Category: Entertainment

The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has held its maiden annual lecture series themed: Nigeria: Arise and Shine. It was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Prof Rahamon Bello. JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports.

The logo is a map of Nigeria, with a green background. In the map are the two palms of an adult joined together as if beseeching God for blessings. Within those palms is a shining star.

That is the logo of a new annual lecture series tagged: Nigeria, Arise and Shine, introduced by the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

The maiden lecture was delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Rahamon Adisa Bello.

He spoke on the theme: Appraisal of Vision 20:2020: Perspective of Power Generation and National Development.

It was a gathering of members of the academia, representatives of government and the corporate world.

The event began with an opening prayer, followed by the national anthem, a reaffirmation of the national pledge and a recital of the NIM Code of Conduct by members, all done in solemn involvement by all present.

After the speeches, came the question and answer session, awards were presented to some of the guests, including Bello and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr Adesegun Ogunlewe.

Venue of the event was the Management House on Idowu Taylor Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. The auditorium was filled to capacity.

Those who could not find space in the hall were directed to an adjoining smaller hall where a large screen transmitted events from the main hall.

The high table was made even higher by the elevated platform. It was decorated with white and blue overlays, which blended with a white large poster behind the platform.

It was no red carpet event, but the floors were laid with a red rug. The brown seats in the hall were soft, and their long backs made them comfortable to sit in.

Prof Bello’s lecture dwelled on how to solve Nigeria’s electricity problems. Governor Fashola also lent his voice.

According to Bello, Nigeria can ensure regular electricity supply by exploring power generation from coal, wind, solar, nuclear and biomass resources.

He faulted the government’s 100 per cent reliance on natural gas and hydro resources for its power needs.

He said the bulk of the power generation needed to meet the needs of Vision 20:2020 would have to be through the Independent Power Projects (IPPs).

Therefore, a focused effort to encourage the development of IPPs in the country is essential, he said.

For Fashola, the country needs to address fiscal federalism to allow each federating unit to develop at its pace, including generating and distributing power.

NIM’s President and Chairman of Council, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, said once the issue of power generation and distribution is resolved, the nation’s firm match to greatness would be guaranteed.

His words: “It is a common knowledge that Nigeria has been backward in the areas of successful start-up businesses, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industrialisation generally due to poor power generation. Those are the core catalysts for real national development.

In attendance were the Director of Economic Analysis Department in the Ministry of National Planning, Babatunde Lawal, who represented the Minister. Bespectacled, he wore a dark suit with a deep blue striped tie.

Others are former Pro-Chancellor, University of Uyo Prof Frank Akoisor, professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Akin Oyebode; past NIM Presidents Gamaliel Onosode and Michael Omolayole, Mrs Margaret Adeleke, Sir Peter Edeoghon, Mr Lugard Aimiwu; former President, Institute of Directors Chief Olusola Dada and UNILAG Registrar Rotimi Sodimu.

Last week we examined the fear of public speaking. You are not peculiar in your fear of public speaking. Several people fear public speaking, perhaps more than you do! In fact, it was reported that statistics show that around 70% of people rank giving a public speech as their greatest fear. Last week, we discovered two facts about the fear of public speaking: Fear can be useful and that most professionals still experience some degree of fear. This week, we shall be exploring how we can deal with the fear of speaking.

Fear of speaking is not insurmountable. We developed the fear in the first place because of the information we fed our minds with. As much as we want to believe that we are independent and that we determine our own courses of action, the way we see ourselves is actually influenced by some factors:

•Other people’s experiences: one of the major ways we learn is by finding out other people’s experiences. We also cope with challenges we face by citing other people’s experiences. When a student fails a test, he quickly looks around at other test scripts so that he can say, “I’m not the only one. In fact, I am better than most!” When we want to be motivated, we look at people we admire. Every day, in the books we read, programmes we watch and stories we listen to, we constantly learn of other people’s experiences. Knowingly or unknowingly, we measure our lives by what we know about others. Hence, if we know several people who are afraid of public speaking, the chances are that we would be too. If we have seen anyone’s public presentation flop, we may dread similar circumstances. If we read a lot about people who try but fail to speak effectively, we are unconsciously giving ourselves over to the same. On the other hand also, if we think that a public speaker is so good that we seem insignificant in comparison, we will be condemning ourselves without a trial. So, what should we do about it? We should identify some good speakers we admire and focus on their successes. As we concentrate on positive images of speaking, we will see how much we can enjoy it and we will stop fearing it.

•What people say to us: a lot of times, we see ourselves through what people say about us. People never lack what to say about others, whether jokingly or seriously. Consciously or unconsciously, we depend on people’s impressions about us. When we want to know how we look, we ask people. When we want to take a step, we ask people. When we want to buy a new product, we ask people. When we want to visit a new place, we ask people. We hardly ever act against “popular opinion.” Hence, if there is a consensus about a child being bad, he most probably will turn out bad. This is because everywhere he turns, he will be criticized, and since faith comes by hearing, he starts to believe he is truly bad. Same thing applies to a child believed to be good, only in a positive way. Some people may have heard us speak at one time or the other and they joked that we should not make it a habit because we are terrible at it. Some may have been generous with their criticisms when we make mistakes when speaking. So, we tend to avoid speaking, either because of what people have said to us or because of what they may say.

•What we think people think about us: one of the greatest challenges we face in our lives is what people think of us. If we don’t know what they think, we are disturbed. When we know what they think, we are discouraged. What we fail to understand is that what people think constantly changes. If they think someone is a horrific speaker and he happens to deliver a brilliant speech, they suddenly decide that he must have been good all along. On the other hand, if a great speaker makes a great blunder, they wonder why it took them that long to realise that he isn’t really good. Someone once told me, “I won’t speak before that crowd; they think I’m silly.” Then I asked, “How do you know what they are thinking? Did anyone say anything?” “No,” he responded. Then I said, “It is bad enough for you to think you are silly before that crowd, but it is worse for you to think that is what the crowd is thinking about you!” Listen, you can’t get into people’s minds, so why worry about what they are thinking? If it is true that they think you are a poor speaker, wouldn’t it be better for them to keep it to themselves until you prove yourself?

We should not fear what people think about us. If we keep doing our thing, they will be forced to agree that we are good. And if they don’t agree, who cares? At least we are not scared any more. We will continue this topic next week by exploring the steps to take to deal with fear of speaking.

The Chairman, Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources and Waterfront Infrastructure Development of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Lanre Ogunyemi, has celebrated his 50th birthday. Family and friends shared the joy of the occasion with him.  Reports NNEKA NWANERI .

With praise and thanksgiving, he stepped into the golden age. The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources and Waterfront Infrastructure Development Hon Lanre Ogunyemi was full of gratitude to God for his life.

Ogunyemi, who represents Ojo constituency, said: “I am nothing without Him who formed me.”

The atmosphere at the K and G Centre, where the reception was held was calm. If not for the dainty cars parked by the road side on Kudirat Abiola way, nobody would have known that such a big event was on.

It was a two in one celebration. Ogunyemi’s 50th birthday and book presentation.

The celebrator with his wife, Yemisi and children – all decked in blue Yoruba attire, danced way to the front of the hall. Well-wishers followed them.

The Chief Imam of Oto-Awori, Taofiq Arogundade said the opening prayers; gospel saxophonist, Rev Kunle Ajayi, played scintillating praise and worship tunes.

Daughter of the celebrator, Ayomide also did a special number for her father with the trumpet.

Chairman of the occasion Oba Olatunji Hamzat described Ogunyemi as a loyal and disciplined party man.

Oba Hamzat urged those who want to succeed in politics to emulate the lawmaker.

The book was reviewed by Prof Olu Akeusola of the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED). He said the book is in the prosaic and narrative style and dedicated to the former Governor Bola Tinubu.

Akeusola, who has been friend with the author for over 30 years, said many thought the celebrator will be a professor.

The book was presented by Deputy speaker of the House, Hon Musbau Kolawole Taiwo.

Many described Ogunyemi in superlative terms. The celebrator’s wife, Yemisi was full of praises for him.

“Oloworimi, the man I met 19 years ago and every day, I know new things about him. And because he never takes no for an answer, he has impacted positively on my life.”

More accolades came from Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, who praised Ogunyemi for not turning his back on his political family.

Aregbesola, from an excerpt from the book launched, said the celebrator never faltered throughout his political travails.

Secretary to Lagos State Government (SSG) Dr Oluranti Adebule described Ogunyemi as an honest man who keeps to his word.

“He does not turn from his word, very passionate about the growth of the party. So, this is just the beginning of more successes in life” Dr Adebule said.

After he cut the birthday cake, Majority Leader Lola Akande proposed the toast. She described the celebrator as amiable and tolerant.

The celebrator thanked his mother and late father for protecting him in the 60s in Kaduna during the Civil War.

The Ijebu born politician thanked his wife. “She was with me even when I was nothing. She believed in me and even as a classroom teacher, she stood by me,” Ogunyemi said.

With talented gospel maestro, Yinka Ayefele on the bandstand, there was no dull moment as guests took to the dance floor till late into the night.

In attendance were: Cardinal James Odunmbaku aka Baba Eto; Secretary to Osun State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Hon Bisi Yusuf; Lgos Commissioners Taofiq Tijani; (Energy); Cornelius Ojelabi (Rural Development) Lagos State Lateef Ibirogba (Information and Strategy); Mr Sunny Ajose; State Organising Secretary of ACN, Alhaji Shakiru Akani; the Onijanikin of Ijanikin Oba Momodu Ashafa; Hon Wahab Alawiye-King; State Secretary of ACN, Hon Charles Odubesi; Special Adviser to the governor on Education Hon Fatai Olukoga; wife of the Speaker of the House, Mrs Mayowa Ikuforiji, among others.

Hon Ogunyemi studied at the Lagos State College of Education where he read English and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lagos State University (LASU). He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and holds a Masters in International and Strategic Studies.

The Nation’s Peter Ogenekaro got married to Oluwabusola Onaopemipo at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Akute, Ogun State last Saturday.
Ochuko Etabe writes.

They met in Abuja in 2005, but for six years they didn’t see each other. But they felt something for each other. So when they met again in 2011, their love was rekindled. This is the love story of Peter Ogenekaro of The Nation and his beau, Oluwabusola Onaopemipo, who got married last Saturday.

The union brought together the families of Ambassador Felix Isiaka and the late Deacon and Mrs Geoffrey Emmanuel Odhura.

The wedding took place at the Foursquare Gospel Church Akute, Ogun State. Friends and associates came from far and wide. They were dressed in the colour of the day: pink and ash.

With the processional hymn of O Worship the King, the ceremony kicked off on a prayerful note. Smartly dressed in an ash coloured suit over a pink bow tie, the groom sat alone on the first row in the front pew waiting for his bride. His six grooms’ men sat behind him. They also complimented him with their black suits with pink bow ties.

The bride, beautifully adorned in a white three layered flowing gown of three step layer, was ushered into the church by her father. The Bible reading was taken from Ephesians 21:31 by Pastor Kehinde Olatunji.

The officiating minister asked the couple to profess their wedding vows with the symbolic ring and Holy Bible.

The sermon was given by Pastor Wale Akinhanmi from Proverbs 30:21. He admonished the couple to always seek the Almighty’s face for the success of their marriage.

He urged the bride to always emulate the biblical Rebecca who always clothed herself in humility to win her husband.

After the marriage register was signed, guests moved to the nearby Foregate Lounge and Resort, for the reception.

The venue was decorated with pink and silver linen materials. Lighting decoration lined the entire walls of the place, adding glamour to the occasion. The life band of Segun Crown thrilled with scintillating music. The five layered cake was embellished with pink rose flowers.

The hall was full to capacity. The couple, Peter and Busola, on arrival at the reception, danced from the entrance of the hall to the hall facing their guests.

Supervising the cake cutting was the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Vintage Press Ltd., publishers of The Nation, Mr Ade Odunewu, who urged the couple to let their love be their binding force.

Old students of Ola Oluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have held their inaugural annual reunion and dinner at the Sheik Ibiyemi Multipurpose Hall. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN writes.

It was an evening to remember for old students of Ola-Oluwa Muslim Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, the capital of the Ekiti State, when they converged on the school’s Sheik Oseni Ibiyemi Multipurpose Hall.

Beaming with smiles, the old boys, many of whom had not met since leaving school, recalled their school days.

They talked about how their teachers supported their dreams. One of such teachers was Mr Francis Daramola, who, as the school’s principal then, according to Mr Mojeed Jamiu, steered the students on to the right path.

Besides Daramola, some former teachers were also there as well to rejoice with the old boys. Among them were Mrs. Taiwo Akinyede, also a former principal, Mrs Modupe Fagbeyiro, former Biology teacher and Chief Ayo Olorunofin, English. Mr K.D. Fasanmi, head of the school was also in attendance.

Numbering about 50, the old boys, who have made their marks in different fields, broke a jinx to hold what they termed the First Annual Reunion/Dinner Nite.

The evening featured the raising of N50 million for the maintenance of the school established in 1970. It was recently renovated by the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration.

Solemn music from Sese Alhaji Band from Ado-Ekiti and many took to the dance floor.

The old students appeared mostly in traditional dresses.

Led by Lieutenant Col. Dele Tajudeen Olabode of the 1981 set, they danced, sang and ate together to savour a day which officially marked the beginning of an annual get-together.

Welcoming colleagues and other invited guests, the Protem president, Col. Olabode recalled how much time and commitment were invested into convening the maiden meeting, mentioning the roles of some members.

He said the meeting was important to “renew and strengthen old friendships, meet and socialise among the classmates and design strategies for taking the school to higher attainments.”

Mojeed Jamiu, who had set the stage for talks, recalled how students would insist on being taught the practical aspect of reproduction during biology classes while the teacher, Mrs Fagbeyiro, would appeal to them to accept only the theoretical, saying the practical must be postponed to a later date.

He recalled: “Pa Daramola came to the school when the level of discipline was low and within a short time he was able to reverse the situation so much that the students got easily propped to perform wonders. Mr. Francis Daramola was a disciplinarian.”

Pa Daramola hailed them for taking the plunge, despite the tight schedules of their offices. He praised Governor Kayode Fayemi for the unprecedented move to renovate every secondary school in the state.

He said: “We cannot gain say the fact that the governor means well for every sector, section and segment of this state. The best we all can do is to support him with our prayers. When I realise that teachers are opposed to the Teachers Development Needs Assessment, I just remember that we wrote tests during our time as well.

“That time, we would travel as far as Ibadan to sit for the test. No one then opposed the government. No one could even dare such. This is because we all believed in the plans and intentions of the government.”

In a short address delivered by one of his Special Assistants, Biodun Akin Fasae, Fayemi praised the old students on the achievement, noting that the state government would always encourage them to return to their former schools to partake in their development.