The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Koga discovers new talent

    Koga discovers new talent

    LAST week, the management of Koga Entertainment further demonstrated its willingness to support the entertainment industry by organizing an Open House Talent Hunt. Hundreds of hopefuls struggled to impress the ten judges made up of established music producers.

    The Koga Open House, a two day talent hunt, is all about discovering new untapped and talented musicians, singers or songwriters in all genres of music, according to the Koga’s management. At the end of the show, ten people were picked and they get the opportunity of having their songs produced by ten of the best producers.

    After two grueling days of wonderful performances of rap, soul, R and B, jazz, reggae, fuji, gospel and soul music and careful scrutiny, 30 people were chosen to enter the final round. These 30 were narrowed down to the 10 winners who are to be produced by each of the judges while the remaining 20 were compensated with a recording session each at the Koga studios.

    The ten producers in the music industry in attendance, who also doubled as the judges of the show were OJB Jezreel, Mr Daz, Puffy Tee, Don Adah , Black Jersey, Kraftmatics , Phat E, P. Edwards, Jokaynie and K.Solo.

    According to Nomoreloss, the anchor at the event, “Koga Entertainment hopes to bring these talents closer to their dreams with the talent hunt; we will produce a song for the top 10 finalists under these seasoned producers and sign two exceptional ones from them.”

  • COSON names Ebenezer Obey BOT hairman

    COSON names Ebenezer Obey BOT hairman

    COME Tuesday, May 7, the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) will inaugurate the Board of Trustees of its Music Foundation at Protea Hotel, GRA Ikeja. To chair the board is Juju music maestro, Evangelist (Dr) Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi MFR.

    Other members of the board include music industry personalities as Prof (Sir) Victor Uwaifo MON JP, Erelu Keji Okunowo, Mr. Edi Lawani, Mr. Toju Ejueyitchie, Chief Osita Okeke, etc. The Board of Trustees will be responsible for the prudent management of the funds of the foundation.

    Organisers say that each of the seven events of the forthcoming week is in support of the COSON Music Foundation, a non-profit trust being set up for Nigerian music and musicians. The foundation, it is hoped, will provide support for artistes in distress and also provide funding for music education.

    At an event tagged, the COSON Green Ball, the Music Foundation will be formally launched on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. The launch, organisers revealed, is a key objective of The COSON Week 2013, which kicks off May 19, and ends May 25 when the COSON Song Awards will be held at the New Ball Room of the Lagos Oriental Hotel.

    The Tuesday event will also serve as an opportunity for the management of COSON to brief the media on the state of preparedness of the events of COSON as the trophy of the COSON Song Awards is for the first time unveiled.

  • Honoured by their own

    Honoured by their own

    The Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC) is only for men and Ibadan indigenes.

    Its primary aim is to bring development to Ibadan and it always works towards achieving this. The members are big men in their lines of business. Some head companies; others have business abroad.

    The club members gathered on April 9, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, to honour five of their colleagues elevated.

    They were led by their President, Alhaji Remi Bello, a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA).

    The occasion was chaired by the former Minister of Commerce and Industries, Mrs Nike Akande.

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi was the special guest of honour; the President, Centre Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, was the father of the day.

    The citations of the awardees were read by some members of the club.

    After that, the honorees were presented with plaques.

    They are the Director, Business Development, UACN Property Development, Mr Yemi Ejidiran; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First Registrars Limited, Mr Bayo Olugbemi; Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer, Finance, FirstBank Plc, Mr Bayo Adelabu; Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority, Mr Oyesola Oyekunle, and Director, Finance, Regional Municipality of Wood Buaffalo, Albert Canada, Mr Kola Oladimeji.

    Only Oladimeji was absent.

    They couldn’t hide their joy as they received the plaques.

    Mrs Akande urged JBC not to relent in its efforts to promote professionalism in Ibadan and the country at large.

    Oyero congratulated the club for its achievements and praised the members for their contribution to Ibadan and its citizens.

    “I congratulate you for honouring eminent Ibadan citizens. I am delighted to be here to celebrate excellence in Ibadanland. All of you are eminent Ibadan sons with whom we are not just pleased but very proud of; I can say it that of about 19 clubs that form CCII, JBC has contributed more to the town; it has been sponsoring the annual Ibadan Conference and has donated a set of computers to the CCII house and they have also given us a generator to power it”.

    JBC President Alhaji Remi congratulated the honourees.

    “To reach a top executive position in private and public establishments is not an easy task, you will all agree with me. So also you will agree with me the more that reaching the top is not as difficult as remaining and even sustaining the momentum that took you to the top,” he said.

    He noted that the gathering was meant to tap from the experience of the elders.

    “Therefore, in addition to the physical effort of individuals, you need spiritual effort and words of elders. Our gathering tonight is, therefore, not only for wining and dining but to feed ourselves with words of wisdom to sustain our honourees to ensure they remained on top and give those on the way to greatness hints on how to get to the top,” he said.

    Oyero called on the government to ensure sound and qualitative education for the citizens, pledging the club’s willingness to assist it in actualising sound education in the country.

    “JBC is a willing tool in achieving the above call and more in the development of our people and our environment, we have men in all spheres of life to support the government efforts if called upon,” he said.

    Governor Ajimobi said: “My understanding of the club is that it is one that has the noble objective to network people of progressive minds and this club has succeeded in bringing honour, fame and improving the socio-economic development and progress of the state,” he said.

    Ajimobi said the honorees were a pride to the state and the nation at large.

    “You are a pride to this club, Oyo State and Nigeria. I believe you deserve this recommendation and I can extend it; you are a pride to the entire human race,” he said.

    The governor urged the club members to extend their development beyond their scope and participate in active politics.

    “Do not limit yourself to internal development, extend yourself to socio-political development, begin to promote some of your members to participate in politics, we need good people in politics,” he said.

    Given the vote of thanks on behalf of the honourees, Ejidiran assured the club that they would not let it down.

    “We assure you that this is just the beginning; we will continue to make you proud and never let the club down,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer, Taimez Nig. Ltd and Artis Ltd, Mr Taiwo Akande, described the honorees as icons of good ambassadors to future generations and Ibadan.

    “I know what kind of effort goes into earning these feats. You guys are icons of your individual field and that of our generation and good sons of Ibadan. You have just made us to realise that, whatever man can conceive, he can achieve,” he said.

    Guests were treated to choice food and drinks.

  • Dignitaries bid Moremi Ekiti solemn farewell

    Dignitaries bid Moremi Ekiti solemn farewell

    A man emerged from a road popularly called Basiri, dressed in a black tail coat suit, a black top hat, a purple shirt and a pair of black shoes. He held a stick. Shortly after, seven men appeared, three in front, one in the middle and three others in the rear; clad in the same outfit – black suits, purple shirts, tie and matching shoes. They were all playing trumpets – with the first man acting as conductor.

    Trailing them were two policewomen in mufti and police cap marching in front of a red Mercedes Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) hearse bearing the remains of the late Ekiti State Deputy Governor Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka. It carried Moremi Ekiti R350 on its number plate, with the Ekiti State emblem on its hood. The hearse had two flags on its sides and flowers on its top.

    The hearse was followed by no fewer than 25 cars including two ambulances and a Land Cruiser with number-plate EKGH 02.

    They formed a long row on the road leading to the Governor’s office and the church, its destination.

    At a point, some of the people inside some of the cars behind the hearse alighted and started walking behind it.

    Sympathisers lined the route to bid the late Mrs Olayinka farewell. Many of them took pictures of the procession with their cell phones.

    This was the scenario last Friday during the funeral of Mrs Olayinka, who died on April 6 after a long battle with cancer. She was 52.

    Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, was shut down for its illustrious daughter. Her posters, hung everywhere from Basiri to Fajuyi, Okesa Ajilosun and Ejigbo. The posters, banners and billboards contained messages extolling her virtues and bidding her painful farewell. The streets were bare of vehicles and other human activities. The late Mrs Olayinka’s ancestral home in Ado-Ekiti wore a new look.

    About 9.30am, the funeral train rode into view from the Fajuyi end of the town, heading towards Okesa.

    At the roundabout adjacent to the church, the cars turned; the children of the late Mrs Olayinka – Yeside, Olamide, Ololade and their father, Lanre, an architect alighted and walked behind the hearse to the expansive church compound.

    Accompanied by family members who danced to the rhythm of the trumpeters, the train entered the church few minutes after 11am.

    Horde of clerics at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, came out to receive the family and the body.

    Except for dignitaries, no one entered the church auditorium without a tag. Even the Famuaguns, the late Mrs Olayinka’s family had their own special tag. Despite that, they still faced hurdles from security officials before they could gain entry.

    Many of the dignitaries were in white.

    The family members were also in their appearances. They hid their grief behind a stoic calm as Mrs Olayinka remains were now borne in an ash grey casket draped with the flags of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the front, Nigeria in the middle and Ekitis at the rear.

    The widower, Olayinka, an architect, appeared in flowing blue Agbada with a glasses, his children, Yeside, Ololade and Olamide wore French lace purple iro and lilac buba.

    About 11am, the funeral service began with a brief homily performed by the Bishop of Ekiti, Revd. Felix Femi Ajakaye, followed by songs from the choir; one of which was

    My hope is built on nothing less,

    Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

    I dare not trust the sweetest frame

    But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

    (Human: A/M 614).

    In his sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, represented by Archbishop Ecclesiastical, Province of Ondo and Ekiti States, Bishop George Latunde Laosebikan commiserated with the bereaved family, the government and people of Ekiti State over the irreparable lost.

    The death of our sister, Bishop Laosebikan said, is sad and painful considering her age and many things people expect from her.

    “She was a distinguished woman who had accomplished academically, professionally and politically. Hers is a sad testimony that everyone will die somewhere, someday, somehow; in fact, not many of us will have the opportunity of being in the coffin. The corpses of some of us may not even be seen, we may probably die in the sea,” he said.

    He added: “I am happy today because politicians here cut across all parties and they know all the happenings in the nation, particularly the issue of insecurity, political problems and others. I want you to learn from the death of Mrs Olayinka that nobody is too big to die.

    “So, the political class has a lot to do in ensuring that the lifestyles of Nigerians are changed for better, if truly they love this nation. Their bad lifestyles have permeated every stratum of the society. So, the leaders must continue to show good examples to the citizens”.

    For the late Mrs Olayinka, the cleric said: “Even if her life was delayed for 100 years, the end will surely come for her. Like a flower, we (human beings) blossomed in the morning and weathered in the evening. Power will come and go; so, no reason fighting and killing one another for political gain especially in this zone (Southwest). Mrs Olayinka’s passing away is very proverbial. If you were to die today, where will you spend your eternity? Check your life; all the type of stupid, hopeless life that is a norm in Nigeria cannot be acceptable over there (heaven). Heaven is real, hell is real also; the choice is yours. For our sister, the end has come,” he said.

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi thanked God for all things He has done for them, because “in all things, we must thank Him.”

    He said: “Though short, it was eventful, impactful and positive. We should celebrate her because it is a life of service and commitment for the good of the people. She was a class act, a strong pillar of my government and a co-pilot. We pray our own end time will also be peaceful.”

    President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by Minister of Police Affairs Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade described Mrs Olayinka’s death as “unfortunate and premature,” adding that she died when her full potentials had not been fully tapped.

    “With the history of the late Ekiti Deputy Governor I read, her life represented that of simplicity, diligence and brilliance, which stood her among her peers,” he said.

    A recessional hymn halleluiah was sang as guests filed out behind the body for the interment.

    At 1:14 pm, the remains of Mrs Olayinka were lowered into the grave at The Heroes Park, behind Enterprise Bank, Fajuyi area.

    In attendance were Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Mr Lekan Ogungbe represented Governor AbdulFatai Ahmed (Kwara); Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Governor Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; National leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; former Governor of Ekiti State Mr Segun Oni; former Military Administrator of Ekiti, Commodore Atanda Yusuf and former Governor of Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua.

    The list of deputy governors included Rear Admiral John Jonah of Bayelsa State; Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (Osun); Alhaji Alli Olanusi (Ondo); Prince Segun Adesegun (Ogun); Mr Efiok Cobham (Cross River); Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (Lagos); Dameshi Luka (Nasarawa); Otunba Moses Adeyemo (Oyo) and Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor, (Central Bank of Nigeria).

    Wives of governors include Mrs Abimbola Fashola (Lagos); Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Oyo); Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola (Osun); Mrs Olufunso Amosun (Ogun) and Mrs Kemi Mimiko (Ondo).

    Others were Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Mr Gbenga Oyebode; Senator James Kolawole; Senator Bode Ola; Justice Oyebisi Omoleye; Mr. Odia Ofeimun; former Deputy Governor, Ekiti State, Mr Bisi Omoyeni; Senator Gbenga Aluko, Osun State Chief of Staff Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Hon Bimbo Daramola; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Bolaji Aluko; Prof Sharafadeen Amuwo; Prof Akin Oyebode; Mr Segun Abraham; Hon Sirajudeen Adekunbi; Hon Tola Banjo; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Mr Soji Omotunde; Editor, The Nation Mr Gbenga Omotoso; Wale Adebanwi; Kunle Ajibade; Mrs Chioma Ominrin; Hon Wale Ominrin; Bunmi Famosanya; Ms Lunga Hogan; Hon Uhuru Moiloa; Hon Taiwo Orisalade; Nancy Ondi; Mr Salihu Lukman; Dr Moji Oyarekua; Mr Tunji Olowolafe among others.

  • Ways to speak to be effective

    Sometime ago, I attended a programme in which someone made a presentation. After that presentation, other people were asked to contribute and they did. Among the contributors was a particular individual who spent a while talking, but I did not understand a single word he said. I looked around me and saw several blank faces belonging to people who were also trying to understand what was being said. After the contribution, some people clapped and so did I. A friend sitting next to me asked me about what the contributor said and I replied, “Actually I didn’t hear what he said, but it must have been interesting for people to have clapped.” This is a clear case of an ineffective communication, at least for the majority of the audience.

    A similar case occurred in another programme I attended. An important personality was celebrating his birthday and a public lecture was held in his honour. After the keynote address presenter had delivered his outstanding speech, one of the dignitaries was invited to present a summary of the keynote address. Of course, it presupposed that if the speech lasted about 45 minutes, the summary should not be more than 10 minutes. Well, the summary kicked off well by focusing on the salient points of the lecture…then, it veered into the personal contribution of the dignitary. Five minutes went by, then ten, fifteen, twenty… until the summary was almost as long as the speech itself. Unlike the first case above, I understood what the dignitary said, only that the longer he spoke, the lesser the effect it had on me.

    If effectiveness is your intention, then you must learn that there are different speeches for different events. You must also learn that speeches must vary in lengths depending on the occasion. Inappropriate speeches distract the audience and produce contrary results to what the speaker expects. Appropriateness is the key in public speaking. What may be suitable for one event may not be suitable for another. A speaker was invited to speak at an event and he was given one hour for his presentation. He, however, concluded his speech after 20 minutes. Think of that! Imagine what the organizers would have to do to fill up the remaining time if they are working strictly by schedule! Also imagine what they would do if they actually paid the speaker for the entire hour! True, people would rather have a shorter-than-necessary speech any day than a longer-than-necessary one, but sometimes, the length of a presentation can give you an idea of how much value is contained therein. For instance, how much are you willing to pay to learn to fly a plane in 30 minutes? Do you suppose a 30 minutes lecture (if we can call it that) would do justice to the subject matter? That is exactly my point. Some speeches are designed to be long while some others are designed to be short. Talking of short speeches, what will you do if you attend a wedding reception and the chairman of the event produces a 10 page document to present his opening remark?

    The event should determine the purpose of the speech and the purpose should determine the nature of the speech. What I mean is this, if the event is an academic public lecture, then we know that the purpose of the speech is to inform or teach. That being the case, the speech should be long enough to allow the speaker to pass across the message and also allow the audience to receive the information. A major problem will arise if a speaker does not understand this basic principle. I am of the strong opinion that the success of any speech depends solely on the perception of the audience. Perception can be simply described as the way people see things. We all know that perception is subjective because people tend to change their minds. Hence, their perception is open to external influence. When people are in a relaxed environment, their minds will be relaxed and they will not be receptive to any serious lecture. On the other hand, if they are in a formal or serious environment, they may consider too much jokes by the speaker as unnecessary.

    There are five major types of speeches and they are informative speech, entertaining speech, persuasive speech, technical speech and brief remarks. These are the broad categories for majority of the speeches you will encounter. Each of these speeches has its unique audience, duration and technique. Informative speech is a speech that aims at enlightening the audience on a particular subject; it is educative in nature. Entertaining speech is structured to amuse the audience. Persuasive speech is used to convince the audience to see an issue from the speaker’s point of view and brief remark is a short speech presented when much has already been said and done. It is very important to note that a single speech may make use of any combination of the above. This means that an informative speech may still be persuasive. Nevertheless, each of these speeches will require proper treatment. Hence, we shall dedicate the next few weeks to exploring them and learning how they can be used to achieve maximum communication results.

     

  • Their day of joy

    Their day of joy

    Life is full of possibilities and everyone has his own time of greatness, only if you persevere and are consistent. For me, I just want to give praise and glory to God.”

    Those were the words of Mr Victor Omelieme, one of the foremost telecommunication mast builders, who turned 50 last Saturday. He not only revelled in the day, his wife of many years also celebrated her 40th birthday with him.

    Love filled the air as the Edo State born couple was celebrated by their friends and family members.

    Dressed as a typical Edo man with a wrapper slung over his left shoulder, the birthday ‘boy’ entered the topmost hall of the Civic Centre with the birthday ‘girl’ beside him.

    The celebration, which began at midday, had an array of Nollywood comedians, artistes and actors in attendance.

    Baba Nothing Spoil held sway as the MC, till other comedians, led by the don of comedy, Julius Agwu arrived. Other comedians were Kolo and G-Paul.

    The Awilo group and Francis Agwu, aka Bobo Shakira did the hip and waist dance that left guests asking for more. DJ Ocean dished many memorable old songs.

    There was never a dull moment.

    Soon after the couple cut their cake, gospel musician, Benita sang her Osemudiamen hit song, to the delight of the guests. She led other guests to their traditional dance and kept them on the dance floor for some time.

    Prince Henry Ojobor, a childhood friend of Omelieme, recalled how they began life in a one room apartment in Okokomaiko axis of Lagos. Thanking God for how far they have come, Ojobor proposed the toast and led five other men to pop a massive sized bottle of Moet.

    Mrs Philomena told The Nation that even in their more than two decades of marriage, she never had reason to fret about the future because she believed in her husband and in God. She was full of praise to the Almighty for the grace bestowed on them.

    To the guests, it was the perfect way to spend the weekend as everyone took to the dance floor till late that night.

    Guests from telecoms companies, MTN and Etisalat, were there in their number to felicitate with them.

     

  • Revival of stage performance

    Revival of stage performance

    The palace of Olofa of Offa turned a temporary amphi theatre where some actors and actresses performed live recently.

    The ocassion made it a special day in Offa, Kwara State, as Chief Jimoh Aliu (Aworo), Pa Lere Paimo, Alhaji Abdulkareem Adepoju, a.k.a Baba Wande, Musiliu Dasofunjo (Jogunomi), Iya Ninwe, Sade Aliu and Bola Aliu, among others, staged a show tagged Ogbon Ju Agbara to appreciate the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye II, for his contributions to the development of the ancient town.

    Aliu, who is set to mark his 55th year on stage, said he would do everything possible to revive the long-forgotten stage performance. He said the advent of home videos pushed stage performance off the scene. He recalled that fathers of the profession, such as the late Hubert Ogunde, the late Oyin Adejobi, Moses Olaiya (Baba Sala) cut their tooth with stage performance and also attained heights through the Alarinjo theatre.

    Olofa’s Media and Publicity Officer Mr Yusuf Babatunde said Kabiyesi always appreciated creativivity hence his handsome reward for the artistes.

    The Olofa blessed his subjects in the spirit of the celebration. He prayed for peace and progress for Offa community.

    Aliu appreciated the King for his numerous contributions to the development of Offa kingdom.

    “Your Majesty Sir! Some people are born great while others work themselves into greatness. When a boy is born, his destiny lies in the hand of the creator and little is known about him but he continues to strive despite all odds. When it is time for his star to shine, God will single him out and uplift him. God who has raised you up, for the benefit of your people will never let you down.

    “For Chief Jimoh Aliu to celebrate you today is a living example of your greatness. My name has been written in Gold across the globe, because I have, through the theatre arts taught people lessons of life. I have performed in this palace on several occasions, as a musician and dancer. For this community to have Kabiyesi on the throne is a blessing for the good people of Offa. The community has started noticing a very high degree of greatness even in this short time that you have ascended your father’s throne. Kabiyesi, the dividend of royalty is manifesting in Offa where you have turned farmland to streets, bushes into markets”

    Aliu started the make belief business 55 years ago, after his stewardship in Hubert Ogunde and Akin Ogungbe’s theatre groups. He has carved a niche for himself through performances that told Nigeria’s story, especially during the civil war, when the Nigeria Army employed him to perform in its various formations as a way of comic relief in the war situation.

    Other royal fathers, and High Chiefs at the fun fair include Olusan of Osan Ekiti; Afaji of Faaji, Osun State; Alaho of Ahoo Igbada and Onidun of Igboidun Kwara State. The national president of Offa Descendant Union Alhaji Hamzat Adedeji, his General Secretary Mrs A.W Macarthy; Chief Tayo Shittu; Alhaji Mustapha Olowogada as well as former council boss Alhaji Saheed Lekan Popoola.

     

  • Memories are forever

    Memories are forever

    The Awori-Ajeromi Grammar School in Agboju, a Lagos suburb, has over the years churned out men and women who now hold enviable positions in the public and private sectors. Many of them are politicians, heads of government establishments and captains of commerce. They are proud of the school which made them.

    The school took off in 1962 in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State with 32 students.

    On turning 50, the staff, old students, pupils and principals gathered to make the golden anniversary a grand one. They held series of events during the week among which was a health talk and debate.

    Last Saturday was the grand finale of the activities. The climax was the gala and award night held at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos.

    It was a memorable reunion for old boys of the school.

    Many who had not seen each other since they left school years ago wowed at what they had become. They hugged and shook hands and relived old memories of their school days. It was nostalgic, and there was no doubting their love for their school.

    They had a uniform – purple and golden Ankara fabric made for the occasion. The men and women sewed theirs in various styles.

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan, who was the chief host, said the day was one they had longed for.

    She praised the executives for bringing the body back to life.

    Princess Sosan recalled having passed out of high school in 1972, even though she ought to have left in 1971. For her, repeating a class didn’t stop her accomplishment.

    “I was very playful. I will always climb a cashew tree and eat up all the ripe cashews which would end up staining my white uniform so badly. Thinking of secondary school days, I remember experiences I don’t ever want to forget; and because school days are days we don’t ever want to forget, days like this should be encouraged so we keep the memories alive,” she said.

    She urged those who are doing well to help renovate the school which is in bad shape and others should be able to contribute their quota to their Alma Mata.

    Chairman, Central Working Committee (CWC), Chief Bola Oshinowo of the 77 set, said the day was to reunite Aworians and renew the old friendship and the love that existed among them while in school.

    Awards were given to members for their contribution to the development of the school. Those who bagged awards were: Princess Sosan; Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Olanrewaju Babalola; a Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs who is also of the 73 set, Otunba Adedeji Ojora; the schools’ first Senior Prefect Alhaji R.A Ayilara; former Deputy Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mr Ibisola Ogayemi; Chairman, Baron Group of Companies, Mr Gabriel Essien-Akpan; the first Bursar of the school Alhaji Lateef Quadri and the Osoolu of Osolu Kingdom Oba Abideen Durosinmi.

    Others were: Judge of the Federal High Court Justice Aseimo Adumein; Mr Ambrose Okpara; Prince Rabiu Oluwa; Chiarman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale.

     

  • 60 garlands for an achiever

    60 garlands for an achiever

    FOR Pastor Folu Olusanya, the Managing Director of Celmeng Group of Companies in Europe, US, Nigeria and Ghana, last Saturday is a day to remember as he joined the sexagenarian club. He left no stone unturned to mark his 60th birthday. He hosted his family members and friends to a treat at the Central Business District (CBD) Alausa, Lagos.

    The scenery was beautiful. The hall was ornately decorated in wine and gold; scintillating local and international gospel music wafted, from the four ends of the arena.

    The birthday also served as a reunion forum for colleagues and former classmates of the celebrator.

    The event took off with the hymn Great is thy Faithfulness.

    Olutola Tade emceed the event.

    The Sunny Jay Music Band dished out gospel praise and worship songs.

    A brief sermon was given by Bishop Victor Taiwo Adelakun, titled: ‘The Mystery of Life’.

    Describing the celebrator as a man after God’s heart, an embodiment of maturity and humility, he noted that Olusanya has always been close to his maker.

    The cleric urged the guests to measure their life by how much they have donated to the needy and not by how long they live, adding that everyone has a special duty for everyman on earth.

    The children of the celebrator presented their father with an award. Guests applauded their gesture.

    Other friends and well-wishers of the celebrator came out in turns to eulogise him. They all had many good things to say of Pastor Olusanya as they took turns to describe him in superlative terms.

    Wife of the celebrator, Oludolapo said her husband is one in a million having been ever caring and loving husband in all their years of marriage.

    One of the celebrator’s daughters said she learnt the art of marriage from her father, having put his family above all things.

    Mr Dele Fajiyi, a high school mate and colleague of the celebrator, described him as a kind-hearted, hardworking and courageous man.

    “I have known him to be a man who carries everyone along in all he does,” he said.

    He also thanked his wife for being a worthy assistant and supporter for his friend.

    To Pastor Olusanya’s sister, Mrs Yemisi Kalesanwo, her brother has been a mentor to her and her siblings, who also doubles his family work as a husband to being more than a father to them.

    Fun was brought into the celebration as some friends and well wishers were called upon to play a game of passing round a basket which contained wrapped questions. Any guest who had the basket on him by the time the music paused had to pick a paper from the basket. At some time, one of his classmates was caught in the middle of the game and had to tell what the nickname of the celebrator was in school. It was Cacul.

    The celebrator and his lovely wife mounted the stage to cut the beautifully designed three-step cake amid fire works, after which he had a special dance with his wife and children.

    The proud sexagenarian was full of thanks for the love shown him. He prayed for the younger ones to live worthy and longer lives.

     

  • A gallant officer goes home

    A gallant officer goes home

    The funeral of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Chinweike Asadu, has been held in his home town, Nsukka, Enugu State.

    A mass was held in his honour at St. Victor’s Catholic Church, Onuiyi, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.

    Over 50 Catholic priests and clergymen from other Christian denominations officiated at the funeral.

    Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi led a government delegation to the ceremony. Anambra State Deputy Governor Emeka Sibedu represented Governor Peter Obi.

    In the homily, Rev. Fr. Joseph Obodo decried what he called the rate of assassination, kidnapping and robbery in the country, noting that the problem was scaring Nigerians in the Diaspora from returning home.

    The cleric described Asadu’s death as “an overwhelming tragedy”, emphasising that the family should take solace in the litany of tributes that had poured in since his demise.

    Fr Obodo, who said he returned from abroad to participate in the funeral, recalled how he was discouraged from coming because of the high rate of crime.

    Obodo said the late police commissioner carried his financial responsibilities during his days in the seminary school. The cleric recounted how the late Asadu lived in a two bed-room apartment and whenever he was teased, the deceased would ask: “Do you want me to go and steal?’.

    “He went to Nike, Enugu, where land is sold at N250,000; he didn’t go to other choice areas in the state capital where land goes for N50 million. Besides, he started building his house by erecting a boys quarter first while he worked on the main building. This attests to his humility and simplicity,” Fr Obodo said.

    The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tonye Ebitibituwa, said Asadu’s death had remained a huge blow to him and to the Nigeria Police.

    Eulogising his late colleague, he described him as “a dedicated and honest officer who gave all to the service of humanity”.

    A special Kwara State delegation to the ceremony was led by Mr Leke Ogungbe, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmed Abdul Fatah.

    The Kwara Police Command, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adewale Olatunji, also had many good things to say about the late commissioner.

    Also in a special tribute to the late commissioner, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said the police would leave no stone unturned in tracking down his killers.

    He said although Asadu had been buried, investigations on the circumstances that led to his death would not be buried until his killers were brought to book.

    The IGP, who was represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kachi Udorji, warned the late Asadu’s killers not to rejoice as “they had murdered sleep and would never sleep. Sleep shall forever elude you.”

    Describing the late commissioner as “a fine officer and a gentleman,” who discharged his duty with characteristic efficiency and speed, the IGP assured Nigerians that his office would keep working hard to find his killers.

    “I want to restate the resoklve of the Nigeria Police that no stone will be left unturned in our quest to unmask the perpetrators of this crime.”

    Senator Ayogu Eze, representing Enugu North Senatorial Zone, expressed grief over the death, stressing that every effort should be put in place to apprehend Asadu’s killers.

    “We condemn this act very strongly; we are urging the police to continue with the investigations and get at the perpetrators of this heinous act,” Senator Eze said.

    The Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Hon. Tony Ugwu, said the council was grieved to lose the highest ranked police officer from the area in such a manner.

    In attendance were Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly Eugine Udo, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu in the House of Representatives; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo; former Information Minister Nnia Nwodo; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Uganda Chief Fidel Ayogu; and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, among others