The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Bez, others shine in Three Days of Bliss

    IN putting together a grand opening for Ibis Hotel Ikeja, Emem Ema’s led One Management team came up with an entertainment concept tagged Three Days of Bliss. The event which held at the hotel last week had Lagos Deputy Governor, Princess Orelope Adefulire in attendance among other dignitaries.

    Emem said the objective was to skillfully showcase what the new facility, owned by Otunba Femi Okenla of HDV Ltd, had to offer for would be guests.

    The first day of the official opening took the form of a music concert; featuring Iyanya, LKT, Sean Tizzle, Provabs, Seyi-Shay, Lezlee and Turburna.

    On the next day, guests were treated to an exclusive premiere of Moses Inwang’s new movie, Torn. The flick features Iretiola Doyle, Monalisa Chinda, Joseph Benjamin and Bimbo Manuel. In attendance were cast members of the film including, Ufuoma Ejenobor, Bimbo Akintola and producer Charles Novia.

    The grand finale witnessed a poolside live music affair tagged All That Jazz. The show had a selection of jazz and jazz related musicians providing top class entertainment. Among the performers at the three-day event, hosted by comedian Tee-A were Bez, Jojo Body Beats, Dapo Dina, Yhumie Sax and Ebisan.

  • Why I refused to sign onto another label —May D

    The name May D, though not obscure because of his single singles Cool Temper and Sound Track in 2011, his romance with the award-winning singing duo, PSquare, did him a world of good. After featuring on PSquare’s Invasion Album, a collaborating on Chop My Money, the rest, like they say, is history. Having parted ways with his former label, Square Records, he speaks with MERCY MICHAEL, on his experiences with Square Records, fatherhood, among other things.

    What is fatherhood like? Fatherhood is something I’m just getting into. I’m getting to know what it is; so if I tell you what it is like, I’ll just be lying to you. I’m still learning.

    Do you ever find to spend some moment with him?

    I’m always with my son; when I’m not singing or on stage performing, I’m with my son.

    We can’t be talking about your son and not talk about marriage. When are you altar bound?

    Haa..I don’t know yet. But very soon I will let you know when I’m set for marriage.

    People thought that after Square Records that you would probably not be able to get back on your feet…

    I thank God that didn’t happen. I’ve been waxing strong by the grace of God. I have my own record label now.

    Yes, why a record label so soon?

    Basically, there is no time now and it was not so soon, it was around this time last year. My reason for having a record label was just to get an organised body to handle my music business. It’s no more a joke. It’s something I’m making money from, so why don’t I just establish myself, get a label that will keep record of what is happening. Music is serious business. It involves a whole lot of things. You can’t do it all alone. You need people.

    But, why didn’t you sign onto another label after you left Square Records; instead you came up with your own?

    I would have signed a deal when I fell out with Square Records because I had a whole lot of offers from too many people. I can’t count but why I decided to just stay on my own was because why would I leave one of the biggest acts in Africa and then decide to go with just anyone. So I just decided to stand up on my own, you get it? I guess there is something about me that I don’t know that people are seeing in me; that I don’t know, so let me try and find it.

    Tell us the experience with Square Records and what lessons did you learn?

    Basically, I learnt a lot because they have been in the game for a while before I joined them and I appreciate everything. I thank God for everything. It was an experience. It was a good experience at the end of the day because I know where I came from. And everything as it was going. You know I was working and I was getting what I deserved. So, I’m always going to be thankful to God for that experience.

    What is your relationship with them?

    They are my friends. They’ve always been my friends.

    Those of us that know you started music way back, do you think it has taken quite a long time to get to where you are now?

    Actually it took long but at the end of the day I would say God’s time is the best. I started as a dancer in my secondary school, Kings’ College, Lagos. When I got into the University, Unilag, I started music and even though it was tough, I persevered. There were ups and downs, but after several years things took better shape and here I am today, by God’s grace.

    What’s has been the gain and pain of fame for you so far?

    So many things and it has also deprived me of so many things.

    One major thing it has deprived you off…

    It happened only yesterday. I travelled for a show, when I got back to Nigeria, I was driving with some of my friends that came with me and then one of them was like menh, me I go just stop by for here, arrange myself, chop because this food go bad. Immediately he said that, I was like make we go but almost at the same time I remembered that I couldn’t just walk in there with him. I couldn’t do it. That’s just one of the things you miss. You miss crossing the road, taking over head bridge – things like that.

    So how do you handle female attention?

    It didn’t just start today; it started back in secondary school so it’s been a normal thing for me back from when I was a kid. So it’s not a new thing. But basically I just go with the flow; however it comes you just take it, you know. Sometimes when you are busy you have to let them know you are busy. That is just how it is. But for those female fans who really want something with me, they are free, I will give it to you, sound track (laughs).

    What is it you have in the pipeline?

    My album is out already. It’s titled Chapter One

    Yes, the 20-track album. Which one in particular is dear to you the most?

    The track that’s dear to heart is track one, Story Of Life.

    What’s the story behind it?

    Basically, it’s just a brief summary of my life. If you really understand what I’m saying you will know where I’m coming from. But basically, it’s just an inspiring song; saying you can make it. It’s just the story of life, how life is but at the end of the day na God sure pass. If you have a hustle, hold on to your hustle.

    How do you get inspired?

    I get inspired first of all by God. God inspires me. If I have the assurance I’m going to wake up the next day, that is an inspiration to do anything. So first of all it’s God. And secondly, people around me; women inspire me, my friends inspire me, anyone can inspire me. Like you now, you can inspire me. It depends.

    What do you do for past time?

    Right now I’m full time into music.

    How do you unwind?

    I love to hang out with my old time friends, not new friends.

    You are going to London for Crack Ya Ribs. How do you intend to wow your fans?

    Basically I don’t think I have had a show in London before. This is my first show in London apart from when I was with PSquare. I’m just going to say they should expect the best from me.

    Did you have your parents support to do music in the beginning?

    Yes, right from when I was dancing in secondary school, they’ve always been supportive. They never wanted me to do any shady stuff to get my breakthrough. They’ve always been supporting me in my music.

    Any advice for burgeoning talents?

    I’m just going to say: stay focused. Be true to yourself because you can’t lie to yourself. You can lie to people but please be true to your own self. And the last one is believe in your God, because na God sure pass. Consistency is what defines everybody’s dreams like I always say. What started like a joke ten years ago, today it’s now a reality. Music was a passion but I didn’t let it lie low, more so I knew I didn’t want to do a 9-to-5 job, so I had to put all my energy into it. God saw my toiling and he made a way for me. Today, I am where I am but if you ask me I have not even started. The moment you start to think you have arrived, that moment you start to die a slow death musically. I thank God for where I am but the best is yet to come. Challenges will come, but stay focused.

    What’s your take on the music industry?

    The Nigerian music industry right now is hot and only the strong can survive. Strong in the sense that you need to keep being creative or else you have no place in it. That is why I say I’ve not even started.

  • Idris Elba to star in Nigerian film

    AFRICAN Hollywood actor and hero of Sometimes in April, a film on Rwandan genoside, Idris Elba, has been billed to star in an adaptation of Uzodinma Iweala’s bestselling novel; Beasts of No Nation.

    Elba is really hitting stride, reprising his title role in a new season of Neil Cross’s celebrated

    detective series Luther, which premieres on BBC America next month, and playing Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, which The Weinstein Company releases in November. He’s coming off the Guillermo del Toro-directed Pacific Rim, which is approaching the $400 million mark in worldwide gross.

    A Red Crown Productions, his new outing; Beasts of No Nation which stars other top-rated actors is being directed by Cary Fukunaga.

    The story follows the journey of a young boy, Agu, who, when civil war engulfs his West African country is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters. Not only must Agu face the death of his father and disappearance of his mother and sister, but must also join a life of violence and brutality. Agu befriends a mute boy named Strika and together they face the crimes and hardships of war. Elba will play the lead role of Commander and he will serve in a producing capacity as well.

    Elba joins Red Crown Productions’ Daniela Taplin Lundberg and Riva Marker, Parliament of Owls’ Cary Fukunaga and Primary Productions principal Amy Kaufman as producers on the film. Daniel Crown and Bill Benenson will serve as executive producers. Red Crown is funding the film.

    Beasts of No Nation was packaged by WME Global, which arranged the financing and will make the domestic deal. IM Global’s specialty label Acclaim will make international sales at the Toronto Film Festival.

    “We fell in love with Iweala’s powerful narrative and Idris and Cary are a tremendous pairing,” said Red Crown Productions partner Lundberg. And according to Fukunaga: “This project has been seven years in the making, so to say I’m excited to start shooting this and with Idris Elba as lead would be me trying to play it cool. Red Crown has real moxie standing behind this story.”

    Both Elba and Fukunaga are repped by WME and managed by Anonymous Content. Elba is also with Headshell Management and Roger Charteris at UK-based Ken McReddie. Fred Toczek is his attorney while Fukunaga’s attorney is Michael Adler.

  • Farewell to a ‘sweet’ mother

    The funeral of Alhaja Sikirat Omolabake Akinderu, mother of the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, was held at Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat in Oshodi, Lagos, last Saturday. RISIKAT RAMONI was there.

     

    Everything about the event was classy. Passers-by and motorists knew that something big was in the offing.

    Eminent personalities trooped into the expansive pavilion of the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat in Oshodi, Lagos for the event.

    The mini-stadium beside the secretariat was reserved for guests to park their vehicles. There was no room for sports that day.

    Itinerant drummers competed in singing praises of guests and were rewarded handsomely.

    Petty traders had a field day.

    At some point, men and women, old and young in blue and green T-shirts arrived to, according to them, to honour a ‘great’ matriarch – the late Alhaja Sikirat Omolabake Akinderu, mother of Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai.

    Alhaja Akinderu (nee Bankole) from Abeokuta, the Ogun State, capital, died on June 4, at 74 after a brief illness.

    She is survived by a widower Alhaji Fatai Osho Akinderu, five children — Hon Akinderu-Fatai; Mrs Ramota Akinola; Mrs Nimota Fasusi; Alhaja Kudirat Asiyanbola and Alhaji Ismail Akinderu and grand children.

    There were big banners with the portrait of the late Mrs Akinderu at strategic corners within the Oshodi vicinity.

    The funeral was blend of class and sophistication.

    No fewer than 15 legislators from the lower chamber of the National Assembly were present to felicitate with their colleague Akinderu-Fatai whose name was temporarily changed to ‘Omo Oloku’, meaning ‘the son of the deceased,’ a popular Yoruba term for someone who lost either or both of his parents.

    Traditional rulers, the business class, political associates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) turned out in large numbers.

    Their outfits and the scenery made the event stand out.

    The spacious open ground was filled with various tents. There was the VIP tent for lawmakers, political leaders, traditional rulers and other special guests. A bevy of beautiful women attended to guests’ needs.

    The main tent, a giant one, was big enough to accommodate thousands of guests. Guests looked carefully at each of the tents to read the tags on them before sitting with their friends.

    Majority of the guests wore a blue ankara. The others had a peach ankara of the same design. Women were seen in small groups with clothes peculiar to them only. The rest of the guests were in traditional attires.

    Most of the women had on a gele (headgear) made of damask to complete their dressing.

    The official dress was the blue ankara Aso Ebi.

    Music filtered into the air from different quarters.

    A live band, Alhaji Shefiu Alao, popularly called Omo Oko, and his Fuji Cardozo band thrilled the gathering.

    Alao’s mastery of Egba songs and language hyped his performance. Many of the Egba indigenes could not resist the beat. Some danced on their seats; some dug it out while standing while many stormed the dancing floor.

    Taiwo Akinsola, a renowned radio presenter, was the master of ceremony.

    He enlivened the event.

    An ewi exponent, Alhaji Sulaiman Ayilara popularly called Ajobiewe, entertained guests by praising the Egba kingdom, the late Alhaja Akinderu’s clan, her children and some selected guests.

    The ceremony was devoid of any formalities. Guests, especially politicians, came to unwind. Efforts by The Nation to speak with them were futile.

    The arrival of Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Budget and Research, charged the atmosphere.

    For Bamidele also known as MOB, it was a great homecoming. His political supporters kept shouting ‘incoming governor, ‘awaiting governor’, governor in the making.’

    Each group and individuals took turn to greet him. They exchanged banters and jokes about their old days in Oshodi.

    Bamidele later joined ‘Omo Oloku’ on the dance floor with other party members.

    MAF as Akinderu-Fatai is fondly called later went round to thank the guests for honouring him.

    He wished them successful return to their bases.

    In attendance were Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa and her husband, Segun; Hon Isiaka Toyin Suarau; Hon. Akeem Muniru; Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat; Hon. Bukky Buraimo; Hon Chris Eta and Hon Okoma Inyang. Also there were Onitire of Itire Oba Lateef Dauda; Oba Olatubosun Jolaoso and wives Olori Bolanle and Adejoke; APC Lagos Interim Chairman Otunba Henry Ajomale; Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Comrade Dele Ogunsakin and wife Monisola; Revd. Tunji Adebiyi, Hon. Daisi Oso; Busola Akeredolu; Dr. Bayo Boye and wife Funmi; Hon. Samuel Adejare; Hon. Olayiwola Olawale; Oladehinde Bakare; Ola Oladunjote; Rotimi Kadin; Olufehinti Olusegun and wife Nike; Yusuf Kehinde; Akinwa Babatunde and Lanre Adekola; Pastor Wole Shonde and wife Nike; Hon. Bode Makinde; Hon. Niyi Adenuga; Chief Olayeni Goke; Francis Fayomi; Patrick Avoseh; Olamilakan.

  • ‘I never thought I would be 80’

    The two-in-one event featured presentation of the book entitled: Grace of his Life, a Biography of Chief Benjamin Abimbola Adigun and the celebration of Chief Adigun’s 80th birthday.

    It was held on a working day (Tuesday), yet it was well attended. Many important people in the society thronged the gathering in their numbers. The celebrator, Chief Adigun was the cynosure of all eyes; he was dressed in a flowing agbada with a black pair of shoes to match.

    The event began after guests were led in by the ushers. It started with prayers.

    Rev Bosun Ayinde gave the opening prayer.

    Former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chief Funsho Kupolokun, chaired the event.

    In his address, Chief Kupolokun described Chief Adigun as a humble and honest man.

    “We are here to celebrate and rejoice with a gentleman, an ambassador, a pioneer and pillar of the Nigerian oil industry,” he said.

    Chief Kupolokun said Chief Adigun’s life was that of selfless service for his father land.

    “He is a pleasant man, kindness and humility run through his vein,” he said.

    Describing the celebrator further, Chief Kupolokun said, he is a man of courage.

    “He is a man of courage who has emerged from so many battles, his pioneering effort in the oil industry made it boom today, his role in the oil industry is fascinating, however, his role in the church is more fascinating,” he commented.

    Former Dean of Education University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Duro Ajeyalemi, reviewed the book.

    He described the book as a compendium that truly x-rays the life of Chief Adigun.

    The book contains 249 pages with 10 chapters and gallery and Appendix.

    “I recommend the book to you all,” he said.

    Prof Ajeyalemi commended the efforts of the writer for painstakingly looking at the life of Chief Adigun keenly.

    The book, he said, is well illustrated with pictures of the past of the celebrator. The book was presented by Chief John Odeyemi and Chief Segun Aina amidst funfare.

    The celebrator thanked the guests for honouring him.

    Speaking on his life, Chief Adigun said he never thought he would live to celebrate his 80th birthday.

    “I never thought I would reach 80 years on earth, I have passed through many types of situations in life, I have passed through thick and thin, but God being on my side, I survived and in His miraculous way scaled me through the hurdles of life,” he said.

    He urged all to live with fear of God and give their all to the service of God.

    He advised people to show love in whatever they do.

    His wife Madam Cecilia thanked God for the life of her husband and appreciated everyone that had come to rejoice with the family.

    “He has a large heart, a caring husband, a mentor and he is very hardworking,” she said.

    Chief Adigun’s, son Kola considered it a special privilege to be his son.

    “I have a special privilege to have him as a father, he is very caring and kind to all of his children and people around him,” he said.

    Guests gave their donations and bought copies of the book.

     

  • The ‘jolly good’ fellows

    Last Thursday, some people became the fellows of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). It coincided with this year’s edition of the Institute’s Spouse’s Day Luncheon, reports NNEKA NWANERI

    As they filed out, one after the other as they were called. They were filled with joy and pride. Their faces glowed. Their citations were read and certificate of Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) given to them.

    It was another busy day at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, venue of this year’s NIM Spouses Day . It was a day to celebrate both old and new fellows of the institute.

    It was an event graced by royalty, uniformed men, political moguls, captains of industry and entrepreneurs.

    They were dressed in either English or traditional attire. The titled men were in their full regalia. They were led by the Olugbo of Ugboland and Chairman of Obat Petroleum, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan, who came in company of many of his red cap chiefs.

    His entry into the Shell Hall was heralded by trumpets and drumbeats. He wore a glittering shiny apparel.

    His orange Rolls Royce was parked at the foot of the stairs leading into the hall. Guests on entry stole a look at the car.

    Every fellow had a table to himself and his/her guests. Some came in company of their family members.

    Others came with their friends and business associates. Before long, the hall was filled to capacity and those who could not get tables sat on available spaces at the back.

    Following the recitation of the National Pledge and NIM Code of Conduct, the event kicked off. The President and Chairman of Council, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole congratulated the 52 fellows, who have been found worthy to join the 660 existing ones.

    Olawale-Cole told them that the fellows upgrade is not an end in itself but a call to higher service in the management profession and the nation.

    A transformation strategist and a one-time President of NIM, Dr. Lugard Aimiuwu, delivered a paper titled: Nigeria: Transformation of a centenarian.

    The thought-provoking lecture invoked laughter with guests nodding in agreement with the presentation. Aimiuwu said: “Give Nigeria a chance and she will rule the world.”

    He implored the awardees to be good ambassadors of the institute, having been found worthy in character and content.

    The processes of electing new fellows and the criteria for choosing those who won the merit awards were highlighted by the Okega of Ibadanland and fellow of the institute, Aare Kolawole Adegbola.

    Those who scaled through were said to have rendered significant service to the institute.

    Elder statesmen and Mogaji of Ikorodu Dr Tajudeen Bawa-Allah and Mr Samuel Imasuen were conferred as life members of the institute.

    Oba Obateru spoke on behalf of the awardees. His twenty-five or more chiefs stood behind him as he took the microphone, thanking the institute for the worthy recognition.

    Those who bagged awards were: Hon Muhammed Mukhtar Ahmed; Navy Commodore Abimbola Ayuba of the Nigerian Navy; former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan; Lagos State Auditor-General for Local Governments Mr Muhammed Mubashiru Hassan; Registrar, Yaba College of Technology Dr Nkechi Akubuiro; Managing Director, Chenix Oil and Gas Services Sir Chuks Nwaononiwu; Lagos State Commissioner for Housing Mr Bosun Jeje and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Rotimi Agunsoye.

    In attendance were: former Minister of Internal Affairs, Odien Ajumogobia (SAN); former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Senators Ganiyu Solomon; Olorunimbe Mamaora and Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representative, Alh Muktar Idris.

  • A royal farewell

    A royal farewell

    The funeral rites of Mrs Caroline Agbonma Ejieh, the mother of Prof. Mike Ejieh of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, were held at Ngodo Nise in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

    At 93, she had what everyone prays for: children, wealth and long life. Mrs Caroline Ejieh,  the mother of Prof Mike Ejieh of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) as at her demise on May 13, had 30 grand children among whom were lawyers and pharmacists and 14 great-grand children.

    Her four children, Prof Ejieh, Helen Udeh, Adeline Nwolisa and Chibuike Ejie are successful.

    Guests came from Osun, Abia, Lagos states and Abuja and abroad to bid the matriarch of the Ejieh Family farewell.

    The life of the late Mrs Ejieh spoke volumes; there was a massive turnout of sympathisers who came to bid her a final farewell.

    At 8:25am penultimate Friday, a convoy arrived at her family home in Awka. Many of those who came sang her praises in heart-rendering songs.

    Also, canons reminded the gathering that they, like the deceased, will depart someday so they should be ready for the afterworld.

    As part of the rituals before her final resting, guards of the Women’s Guild and Mothers’ Union of the Anglican community of Awka, decorated her with white linen, while making supplications to the Almighty on her behalf for a smooth transition.

    The military-like rendition of the Boys and Girls Brigade of St. John’s Anglican Church, Nise led her casket to the church auditorium, where showers of prayer rained on the deceased. The massive hall of the church was filled with worshipers; others stood in the scorching sun.

    Members of the church choir sang hymns.

    It was, however, a sweet- sour and nerve-freezing moment when Revd Nnamdi Ezeabasili of St John’s Church mounted the pulpit. As he spoke, there were tears. He thrilled his congregation with spiritual implications of life after death.

    After the sermon, the family members of the deceased, joined by other members of the congregation and guests, filed to the altar for thanksgiving.

    Prof Ejieh, who gave the vote of thanks, was grateful to all who attended.

    At 12:55pm, the church recessed. The sun appeared to have stood still while the remains of the late Madam Ejieh were wheeled out of the church by the funeral attendants.

    By 1:45pm she was laid to rest from her 93-year sojourn on earth.

    Many praised the late Mrs Ejieh for her goodness and charity and the fear of the Lord.

    Prof. Ejieh and Lady Adeline Nwolisa, who are the deceased’s first son and daughter, in recounting her lives and times, declared that the entire family would miss her love and elderly advice.

    Lady Nwolisa added that every wife who came to the Umuono kindred after her (Caroline), occupied a place in her heart as her daughter; adding that the community would miss her,

    Her remains were interred in her compound in Ngodo Nise Local Government Area of Awka.

     

     

  • ‘The last soldier standing’

    ‘The last soldier standing’

    Chief Olumuyiwa Sosanya, the founding president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), celebrated his 70th birthday at The Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes.

    EVER seen a 74-year-old man taking to the stage to sing.

    Do you mean 74? Yes, 74. Otunba Jide Sonubi, despite unsteady gait, caused a stir at an event when he ordered the master of ceremony (MC) to give him the microphone.

    Everybody inside the hall wondered what the septuagenarian was up to. He took the microphone and gave a good account of himself.

    It was at the 70th birthday of the founding President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Chief Olumuyiwa Sosanya.

    The Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos, venue of the celebration, was jam-packed with eminent personalities and family members of the celebrator.

    Otunba Sonubi delighted guests inside the tastefully decorated hall with oldies and a mixture of modern day R’n’B.

    Though he looked his age, his performance belied his age.

    His solo presentation was all the ceremony needed to bubble. Earlier, before he asked for the microphone, guests engaged in banters and waiters went from one table to table, serving, while the emcee recognised some personalities on their arrival.

    Some of the guests sang along with Otunba Sonubi. Others just stared at him throughout the over 10 minutes performance.

    At a point, he switched and started singing the praise of the celebrator to the amusement of all.

    After his performance, Otunba Sonubi spoke glowingly of the celebrator whom he described as “My Aburo” (younger brother).

    He told the gathering how Chief Sosanya paid his hospital bill at the Lagoon Hospital when he had an accident.

    “My legs were almost paralysed, but God used Mike Adenuga and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola to restore these legs. So, I walk Fashola right, Adenuga left,” the hall burst into laughter.

    Not done, Otunba Sonubi praised former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba for paying his physiotherapy bill.

    “May you all not be put to shame,” an elated Otunba Sonubi prayed.

    He did not forget the role of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Otunba Busura Alebiosu whom he described as the “father of rascality.”

    “Baba Alebiosu taught us rascality when we were young. He usually led us to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s shrine to dance and enjoy our lives. That’s why I always say that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) does not have what it takes to take over Lagos. If they want to be rascal, that is the father of rascality there,” he said.

    It took the intervention of Aremo Osoba before Otunba Sonubi could drop the microphone for the event to continue.

    The principal guests were later called to cut the cake with the ‘birthday boy.’ It was supervised by Aremo Osoba.

    The celebrator’s immediate family members and grand children were the first to pose for a photograph with the cake before other groups including the Remo Club 1937, Fountain of Faith members, All Saints Church, Yaba, friends of the late Funsho Williams, Lagos Country Club and others took turns in the cutting of the cake.

    Osoba thanked God for the life of the celebrator.

    According to him, Chief Sosanya has celebrated his first 70 years on earth, the second 70 years starts the following day.

    Otunba Sonubi prayed for the celebrator to become older than his late mother who died at 120.

    Proposing the toast, the celebrator’s son, Tunde Sosanya, a chartered accountant, thanked his father on behalf of other children “for the wonderful things you have done in our lives.”

    “You sacrificed a lot for us to be what we are today; you gave us the best of education. Thank you, Daddy, for being there always. We pray God will continue to bless you,” he said.

    King of Juju beats Sunny Ade subsequently entertained guests.

    The next day, accountancy gurus and captains of industry gathered to witness the public presentation of Chief Sosanya’s book titled: Revolution of Accountancy Profession in Nigeria at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

    Many of the guests were witnesses to his struggle to ensure that the ANAN became chartered.

    Former military President Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who was to chair the occasion, was represented by former Lagos and Ogun states’ governor Brig- Gen Raji Rasaki. In a note, read on his behalf, Babangida said: “I am happy to honour a good brother and friend; a man of vision, mission and accomplishment who nurtured ANAN to its maturity. He is a dogged fighter who ensured ANAN was chartered even in the face of difficulty and made it an institute to be reckoned with. I salute the courage of him being another last soldier standing after the war.”

    Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, represented by his Commissioner for Finance, Sunday Katung, described the author as a true fighter and an epitome of doggedness and selflessness. “He is, indeed, incredibly credible,” he said.

    ANAN founding Vice-Chairman Alhaji Mogaji Mohazu said he had never met anyone like Sosanya; otherwise he would have abandoned the struggle when it all started.

    “Then, it was a big battle between ICAN and ANAN but he fought a very good fight,” he said.

    He thanked him for impacting on the country through his book years after serving.

    A member of The Nation Editorial Board, Mr Olakunle Abimbola, reviewed the 20, chapter, 387-page book.

    Olakunle noted that the book met many great expectations, saying the book would benefit ANAN rather than the author.

    In attendance were: Vice-Chairman of the APC, Delta State Mr Ernest Okotie-Oboh; a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) director Mr Moses Adeniran; Vicar of All Saints Anglican Church Ven Louis Akinwande; former Comptroller of Nigerian Immigrations, Mr Bamidele Okunowo and former Director of Engineering Services at the Radio Nigeria Demola Elegbude, among others.

     

  • Public speaking Icon (2)

      If I have seen a little further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This quote is credited to a man who made his mark in the world as a physicist, mathematician, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, philosopher and inventor. He is generally considered the most influential scientist in history. This great man is none other than Isaac Newton, the man who discovered the Law of Gravity. Newton’s famous 1676 quote was inspired by John Salisbury’s work in 1159, in which he wrote, “We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things are more distant, than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raised us up and their great stature add to ours.” When we learn from great public speakers, we benefit from their experiences and avoid their mistakes. Today, I bring you a speaker I personally admire. Over the years, I have come to respect his composure, articulation, charisma and persuasive skills. I present to you Professor Charles Ogbulogo.

    Professor Charles Ogbulogo

    Charles Ogbulogo was born about 52 years ago in Uturu, Abia State. Due to the Nigerian Civil war, which affected the educational system in the Eastern part of Nigeria, he had to begin his primary education afresh in 1970. After he completed his primary education in 1974, he proceeded to secondary school, then the university, where he took a degree in English Education. His Masters in English Language was obtained at the University of Lagos, and shortly after, he got a Ph.D. in the same field. Professor Charles Ogbulogo has been in the university system of about 27 years, and he is currently the Dean of the School of Post Graduate, Covenant University. I hand you over to the Professor now.

    Developing interest in public speaking

    I realised that the whole world is dominated by those who can give information and really communicate. My earliest experience was between 1964 and 1965, when my mother angrily bought me an Igbo Bible because my uncles and aunties won’t let me use the family Bible for fear that I would tear it. So, I started reading early. After the war, in 1970, I had my first public reading; I read Jeremiah 18, the entire chapter. My father who was not really educated, but who had travelled widely knew a few things about how to influence people, so he tutored me on how to make the day great. After the presentation, people started to make comments about the positive things I could do. Interestingly, in 1972, my father bought me a big dictionary and the Oxford Anthology of Literature, and I was still in primary school! He said, “Son, I learnt that if you are able to master these books, anywhere you go, you’ll be an expert.” That was how I developed my desire for reading.

    Also, while I was in secondary school in Abakaliki, present day Ebonyi State, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Enugu organized a debate, and the senior students in my school were to represent the school. At their rehearsal, the youth corper who was in charge asked if anyone from the audience had a comment. I put my hand up, congratulated the team and made a few suggestions, not knowing that I was marketing myself. Immediately, our teachers decided that I must join the team, and though I was a junior student, I became the chief speaker. Eventually, we won the competition, competed with other schools in the neighborhood and won, and later extended our victory to Cross River State.

    Speaking and Influence

    In my first year at the university, I was elected the president of our student association and my town, Uturu, was very strategic then because the Chief Whip for the State Assembly was from there. So, I kept on moving round people of power. As a student leader, I was called upon to speak at every rally. Governors and everyone who wanted to contest elections started coming to see me in our home, as young as I was, to the extent that my father asked me to be careful. But in 1983, the military struck and everything about politics ended. When I decided to take a degree in English, my mentors felt I made a mistake by not going for Law, or majoring in Political Science, which was my minor, but despite the fact that I was the best student in all my courses, I stuck to my English and pursued it to Ph.D level.

    Experience with stage fright

    During my first experience, my father taught me many things. He said, “You must have chunks of time to break everything. Your eyes must be fixed on everybody’s eyes; with that in mind, you’ll be in charge of them.” He taught me that having been singled out meant I had something to say, so I shouldn’t get scared. He schooled me and rehearsed the presentation with me several times until I could read it publicly. Yes, it is normal to have some degree of anxiety. Without anxiety, you can’t move; there must be some kind of anxiety to get you to do your homework, but a good speaker must, of a necessity, overcome that anxiety. Don’t become self conscious.

    We shall continue our lesson from Professor Charles Ogbulogo next week. He has more brilliant insights to share on public speaking, so please make it a date. Main while, I have been receiving some great questions from you wonderful readers and I would love to address them soon after we are done learning from our icons. So, if you have any question, please send them as soon as you can. Stay blessed.

  • A toast to peoples’senator at 57

    A dinner was held for the former Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi in commemoration of his 57th birthday in Kaduna. TONY AKOWE reports.

    IT was August 25, some 17 days after former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, who is now a Senator celebrated his 57th birthday. There was nothing to suggest that the dinner was to honour him for clocking 57.  The dinner was    a gathering of those who worked with Makarfi as governor. The invitation was terse “You have been invited to cover a dinner in honour of Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi”.  The decoration was simple and the hall was small. A large crowd descended in the small hall to the organisers’ surprise. Mukthar Sirajo, who was Makarfi’s Director of Press while in office as governor set the stage for the day’s event when he described the celebrator as a brother, father, leader, mentor and friend.

    He said: “We are here today to celebrate Makarfi because we believe he is our friend and he believes that we are his friends. We are here because we love him. The last time an event like was held was when he was in office and his friends gathered at the Eko Le’Meridian Hotel in Lagos to honour him. You could say he was in position of authority then. But today, he is not in any position to influence anything”.

    Chairman of the occasion and Yeriman Zazzau, Alhaji Munir Ja’afaru said: “We are here because of our love and affection for him. He came, he saw and he conquered. In 1999, it was a difficult time when he took over the leadership of the state at a tender age. His age did not prevent him from discharging his duties as he steer the affairs of state with utmost humility and that is why we are here today to celebrate him.”

    Hon. Yakubu Umar Barde, who served as Makarfi Commissioner for Health said the National Assembly cannot move forward without people like Senator Makarfi.

    Barde who is now a member of the House of Representatives, said Makarfi mentored most of them saying: “He is sincere and believe in dialogue and does not listen to gossip, but believe in fair hearing and is prudent in the management of resources”.

    Ambassador Sule Buba, who was nominated as an Ambassador by the Makarfi administration said: “My relationship with Makarfi date back to the when he was a student. I was the Secretary of the Peoples Redemption Party and Makarfi was a member of the party. He was innocent and nobody thought he will graduate to be a first class politician. I was not surprised when he became governor because before he went into the race, he had a mission and a blueprint for the development of the state.”

    Abdulmalik Durunguwa who served as the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) under Makarfi likened the former governor to people like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos, the late Olusola Saraki in Kwara and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano.

    Kaduna State Governor, Mukthar Ramalan Yero who said he has had the opportunity of being in all the places Makarfi has been said the former governor has course to thank God for his life and be patient with people.

    Yero said while Makarfi studied Accountancy at the Ahmadu Bello University, worked with the defunct Nigeria Universal Bank and as Commissioner for Finance in Kaduna State before becoming governor, he (Yero) also worked in such places before becoming governor. He noted that since 1999, Makarfi planted a tree which has grown with several branches, saying “he is the tree and it has grown to have several branches which are fruitful. People come and go, but the problem is that when the time for people to go comes, they feel that their time is not yet up”.

    On his part, Makarfi said he was not comfortable speaking before the gathering even though he is very familiar with the people present. He attributes this to the fact that “by my nature, birthday celebrations are hardly my hobbies. Often, I don’t remember when they are due without being reminded by family or friends. Most of you here would recall that for the eight years that I was governor, but for one or two occasions, that just like this one, I was literally arm twisted into accepting, there was no time that I engaged in a public celebration like this”.

    While expressing appreciation to the organisers for their persistence until they broke his resistance, he said “I believe I also owe them an apology for putting up the resistance in the first place because coming here has brightened up my day in more ways than one. For one, I have seen so many faces that for one reason or the other, I have not seen in a long while and also, it has brought us together with friends and associates with whom we may even have cause to disagree on one issue or the other. This is how it should be because it shows that our friendship and political understanding are matured enough to accommodate our various shades of opinion and our proclivity to look at and see issues from different points of view. Hardly surprising though, because in matters of political enlightenment, sophistication and accommodation, we, in Kaduna, have always tried to show the way. We show by our conduct such as this that we respect individuals’ and groups’ right to dissent in a democracy and that we don’t allow such dissents to, in any way impact negatively on our relationship. I am so happy with the happiness that I see radiating in all the faces that are here”.