The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • MUSON graduates demonstrate skills

    MUSON graduates demonstrate skills

    IT was a night of music brilliance at the sixth graduation concert of MTN Foundation (MTNF) which held at the MUSON Center, recently.

    Like an annual ritual, music buffs stormed the Agip Recital Hall, cheering and clapping as each rendition faded away. There was no doubt, the student artistes who were going to be graduated the next day were a new crop of music revolution for the country.

    Exhibiting their mastery of various instruments, bringing stage drama into music and matching creative with sonorous voices, the MUSON indeed as scored another point as a training centre of excellence. The artistes had trained in the various aspects of music for two years.

    The concert, which was the sixth in its series was said to be the biggest graduation concert organized yet. The concert became a tradition after the first graduating set of the beneficiaries of the Foundation’s music scholarship initiated it. The MTNF scholarship to the students covers their tuition and text books, among others.

    Among the graduands were Segun Adeleke and Kpalap Bright who set the ball rolling, performing Carol and Fughetta, originally put together by a famous British composer by the name Gerald Finzi; Adedaramola Olaore a voice major had rendered “Song of the flea” originally composed by Moussorgsky a Russian Composer admired for his outstanding operas and colourful music inspired by the history and folklore of his homeland; Oladugba Michael performed “The Beautiful Show” by J B Arban. Though on a trumpet, he came through to the audience like the great Saxophonist and Jazz Musician – Kenny G.

    The chariots of Fire rendition came from Ernest Bisong and Irene Ozinegbe. Ozinegbe’s first love for a musical instrument is said to be the huge bass instrument, which she dramatized through a voice over performance. Bisong on a violin, complemented Ozinegbe, making their rendition a delight to listen to.

    The rendition of Omi by Elizabeth Olaitan was particularly dear to members of MTN Foundation present. The composer of the song Kehinde Oretimehin, won the first MTN Foundation prize for an outstanding student in 2008. Olaitan herself also finished second runner-up in this year’s award ceremony. It was particularly pleasant for them to see their investment in Oretimehin has yielded fruits.

    Conducted by renowned voice instructor and conductor, Emeka Nwokedi, the Chamber Orchestra which comprises of the graduating students and other students performed two numbers in honour of MTN Nigeria and MTN Foundation. The first number was entitled “Y’ello Song”, followed by “Thank You MTN”, a number composed by Mbazuigwe Chizurum.

    The MTNF/MUSON project commenced in 2006, when the Foundation was approached by the school to assist some students of modest means who might not be able to pay the fees needed to run the diploma programme. According to Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu, MTN Foundation, the Foundation surprised the institution by providing scholarships for all the students. To date, a total of 162 students have graduated from the music school in a period of six years and have gone ahead to prove their mettle in their chosen areas of specialization.

  • Is Caroline Danjuma a Real Lagos Housewife?

    Is Caroline Danjuma a Real Lagos Housewife?

    IF information going round is anything to go by, then stunning actress and boss of the record label, Guepard, Caroline Ekanem Danjuma is set to join the cast of new reality TV show, the Real Housewives of Lagos. Since it was announced that the franchise will be coming to Nigeria, entertainment lovers have been eager to know who will be a part of the series.

    Reports have it that NBCUniversal, owners of the popular American reality series’ franchise is partnering with a Nigerian organisation to produce a version of the show for the African audience. The new show will be called the Real Housewives of Lagos and will cover the lifestyle of about eight different women resident in Lagos.

    Among the criteria for participating, according to findings, the women must fit a certain age (between 30 and 50), be extremely wealthy, they could be married, divorced or single. They will also grant an all-access pass to their lives: their families, friendships, careers and homes.

  • Here comes Finnest

    HE comes across as a young, vibrant and talented young man, but Omoge Master, Finnest, says that the world is yet to see the best of him. Born Herbert Onyebuchi Patrick, the young artiste was discovered by the Sound and Meknitz Rekords.

    At the unveil of the artiste which took place at Sunfit Hotel, Festac, Finnest explains that he got the needed break he had always wanted and that was how his song, Omoge, was born.

    A member of Deeper Life Bible Church choir at some point, Finnest says that his musical career professionally started a few years ago. He was signed to the Soundz and Meknitz Record in September 2012 and since then he has been enjoying the contract with the record label.

    The unveilling of the artiste also featured the release of his mixtape which has four tracks, Omoge, Despicable me, Why you dey form as well as an all instrument track. The 26- year- old native of Imo State is a graduate of Business Administration from Lagos State Polytechnic.

  • Ruggedman’s protégé kicks off club tour

    Ruggedman’s protégé kicks off club tour

    MBRYO, aka, ‘The Special One’ recently kicked off his ongoing club tour tagged “Ragabomi Nite” at Cloud 9, a club in Bovina View Hotel, Ilorin.

    The tour is aimed at introducing the Rugged Records artiste to people in the town it is held in and artistes such as Ruggedman, Tunde Ednut, Shegzy and Rapsmith were on stage to support the young act.

    The crew first visited the popular Ilorin radio stations, Royal FM and Cruise FM for radio interviews during which loads of excited people called in to talk to them and wish Mbryo luck.

    At the show, the numerous fans that turned up were very familiar with Mbryo’s songs as he has been getting regular airplay in the town and they sang happily along to his tracks, “Ragabomi” and “Remote” among others.

    Copies of Rugged Records collaboration album Money Making Music (MMM) and MyStreetz magazine were given out to lucky Ilorin fans.

    After his visit to Ilorin, the artiste will also visit Abuja, Jos, Benin, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Uyo, Ibadan and Benin Republic for other shows.

  • I’m a virgin again – Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson

    I’m a virgin again – Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson

    Ghollywood actress, Yvonne Nelson loves this country so much she claims to be half Nigerian. On a light note, she says that she has adopted the Nigerian name, Damilola. The sultry thespian who in recent times has been in the news for one reason or another recently came into the country on a twofold mission; the City people’s Award and the premiere of her latest movie, House of Gold. She takes time out of her tight schedule to speak with OVWE MEDEME on a number of issues including her crashed romance with hip-hop artiste Iyanya and her decision to star Nigerian musicians in the new flick, religion and family.

    HOW has been your stay?

    It has been wonderful. I always say Nigeria feels like home. I come here often times and I don’t even want to go back home. It is like Ghana, just that everything is a little fast paced here.

    Do you prefer the fast pace?

    It is just like Ghana, the difference is just how fast things are done here.

    What is your new movie, House of Gold all about?

    I don’t want to give the story out but what I can say is that it is a comedy, a family story. I want people to come out to see Ice Prince and Omawumi act. They were amazing in it. It also features Majid and Eddie Watson from Ghana. It was directed by Paschal Amanfo and written by him too. I produced it, my Executive Producers are Media Gh. It is a story about a rich man who had a lot of kids around the world. He was on his sick bed so he invited all of them to come down and the kids did not really like each other. I am just urging people to come out and see the movie because they will laugh and have a nice time.

    How were you able to get Omawumi and Ice Prince to be a part of the production?

    It was very challenging because they are always performing one show or another. I have my own way of doing things so they agreed to be a part of it. They gave me their schedule so I worked with their time. It was very challenging though but we had to do it?

    How long did it take to shoot the movie?

    We spent about 15 days on set.

    This is your second production with Paschal as Director. Why do you fancy him that much?

    Paschal is like the best writer I know. He is one of the best Directors in Ghana. Paschal is a very straight forward and honest guy. It is very easy working with him. He always wants to work with somebody who can deliver and make things go on smoothly.

    Were the Nigerian artistes difficult on set?

    Amazingly, they were all really good. It felt like they were actors. Ice Prince was the one who really shocked me because he had a show the night before he came in. He didn’t sleep; he went to the airport at about 6am and flew straight to Ghana. He didn’t even rest. He wore his costume and started acting. Everybody was surprised when he started acting. Omawumi is a natural. She is so good. At some point I jokingly told her that if she starts acting, I am sure most of us would be put out of jobs because she is really good. They were amazing.

    Why the choice of Ice Prince and Omawumi?

    It is my own marketing strategy. I believe that they all have their audience; they all have their fan bases. As a producer, you should be creative, know how to sell your movie. I just wanted spice things up. When you watch my movies, you will know that my casts are usually very interesting.

    People get tired of seeing the same things. It has nothing to do with preference for Nigerian musicians. It is just something I thought about doing. I could have used Nollywood actors but I just wanted to spice things up a little bit. I don’t think people were expecting it at all.

    How did Single and Married fare in the Nigerian cinemas?

    I believe Single and Married was the longest running Ghanaian movie in Nigeria. It did great. It won best movie of the year last year in Ghana so I believe house of gold will do the same.

    Does it have anything to do with why you are bringing House of Gold here?

    Not really. I am always going to be producing and I know that my movies are always going to do well because I do good materials.

    Where else are you taking the movie to?

    It will be showing in Nigeria. It is already showing in Ghana. I don’t know how plans are right now but we might take it to the States. I am not really sure now but people are asking for it outside of Africa.

    Recently, you have been linked with a couple of controversies…

    I don’t live in Nigeria so I might not know what they say about me. As journalists and media people, we just have to know that people use certain headlines to attract readers or to drive traffic to their websites.

    What actually happened between you and Iyanya?

    I guess it is out there. I granted two interviews recently and I said everything in it so I don’t want to repeat myself. People have ways of writing their headlines which I cannot control. They can write anything they want to write and whatever I say can be misrepresented.

    Is it right then to say you have moved on?

    That was so last year. The reason I granted thus interviews is that I was just getting tired of lying to my fans and I wanted them to know the truth. Sometimes the fans deserve to know.

    It is also said that you bleach your skin. How true is that?

    Do I look like I bleach? I don’t want say anyone is dumb but people should know that there are so many filters that we use for our pictures. If you watch TV for example and I look a little dark and you see a picture of me where I look lighter, you should know that it was filtered. This thing has gone on for so long. My mum is lighter than myself. Everybody in my family is light. I don’t even know these people, I don’t know why they say the things they say because most of them have not even met me and they claim that I bleach.

    Do you feel disturbed when you hear most of these things?

    I don’t. Some people will remain like that. They believe whatever they read so it is good for them to sit back in their houses and believe everything they see online. You can’t go into everybody’s home and tell them you don’t bleach. At the end of the day, I am very happy with myself. I appreciate God and I don’t intend changing my colour.

    Are you in any relationship now?

    Not that fast. I am a secondary virgin. That means you are not a virgin but you have decided to abstain. After a long time, you become a virgin again.

    Are you seeing that through till you say ‘I Do’?

    I don’t know but there are a couple of people that I hang out with once in a while. They are special people in my life but I am not in any relationship. I just want to take my time. It is not something that I am looking for. I am not looking for any guy or something like that. I believe that when it is right, he will come.

    The general tendency is for ladies to worry about the biological clock. Aren’t you bothered about that?

    I am still young though at the end of the day, it is something that I think about. I don’t want to rush it but if it comes my way, fair enough.

    Would you date an entertainer?

    Definitely not.

    Is it because of the Iyanya experience?

    I guess everybody knows that. It was quite a shocking experience.

    At some point, Tonto Dike engaged you in a Twitter spat. Have you seen or spoken with her?

    Like I said in another interview, I don’t like bringing a third person into my affair. I don’t want to even mention names but it is all good. That actress did whatever she had to do and I know that the tweets were meant for me. Fair enough. I hope she is happy with whatever she has told me to do. She told me to move on, feelings change and all that. I guess she is also happy. I wish her luck.

    At some point, Iyanya said you can say whatever you like…

    We are all into this business. Everybody is trying to protect their fan bases. Most of his fan base is women; most of my fan base are men. I would want to not really bring out who I am dating because my male fans are going to be angry. He was also trying to protect his angle; he can’t run away from it. I decided to talk about it because like I said, I did not want to keep my fans in the dark. Nobody can stop me from doing that.

    Would you turn down a job because Tonto is on the same set?

    I don’t have any problem with anyone. As a professional, if I get a phone call from a producer and I like the script and I like who is directing it, why won’t I take it? It should not be a problem at all. I am not fighting with anyone. We are not friends but all the same, I know that her tweets were meant for me and it’s ok. There is nothing wrong with that. We all have our lives and how we were brought up. I didn’t have to reply anything.

    What was the healing process like?

    I passed through it just like every other person. Everybody goes through heartbreak. It is a natural thing. I have my work and stuff to do. I can’t just sit at home and cry. I had movies to shoot, projects to do, traveling and stuff like that.

    What were your fondest moments with Iyanya?

    He is a great guy with great talents. He is like the best singer ever and he gives me goose bumps anytime he sings.

    Did you ever think the relationship would have ended in marriage?

    I don’t know where it was leading to. I am sure in a relationship, everybody give their best and we all gave it our best I guess.

    What was the real problem?

    The real problem is what I spoke about in an earlier interview. I don’t want to keep repeating it, that is why I keep referring to them. I don’t want it to look like everywhere I go, I talk about it. I don’t want to talk about it again. People already know the story

    They also say that you have interest in Nigerian men. Is that true?

    Really? I don’t.

    If a Nigerian proposes to you, would you accept?

    Why not? If I like the person, I would accept.

    Have you ever gotten any proposal from a Nigerian?

    Let’s keep that on the low. It has nothing to do with Ghanaian men. Wherever your heart takes you, you go. You don’t decide, you don’t choose. It just happens. You don’t plan these things.

    If you had a question for yourself, what would it be?

    I would say things people don’t know about me. Back in Ghana, you will never see me hanging out with any guy because I am always indoors, I am not a night person. The reason people get to hear so many things about me is that when I come here, they see me with my colleagues and they start writing stories. That has been my problem in Nigeria. I cannot really continue like that because I don’t live here. If everybody they see me with will be an issue then there is an issue.

    What is happening with your Glaucoma Foundation?

    It is on the low now because of lack of funds. I do everything myself, from my own pocket. It is challenging. I have people I buy drugs for and it has been tough doing all of that alone. We are planning to do essay competition soon.

    Have you tried seeking funds from other sources?

    Most of the stuff, I do it myself and my Manager and because I am always not around, it is difficult to do all these things. It has been challenging.

    What is your one wish in life?

    I desire to go to heaven. I don’t care if I have to die today to make heaven.

    How are you working towards that?

    I pray and I am okay. We are all sinners, I know what I do. I read my bible.

    Are you a born-again Christian?

    Of course I am born-again. Can you see somebody and just decide they are not born-again? I come from a very religious background. My mum is like an elder in my church. The funny thing is that people just see you and they judge you. Appearance is very deceptive. I don’t judge people.

    Who is your ideal man?

    I don’t really have a perfect, ideal man in my head. It’s just something that you feel. When you like or love somebody. You just feel it. You don’t really mind whether they have money, whether they are broke or not. That is just me. As an individual, I work hard. I don’t have to wait for any man to buy me what I need. Love should be unconditional. That is what I believe in.

    Would you be comfortable being the bread

  • I tried stand-up comedy before I dumped it for music —M.I

    I tried stand-up comedy before I dumped it for music —M.I

    AS an artiste, you are associated with two record labels, Chocolate City and Loopy Music. Please explain your connection with the two labels?

    Chocolate City is the label I’ve always been in, it all started with Choc City. I am currently signed onto Chocolate City and I also serve as Vice President in charge of music. Loopy Music on the other hand is my own record label, which I started with a couple of gifted people that I personally need the world to see and hear, because they are uniquely talented. Loopy is a project that I put together and believe in. It’s like a wife-daughter relationship. Chocolate City is like a wife, Loopy is a baby daughter. There’s no divorce or breakaways; the ties that bind us are unbreakable.

    How was Loopy Crew formed?

    It was a gradual process, steadily reaching out to my people back in Jos who I have always known and I must carry along. It’s been like God has blessed me and given me something here, so I have to reach back home and bring out the others who have a difference to make in the industry and the arts.

    Did you set up Loopy Crew because of your perceived beef with Chocolate City?

    That’s just a rumour as you can see presently. I started Loopy Music ever since my early days with Chocolate City. Loopy Music is even part of the Chocolate City family called Choc Boi Nation. We (Chocolate City), Loopy Music and Jesse Jagz Nation do a lot of collaborations.

    Being the one that sort of discovered Brymo, how do you feel about his intention to leave Chocolate City?

    I feel no disdain or such about it, because life is about exploring, discovering, and just going ahead. So such things are just about a person wanting to try other possibilities. There’s no boundary to how far we can go in life, so even if Brymo wants to explore, then of course it’s fine; success needs to be pushed to its limits, and the path to greatness is always taken individually.

    What about the exit of Jesse Jagz; what impression do people deduce from the whole saga?

    There’s no bad blood; Jesse is my blood brother and is still my family musically.

    Jesse is branching out and broadening his horizons, and that’s all that it is, an excessively talented guy who’s doing his own thing. He is also part of the Choc Boi Nation that I mentioned earlier.

    Is there more to recent happenings at Chocolate City than meets the eye?

    For Chocolate City, it is and has always been about making the best kind of music, about exploring dreams and creative possibilities.

    What role did Jeremiah Gyang play in getting you signed onto Chocolate City?

    He was the one that introduced me to the amazing guys at Choc City, when all I had with me was a dream to take over the world.

    I learnt you also managed him sometime in the past

    Yeah! It was more like a P. A. kind of thing.

    What has the last three years been like trying to build a solid corporate base and contributing to Chocolate City as Vice President?

    It’s been so much responsibility; a blessing of being the V.P. But, of course, the workload is not the sort to be done at a finger snap. The process of making decisions, implementing them, and ensuring the perfect running of all operations and projects involved is quite tasking. It’s not been an easy run, but the hard work is paying off and we are still doing our thing.

    What was it like then when you spent so much time in America trying to be like an American before you returned home?

    America was cool, hard times and good times – studying and all that. The experience of being there was also eye-opening. Being away from home helps show you the presence of distinct differences in all factors of life, while you still hold on to the truth that there is no place like home. I was looking for greener pastures there and it brought me back home.

    America was useful to me in that it helped me gain some of the knowledge of how music and especially underground rap thrives in America. I used to participate in rap competitions in Michigan and I performed very well. After I started off, I visited America as a BET award nominee and was interviewed by the popular queen of daytime TV, Wendy Williams, among others.

    Did your music career start almost immediately when you came back from college in America due to visa issues?

    Of course not, I would have still continued rapping in the U.S like I was on a small and low-key scale before I came home. But the period I did come home was when I launched my career here.

    Has your career robbed you of the opportunity of going back to school, at least for now?

    I wouldn’t say that. I am still in school, the university of life, as it were. I’m also working on my degree currently, in a few months you will know how far.

    Despite the fact that you hail from Taraba State, a lot of people refer to you as a Jos boy. Is it because of your Jos boy mentality?

    A Jos boy is one who grew up in Jos and acquired all that creative energy into something productive. So yes! I am a proud Taraba-born Jos man.

    What was it like when you came to Lagos from Jos in 2007 to live with Djinee in a bid to promote your music career?

    It was hard. But that is to be expected, everyone has a story to tell. If it was very easy for me, I wouldn’t be here now. It’s the struggles and battles that turn the boy into a man. As you grow older physically, career-wise and even pocket-wise, a few things change, including you yourself. So, of course, it was hard to come to Lagos with N3, 500 in my pocket and a dream in my head. Everything makes sense when you look back at where you started from and where you are currently.

    Is it true that you also attempted stand-up comedy before you ditched it finally for music?

    Ha ha ha… Oh yes! It is the sad truth. However, as a hip-hop artiste, I have come to realise that every rapper needs to have a sharp wit and a sense of humour which are key components to have a successful rap career.

    What is the thinking behind your unique album titles: M.I & M.2?

    My first album was actually called Talk About It, but with that and M.2, the thinking is like cataloguing the phenomenon that is M.I, the ideas in my mind, the state of my mind and perceptions, delivered to the world through the technique of rhyming that is also part of being M.I; M.I 2, the sophomore was actually “M.I the movie”. It chronicled every single track like a movie giving the listener a chronological order of ideas, events and dialogue. It was meticulously planned and detailed.

    How did you feel when your first album became the number 7 trending topic globally on twitter at the same time when international artistes like Kanye West and Nicki Minaj dropped their albums and they were not trending?

    Of course I was euphoric; I felt so much gratitude to the fans and everyone. I felt almost like I should find a way to individually thank every single person on twitter for making it possible. Like tracking down every handle on twitter and express gratitude, because it came as a surprise, and the acknowledgement was undeniable. Then it reminded me that God is the standing guard behind me. He guides my steps.

    How are you able to conjure intense lyrics as a rapper which adds to the depth of your songs?

    That’s because I am Mr. Incredible yo!! (Laughs).The ability is from God first of all, then back in the day as an aspiring rapper, when I was training myself, I realised that despite the natural flair to compose lyrics, there’s a need to learn to do it as intelligently as possible. So conjuring lyrics is about taking your thoughts, mixed with your feeling, and putting them in your technique as a rapper. It takes a solid mental process to use knowledge and reasoning to ensure that every word used is serving a purpose; no word should be wasted, every line and every bar must account for a thought you wish to express.

    What has it been like trying to sell your music to the international market?

    Like any venture that wants to go international, it is no chicken feed. Beautiful music sells itself though. MI:2 was popular globally and the amount of airplay it receives today is still shocking to me. Even the first single off my 3rd album ‘Chairman’ is doing well, especially in Africa. I heard an interviewer the other day who was in Nigeria for the first time and she was describing to me how much they love ‘Chairman’ so much in South Africa. Music is becoming global and I am pleased and humbled at the same time to be a part of that movement.

    What has the response been like after the worldwide release of your latest song ‘Chairman’?

    It’s been welcomed greatly and I’m thankful for it. The airplay has been massive and all the O.A.Ps and DJs have really graced me. Sometimes I just turn on the radio and ‘Chairman’ is jamming on it and I’m thankful that it has gotten some positive reception.

    Why the title ‘Chairman’?

    The ‘Chairman’ is like an M.I3 kind of phase; lately in my life, everywhere I go to I’m addressed in that same term. The word just keeps following me and popping up at every time and place I find myself. Every ‘hello’ or ‘how far’ is responded with ‘ah Chairman’; so it struck. I have also come to a certain stage in my career where we have moved on to bigger things. ‘Chairman’ is an apt statement; people are beginning to understand exactly why. And it is suitable for depicting the return to hip hop office and not as just any man but as the ‘Chairman’.

    Do you have any vices?

    I’m human, it comes with the territory. The most important thing is: Do you learn and grow? Do you stand and go? Or do you wait for a saviour who will never show up?

    Have you ever been embarrassed by any of your other colleagues in the industry?

    None that I can recollect; it’s very hard to try to embarrass the ‘Chairman’ (laughs).

    How smart are you with relationships?

    Hmmm…what I’m going to say about that is that, I’m private about relationships. A lot of caution and respect is allotted to it. So I would say that, I’m smart to understand the extent to which my public life interferes with the private peace I enjoy.

    Have you ever cheated in your past relationships?

    Which past relationships?

     

  • Akindele confirms separation from husband

    Akindele confirms separation from husband

    Star actress, Funke Akindele, whose marriage has been a subject of speculations for days has finally announced her separation from her husband, Kehinde Oloyede.

    Her Principal media consultant, Ayo Ola-Mohammed, in a statement on Friday evening confirmed that she took the decision after due consultation and consideration.

    ” She hereby urges her fans and all concerned to pray and wish her the best as she moves on in her career. Kindly note that this is the first and only official statement from Funke Akindele on the matter and will be glad if her wish is respected, ” Ola-Mohammed stated.

  • A club’s twin celebration

    The Lagos Country Club, Ikeja Special Marshal marked the 25th anniversary of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the 20th year of the Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP). OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) converged on the Diamond Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club penultimateThursday for the celebration of their 25th anniversary and the 20th year of the Special Marshal and Partnership (SMP). The event featured a public lecture by the Sector Commander, Mr Nseobong Akpabio.

    Members of the Lagos Country Club marched into the hall in their numbers for the celebration.

    From the gate of the venue, it was obvious that the FRSC and SMP were holding an event. Majority of the corps marshals were in uniform.

    Before the event started, people sat in groups; chatting, shaking hands and laughing. There was revelry. Some took pictures as the documentary of the club was being screened.

    All these were to kill time until the arrival of Akpabio. The event started after his arrival.

    The air conditioned hall was decorated in blue and white; chairs were set in rows. There was a session of Merit award for four people in the club. They were honoured for their contribution towards the club and for the works done in ensuring road safety.

    Akpabio arrived with the club’s Vice President, Trombi Fillipo, Unit Coordinator, Geraid Olunaike, members of the club, officials of FRSC, SMP, and several others.

    The national anthem and the club’s anthem followed the sector Commander’s entry.

    Then came the moment the people had being waiting for – Akpabio’s lecture. He spoke on the topic: ‘“Road safety is everybody’s business, what can you do?”

    Akpabio said: “About 1.2 million people die annually worldwide due to road traffic crash, about 20 to 50 million suffer various degrees of injuries, while some are permanent and, about 260,000 children under the age of 18 die annually due to road crashes.

    Akpabio said road crashes have reduced since the establishment of FRSC, 25 years ago.

    “Road users also have a role to play by avoiding road crashes in all the way they can and, also by reporting cases of road crashes to the commission immediately and helping out road crashes victims,” he said.

    Road crashes, he said, were rampant in the less developed countries with poor road infrastructure and poor safety education. This, he said, is because of some human, mechanical and environmental factors.

    Akpabio said: “80 per cent of road crashes are caused by human, which include; over speeding; dangerous, aggressive and distracted driving; over confidence, fatigue, and talking or drinking while driving.

    “Mechanical factors like break / engine failure, bad tyre, faulty lighting, inconsistent loading, faulty wheel alignment and faulty electrical system also cause road crashes. Environmental causes of road crashes are bad roads design, weather, road obstructions, inadequate / lack of road signs, congestion and spillage amid others.

    Olunaike highlighted the roles of a special marshal to include, patrolling the highways and controlling traffic on group basis; monitoring road users and road marshals with a view to providing constructive information or feed back to the commission.

    He added that they are also there to ensure life saving ventures, giving prompt attention to road victims and they must be ready to expend resources and time to evolve a better road culture.

    Earlier, Fillipo said the goal of the lecture was to ensure the safety of our road users in the country.

  • Starting with prayers

    Members of Lions Club International, District 404B Nigeria, last Friday observed Jumat prayers at the Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja to begin a new calendar year, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    On Fridays, the expansive Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja has never been short of worshippers.

    But last Friday was different. Reason – it coincided with two events: the first Jumat service in the month of Ramadan and visitation of members of Lions Club International, District 404B Nigeria.

    Many were not surprised with the large turnout, especially those tagged ‘Ramadan Muslims’ as it has become a normal yearly event.

    The surprise of the day were the people clad in foreign and traditional attire and capped with yellow apron.

    “This year’s Ramadan is going to be special,” a worshipper on his way to the ablution centre, said in Yoruba language.

    “Why do you say so?” his friend inquired.

    “Can’t you see members of the Lions Club coming to worship with us?” he replied rhetorically.

    “Well, maybe they want to benefit from the spiritual reward inherent in the month. Moreso, today is the first Jumat service in this Holy Month,” he said.

    Their discussion was cut short with the Athan (Call to prayer) by Muazin, which signifies the commencement of the sermon.

    The congregation in the mosque and at the pavilion kept mute. The Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) Alhaji AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef mounted the podium.

    Popularly known as Hon Iyepe (sand), his appearance brightened the face of the congregation the more.

    Alhaji AbdulLateef, a former LAHA lawmaker and former Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Political Bureau was known for his eloquence.

    He did not disappoint the worshippers as his sermon was a mixture of happenings in the country and the essence of Ramadan.

    AbdulLateef decried the Rivers State Assembly saga where “five members turns majority over the rest 27 members.”

    This, he said, can only happen in Nigeria.

    He cautioned the political class to be wary of their actions, saying the children are learning from their untoward attitude.

    He did not fail to highlight the numerous rewards of Ramadan if properly observed.

    The politician-turned-cleric enjoined the congregation to emulate the early Muslims in action and deeds so that their final abode can be paradise.

    Barely 10 minutes to the end of his sermon, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was ushered in with some of his commissioners.

    After the two-rakats prayer, a special session was held for members of the Lions Club.

    The club, led by its Vice-Chairman, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Abiodun Adediji took pictures with the Ulamau and distributed Iftar (breaking of fast) package to the worshippers.

    Speaking with The Nation, afterwards, Adediji said Lions calendar runs from July 1 to June 31 the following year.

    “So this year, we are putting God first; we want Allah to be with us throughout our year so that we can accomplish our goals,” he said.

    “We have the less privilege in our society and part of what God has given to us we want to give back to our community and to join hands with the government and other organisations to help the less privileged in our community. Our main project is on sight, we usually help those who have sight problem and it has been the biggest among other programmes we have for the year,” he added.

    Alhaji Adediji urged members of the public to join them lift the society.

    Also speaking, the district Cabinet Treasurer Lion Olaniyi Olagoke described as fantastic the experience of being a member of the club.

    He said: “It has enabled you to reach the public, see what their needs are and find a way of assisting them in terms of provision of sight, provision of water and some other requirement that the less privileged members of the society need.

    “As a matter of fact the one that moved me most was the restoration of sight that we did for more than 1,000 members of the society two years ago. We removed cataract from the eyes of most members of the society in places such as Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos to mention a few. That year was awesome.”

    Olagoke thanked the management of the Mosque for hosting them.

  • All for a legal luminary

    All for a legal luminary

    Eminent lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) last week in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, marked his 50th anniversary at the Bar. The event, which featured the inauguration of a new office and launch of two books, attracted the A-list. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA was there.

    Ever seen renowned lawyer Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) digging it on the dance floor? He did just that in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last week and onlookers marvelled at his skill.

    With his wife, Yeye Modupe, the octogenarian clutched the horsetail which was extended to him by the lead singer of a traditional dance troupe.

    Many began to wonder what magic Babalola would perform with the tool which he held for a while. Then he whispered to his wife, who also held a horsetail and the couple rose from their seats on the high table and walked towards the dancers. Waving the horsetails, their action provoked laughter.

    It was breathtaking! 50 years of a flourishing legal practice, and Babalola is still firing from all cylinders. Last Tuesday, the quintessential legal icon and philanthropist marked 50 years of his call to Bar with pomp and ceremony.

    The Ekotedo, Mokola, Ibadan premises of his Emmanuel Chambers where he inaugurated a new office complex and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) multipurpose Hall in Iyanganku, Ibadan, where a lecture/book launch were held in his honour, were a beehive of activities. The events drew the crème-de-la-crème across legal, political, royal and business circles. The dignitaries showered encomiums on Babalola, at an occasion tagged: “Aare Afe Babalola 50 Years at the Bar.”

    It was simply a display of wigs and crowns. Notable lawyers, monarchs, traditional rulers, and technocrats first thronged the chambers before ‘reconnecting’ at the NBA hall for the lecture. The event was akin to a reunion. Many who had passed through Babalola’s chambers before setting up theirs were there.

    A small crowd thronged his chambers on the Mokola/Dugbe expressway to behold the dignitaries that arrived at the venue in their glory, one after the other.

    The atmosphere, became charged when former President Olusegun Obasanjo arrived. He responded to chants of “Baba Iyabo” from those that gate crashed into the venue despite the heavy security.

    Then the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and Olugbo Of Ugbo Kingdom Oba Fredrick Akinruntan stormed the venue with their retinue of aides and posh cars.

    Babalola was decked in a sky blue suit, a black-blue tie with orange stripes, and a pair of black shoes to match; his wife donned an orange apparel with a jacket that bore a black flowery design on an orange-like background.

    Decked in white agbada with purple dots, Obasanjo, who was chairman on the occasion, was as usual in his humorous best. His short speech was a temporary comic relief to the excited audience.

    Reliving his days as president, he said he made some mistakes adding that the celebrator was one of those mistakes.

    “I made a mistake when I appointed him (Babalola) as the pro-chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG). Many people also considered it a big mistake but it turned out to be a successful mistake,” Obasanjo said, throwing the gathering into laughter.

    According to him, Babalola proved his mettle at UNILAG by emerging the best pro-chancellor twice and producing the best vice-chancellor under his administration, capping it up by establishing the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

    Denying that he is Babalola’s client, Obasanjo said he would rather see himself as a beneficiary of the SAN’s legal services, than a patron.

    “Let me correct an impression some of you are making here that I am a client to Aare. But I will rather see myself as a beneficiary of Aare’s legal services, and his industry and passion for work which we must all emulate,” he said.

    Obasanjo said he and the celebrator shared a lot in common. He said aside being old buddies, they possessed a miniature image, are dark skinned, but above all, are great farmers, drawing another bout of laughter from guests.

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who cut short his trip to China, said he did so because “Baba deserves the attention of all.”

    “What better way can we celebrate our Baba than being here to rejoice with him. Baba is one of the few distinguished Nigerians who made it from a humble background to become one of the best lawyers, not only in Nigeria but the world at large.”

    Most of those who came onto the podium showered encomiums on ‘Baba’ as he is fondly called.

    Former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), who once served in Babalola’s chamber recounted how hardworking and passionate he is to the legal profession.

    “His (Babalola) day in the chamber begins at 8am, and that is when he is not travelling outside Ibadan for a case. With a short break in the afternoon from about 3p.m and in the evening from 6p.m till about 10pm, with occasional stretches to 11p.m. For him, everyday of the week, including Sunday, is a work day.

    “Aare loves the law. He lives for the law and no wonder the law has made him great.”

    Yusuf Alli (SAN) said: “This event is elevating, encouraging; and it shows that if a man is hardworking, he will stand tall among men.

    “The lesson I draw from this is that uprightness, hardwork, honesty and faith in God pay. Baba Afe is a great human being.”

    In his tribute, Alhaji Lasun Sanusi (SAN) said: “One great thing about this teacher of lawyers, and Nigeria’s greatest producer of the highest number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria is that he is a man with a large heart. He accommodates all and he is a detribalised Nigerian.

    “There is hardly any counsel that passes through him that will not become a renowned practitioner as he exposes all to the rudiment and nitty gritty of law. He is a workaholic and easily falls in love with whoever appears ready for his grooming and learning.”

    Wale Olanipekun (SAN), who presented the two books: Thoughts of a legal icon and Current legal issues in contemporary Nigeria, said the books were veritable literatures which cut across board. “They are ideal for students of Law who dream to make it big like the celebrator,” he said.

    Olanipekun, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan said: “Aare’s achievement in the law profession is known across the world. So what I mean is that these books are tools, especially for young minds still curious to know how Baba rose from humble background to a global figure. That is why I said it is not only books for lawyers alone but anybody who wishes to succeed.”

    Babalola thanked the guests and the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, Oyo State chapter, which presented a play in his honour the previous day.

    The play, he said, revealed the ills plaguing the country. He urged all to work together on the Nigerian project.

    “What ails the project Nigeria is dishonesty, mismanagement of funds, corruption, poor planning and execution at all levels, strikes and cultism in our tertiary institutions. There is an urgent need to administer the correct dose of treatment to cure these ailments; otherwise, project Nigeria may die. A serious disease needs drastic treatment. The answer is a new constitution and not palliative treatment termed amendment to a deceased federal constitution,” Babalola said.

    Babalola recounted how he cut his legal tooth under the late Justice Olu Ayoola. Nearly two years after he joined the late Judge’s law firm, he left to establish his own chamber – Afe Babalola and Co, where majority of the cases he handled then were magistrate court matters and later divorce cases. Through dint of hardwork, he said, he soon broke away, delving into landmark cases many of which he won.

    In attendance were Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice Abdulahi Ahmed Yola, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; his Ekiti counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Ekiti State governor Segun Oni; former Judge of the World Court Prince Bola Ajibola; Ohinoyi of Ebiraland Ado Ibrahim; first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mrs Folake Solanke; Chairman, Energy Group Dr Jimoh Ibrahim; Minister of Police Affairs Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd) among others.