The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Their happy day

    Their happy day

    A former National Life journalist, Rev Timothy Oyeola, has given out his daughter in holy matrimony to Samuel Fele, an engineer, at the Fear of God Gospel Ministry (FGGM), Akute, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports

    June 8 would linger in the memory of Rev Timothy Oyeola, the President of Fear of God Gospel Ministry (FGGM) and the Feles. Their children Victoria and Samuel got married that day.

    The couple is from Ekiti State.

    Samuel is a graduate of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH); his love, Victoria, is a graduate of Political Science from the University of Ibadan.

    The ceremony started with the engagement at the FGGM in Akute, Ogun State.

    It was followed by the wedding in the same venue. The church choir opened the floor with praise songs and stylish dance steps.

    The groom was the first to enter the church accompanied by his best man. The bride followed.

    Pastor Joseph Atunase took the Bible reading from Philippians 2:1.

    Pastor Moses Oyeola, in his exhortation, noted that marriage is an honourable estate instituted by God and it signifies the union between Christ and the Church.

    He said: “Marriage is not a thing to be rushed into. It should not be undertaken to satisfy our carnal lust and appetites, but it should be done in the fear of God.”

    Pastor Samuel Oduntan joined the couple in holy matrimony. After they took their vows, the Pastor joined them. Exchange of rings followed.

    In his sermon, Pastor Oluwole Oluwatemi told the couple to ensure the spirit of God dwells in their home, adding that, this is the only way they can live in peace and harmony. He urged them to build their marriage on unconditional love and a forgiving spirit.

    The couple with their parents and some pastors went for the signing of the marriage register, after which Pastor Moses presented the marriage certificate to the couple.

    The reception followed at Martins Memorial Methodist Church, Akute.

    Seyi Best and his Life Band entertained guests.

    The couple cut their four-step cake designed by gifted hands and minds.

    The couple took to the floor to dance to their hearts content. Guests joined them on the dance floor.

    Samuel decked in black suit and a lemon shirt thanked God for making the day a reality.

    “Our marriage today is God’s arrangement because when I met her about seven years ago, we were just friends but, today, the story has changed. Everything about her attracted her to me and she carries all the qualities that I ever wanted in my woman; she is beautiful, focused and supportive,” he said.

    Victoria, in her white flowing gown, described her husband as the most handsome man in the world.

    “For me, everything about him is attractive; he has all the qualities I want in my man,” she added.

    The couple’s parents wore green lace.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Felica Fele, urged the couple to stay close to God in their endeavours.

    The groom’s father is late and was represented by one of the groom’s elder brother’s, Mr Femi Fele.

    The bride’s father, Rev Oyeola said: “I am happy about the celebration of the day. It is a great joy seeing Victoria, our last born and the only female child, getting married.”

    He urged the couple to serve God with all their hearts.

  • ‘Goodnight … my backbone’

    ‘Goodnight … my backbone’

    The remains of the wife of Senator Ben Obi, Collete Ojirhomu, were laid to rest in Awka last Friday after a funeral service at the Old Tracas Stadium, Awka, Anambra State. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

    For Senator Ben Ndi Obi, it was hard to say good bye to his jewel of inestimable value – the late Mrs Collete Ojirhomu Obi.

    Mrs Obi, a former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) member of staff member, died at 59.

    The funeral service, held at the Old Tracas Stadium, Awka, Anambra State, last Friday, turned out to be a political carnival of sort, with notable politicians from within and outside the state in attendance.

    The daily downpour in the past two weeks gave way to a clement weather, and even the vultures that used to gather around the stadium obeyed the instructions of the town crier.

    Besides politicians, there was a large presence of royal fathers.

    The politicians, especially the governorship aspirants in Anambra State, came in exotic cars while the women made fashion statements with their attires.

    The brown casket, coated with silver, conveying the remains of the late NTA ‘Iron Lady’, kept sympathisers on their toes, with everyone straining neck to catch a glimpse of it.

    The difference on that day was that there were no cultural displays, but the uniformed attires of many groups spoke volumes of whose funeral it was.

    Security operatives from the police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), State Security Service (SSS) to the military were on hand to ward off any problem.

    The majestically dressed in-laws of the chief mourner, Senator Obi, from Jakpa, Uvwie Local Government Area, and those on his mother’s side from Itsekiri, Warri South Local Government Area, all in Delta State, added clour to the funeral. They held sympathisers and guests spell bound.

    Many believed that the deceased left an indelible mark in Awka kingdom given the large number of people who came to pay their last respects to the her.

    At the church service conducted by the Anglican Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, he advised people to love one another the way Collete Obi did in her life time.

    He said people should not cry for the deceased; rather they should weep for themselves, as the society’s values have been eroded because of the quest for wealth.

    Rev. Okoh said: “People handle pains, agonies and disappointments in different ways; some take to drugs, yet without solution; some develop many relationships with opposite sex, among others, but only God can solve all our pains, sorrows, frustrations and agonies.

    “Let us bring the value of selflessness, but if we ignore it and continue going the way we are going, the sun will rise in the West against us. Let us weep for our country and seek complete reconciliation between us and God.”

    Others, who spoke after Rev. Okoh’s sermon, included Anambra State Governor Mr Peter Obi; Prince Arthur Ezeh and the deceased’s husband, Senator Obi.

    He narrated how his in-laws treated him when his mother, who came from the same area with his late wife, died some years ago.

    Obi said the difference between his late mother and his wife was that his wife’s wish was to be buried in Awka and not in Warri.

    He thanked everybody that took part in the funeral, especially, Prince Ezeh; the traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu; Senators; the President and his cabinet; Awka people and Governor Peter Obi, for standing beside him all through.

    Turning to the deceased, Obi said: “Collete, how do I go from here? It is unbelievable to fathom a life without you, after an existence that was creamed with your presence, my backbone and support.”

    The Coordinator, Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM), Obi Ochije, praised the late Mrs Obi. He described her as a hard worker and a woman with listening ears.

    Ochije prayed God to grant the Obi’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    For the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, it is not how well people lived on earth, but how they lived their lives.

    Pastor Oritsejafor cited the lives of Aaron and Jesus who lived over 100 years and 33 years, adding that the truth is that Collete had gone but that God would continue to keep the family she left behind.

    The reception ground in the same venue was decorated by Unique Rental Services of Awka.

    The decoration was awesome. The arena was fully air conditioned and filled with people clicking glasses.

    Two local bands entertained the visitors.

    There were enough food and choice wines for all.

    Among the dignitaries were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Adolphus Wagbara; Senator Jim Nwobodo; Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Chief Philip Asiodu; Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); Chief Tom Ikimi; Alhaji Idi Farouk; Senator Azu Agboti; Senator Uche Chukwumerije; Mike Ajaegbo and wife Julie; Prof Ben Nwabueze (SAN); Chief Audu Ogbeh; wife of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustee Chairman Mrs. Josephine Anenih; Prince Arthur Ezeh and Dr George Obiozor.

    Also in attendance were Senator Hope Uzodinma; former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; former Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof Maurice Iwu; APGA Chairman Chief Victor Umeh; Alhaji Isiaku Ibrahim; Mr Bisi Olatilo; Southeast Traditional Council Chairman Eze Cletus Ilomuanya; Col Austine Akobundu; Prof Chinwe Obaje; Chief Clem Nwankwu; Chief Chidi Anyaegbu; Chief Tony Okam; Zik Obi; Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje; Amb Jerry Ugokwe; Most Rev Paul Udogu; Most Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma and Most Rev Christian Efobi, among others.

  • In service of humanity

    In service of humanity

    The Rotary Club of Festac Central, Lagos, has been chartered. Mrs Anthonia Agugoesi was decorated as its president. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    IT pays to be good and to wait on the Lord. This maxion holds true for Mrs Anthonia Agugoesi who is now reaping the reward of her good works. The Rotary Club of Festac Central invested her as the first president. The club was also chartered that day.

    In line with the Rotary tradition, members were dressed in either traditional or English attires.

    Despite the rain, which lasted till noon, many guests came to celebrate with her at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, venue of the induction.

    With the hotel decorated in the Rotary colours of blue and yellow, friends and various cliques occupied a table each.

    The District Governor, Dr Kamoru Omotosho, welcomed guests, saying, it is a thing of joy for a mother to have a new child.

    “Having been watching them with keen interest, I see this club is unique with a difference. Their expectation is very high. I see a lot of them adding value to the Rotary and my hopes keep rising for them,” he said.

    The District governor lauded the Rotary Club of Festac for the high quality of preparation and impressive preparation. He urged that because of the essentiality of service to mankind, it is important to use service to thank God so that all can live a fulfilled life.

    Omotosho was charged with the responsibility of performing the task of carrying out the induction and presentation of the club.

    Decked in a black agbada, Omotosho called on Mrs Agugoesi and her team to stand out. They all quietly filed to the front, wearing beautiful smiles. They stood tall and smart before their guests in front of the hall.

    He described the newly-inducted president as one with so much passion for the club.

    “She has been given a role to play having been exemplary in everything the Rotary stands for – strength and substance,”he said.

    After presenting her with a certificate of charter, he wore her the insignia of office and handed her a gong. She later decorated her officers with the Rotary lapel. The members of the board are men and women from various ethnic groups.

    As she performed the task, she spoke to them in low tones: “I give you this to wear with pride and defend what you believe in”. To another, she said: “This pin speaks volumes of who you are and what you believe in anywhere around the world.”

    In her acceptance speech, the new president gave a run down of some of the club’s project it hopes to undertake during her tenure, urging its members to employ prowess in nurturing and growing the club, as well as effective mentoring for members to be retained

    Right after the induction, the guest speaker and Director-General of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr John Isemede, took to the microphone

    He told of where the country was in the past and where it is gradually heading to. He said some actions should be taken lest Nigeria falls, adding that parents should go closer to their children to help them develop their future.

    It was fun all through the evening as the guests held a raffle draw. Many went home with various packages.

  • An industrialist turns 80

    An industrialist turns 80

    A renowned industrialist, and the Parakoyi of Ibadan land, Chief Bode Akindele, was the cynosure of all eyes at a well-attended thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church Cathedral, Agbeni, Ibadan and a lavish reception to mark his 80th birthday.

    Both events were attended by ‘A’ list guests.

    The celebrator was given a rousing reception by church members, well-wishers and other guests when the service began at 11:30am.

    The church was decorated with cream and gold ribbons, even as family, friends, business associates thronged the ancient cathedral in the densely populated Agbeni.

    Decked in a white and wine Aso Oke, the birthday ‘boy’ was accompanied by his two wives, Atema and Olabisi, as he stepped into the church hall in style.

    The opening of the service was as memorable as any other aspect of the event. As the processional hymns were being rendered, the bishops marched in one after the other.

    The presbyter, Rev. Opeyemi Awe, announced the purpose of the gathering with glee. He congratulated Chief Akindele.

    Delivering a sermon entitled: The strength of those that put their trust in You, the Archbishop of Ibadan, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Bishop Kehinde Stephen, urged leaders and citizens be focused, disciplined and God-fearing.

    He lamented the high rate of corruption in the country, saying: “We have to come to terms with God. Let us focus on all that is true.”

    The cleric urged Nigerians to pursue all that is true, just as Saint Paul charged the people in the Bible.

    He said the celebrator was renowned in many ways.

    “He has touched many lives. We should emulate his lifestyle. Among others, Methodist Church, Nigeria is appreciative of your contributions towards the establishment of the Wesley University in Ondo,” the cleric said.

    The celebrator donated some air conditioners, padding for the pews and an organ to the church to mark his birthday.

    The church service was followed by a reception at the Banquet Hall of the celebrator’s home in Alomaja Village, Ibadan.

    Bolaji Akindele, son of the celebrator, described his father as the best every child could wish for. He said he is very kind, courageous and worthy of emulation.

    The celebrator thanked his family and guests for their love over the years.

    The octogenarian said he was not aware of the party put together by his wives until four weeks ago, but thanked God that it was a success.

    Dignitaries included Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka; former Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang; former Archbishop of Ilesa Methodist Church, Ayo Ladigbolu (rtd); wife of the Prelate, Methodist Church, Mrs. Elizabeth Makinde; Very Rev. Bayo Akinlawon; Sir Bola Ogunsanwo; Chief Adebayo Akande; Chief Olu Falomo; Chief Olabisi Akindele; Bamidele Oladeji; Chief Olawale Kuye, Chief Aminat Abiodun; Vice-Chancellor (VC), Federal University of Technology, Prof. Biyi Daramola, represented by his Deputy VC (Academics), Prof. Adedayo Fashakin; Registrar, Dr. Modupe Ajayi, and the Dean, School of Management Technology, Prof. Zacheous Opafunsho, among others.

  • A decade in Allah’s vineyard

    The Nasrul-lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) is 10. It held a fundraiser for the building of a mosque and awards presentation to mark the anniversary. BUKUNMI OGUNDARE reports.

    They were small in number when they started 10 years ago. As years passed, they have grown beyond their expectation.

    Ten years after, they have not only secured a permanent place of worship, their number has increased tremendously.

    Members of the Nasrul-lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) Isolo Branch converged on the Isolo praying ground penultimate Sunday to celebrate their 10th year anniversary.

    The event featured a N100 million fundraising for the building of a mosque and presentation of awards to some personalities.

    The event was anchored by Alhaji Ojulari Surajudeen.

    The society’s colour of blue and white dominated the venue. Most members were in the colour and the hall was also adorned in the same colour.

    The ceremony began with prayer before the principal guests took their seats.

    The occasion was chaired by Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti and Alhaja Modupeola Bello.

    Mudiru, Daru Dawah Walirshad, Isolo Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool Sanusi, who delivered a lecture, praised the society for liberating lives and guiding them to the pristine practice of the Islam.

    Sheikh Sanusi, a renowned scholar, urged members to stand firm against all odds, saying their tribulations and trials would be over in due course.

    He urged parents to bring up their children in the Islamic way.

    NASFAT World wide Chief Missioner Sheikh Abdullahi Akinbode described the branch as the gateway to Lagos.

    He urged the members not to relent in their efforts at uplifting the society.

    Ebiti urged members to donate generously towards the project, saying that Allah would reward them bountifully.

    Chairman of the branch Alhaji Tajudeen Imran thanked all members for their commitment.

  • ‘He’s a great father’

    ‘He’s a great father’

    The 70th birthday of Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ayinde Lawal, the proprietor of Allahu Lateef Private Schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State was a huge celebration in Ikeja, Lagos, reports AMIDU ARIJE 

    The Proprietor of Allahu Lateef Private Schools in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Ayinde Lawal, has joined the septuagenarian club, praising God for preserving his life to be 70.

    According to him, there is no other way to thank Allah for his life than throwing a party for people to felicitate with him.

    Alhaji Lawal was excited; he smiled all through as he acknowledged cheers from guests. Those he could not shake hands with, he waved to from afar.

    His wife, Alhaja Aminat, was beside him. The celebrator was in brown buba and sokoto with an agbada.

    Alhaja Aminat wore brown iro and buba with a headgear to match.

    Earlier, the Nasrullahi-Li-Fatihi Society of Nigeria led by its National Missioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode, held a special prayer for him.

    After the prayer, the Chief Imam of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof Kamaldeen Balogun, gave a lecture.

    Balogun praised the celebrator for his doggedness and character.

    For the reception, the celebrator changed into white buba and sokoto with agbada. The reception, which was anchored by the duo of Alhaji Abdul Rahman Ekelojuoti and Abdul Rasaq Onasowo started with prayers.

    The band of Hello Melodies led by Seyi Olusanya entertained guests; there was no dull moment. The music added glamour to the occasion.

    Guests nodded their heads and shook their bodies to the rhythm of the songs dished out by the band.

    When the celebrator and his wife arrived, all stood still to welcome them.

    Once seated on the beautifully-designed chair made for him and his wife, a prayer was said and the ceremony started.

    The occasion was chaired by his schoolmate, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, who showered encomiums on him.

    He described the celebrator as a responsible and religious man.

    “He is a very responsible man, very religious and honest, his good character has brought us here today,” he said.

    Martins-Kuye also supervised the cutting of the cake. The cake was cut after the spelling of Allah.

    This was followed by cheers from the guests.

    The celebrator’s first child, Alhaji Abdul Yekeen Lawal, said his father is the best on earth.

    He hugged his father and prostrated for prayers from his dad.

    “He is a righteous, kind, honest and God-fearing father. He takes everyone around him as his child, he never segregates,” he said.

    Another child, Rasak Lawal, said his father “makes sacrifices for us no matter what.”

    There was a short health talk by Dr Isa Abdul Mujeeb-Tosin on health is wealth.

    Mujeeb-Tosin encouraged all to take to a good lifestyle and avoid alcohol.

    “For you to live above 70, you must eat fresh fruits, avoid alcohol and engage in regular exercise,” he said.

    In attendance were Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Protocols, Hon Dimeji Showora; Executive Secretary Education Authority, Ifako Ijaiye, a Lagos suburb, Mr Murisik Taiwo Balogun; Chief Steve Omolale-Ajulo, his wife Clara; Alhaji Shehu Aroworamimo; Alhaji Mikail Atanda Erinfolami; Otunba Bola Otudeko; Mrs Ibilola Sholaja, among others.

  • Five Characteristics of Persuasive Speech

    Welcome to your column on public speaking. Last week, we started the discussion on persuasive speech. We defined persuasion as “the art of gaining fair and favourable consideration for our points of view.” We did an analysis of this definition and we considered other people’s views on the subject. Today, we shall be exploring some characteristics of persuasive speech.

    Persuasive speech is such a valuable means of achieving our objectives that it becomes necessary or, permit me to say, compulsory for us to master it. You don’t have to be a major public speaker before you find persuasion useful. You don’t necessarily need to be a marketer. If for any reason you need to make people see any subject from your point of view, then you need persuasion. Do you want to make a seminar presentation? Do you have a business report to deliver? Do you want to influence people to act better under given circumstances? For all of these and more, you need persuasion. Considering the importance of this type of speech, let us go ahead and explore its characteristics.

    •Persuasive speech urges the audience to choose one option above the others: when we discussed the informative speech, we noted that its main aim was to enlighten the audience on unfamiliar topics. When your main objective is to inform, you teach your listeners generally without suggesting what you want them to think, but when you want to persuade them, you suggest which fact you want them to accept above all others. For example, a topic such “Means of Transportation” can either be informative or persuasive. For an informative speech, all you need to do is to list the means of transportation available such as cars, trains, ships and airplanes. A persuasive speech, however, will go further to make the audience see why air travel, for instance, is better than the rest.

    •Persuasive speech is not about teaching but about advocating: to teach is to educate on something, while to persuade is to push for something. From this explanation, it is easy to see that the level of energy involved in both is different. When I tell you about the Caribbean and what a typical vacation over there is like, I am just enlightening you about a life you may not be familiar with. Whether you agree with me or not does not change what the Caribbean is, so, why do I need to sweat? But if I am trying to sell you a ticket to go for your vacation, it will be a different ball game because I need you to act, I need you to make a sacrifice (opportunity cost) and I need you to spend. To be able to achieve all these, I will need to put in more energy into convincing you that the trip is worth it.

    •Persuasive speech focuses on evidence: when materials are offered in an informative speech, they are meant to help illustrate the ideas of the speaker. For instance, a teacher puts a cardboard with pictures on the wall so that the students can associate words with pictures. But the same cardboard in the context of a persuasive speech will be aimed at helping the students to make decisions. You will be providing strong reason for suggesting that your listeners should do what you are asking.

    •Persuasive speech demands commitment from the audience: if there is a type of speech that the audience is likely to feel uncomfortable listening to, it is persuasive speech. For an informative speech, the audience’s involvement is minimal. All a person has to do is to sit, listen and learn. In the case of persuasive speech, however, he/she would sit, listen, learn and act. Compare how you will feel when a person tells you what happened when he visited a refugee camp with how you will feel if he is just about to go and he requires your contribution. For the first case, you will listen with interest, but for the second case, you will listen with anxiety hoping he wouldn’t ask you for too much money afterwards. So, persuasive speeches thrive on their ability to make the audience act.

    •Persuasive speech is about leadership: if you will ask people to contribute relief materials for victims of a natural disaster, you must be able to show them that you have already contributed. I don’t have to have boarded a ship before I tell you what its inside looks like, so far I can read. But if I want to convince you that it is a trip you can’t afford to miss, I must also tell you my experience. From this, we see that persuasive speech places a leadership responsibility on the speaker.

    To persuade effectively, you must become accustomed to the points above. But then, what is the value of knowing the characteristics of a thing without knowing the methods of its application? If you want to know how to effectively apply persuasive speech, then join me next week (quite persuasive right?).

  • Tearful farewell for slain politician

    Tearful farewell for slain politician

    The remains of the slain former Anambra State Deputy Governor and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwart, Dr. Chudi Nwike, have been interred in Amawa Village, Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) flags were flying in the rustic community of Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State last Friday. The flags were hoisted as a mark of honour for the slain ACN chieftain, Dr Chudi Nwike, courtesy of Mr Godwin Ezeemo, the party’s governorship aspirant.

    The world, it seemed, turned up for Nwike’s funeral.

    Nwike was killed by his kidnappers who collected a N5 million ransom, which they claimed was meagre.

    People came from far and near but mostly the South-eastern part of the country.

    The late Nwike was the ACN Deputy Chairman, Southeast. His remains were interred in his compound last Saturday.

    Governor Peter Obi, who had a mourning stand for Nwike, used his office to ensure Nwike got a befitting funeral.

    Obi was with Nwike’s family to receive dignitaries who attended the funeral.

    Prominent personalities who witnessed the interment could not speak to reporters. They were all emotional. Those who did, did so on the field. The funeral mass was held at St. Vincent Catholic Church.

    In his sermon, Revd. Fr. Vincent Ejembi from Pilgrimage Centre in Aokpe, Benue State, urged the family to take solace in God, especially when their spouse is killed while struggling to improve the lot of people.

    The cleric noted that the calibre of people showed that Nwike was well loved.

    Fr. Ejembi urged the killers of Nwike to confess their sins so that God would forgive them. He said without confession, there would be no atonement of their sins.

    He waxed philosophical and spiritual, saying: “The kidnappers are four in number and are right here in this church. Though a lot of people have gathered to celebrate Nwike but, for the kidnappers it is not so. The sooner they confess their sins the better for them. The living must remember that one day they must go and meet the Creator and so should amend their ways.”

    Senator Chris Ngige blamed Nwike’s death on what he called porous security and appealed to the government to step up security.

    He added that ACN Vice-Chairman, South-east, and the All Progressive Congress (APC), have lost a dedicated party man.

    Ezeemo enjoined the family to take solace in God as death is inevitable. He prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. He stressed the need for the government to tackle security challenges by providing jobs for unemployed.

    He described the late Nwike as a good man who contributed his all to the development of his party and his state.

    Former Anambra State Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who Nwike served as deputy and former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, lamented the morass “into” which Nigeria has sunk; they said people no longer have value for life because of the quest for illicit wealth.

    Ezeife, described the late Nwike as a humble and dedicated brother, who worked dutifully with him as a deputy.

    He condemned the killing of Nwike, saying it showed that people no longer have conscience. He said Nwike was not killed for political reason, family feud but purely for money.

    Anambra State Deputy Governor, Emeka Sibeudu, noted that the circumstances of Nwike’s death were not normal, but urged the family to take heart.

    A member of the House of Representatives, Chief Ben Nwankwo, described the late Nwike as a victim of a society unmindful of the effect of poverty and the failure of security.

    Nwankwo said Nwike’s death was a paradox of a country so big but unprotected, so rich yet so poor.

    National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campuses Committee (NANS JCC) Chairman Comrade Fortune Ifeka urged government to unravel the mystery surrounding Nwike’s death.

    The late Nwike was kidnapped by yet-to-be identified gunmen in his home on March 19, and was killed on April 8, in Delta State with his driver and the person who brought the N5 million.

    Nwike known as Ibollo Ogbunike is survived by a widow, Jane Chinyelu and three children, Chudi Jnr; Chito and Ifeatu.

    His brother, Dr Bufo Nwike, thanked the guests for identifying with the family and singled out Ezeemo for his rare gesture before and during the burial.

    He also thanked Governor Obi, Senator Ngige and others for supporting the family.

    Other dignitaries included Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; former Deputy Governor, Anambra State, Prince Chinedu Emeka; former Inspector-General of Police Chief Ogbonnaya Okechukwu Onovo; Hon Charles Odedo; and Chief Okey Ezea, a chieftain of the APC in Enugu State.

  • Highlife legend Fatai ‘Rolling Dollar’ is dead

    Highlife legend Fatai ‘Rolling Dollar’ is dead

    Veteran highlife music star, Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, aka Fatai Rolling Dollar is dead.

    He died in the early hours of Wednesday.

    Before his demise, the octogenarian was hospitalised following a strange illness which hit him when he went to perform a couple of shows in the United States.

    Confirming his death in a telephone chat with our correspondent on Wednesday morning, the music star’s wife, Zainab, who had been with him in the hospital said Rolling Dollar was moved from Ahmadiyya Hospital where he had been receiving treatment to an undisclosed hospital in Surulere where he gave up the ghost.

    Prior to his demise, it was reported that the musician was unable to come up with N29, 000 balance of his hospital bill at Ahmadiyya Hospital.

    Zainab told The Nation that the family has not decided on where he would be buried though internment has been fixed for 4pm on Wednesday.

     

  • On Don Jazzy’s largesse

    On Don Jazzy’s largesse

    FORMER Mo’hits Records co-honcho, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly called Don Jazzy, stunned twitter followers when he awarded one of his followers with the sum of N100,000 for being the first person to retweet a ‘dot’ he tweeted.

    On Saturday, June 1, at about 13:37hrs, the producer updated his twitter handle with a tweet which contained only a dot. While many of his followers, who normally retweet his tweets, felt it was either an error or of no importance, Bmillions1 retweeted it some few minutes after and to the astonishment of followers, Don Jazzy tweeted; “you have just won yourself N100,000 for just being the first person to RT my dot”.

    He followed that tweet with a request asking the lucky fan to send him his bank details directly into his inbox. The Oliver Twist producer did fulfill his promise as the fan tweeted: “Thank you very much @DONJAZZY for the 100k. Thanks bro. God bless.”

    The incident generated a retweeting buzz on the producer’s twitter handle as scores of his followers were engaged in a retweeting frenzy tweeting his tweets including the dot.