo’s Ori. Surrounded by traditional dancers, she explored her vocal quality to the full to elicit applause from the audience. Moving ecstatically in harmony with her dancers, she rapped as fluidly as she moved her body. It was a spicy side of her hitherto unseen.

    MI was obviously thrilled by her performance. “When I was a student in college, Angelique Kidjo came to perform and you reminded me of that moment. You’re going places,” he declared.

    Onyeka Eshun’s performance was “too much.” “You’re going places…you’re a special talent,” she concluded.

    Prior to the opening of the seventh gala show of the Glo X Factor, a video footage was shown in which contestants were asked who they considered their major threat in the house. Interestingly, the majority mentioned Pheel as their biggest threat in the competition.