The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Annie Idibia back on set after marriage

    Annie Idibia back on set after marriage

    MONTHS after her star studded wedding with African Queen crooner, 2face Idibia, delectable actress, Annie Idibia is back on set doing what she knows how to do best.

    The mother of one is now busy, saddled with a role in a movie produced by Uche Jombo. The movie is said to be the first Annie is working on after her marriage.

    Annie first hit the limelight as a housemate of the Next Movie Star in 2005 and she later made a bold impression on TV in the drama series tagged ‘Flat Mates’. She has also starred in movies like Blackberry Babes, Facebook Love, Irresistible Urge and others.

  • I’ve never thought of marrying another wife —Obesere

    I’ve never thought of marrying another wife —Obesere

    AS the chairman of FUMAN, what would you say is wrong with the Fuji house?

    There’s nothing wrong with the Fuji sector. If everyone chooses to promote their works by giving themselves titles then it’s for the purpose of business and not because there are grudges. There used to be crisis but not anymore because we all are looking for the way forward, trying to move ahead each day. Creating a faction now would be to promote yourself and not for the aim of brewing trouble.

    There are rumours that the attack on Pasuma was based on internal rivalry. What are you doing to secure the fuji house as it is?

    I don’t think Wasiu Ayinde can send people to attack Pasuma. It could have been a publicity stunt on his part. Pasuma calling himself ‘Oga Nla’ is not to fight Wasiu Ayinde but to promote himself further because his former title limited him; he was even promoting Wasiu without knowing it. They don’t sing or do things the same way and they don’t even have the same fans, so revering him in his music was just free advertisement and I advised him against it.

    Advising Pasuma to stand alone seemed like stirring a feud of some sorts. Don’t you think so?

    I did not cause any crisis, advising Pasuma was just to help his career. I told him that praising someone else in his songs won’t allow him go beyond where he is because he will keep seeing the person as above him. I wanted him to let people know that he can be on his own and then he decided to call himself ‘Oga Nla’ and there is nothing wrong with that.

    Has the feud between Kwam1 and yourself been settled and will you collaborate with him?

    I love Kwam1 and I have no grudge against him. If I am being paid to collaborate with him then I must do it.

    What is FUMAN doing to encourage upcoming and budding Fuji talents?

    I haven’t thought of a simpler way than duets because that’s the best way for people to show their talents. The way we have so many talents on the HipHop scene that is the way it is in Fuji, but if nobody is willing to carry them along then how will they shine? It’s not like before when not many people wanted to sing or act, there is a lot of influx into the industry because of the opportunities that abound.

    What is your relationship with other Fuji artistes?

    I love every other Fuji artiste. I am their national chairman.

    How has becoming the chairman of FUMAN affected you and your music?

    It has not affected my music in any way. When you say you’re a professional or a good musician then you should be able to handle any situation, which is how I see it. The occasion I attend determines the type of music I sing and I believe I can handle any occasion whatsoever which is what makes me a professional. Back then when going to Mecca was the trend, people will come back and say they are not singing a certain type of music. You cannot compare my religion with my occupation because it is from the music that I get money to go to Mecca and pray and without the hand of God in my work I won’t be where I am today. In 2006, when I went for Hajj I realized that even the Arabs appreciate me, I was the only artiste that had his picture there.

    Are collaborations between old and young artistes meant to create relevance for the older ones or to help the younger ones?

    I have done that and I’m still doing it. I did a song with 9ice sometime ago and most recently on this album, I did a song with Lord of Ajasa. When you say relevance, it is not something I am looking for because I am established already. Collaborating with younger artistes is not to put me in the limelight, I love them and I only do it to assist them. Another thing is the HipHop trend which I want to get involved with in a bid to give my fans the best.

    You once attributed the problems of the industry to the unprogressive nature of the younger generation, why is that?

    For the past 5-6years there haven’t been any new Fuji stars. Artistes are born everyday but none is willing to do Fuji and we don’t know what is wrong, we don’t want it that way but that is what is happening. Maybe it’s because we haven’t been doing much duets, attaching unknown artistes to established ones, which was stopped by Music Association of Nigeria (M.A.N) because it was becoming too much and since then the ban has not been lifted. Video collaborations are allowed but not in audio.

    Is the association sticking to it guns?

    We have been working on appealing for the ban to be lifted. They are the ones that will sell whatever we do and as an association they are very strong and formidable, they can lock you out of the industry like they did to Muri Thunder for many years. There is nothing bad in what they are doing, because in everything we do, without good management all will be lost. Going against them and doing so many collaborations may even make me lose my own value but we should be allowed to do it few times in a year for us to bring out new talents.

    Your type of music attracts a lot of female attention, how do you handle it?

    God has given me the wisdom to manage them. It is only wisdom from above that a man can use to handle women.

    Fuji musicians are known for having many wives but you have just one, why is that?

    Well, God does things the way he chooses. I never purposed to have just one wife but that is how it turned out. I’ve never had a cause to think of marrying another wife. Sometimes when you do things and God is with you, people will think that it is just your wisdom but that is a wrong idea.

    If you by chance impregnate a woman, would you accept the child?

    If God says yes then who am I to say no? I cannot reject any pregnancy that I know is mine. Like I said before, wisdom is important in everything, God gave it to us and it is important that we use it.

    How many children have you been blessed with?

    As a Yoruba adage goes; A kin ka omo fun olomo (you can’t help a father count his children). All my children are abroad and they are five in number.

    Are you still in touch with Cossy Orjiakor?

    She is still a friend. I haven’t seen her in a long time but I know she’s fine.

    Are you thinking of doing anything with her soon, like you did then in Apple Juice?

    That is if she wants it. I remember back then when she came to Mr. Bayowa and told him that she wants to become a star and he told her about a job he was doing for me and he also told her that she has all that people will use to identify her.

    What type of person would you describe her to be?

    All that Cossy does is for the stage but in private she is a different person. She is the type of person that doesn’t talk too much but when she is on stage she can do anything because that is what she was paid for. She is a professional.

    What inspired the Appreciation album for Mike Adenuga?

    An English proverb says, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’; you have to read the book before you can say anything about it. I have been hearing good things about him and seeing his good works. He has endorsed a lot of musicians including Pasuma who is like a brother to me; changing the life of many artistes in a short period. I thought of doing this because with all he has done I haven’t seen anyone, talking for Fuji artistes, sing an appreciation song for him, though King Sunny Ade did one, but that was long ago. If Mike Adenuga has done for my colleagues then it means he has done for me.

    On the album cover, there is a picture of you shaking him, how did you meet him?

    I went for an award ceremony where we both were being awarded but in different categories and being a difficult person to see I was seeing him for the first time. When you have the opportunity of meeting him you’ll be surprised by his humility, people sing his praises and not him. Mike Adenuga made me understand the importance of humility.

    What was his reaction on seeing you?

    He was also seeing me for the first time and from the way he looked at me I knew that he also appreciates me. All he said was ‘Obesere, Oju e ree?’ (Obesere, is this your face?).

    With cost of production in mind, what do you hope to gain from making this album?

    It cost me a lot of money to record the album but I don’t need to mention it; the album is both analog and digital. I did not make this album with any ulterior motives in mind. I just did it to compliment an exemplary person.

  • Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan, others for LASPOTECH film week

    HIGHLY referenced Nigerian filmmakers, Tunde Kelani, a veteran cinematographer and Kunle Afolayan, a young director/actor are among the distinguished personalities whose works will be screened during the Students’ Film Week of Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).

    An initiative of Alarinjo Communication -an entertainment outfit based in Ikorodu, the film event is being done in partnership with the Mass Communication Department of LASPOTECH.

    Holding from August 7th, 2013, the week-long event, organizers say promises to be fun for students and film enthusiasts.

    While Afolayan’s Phone Swap and Kelani’s Maami are films scheduled for the event, works of acclaimed Nigerian fllmmakers like Aramotu by Niji Akanni and documentary on late Fatai Rolling Dollar by Femi will also be featured. Also scheduled for screening as ROOM 1060, a shot film produced by students of the host school.

    Supported by Rapido Foods, makers of FIBI beef roll, the event is also expected to feature question and answer session, coffee talk and lecture.

  • Glo X Factor unveils Top 9

    Glo X Factor unveils Top 9

    BARELY a few months after securing her first role in the Mnet TV series titled Tinsel, the Nigerian management of Multi-Choice Digital Satellite TV Service has singled out talented entertainer, Karen Igho for endorsement.

    The financial package tied to the deal was not disclosed as at press time but sources say the package is worth the while for the 2011 Big Brother Africa winner who has strived to be relevant after her feat as a housemate of Big Brother Africa two years ago.

    Confirming the story, Karen went on Twitter thanking her fans for her latest feat: “I don port o to @DStvNg.” She equally disclosed that work has already started between her and the satellite TV provider, “Thanks to my ‘Karenified’ crew, you guys are awesome. @DStv shoot is done.”

  • Right now, I don’t have time for relationships

    Right now, I don’t have time for relationships

    HOW come you are referred to as the baby on camp?

    I am a very emotional person and I think most of the contestants always term me as their baby, not literarily their baby but they understood the fact that I always needed comfort and all of that. They are always there for me.

    What are your emotions all about? Did you have some emotional challenges such that you get moved easily?

    I can’t say I had emotional challenges per se. Growing up was very good for me, my parents are wonderful people. At some point, everyone goes through a certain phase in life where things are not so smooth. We had our own fair share of that and I am glad we could go through it together as a family. Here I am today, I am very happy. Basically, I get hurt easily so I am learning to build my emotions and really work on myself so people don’t see me as a weak person. People don’t take advantage of me.

    Where exactly are you from?

    I am an indigene of Imo State, Owerri. I am from Owerri North.

    Did everybody represent their state in the contest?

    Not everybody represented their State. I know there were about three other girls from Imo State apart from myself. It wasn’t really about where you are from.

    How did you get to represent your state? Did you get to ballot for it?

    When we got to the auditions, they gave each state their order alphabetically and I was the letter I which worked for me because Imo is my State.

    How did it feel at that moment when your name was not announced as one of the top 15?

    To be honest, I felt bad but I still believe it was for the best. I believed that was how it was supposed to be and if it is not supposed to be, I believe something could still have happened but it was very shocking. At the end when I was called in the top 15, I was very glad. I was so happy. I couldn’t even shout.

    When you were close to winning and eventually did not win, how did you feel?

    I wouldn’t say I was disappointed. Being 1st runner up and going to represent your country in the Miss Universe pageant is also a very great title and I am happy that was given to me.

    Tell me about school.

    School is fine. I am a 200L student of the University of Lagos currently studying Biology Education. It is not actually my dream course but I am fine, I have friends there. I have great people. School for me has been very good.

    The winner has said she will stop school and after one year, continue. Do you plan to also defer or you want to stop and go start somewhere else?

    The honest truth is, I am already in 200L and the course is a four year course. It is going to be very difficult because I have a lot of training and I might not have time for and whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. So I do not want to be having flaws in my being Miss Universe and also having in my education. I know one has to step down for the other but as much as possible for now, I would try to manage it.

    What was growing up like?

    Growing up for me was a lot of fun. I come from a family of five, excluding my dad and my mum. I have only one sister and three brothers, one older and two young younger brothers. I actually wished for an elder sister because I planned on stealing her dresses and things like that but my brother is wonderful. He is always there. There is never a dull moment with him because I love playing and my siblings are like that. Growing up was really good. My dad took care of us, my mum was always supporting. It was a very good experience for me.

    For how long have you been nursing the dream of being a beauty queen?

    I actually started with modeling and I started at 14 but I had it going on really well because I was skinny and I am tall. I was almost 5ft11 at that age. It really pushed me then. I started adding weight. I had always loved pageants. I love the dresses, I loved what they do but I won’t say that was the first place my mind went to. I have always loved modeling but most times, I go to places and people ask me to contest for a pageant. Even one of the guards at a bank told me about MBGN and they just kept cheering me on. So I told my mum about it and she said I should give it a try, but I was 17 so I couldn’t go. I went this year when I was 18 and I am glad I made it to camp. I turned 19 before the competition.

    Have you had any embarrassing moment on the streets?

    Going out has been limited for a while right now because we have a lot of people seeking our attention. As for embarrassing moments, I haven’t really had one.

    What projects are you planning to embark on to help humanity?

    Projects are lovely. It is something I plan to do during and even after my reign. I would love to help children. I have a passion for them. I once ran into boys at the bar beach who don’t have food to eat. They don’t even have a home. I realise that from such avenues, these children fall into the wrong hands and turn out to be very wrong things later in life. People end up blaming the whole world. Education is very important but at the same time, if they had some form of training, that could keep them going. The more they are off the streets, the better our community would be. I would work basically on children.

    What were your parents’ dispositions about you contesting in a beauty pageant?

    To be honest with you, it was my mum who made me get the form. I kept procrastinating and she kept pushing me. She gave the money to get the form, encouraged me and kept praying. My dad was skeptical. Being a man, he didn’t like the idea. He had heard a lot about pageants but I tried to convince him. I told him I will make all of them proud and I will make God proud. Now, he is happy he allowed me go. My mum is very proud. I really thank her for her support.

    Did you experience anything on camp to justify some of those skeptism?

    If I were to write a book on pageantries based on MBGN, it would be different from what the crowd has said. There was nothing like that in camp. Camp was too serious for us to have such time for anything like that. We woke up very early in the morning and slept late at night because we had to rehearse so people can enjoy the show. Nobody had time to do all what they have been saying. For me, camp was a different ball game. We had fun.

    Apart from your dad, did anyone else raise an eyebrow?

    I can’t remember anybody else.

    Not even your boyfriend?

    Right now, we are very young. I’m 19 and we have a lot to do with our lives and now we have great titles and a lot of people are looking up to us to bring back the crown and make this country proud because indeed we deserve it. So we need time to focus, we need to do a lot of things. Right now, I don’t think there is time for any of that. We have a lot to work to do.

    So are you going to ask him to wait for one year after which you will have time for him?

    Who?

    Your boyfriend

    I don’t have that

    Is it part of the training on camp that you must denounce your relationship?

    Well, I don’t know about denouncing or anything but you have to know what you are in for. You don’t know where you are going to. I don’t think it is a form of training.

    Do you agree with me that it is strange for a girl of your age to say she has not had any association with a boy?

    Girls of my age usually are focused and do not have anything to do with boys. Now that I know my hands are full, I have a lot going on.

    Not even advances from your lecturers in school?

    Dating somebody and having advances are two different things. Every girl has advances so long as they look good and are approachable. I go to school and I practically do not wear makeup. People tend to notice me because of my height. I have never had experiences from lecturers. Most times I just stay because I don’t want issues. Some girls would say they have and say a lot of things but to me, that has never been an experience. As for advances, you get them from everyone.

    Who are you influences?

    My influence first of all is Florence Nightingale. She introduced modern day nursing. She is also known as the lady with the lamp. She is a dedicated woman. That is what I see her as. She is known as the lady with the lamp because she was known for coming out at night. She was a great woman in the history of the world with that kind of dedication. She is courageous. I really look up to her because I believe that is the way I want to be. I want to be dedicated; I want people to know me as one who can help others.

    What are the injuries that you have discovered in Nigeria and Africa that you think you can come in to heal?

    A lot of times, a lot of young women go into things and get pregnant. I have seen women and children die. These are everywhere. They are very hurtful. Some of them end up dumping children in dustbins or gutters. There are very tragic, horrible stories that people get to hear. I would like to curb a lot of that. I would also help children and make them understand that these children are responsibilities and if not properly taken care of, they can turn into anything. I would like to work on that.

    What are the other talents you have discovered about yourself?

    I can dance. I used to be a dancer in secondary school. I also can act. I sing in my own bathroom.

    You never thought of sports like basketball?

    I did actually play basket ball in school and I sprained my ankle a lot. I also ran. People always expected me to be the fastest runner because of my long legs but running for me was just. I am either second or third but never first. I love volley ball but I guess as a beauty queen, we are not to be seen like that.

    If you have to go on holiday, where in the world would that be?

    The truth is there are actually a lot of places I would love to go. I would love to go to Rome. It is a city that is well known. I would like to learn a lot of history there and see a lot of things I have learnt in many movies. I would like to see them myself and have the experience. I would also like to go to Hawaii because of the beach, the water. I would like to visit America; I would like to visit Rome. I would also like to visit some African countries, places like Egypt despite the crisis. It is known for many things. I would like to go to Ethiopia. Africa has a lot of beautiful places but they are not known. Kenya is also a beautiful place with lots of tourism potential.

    Who are your favourite Nigerian musician and actor?

    I like music, I like MI. I am also a fan of Waje. She has a wonderful voice. I like Eva and her style of rap. I also love Tiwa Savage. As for actor and actresses, I love Genevieve Nnaji. Jim Iyke is a good actor. I also like Ramsey Nouah.

  • O’jez holds tribute night for Rolling Dollar

    O’jez holds tribute night for Rolling Dollar

    TOMORROW at the popular Ojez, musicians and friends of the late Highlife maestro, Fatai Rolling Dollar will exalt the unique virtues of the artiste. The event is a night of tribute, put together by the celebrity restaurant, known for its monthly O’jez Entertainment Awards. Dollar passed on last month at the age of 86.

    O’jez had cancelled last month’s edition of its Awards which was billed to hold on Sunday, June 30 to allow time to plan a more befitting honour for a man touted to belong to the O’jez entertainment family for over a decade.

    Scheduled to begin at 7pm, the night of tribute is said to also coincide with the 41 days mourning of the fallen musician who was a Muslim. Chief Executive of Ojez, Chief Joseph Odobeatu said everything has been put in place to ensure Sunday’s event turns out to be a success. “We are working in collaboration with the late Fatai Rolling Dollar’s family and they are happy to be part of the celebration of the life of their great musician father come this Sunday.”

    The Evergreen Band as well as the O’jez Band that have backed the musician in most of his gigs at the O’jez dancing restaurant every Friday and last Sundays of the month will be on the stand to dish out his popular tunes from when he began playing music over five decades ago. Also on the bill are comedians Elenu, MC Shakara and Elder O. “Zee Boy and Zee Girl, one of the most talented dancing duo will also perform this Sunday plus lots of others. I can assure you that we will give Baba (Rolling Dollar) a befitting honour. We waited this long to allow others do theirs while we planned for his 41 days mourning, after Sunday’s event, I am sure Baba will be proud wherever he is, that indeed we valued his contribution to the O’jez brand in the last 12 years.”

    Mr. Adewunmi Olagunju, son of the late musician was full of thanks to O’jez Entertainment Limited for the honour done Fatai Rolling Dollar. “I am quite aware of the relationship my father had with O’jez, sometimes when his driver was not around, I always drove him here to perform on Friday nights and last Sunday of the month. I was one of his biggest fans because I hardly missed his shows. On behalf of Fatai Rolling Dollar’s family, I say a big thank you to O’jez group for this honour. He always spoke about O’jez almost every time we were together and he was truly grateful for the contribution of O’jez to his music career.”

  • Bayelsa: playing by showbiz rules

    Bayelsa: playing by showbiz rules

    THE line-up of entertainment activities by the Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson led government of Bayelsa State is a pointer to the axiom that ‘entertainment drives tourism’. Music, drama, film, comedy and other related leisure acts play important parts in modern society, and are becoming increasingly important as tourism motivation.

    Whereby a tourist’s desire can be measured by ‘attraction’, the key phrase for the tourism entrepreneur is ‘promotional strategy’, thus it is important to position entertainment when establishing the promotional approach of tourism enterprises.

    Entertainment is the driver of many tourist journeys, and a great deal of tourist attractions have strong entertainment connections, being areas that are used primarily for an audience to be engaged or captivated, through sensory stimulation and emotion.

    During the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which held in April, Bayelsa was touted as the next tourism hub, I dismissed most of the plans as mere political statements. But with the unveiling of the calendar of activities that brings attention to the state almost every quarter of the year, I had barely put up my hands in compromise when the news of UNESCO’s approval of Bayelsa as host of the maiden edition of its under-water committee conference was brought to my attention. I gave up.

    I see a conscious drive by Bayelsa state to realize its desire. Dickson appeared to have played the politics and lobbying in other to create foundation for a long term project. In today’s Nigeria where every entrepreneur is not looked at with the eye of sincerity, it is difficult if not impossible to suspect a businessman who chooses a long term project.

    Meanwhile, the criticism for a long term project which the State pursues would come in form of statements like: “how would hosting a film show or pageantry or an art festival bring financial return to the state?” It’s a shortsighted sentiment, but Dickson appears to have a ready-made answer for those who think that this is all about state fund or tax payers money being showered on showmanship; showmanship because only few Nigerians see the ‘business in shows’ to be able to think showbiz.

    Many have forgotten so soon that one of the fears about the Niger Delta area is the case of insecurity, occasioned by youth restiveness and kidnapping. How else could a government explain that its domain is safe than to say that for seven years that it has hosted AMAA, with local and international stars coming to town, no incident of insecurity was recorded. And now, with the chapter of Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) being opened, the assurance of a safe business environment is being testified.

    The Governor affirmed that his administration has made huge investments in the area of security and today it is beginning to pay off as Bayelsa is now being rated as one of the most peaceful states in the country, while observing that night life has also returned to the state. Indeed, a time out at V10 night club last weekend said it all, and I recall that an old friend had told me that the popular ‘Do It All’ night club which held sway in Lagos at a time is about to resurrect in Yenagoa. What more; the proposed Silverbird Cinema in Yenagoa, with an exotic layout.

    Now, the ready answer as I said earlier is due to the fact that the State government is said to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with nine firms under the public private partnership (PPP) framework to accelerate its investment drive, spanning oil and gas, agriculture, electricity and infrastructural development.

    One business principle that I find particularly commendable is the State’s insistence that what they needed most were investment partners and not just contractors.

    With Mr. President’s assurance of technical and financial support in the promotion of the tourism industry and establish of an under Water Research and Imaging Centre in collaboration with the UNESCO for the State; an announced Federal Government’s donation of N25 million to the proposed Yenagoa Film City during the last AMAA; Governor Dickson’s proposed Bayelsa State Indigenous Movie Trust Fund with an initial donation of N250 million for the development of budding talents; the proposed hosting of over 7,000 Nigerians and foreigners for the National Tourism, Arts and Culture Festival; the UNESCO Underwater Community Conference for over 70 world experts for the African Centre for Underwater Imaging, then Dickson as eulogized by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, has become a great Icon of tourism. “Tourism is one of the top three economic investments in the world,” he said. “If we want to be among the top three economically viable countries and states, we better start doing what Bayelsa is doing.”

  • Farewell to a ‘dutiful mother’

    The remains of Mrs Christiana Aderonke Akintelure, mother of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Ondo State deputy governorship candidate Dr Paul Akintelure, have been interred in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    T will need some searching to find the place in the map. But people found way to Igbotako, a rustic community in Ondo State, penultimate Saturday for the funeral of Mrs Christianah Aderonke Akintelure, mother of Dr Paul Akintelure, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) deputy governorship candidate.

    The ceremony was held at St Pius Catholic Church in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    Mrs Akintelure died on June 14, in Lagos, at 83, after a brief illness.

    Mama’s remains were in a brown casket with golden designs. They were conveyed in a black exotic car – R500 4MATIC.

    The programme started with a Christian wake on Friday at Akinpapa Compound, Oke-Idebi quarters, Igbotako, Okitipupa. The interment was on Saturday and thanksgiving, Sunday.

    The Saturday service began with an opening prayer after which some Bible passages were read. The church choir sang some hymns, and prayers were said for Mama and her family.

    In his sermon, Revd Father Akinyose Anthony described Mama as a woman who was dedicated to God and church activities.

    “She is always giving godly advice and will be greatly missed. She has written her name with a golden pen in this church; she nursed her children on the right path of life and she was prominent in the church and in the society at large,” the cleric said.

    He urged guests to live a good life, saying “one day we all shall go back to our Creator.”

    After the funeral service, the pall bearers danced round the church with the casket. Family members, friends and well wishers also joined in the dance. The M.I.C. Brigade played the instrument.

    Mama’s remains were interred at the Akintelure’s compound before the guests moved to Otunba compound, Off Ode-Aye road, for the reception.

    Some guests were also entertained on the church field.

    The reception venues were decorated in white and gold. Chairs were set stylishly and there were sparkling lights.

    A band was led by Kolayemi Kuti.

    Running mate to Olusola Oke in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Saka Lawal said Mama lived a good life worthy of emulation.

    He said she brought her children up in a way that showed her good character and value for good name.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State governorship candidate Chief Olusola Oke spoke glowingly of the late Mrs Akintelure.

    He said: “From today’s gathering, I am sure Mama must have lived an exemplary life and it shows her good deeds in her life time towards her children and others. It is one that everybody should learn from.”

    In a tribute, Akintelure eulogised his mum, saying: “The main difference between my mother and God is that my mother did not create me. She was everything to me. To my fellow citizens, I want them to learn from the good life of this woman, the kind of life my mother lived was a life of good attributes. She trained her children well, she was very good at morals and above all she served God.”

    Senator Kunlere Boluwaji described her as a mother in a million.

    “She lived a life of love to her family members and beyond. She lived a decent life and taught all her family members good morals,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer, AK Media Asiwaju Benson Akinteju described her as a great woman.

    He said she was a woman that many respected.

    Among the dignitaries were, Dr Pius Akinyelure represented ACN National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Ondo State Commissioner for Finance and ACN chieftain Chief Tayo Alasoadura; Wale Akinterinwa; Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Bola Ilori; Caretaker Chairman ACN Kwara State Sola Iji; Governorship candidate of ACN in Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Mr Akinfeyinwa Awodeji; State Secretary of ACN Adedipe Adegboyega; Mrs Elizabeth Boluwaji; Prince Olu Adegboro; wife of the late former secretary to Ondo State government, Wumi Adegbomire, Bimpe;

    Members of the National Assembly and local governments were also present.

  • Colleagues, others bid Ewerhido farewell

    The remains of Senator Pius Ewerhido were interred in his Ewu hometown in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State last Friday. Staff Reporter OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE was there

    THE mood inside the sacred Heart’s Cathedral in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State was pensive last Friday. Many were dressed in black. As the remains of Senator Pius Ewerhido were brought in, some guests took a deep sigh. The widow and her children sat quietly, listening to the sermon.

    Outside the church, members of the community could not control their emotion. To them, a great son is gone. They could not be pacified by the presence of cream of the political class that came to pay their last respects to a Trojan in Delta State politics fondly called “Gogorogo” by his admirers.

    Ewerhido died at the National Hospital, Abuja on June 30 after suffering a stroke. He represented Delta Central District in the Senate.

    He is survived by wife Doye, six children, aged mother and siblings.

    The church service featured hymns, Bible reading, soul-lifting sermon and special prayers

    In his homily, Reverend Father Anthony Anamali said the late senator was a man that could make the country work.

    The clergyman said some salient bills sponsored by the late senator were germane and appealed to his colleagues not to let those dreams die.

    Leading the tribute, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan reminisced on the life of the late Ewerhido, saying they both shared a long political journey.

    He recalled meeting the late senator shortly after his electoral victory into the state legislature when the need to elect a deputy speaker for the legislature arose.

    He said the late Ewerhido won despite the presence of the caucus for a different candidate in mind.

    Uduaghan said, notwithstanding the tumult that followed his emergence as governor in the 2007 elections in which the late Ewerhido was his rival, they both had mutual respect for each other.

    His words: “Our political history is very long, a lot happened between us in the last eight years. In all these, we had great respect for ourselves. You will not read anywhere where Pius said something negative about me to the media. He never did so; neither did I do it to him. Even in his private discussions, nobody has come to tell me Pius said any ill thing about me.

    “So, we have great respect for ourselves. Even while in the Senate in another party, we also have great respect for ourselves. A few days ago somebody asked me ‘Pius was sick and we heard you were there; why did you go to that extent?’ I told him that if the reverse was the case, Pius would also be there for me. He would have done the same thing for me.”

    Senate President David Mark said the Senate had lost “a gem” in the late Ewerhido.

    He said: “Pius throughout his stay in the Senate demonstrated nationalism and patriotism, the passion with which he expressed himself, the sincerity with which he expressed his wishes of Delta and by extending the wishes of the ordinary Nigerian was beyond reproach.”

    Rev Fr Anthony Ewerhido said his brother gave the people of Delta Central Senatorial District vibrant and effective representation, adding that in less than two years, he sponsored four bills and co-sponsored 12 other bills, urging the Senate to help immortalise the late senator by passing one of the bills he sponsored.

    Ewerhido’s remains were interred at Ewu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state at 4:15p.m.

    In attendance were Edo and Imo state governors, Adams Oshiomhole and Rochas Okorocha; Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; former governor of Edo State Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Uche Chukwumerieje; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Festus Keyamo, a lawyer and Delta House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei among others.

     

  • ‘I can’t believe she’s gone’

    No matter how old our loved ones are, we never want them to go. The tears of the children of the late Mrs Winifred Olanike Omonijo whose remains were intered in Ilesa, Osun State on Saturday are yet to dry.

    She died on June 25 at 75. She was the mother Mr Omobolade Omonijo, Member, Editorial Board of The Nation.

    Those who knew her are still mourning the loss of an outstanding woman. Her widower, Pa Gamaliel Omonijo, cannot imagine life without his jewel.

    Mama and her husband were soul mates. On her sick bed, mama defied pains to ask how her husband was coping at home.

    Mama’s remains were intered at St. Peters Anglican Church Cemetery, Bolorunduro in Ilesa, after a funeral service in the church at Isona.

    The rites of passage began on Friday with a service of songs at her residence. It climaxed with the funeral service the following day.

    The church was painted in white.

    Its wooden chairs were set in rows. The choir rendered solemn songs, with the congregation standing as the remains of Mrs Omonijo were brought in, in a gold brown casket. There were flowers on the casket.

    Smartly dressed women, ushered guests to their seats.

    In a sermon, Ven. Akintunde Morakinyo, described mama as a selfless woman.

    The late Mrs Omonijo, Venerable Morakinyo said, was a diligent woman.

    He urged all to live a life that is pleasing to God.

    After the sermon, special prayer were said for the family, their guests and the nation.

    Mama’s remains arrived at the cemetery in a white car; ESCALADE and T.A.C were the pall bearers.

    As Mrs Omonijo’s remains were being lowered into the grave, the large number of sympathisers wept.

    Reception followed at the United Methodist/Anglican Grammar School Premises, Bolorunduro, Ilesa.

    Guests had a nice time, winning and dinning.

    Relations and friends took time to dance to music supplied by Sweet Jesus Music Ministries.

    Dword Music Institute a.k.a Olagunju Oluwaseyi was the Master of Ceremony while S.Rock Band also entertained. Diverse itinerant drummers were present.

    The venue was decorated in gold, pink and blue. Chairs were set round tables.

    In his tribute, Pa Omonijo described his wife as a prayer warrior.

    “The place of my late wife will remain unfilled; it is very difficult to reconcile with the fact that she has departed this world, leaving me lonely.

    “My wife knew what I should wear, what to eat and ensured that the home was organised the way I loved it. I look forward to joining you too.”

    Omobolade, the first son described his mother as a wonderful woman who lived a fulfilled life.

    His words: “My mother delights in the joy and development of others, she was a disciplinarian who took good care of all her children and even other people’s children like her own.

    “She walked with the Lord, and served God with all her heart, she touched the lives of so many people and she is worthy of honour.

    “She never left daddy, she was always with him and also took care of him.”

    He urged mothers to ensure that they build their homes, saying that the day to day administration of the home is in the hand of the mothers.

    Mama’s daughter-in-law, Mrs Yinka Omonijo said: “Mama was everything to me. She was not only my mother-in-law, she was my mother and my confidant”.

    She described mama as generous, kind hearted, and a woman who is ever ready to give herself to everybody.

    “Mama accepted me freely to be her daughter-in-law and told me many things about my husband (her son).”

    Mrs Omonijo was moved to tears when she said she can never forget mama because she was very caring.

    She said: “Mama will always remember our birthdays to greet us.

    “I learnt something from her. Mama will never borrow rather she will give you more. I will never forget her,” Mrs Omonijo said.

    Mama’s second son, Mr Bolaji Omonijo said mama was caring and loving

    “She brought us up in the way of the Lord and she will never spare the rod to spoil a child,” Bolaji said.

    Chairman, Editorial Board, The Punch, Mr Segun Adediran, said mama was a great and good mother.

    “She will be missed,” Adediran said.

    Present at the event were Ambassador Akinola Falase and his wife, Nike; Prof Ayodele Falase and his wife, Adelola; Asolo of Isolo Ijesha Dr. John Adeyemi, and Oloro of Orogba Ijesha Chief James Ajayi; members of the staff of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation, were there in large number.