The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • I prostrated to a radio presenter to get my debut album on air—KSA

    I prostrated to a radio presenter to get my debut album on air—KSA

    Juju music maestro, Sunday Adeyeye Adegeye, otherwise called King Sunny Ade (KSA), could be described as a symbol of humility. VICTOR AKANDE, Entertainment Editor, who met him at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja recently took the artiste on a wide range of issues, including the statement from his ex-guitarist, Fatoke Abiodun, to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) that the reason he went into drug trafficking was because there was no severance allowance upon his retirement from the band among several other issues.Excerpts:

    HOW would you react to the insinuation that your ex-guitarist, Fakoke Abiodun, who was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for trafficking in drugs, was retired without benefit?

    My band is, first and foremost, a limited liability company. However, we have two categories of workers: those who constitute the band and those who handle the affairs of the ‘African Beats’ band, as a company.

    The artistes in my band are not staff, they are called members, and this is indicated in their identity cards. What we normally do is that a percentage of whatever monies we make from shows are shared among members. This is the practice of most traditional bands, and members prefer it so, rather than being placed on salary.

    What is the sharing formula like?

    I, as the band leader and senior member of the group take 50 percent, and this is on behalf of the company. It is from this 50 percent that the company pays salaries of staff, takes care of rent, maintains the secretariat, services and transports equipment, and maintains the trucks, power generating sets, buses and other paraphernalia of the band.

    And this is not talking about King Sunny Ade Organization as a whole, but King Sunny Ade and the ‘African Beats’ Nigeria Limited. Further on the level of sharing, I, on behalf of the company, also look for the jobs, pay all taxes, provide the uniforms and take care of other miscellaneous expenses. All that the band members do is to go to shows, perform and get their pay. They share the other 50 percent among themselves, and Fatoke, being a senior member of the band then, used to earn higher than the others.

    Knowing that some of them could become spendthrift, why didn’t you, as the band leader introduce a form of savings for members?

    First of all, we are talking about adults here; men who have wives and children and are capable of taking decisions for themselves. When a man works for you in form of a contract, you don’t tell him how to spend his money. This notwithstanding, because we operate as friends, we do advise ourselves.

    Some of them have an arrangement among themselves whereby they do monthly money contribution, yet some are not given to the idea of savings in any form. And I would say to them, what happens when your wives put to bed, or there is an urgent business for you to execute or as in this case of retirement? I cannot save my own money, and begin to share to members when they are leaving the band. That won’t be possible. People, I believe should eat from their sweat.

    Sometimes I ask some of them; how would your wife be delivered of a child, and you come running to me for financial assistance, whereas we all share our takes on performances? And I would insist that the best I can do is to come and say congratulations and offer whatever gift I can afford. I tell you, this is the reason some of them left the band.

    Are there no rules guiding the association?

    There are rules, but they are limited to personal conduct. When a band member, for example, takes part of the money being sprayed at shows and puts it into his pocket, it is regarded as stealing. The penalty is dismissal. But beyond the issue of public decency, members are free do whatever they like, including private practices. Don’t forget that this is a creative industry.

    I tell you one thing, sometimes, members are even financially buoyant than myself after take-homes. It is the goodwill that I enjoy as the leader of the band that sometimes makes the difference for me.

    In other words, you are saying that Fatoke has no case saying he didn’t get severance allowance from the band?

    With all sense of responsibility, I am afraid not. Even on the part of recording, whatever comes as royalty is shared among the members. In this case, if somebody has played with me for 30 years and says he does not have anything to show for it, I am sorry, it is beyond me. What about the other members who have left? Are they saying the same thing? Nearly every three years, my members do house warming and buy cars, so how come his is different?

    Why exactly did Fatoke leave?

    He left out of his own free will. Right from when we went to perform during ‘Europa 2006’, he muted the idea of setting up his own band to me. When we arrived back to Nigeria, he took the guitar in his care straight to his home in Ibadan. When I asked why, he said he needed money to set up. I asked what money, and he said he just wanted money and I said but the money we made at the concert had been shared to everyone.

    At that point he didn’t say anything again. But I figured that since he wanted to set up a band, he needed the guitar for that purpose. But things are not supposed to take the form of blackmail or rebellion. Besides, the guitar was company’s property. I had to use the police to retrieve the guitar. Most of his junior colleagues are living in their own personal houses and doing legitimate businesses. You cannot see a member of my band on the street; you would see them in their own cars. And if must tell you, he was one of the members that enjoyed most, being in the senior cadre.

    Has he or any member of his family contacted you for help since he was arrested?

    Nobody has contacted me for any help. The last time I heard from him was during the guitar incidence. Since then, he has not called or sent a message or even come around the band.

    Has any of your band members had any issue relating to drug trafficking in the past?

    There had been no such issue. As a matter of principle, I ensure that all band members travel very light. I am always concerned about people travelling with me to go ‘clean’. We usually travel with the same kind of bags and one or two uniforms. Being conscious of such incidence, I make sure that when we are travelling abroad, we are thoroughly checked by security agencies. Because when I see such on the TV about artistes, it breaks my heart. My take is that people should act nobly; respect themselves, abide by the law of the land and be God fearing.

    You said that Fatoke Abiodun played the Hawaiian guitar, is that enough for someone to form a band without the gift of singing?

    It is not impossible. I don’t undermine anybody’s capability in the creative industry. Because when I wanted to form a band, I didn’t know how to sing, I only knew how to play a little bit of guitar, but I was very good with different percussion. And as the band man, I found a way of becoming a singer, and luckily, I am now a singer. So I cannot say that he cannot form a band. All my members know the history of my life; so if I can make it, anybody can. After all, we have some members who started out by setting-up sound equipment and lighting, and by watching the band overtime, they become instrumentalists. Fatoke was one of such people – he later started playing Konga, then Agogo, then he started playing the guitar. So, my brother, you cannot underestimate anyone.

    What has been your major motivation, having played music for 40 years and still counting?

    I believe it is the work of God. I love music, I love dancing right from childhood. Whenever I went to church with my mother, I would find myself at the centre of the church, dancing. Whether or not people were looking at me, I just enjoyed myself and when the music stopped I would sit down.

    You mean the energy you still exert dancing is not induced by some energy drinks or alcohol?

    My love for music is more than any energy drink. I neither drink nor smoke. In my house, I have so much space for exercise.

    Looking back, did you know that the brand, Sunny Ade, was going to be this large?

    No. My intention was to play music for people and for them to dance. Because I dance to other people music, I just wanted to make music for people to dance too. I started watching what other people were doing, picked the good ones and added it to my music. So, I didn’t know the brand will be this huge but I thank God.

    What type of man is Sunday Adegeye?

    I am an easy-going person. I don’t like people fighting or quarrelling. I respect the law and fear any issue that has to do with the police. But I am a determined person.

    People get bored from doing the same thing over a period of time. Do you see yourself retiring soon to do something else?

    You don’t get bored of what gives you fulfillment. But that is not to say I had not tried my hands on some other things. Sometime ago, I decided to reduce my shows, and to go into filming and video. My fans started bombarding me with messages, so I had to stop. However, I have different companies around me, including video and recording outfit, which is part of music. But the distribution network was not working the way I wanted because I had to be there every day. So, I had to give it out to people. But music is central to every other thing that I do for a living.

    Which of your album do you consider the best?

    The best is yet to come. But the one that I still treasure most is my first record titled ‘God is Merciful’. It is like one’s first date ever with a woman. And this is because I did not believe that I could record that song. And when I heard it on radio, I started calling everybody to listen to it. That song was recorded at NBC Ikoyi Radio station. We were eight in number, and we all had to prostrate on the floor for the presenter to play it over again and started dancing when he aired it.

    What was the reason your mother was the one cooking for you during her life time?

    Well, we were more like staying together before she passed away. But there was nothing special about my mother cooking for me other than the fact that she wanted to avoid undue jealousy among the wives. So, she often prepared my food and gave it to them to bring to me. But that had stopped before she died. When she wasn’t having the energy to continue, the cooks would do the cooking. That is the practice even up till now.

    You said your best is yet to come. Now tell us, what song is it that has not been sang?

    Indeed, they say there is nothing new under the sun. But old things can become new. When you refurbish what is on ground, give it a new touch, it becomes new again. Music is an intellectual business and a function of happenings in the society. As long as new things happen, new songs will evolve. Don’t forget that what today is known as evergreen, may not even appeal to you as green when it was first produced. We just try our best, and there are still new songs and by the grace of God, we shall continue to do something new.

    How would you describe the outcome of the ‘All Stars’ song you did on Nigeria’s unity years back?

    You mean “The Way Forward”. It was one song that got the cooperation of all the artistes in the industry. We need more of such collaborations. We recorded the song in Charly Boy’s studio and Kingsley Ogoro’s studio in Surulere. A musician designed the jacket of the album, it was also a musician that was the engineer, it was a musician that was in charge of recording, and that was the same person doing music for Wale Adenuga productions.

    What is your reaction to younger artistes who pick lyrics from your music without permission?

    First of all, I appreciate God that these young artistes pick from my songs. Some come personally, while some write letters applying to use my songs, others also come through their lawyers. But what I always say to them is to go and write the song first and let me listen to it. If it is not creative enough, I may not allow them to use it. But for those who do it without permission, I can only advise that they should respect intellectual property right.

  • Kunle Afolayan’s Isedale gets viewers’ nod

    PROFILED on the Yoruba channel of AfricaMagic on DsTV, Kunle Afolayan, has been described by audience as a visionary young Nigerian filmmaker following his new documentary series entitled ‘Isedale Yoruba’ (Yoruba Heritage).

    The series, by this award-winning young filmmaker, which focuses on the Yoruba kingdom and culture, made a debut on AfricaMagic Yoruba on January 1, 2013. As a proof of its success, the channel has now moved the series to prime-time for the benefit of its DStv subscribers.

    ‘Isedale’ is an expedition that took the filmmaker round the South Western states where for several weeks he was the guest of Obas, High Chiefs and Ifa Priests, and other custodians of culture, tradition and religion within the Oduduwa kingdom. The said 26-episode documentary features these Royal Fathers of Yoruba land, Ifa Priests, shrines, cultural festivals, traditional games and the general lifestyle of the descendants of Oduduwa.

    Trust M-Net to cash on the success of any programme in its bouquet: Biola Alabi, Managing Director of M-Net recalls that; “as soon as ‘Isedale’ launched, we started getting calls. Viewers were saying that they loved the show, and wanted to know when they could watch it, when we would rescreen it, and so on. We soon recognized that there’s a special appeal to this series and have decided to re-screen the entire series, starting from episode 1, in prime time.”

    Alabi added that, “there is no doubt that Kunle Afolayan is extremely talented. But what is really remarkable is that despite his relative youth, he instinctively understands the value of culture, tradition and legacy. I’m confident that through his work on the insightful ‘Isedale’ he plays a vital role in keeping Yoruba culture alive for a new generation.”

    Afolayan himself is excited about the outcome of the documentary. He said that he has always been interested in spotlighting Yoruba heritage, traditions and language and that when the opportunity arrived to do so, it sparked his interest again. Troubled by the erosion of culture and tradition in this modern day, Afolayan believes that one of the ways to sustain a people’s culture is by documenting events and showcasing same for people to see. According to the filmmaker, “If care is not taken, the generation after us will not speak a word of Yoruba. Through ‘Isedale’, I want to bring back the lost glory of our heritage.”

  • ‘Big Friday Show’ airs top 10 Nigerian music videos

    CELEBRATING what it calls “Best of Music”, popular TV programme, ‘Big Friday Show’ presented a countdown of the 10 biggest music videos featured on its Season 3.

    Known for bringing highly contemporary music to viewers and spotlighting the hottest music videos trending on social media platforms, the show had the best tracks from top Nigerian artistes like P-Square, Burna Boy, Iyanya, Ice Prince and others in its “The BFS Jams Countdown”.

    Eager followers of the show were able to find out which of their favorite music videos made the top list of BFS Season 3 on this special music countdown episode.

    Participants are encouraged to share their views by joining the conversation on twitter @BigFridayShow or by liking the BFS page on facebook- http://www.facebook.com/MTV.Base.Big.Friday.Show#

  • I didn’t feel bad when my marriage crashed—Nollywood actress Gloria Mba

    I didn’t feel bad when my marriage crashed—Nollywood actress Gloria Mba

    Light-skinned actress, Gloria Mba, had a short run in the industry in 1996. Armed with a Diploma Certificate in Public Relation from Lagos State University In 2003, she came back to start afresh. The mother of one, whose love for broadcasting made her who she is today, speaks with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUKANMI about her career, hopes of getting married again and plans to go back to school.

    WHAT are you doing at present?

    I will be starting a job soon and it is not my movie. I will not like to go into details but it is a marketer’s job which I was contacted to be part of it. I am looking forward to it too.

    Before you came back in 2003, what were you doing in between?

    I came in 1996 and took a break for like seven years and came back in 2003 fully. I had to take that break because I realize that there was need for me to go back to school. I had to do this because my parents insisted that I have to finish my schooling and then for me to be able to convince them to let me do what I wanted to do too, I had to satisfy them first. And because of the way acting was accepted in those days, and because I didn’t know my way around, I just had to take that break. So I will say I came into the industry professionally in 2003.

    Did your parents still oppose your career after you had finished schooling?

    My father opposed my career. He was a disciplinarian to the core. He told me never to come home late even if I wanted to act, but that was impossible. He feared for my safety and was against it totally. One day he locked me out when I came home by 12am from a movie location. It took our neighbours to placate him. My mother’s encouragement was wonderful. She supported me totally.

    How were you able to convince him afterwards?

    It was when people started telling him they saw me in movies that he mellowed. Some even bought him drinks because of me. He was proud of me and gave his consent.

    What significant roles have you played since 2003?

    I would say that the roles that I have been able to play in the past and present have affected the lives of some people positively. Though some don’t like it, that is because it is not every role that you take up that people will like or appreciate. Some believe that is the way you are and therefore react negatively to that which you are asked to do. The good thing about this industry is that whatever role you are given to play; it gives you recognition wherever you go to.

    What have you been able to achieve since you started?

    Would I say I have achieved so much? No. I would say thank God, because He has kept me to this stage. Many who started before me or after me have dropped along the line, but I am still here, so it is just the grace of God. It is not an easy field to be in because the challenges are very high. You just have to be on top of your game all the time. I would say who I was in 2003 is different from who I am now. Who I was in 2007 is also different from who I was in 2010. So every year, I just have to learn how to be better.

    What is your relationship with Toyin Alausa, to have accompanied her to HOG hospice?

    Toyin and I are very close friends. People go to different places to pay visits, it is all about choice. Some would go the see the widows, some to the beggars and to other places. Sincerely I have never been to such a place before and seeing those kids, I don’t know how to explain that feeling. When she told me she needed to be there, I asked her why that particular place and she said that is the place she has chosen. So I told her I will be there. The reason I am here is not just to accompany Toyin, but to also make an impact in the lives of these kids. They do not just need material things only, they need love too. We need to be around them to show them love by playing with them.

    How do you balance your activities between work and home front?

    Home front? No woman is a super woman I must confess. Even a man and that is because the men also pass through the same challenges that we go through too. Because a man might just be working all the time and might not have time for his children and will one day find out that he is seen as an uncle to them, rather than being a father. That also applies to the woman too. But it all takes the grace of God to be the perfect person.

    So how many years experience have you had as a married woman and a career lady?

    First I am no longer married, and that is all I can say. My career also dropped when I was married because I wanted my marriage to work. I gave my career a hold at that time, I wanted to know what it is like to be married and be in the home front. All I wanted was to know how to be a wife, mother and how to take care of my home. But it didn’t work, so I said to myself why not pick up from where you stopped from and just move ahead.

    What is it like being a single mother now and pursuing a career at the same time?

    Well, I would say it is just the grace of God and then I would say it is a bit easy for the both of us because I have taught him a lot of things in the course of time. It is like having someone you call your brother. That is how we are. It is like that between us because I have come to make him my friend and he has made me his friend too. Even if I am not there, he knows what to do. He will do them to a stage, that all I have to do when I get back is just to complete it.

    How did you feel, when your marriage crashed added to the ones we already had?

    I didn’t feel bad though it was heart breaking. I won’t break my head, because I believe God has a reason for everything that happens to human beings. What is the use crying over split milk when I cannot pack it up again?

    You speak as if you were expecting what happened?

    No, it is not like that. It just didn’t work and there was nothing I could do about it. You don’t expect me to start crying over it. I cannot tell you that I regret all that happened because it has a reason. God has a purpose for everything that happens to us. My coming to this industry is for a purpose. It is the same as being married. I would say I have learnt my lesson and has made me a stronger person.

    Is there any possibility of another marriage?

    Definitely; how old do you think I am? I am still young. It is just like saying because you have a broken heart from your first boyfriend, you won’t want to have another one. Or because you lost out in your first marriage, and you don’t have a child in the process, now you don’t want to have children again. It does not follow. If you say childbirth is awful, then you say because of that you don’t want to have another. If another one comes, what will you do, would you throw it away? I won’t get another one and make another trial but I am asking God to take control because I don’t want to fail again.

    How do you intend to share the love between the men in your life?

    My son has never been a challenge to me getting another chance and he will never be. He is my son and any man that comes is my husband. There is no competition there. I have taught him to be self dependent. It is like comparing the love between my father and my husband. They are both men and there love can not be the same.

    If you are not busy acting, what do you do?

    I am into event management. Once in awhile I do buying and selling. But the event management I have not really put in all my time. Knowing how the industry is, I am trying to grow it to become a brand.

    Actors are veering into movie production these days. Any plans on that too?

    Yes, and that is because it is more productive. Someday I would love to do the same though not as a Director. It makes sense and it is putting food on peoples table.

    Why acting as a career, when there are other jobs?

    As a child growing up I have always loved the TV, I mean broadcasting. I just felt that I could do acting with that too. As time went on, I discovered that they are two different things and I needed to study them separately. Someday I will return to school to do broadcasting because that is where the flair came from before I went into acting. I have people who do tell me that I can act, that gave me the encouragement to give it a trail and it has been glorious. Though it has been stressful and challenging, it has been fulfilling too.

    Who are your mentors?

    I look up to the likes of Liz Benson, Joke Silva, and Genevieve Nnaji. But now sincerely my mother is my only mentor.

    Why is that?

    I have learnt a lot of things from her. Sometimes I look around when I have challenges with something or when I see people struggling with something and I just say to her, why are you not into this thing too? My mother has been the one teaching me how to go through with a lot of things. I still learn from her.

    Was there any point in your career when you felt like quitting?

    I had thought of it. The way I saw it was that I would go into producing, not quitting acting finally. All I know is that I have to be relevant in any thing communication.

    Educational background

    I have a Diploma in Public Relation LASU. That was some years back. I have not gone back to school since then.

    Why is that? Don’t you want to further your education?

    I want to, but there is no time. Acting is a full time job. For you to want to study, you need to have the time too. By God’s grace I will be going back to school this year. That is my heart desire, because I know Diploma is Diploma and Degree certificate is Degree.

    How do you intend to do it, knowing you have a busy schedule?

    Others have been doing it so I have to create time for that too. I know I can do the same too.

    How do you relax?

    I love to stay at home and read a lot. And another thing I do is to go to church. I dey go church o. I am freaking committed in my church. Everything they do in church I am there. I don’t club, neither do I drink nor smoke. I spend my time in church and at home sleeping. I also love reading and visiting friends.

    Is your son with you?

    Yes, and I had him when I was a teenager.

    How were you able to get custody of the child?

    That was easy for me because the father was not always around. He was always busy traveling out of the country.

    Why did you decide to get married to someone based abroad?

    Don’t worry about that. That is my personal case. Thank you.

    How many movies do you have to your credit so far?

    I have lost count, but they include Breaking News, August Visitor, One Love, Unforeseen, Beautiful Faces, Overheat, Twilight Sisters 1&2 and lots more.

  • Rector’s daughter finds love

    The expansive Olatinwo Family House in Offa, Kwara State was agog for the Aqdun Nikah between Khadijat, daughter of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Rector, Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo and her beau Mohammed Adebowale, an Air Force officer. YETUNDE BASHIRU and JUMOKE IDOWU report. 

    For the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, it was honour all the way. Academics, politicians and Armed Forces personel were present in large number for his daugther’s wedding. The

    armed forces were there to honour the groom, Mohammed Adebowale, an officer of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    The event began on Friday with a special prayer held for the couple at the expansive Olatinwo Family House, Offa.

    The following day witnessed the Aqdun Nikah at the same venue.

    The Chief Imam, of Offa Town, Imam Muideen Salman Al-Imam led a retinue of clerics to the event. The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi came with a large number of other traditional rulers and chiefs to the occasion.

    The couple dazzled in attractive attires.

    Khadijat looked resplendent in a flowing white gown, beautiful laali (a common form of body-beautifier in Hausaland), wrist watch and chain dangled on her hands. She capped them with lovely earrings and held a bouqet.

    The groom was decked in a ceremonial uniform of the Air Force.

    After opening prayer and recitation from the Holy Quran, Imam Salman took over the proceeding.

    Marriage, the cleric said, is ordained by Allah.

    He enjoined wives to be obedient to their husbands so as to secure the favour of the Almighty.

    The couple, he said, must respect each other and always pray together.

    After observing the necessary rites of marriage, Imam Salam declared them husband and wife.

    This was greeted with a loud Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest) and Allihamdullilahi (Praise be to Allah).

    Guests later joined the Olatinwos and the Adebowales at the Nigerian Navy School of Health Sciences, Offa for a reception.

    A military Guard of Honour was staged by the groom’s colleagues and junior officers with full military compliments as the couple walked in.

    The hall reflected class.

    Former Military Administrator of Osun State Col. Leo Ajiborisha who chaired the reception, urged the couple to guide their home jealously and always discourage external interference in their affairs.

    Col Ajiborisha praised their parents for raising them well.

    He wished the couple success in their endeavours.

    The couple expressed delight ending their relationship with marriage.

    Khadijat, a first class graduate of Agriculture at the University of Ilorin was full of joy.

    She smiled all through the event.

    On her husband, Khadijat said that she loved him for his strength of character and discipline.

    “He is handsome, caring and loving. I could not wish for a better man. I’m happy he is mine,” she said.

    She thanked her parents and in-laws for making the occasion grand.

    The groom, Muhammed, also thanked their parents, friends and relations, promising that he and his wife will not disappoint them.

    She described Khadijat as a brilliant, beautiful and humble woman.

    The train later moved to the groom father’s house in Ede, Osun State in the evening where the King of Fuji Music, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1) thrilled the couple and guests.

    The event was attended by military top brass from various military establishments, members of the Polytechnic Expanded Management Committee (EMC) including the representative of the Minister of Education on the committee, Mrs Uwem Asomugha and her NBTE counterpart, Alhaji Baba Idi Bamamu.

    Principal Officers, members of the executive committee of the various unions in the institution, Deans from different institutions, Directors, Heads of Departments/Unit and the Students’ Union executive were not left out.

  • ‘Mother in a million’

    The remains of  Madam Dinah Onyebuchi Igbokwe, mother of Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) spokesperson, Mr Joe Igbokwe, have been interred in her country home, Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    In tears, Mr Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), spokesperson, told guests how his late mother, Madam Dinah Onyebuchi Igbokwe toiled for the family. He was giving the vote of thanks at the funeral of his mother when he broke down. With every word he uttered, he sobbed.

    “Today’s success has wiped away years of pains and tears,” he said.

    Madam Igbokwe died at 85.

    Uruagu, Igbokwe’s country home in Anambra State was brimming with sympathisers who came to bid the Igbokwe matriarch farewell.

    The late Madam Igbokwe had five children; 23 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

    Her residence was creatively decorated in purple and gold satin. Guests, family members, colleagues and associates of her children came in large numbers. There was an influx of people from Lagos. The state’s ACN executives were led by the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Chief Funso Ologunde.

    Anambrans were led by Governor Peter Obi and his wife. Others were: former Minister of Information Prof Dora Akunyili; Deputy Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Prince Chukwudu Orizu; Commissioner for Works Mr Calistus Ilozu; his Agriculture counterpart Ndubisi Melakaye; and Education Mrs Uju Okeke; Chirman, Yaba Traders Association, Pastor Okey Anorue; JP Ekwilo; top military personnel and royal fathers.

    Members of St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Surulere, Lagos brought their members and women guild, who turned up in uniforms. The women wore white blouses and green wrappers with their insignia. The choir members were decked in black regalia with yellow embroidery.

    Other sects turned out in their own uniformed attires. There were about 10 different types.

    Anglican Bishops of Ihiala; Ideato and Oru led clergymen to the funeral service. Hymns were sung. Bible readings were taken; a brief sermon on the parable of the 10 virgins was explained. All were encouraged to have faith in God.

    The late Mrs Igbokwe’s first son, John, described his mother as a woman who stood for the truth and fought against injustice.

    “My mother singularly raised us. She had a passion for clean environment. My brothers and I earned awards as the neatest pupils while in school. She is indeed a virtuous woman,” he said.

    Her third son, Joe said he never knew she would live up to 60 because of what she went through in life.

    “She was fought in the church, in the stream, the community, at family meetings, in the market… she was a sheep to be slaughtered but she endured it and came out triumphant. My mother is a living testimony that tough times don’t last but tough people do. The only mother I have known for 56 years died on August 18,” he said.

    He recalled how his family lived a good life till the Civil War began in 1967 and they lost all they had.

    “I inherited the activism I now portray from my mother. She taught me to convert problems to opportunities. She was an incredible story teller. We always laughed until tears came out of our eyes. My mother is a walking history, a story that must be told.”

    Former Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu described the late Mrs Igbokwe as one who lived a fulfilled life by leaving a legacy of activism in her children, one that is worth more than silver and gold.

    Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) sent condolence messages. Governor Fayemi, represented by one of his special assistants, Mr Biodun Akinsafe, extolled the late matricah as one who lived a life of fulfilment and impact.

    “Though I was not privileged to know her quite intimately, the testimonies concerning her pious life shows Mama Igbokwe was a mother of great virtue, who came quietly but left gloriously with resounding victory at every stage of her life,” he said.

    Governor Obi said the deceased was not only blessed with longevity, but was also fortunate to raise her children to enviable positions.

  • Nigeria on their minds

    Academics, politicians and business tycoons gathered in Lagos to brainstorm on the state of the nation. AKEEM ALAWOKI and JUMOKE IDOWU were there.

    The gathering was for a few invited guests. They comprised academics, politicians and successful businessmen. It was put together by Chief Tunde Temionu.

    The idea was to discuss the state of the nation in a cheerful atmosphere.

    Though the symposium was to discuss Nigeria; it was also an avenue for merry making.

    The event took place on December 31, last year, at the Private Event Hall of TEM Hotel, Ojota.

    Guests were served with choice foods and drinks immediately they got to their seats.

    For some, it was a re-union of sort. Old time memories were recalled with laughter. They equally exchanged banters.

    The hall glittered with various kinds of ceremonial lights as highlife music was played underground.

    Chief Temionu, clad in a red shirt and a fitting black pair of trousers set the ball rolling. He thanked the guests for honouring his invitation.

    “By this time last year, he said, we talked about the fuel subsidy removal…we agreed that it should be deregulated. This edition is going to be another interactive get-togethere because we are discussing states’ creation,” he said.

    He then introduced the quartet speakers.

    Prof. Kolawole Adebayo from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, was the first to make presentations.

    He gave a concise history on the birth of Nigeria and state creation within her territory. Afterward, he said, “No civilian administration has sat down to create a state.”

    Adebayo brought to the fore opinions of some Nigerians who are against the creation of more states and those who support the move.

    “Some of those who are against the creation of more states argue that the existing states are faced with many challenges which include: environmental, industrial and erosion cum agricultural challenges and augmenting the existing states to becoming bigger entities is the solution rather than splitting them further,” he said.

    He said: “Those in favour of state creation opined that it will mean bringing the government closer to the people and that some of the existing states are too large and need to be split into smaller entities”.

    Adebayo, however, advised that whichever path the government chooses to follow, they should ensure that the country returns to agriculture.

    He said:”Agriculture offers the highest level of commerce any country can get. You will recall that when Nigeria used to be an agrarian country, Kano’s groundnut pyramid was feeding not just Nigeria but other countries. Cocoa industry in the South-west did well to build a strong economy for the Western region. Oil palm dis same in the South-East,” he said.

    Prof Adebayo advised the government to put in place a uniform agricultural policy for the development of the country.

    Other discussants were Kwara State University senior don Prof. Innocent Okoye; University of Lagos Head of English Department, Dr. Adeyemi Daramola; and former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Olushoga Shofola.

    Prof Okoye thanked the organiser for giving them the opportunity of expressing their views on a national issue.

    “I want to thank Chief Temionu for the opportunity to rub minds even as we enjoy ourselves.”

    He said Nigerians believe in togetherness but some things must be corrected.

    “Most Nigerians are still interested in living together, but they want some changes in the following areas: creation of more states, true federalism, resource control, good leadership; among others,” he said.

    He said the ongoing constitutional review will not solve the problem rather a national conference should be convened.

    According to him, the constituent state must be given the right to control their resources.

    Dr Daramola thanked his fellow speakers for a thorough job and astute delivery.

    Prof. Daramola maintained that more states should not be created.

    “If we create more states, he said, people will keep clamouring for more states that every family will want to have its own state.”

    Prof. Shofola acknowledged other speakers before making reference to the defunct USSR.

    The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor was very brief with his presentation. To him, creation of more will not solve the problem if the states are not autonomous.

    “I believe there must be an resource control (by the state). We should see how to restructure the state to be independent federating unit where each unit has control over everything,” he said.

    Former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Prince Rotimi Abisoye said: “I do not want anymore state, what I want is good leadership, because if we have good leadership, we will have regular power supply; good roads. What we need to do is to weaken the centre. If we can’t weaken the centre, we can’t move forward.”

  • From boys to men

    The end-of-year party of the 1977/78 set of Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege Old Students Association (ACAOSA) has been held in  Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE and KEMI OKUNADE were there. 

    IT was as if they were still in school. Although they left Anwar-UL Islam College, Agege, Lagos, over 35 years ago, they have not forgotten some of the pranks they played in those days. On sighting each other, nicknames rang out and they burst into laughter, as they remembered what it used to be like while in school. It was full of fun and reminiscences. Their wives watched as the ‘boys’ ran rings round themselves. The looks on the women’s faces said it all: don’t they know that they are no longer boys. The ‘boys’ ignored their wives’ looks as they were in a world of their own last Saturday at the end-of-year party of the 1977/78 set of Anwar-UL Islam College, Agege Old Students Association (ACAOSA).

    There was no dress code, so they turned out in different attires. But they found uniformity in the school cap of gold and navy blue.

    Before the event started, guests were served small chops and drinks.

    The compere, Jide Morounfolu, thrilled the old boys with jokes. The event took off with the recitation of the National Anthem.

    It was followed by opening prayer by Alhaji Shakiru Yussuf.

    Dr Afolabi Abiodun took his colleagues down memory lane. He also conducted the American auction.

    The association’s president, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN), Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, led members to recite the school anthem.

    Peddy as he is fondly called thanked God for keeping the members alive.

    He praised members for keeping the association moving.

    According to him, the essence of the old boys association is to give back to the school which groomed the members.

    “Our gathering is to ensure we do not forget our alma mater, that is the school which has done so much for all of us. When we were growing up, we went through the school, we cut our tooth there, we were trained to be able to stand on our feet,” he said.

    Peddy lamented the deteriorating state of the school, urging members to do work awards the restoration of its glory.

    “The college that you and I attended between 1973/74 and 1977/78 is not the same again. My brothers, our school is facing hard times and it needs us now more than ever before in order to restore its glory. Our coming together will amount to nothing if it cannot be of benefit to our school,” he said.

    “The school has given us what it has, good education and sound upbringing. It is time for us to give back to the school so that the dream of the founding fathers will not die,” he added.

    His speech attracted a rousing applause and all stood until he returned to his seat.

    In attendance were: Rahman Alarape, Alhaja Aminat Pedro, Wasiu Bawalah, Hammed Rasaq, Mufutau Ottun, Yomi Ojo, Gbenga Ojo, Suraj Olowo, Bolanle Ahmed, Tunde Adeniji, Ahmed Ogunnaike, Hakeem Ogunniran, Nurudeen Bello, Bashir Shittu, Taofeek Colley and Dipo Oyetayo, among others.

  • Walking down the aisle the second time

    A member of the traditional ruling council in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Sir Gilbert Nwasike and his wife Lolo Philomena have celebrated  50 years of marriage by renewing their marital vows at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Nteje. NWANOSIKE ONU witnessed the event.

    After 50 years of marriage with seven children and 14 grand children, Sir Gilbert Obi and his delectable wife, Philomena have walked down the aisle the second time.

     It was a carnival-like event with politicians, friends and wellwishers coming to celebrate with them.

    The four bands played solemn music which kept the guests on their feet for hours.

    Lolo Philomena turned heads in her flowing gown.

    She was unique, elegant, full of energy, graceful and dazzling like a pearl on the dance floor.

     The couple, 75 year old Pa Gilbert and 68 year old Philomena were radiating in their milk coloured suit and gown, their male children smartly dressed in gold coloured caftan while the daughters and daughters-in-law dressed in silky wrapper, coated with silver and gold beads, same colour with their head gears

    His holiness, Pope Benedict XVI of the Vatican City of Rome sent a powerfully worded letter in what he called his apostolic blessings to the couple.

    It reads: “To the couple, who have been great inspiration to members of the Catholic Church in Anambra and indeed Nigeria, invoking abundant divine graces on the occasion of their golden jubilee anniversary’’

    The Pope’s message was signed by Felix Ed Blanco Pueto, Archi Episcopus, Eleemosynarius apostolicus “and delivered by Rev John Ogbo who officiated during the mass with Revd Nicholas Akwanya of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the parish priest, Rev Fr Jude Ikenze.

    In his sermon, Rev Ogbo, praised the couple for their love, understanding and unique life style over the years which he said has made them the cynosure of all eyes.

    According to him, “God has made you who you are, he has shown you the way, he opened your eyes and all He wants from you is to reciprocate by giving back to the less privileged, the needy and the downtrodden without looking back.”

    “And by that, you will gladden the heart of your creator while more blessings will equally be showered on you, ‘’ he said.

    Back home, the celebrators’ apartment in Agwa, Ifite village in Nteje, was ornately decorated in pink and orange coloured apparels.

    Guests were thrilled by the songs of the late Osita Osadebe and the late Oliver De Coque.

    The traditional ruler of Nteje kingdom, Igwe Rowland Odegbo led his cabinet chiefs to the event, including members of the state House of Assembly, led by Hon Rebecca Udorji (Awka North Constituency).

    The celebrator, a successful businessman in Anambra, who acquired the traditional title of (Akum in Nteje), got married to Philomena (Onyeanaecheche) in 1962 and both belong to different associations in the church with knighthood titles to cap it.

    However, the couple told The Nation that it takes a lot of prayers and endurance to attain such height in marriage.

    According to Madam Philomena “young wives of nowadays should be submissive to their husbands and also, to always intercede for their families in prayers.”

    The monarch of Nteje, Igwe Rowland Odegbo, told The Nation that it was a thing of joy to see Akum and his wife to reach the golden age in their marital life and wished them more fruitful years ahead.

    One of the celebrators’daughters, Okwuchukwu Anthonia, said it had been a long journey in the lives of their parents; prayed God to guide and protect her own marriage to get to the golden era.

    One of the grandsons of the couple, and a law student at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Uzodinma Emeka praised the attitude of his grand parents, adding that their style was worthy of emulation.

    All the other children of the couple spoke in the same vein.

    The couple put on their dancing shoes to compete with their grandchildren on the dance floor, to the admiration of guests who could not endure but clap and give them a standing ovation in appreciation.

  • Setting your Communication Agenda for Year 2013 (2)

    New Year is always a time most people anticipate. People, irrespective of tribe, gender, religion or location, look forward to the New Year. Whether voiced or not, there seems to be new hopes attached to the New Year because of the perceived fresh start. We try to erase our past mistakes and focus on new aspirations. Even though we cannot wipe our memories clean of past experiences, we at least try to use the landmark of the New Year as a wall to block us off from what we consider to be our failures of the past year. However, the importance of the New Year has been so overrated that some people find it difficult to make any considerable change in their lives anytime during the year.

    Just a few days ago, we were all full of cheers and the only greeting around was “Happy New Year!” We greeted those we knew and those we didn’t really know. At least we all had something in common; we entered the New Year by the grace of God. It all seemed like a really big deal! (Actually it is) But then, in the last couple of days, have you heard anyone greet another “Happy New Year?” If you did, I’m sure you would have been wondering where the fellow was all these days.

    Check the calendar please; we are racing towards the middle of January 2013! If you were one of those who had great plans for 2013, well, here we are! Sometime ago it seemed like a long time, but here we are. “Next year” has become “this year,” “tomorrow” has become “today!” Whatever you don’t do now, you may never get to do. People expect so much from the New Year as though it has a magic on its own to change their lives! If you are still waiting for something to happen, then 2014 may be your turn. But God forbid! Now is your time; but stop waiting and start doing.

    Please understand this, you cannot continue to communicate the way you communicated last year and expect anything different to happen. How can you keep doing the same thing and expect a different result? If you really want to make it as a public speaker this year, or you simply want to communicate your feelings or ideas better, you must prepare to do something different.

    Last week, we discussed about setting a communication agenda for yourself. It is very important that you do. No matter how good you are now, you can always be better. Do you know that in any field in which you are, you need people? Of course you do need people! If you are a doctor for instance, guess who your patients will be? Even if you are a veterinary doctor, the animals won’t just walk into your office, will they? Every business requires communication with people. The more you get along with them, the more they patronize you. Therefore, make it a major objective to communicate better this year.

    I learnt that the field of marketing is currently branching from merely marketing products and services to marketing relationships. This is particularly instructive. The idea behind the migration is that when you sell a product, it may be a once-and-for-all transaction, but if you market relationship, there is likely to be a repeat purchase of the product. Look at it this way, there are sometimes when people wonder into someone’s shop without having the intention of buying anything. Or on the other hand, they may not have found the exact product they are looking for. If you are the shop owner, you can react to them in different ways and each one is communication based:

    1. You can get irritated because they aren’t buying anything and they are wasting your time. If you do, they will notice that you are not friendly and they may never return.

    2. You can pressurize them into buying something else that, according to you, is “the same” as what they are looking for. If you do and they are not satisfied, they will feel cheated. They will also conclude that you are the type of person who cares more about sales than the needs of you customers.

    3. You can be really nice to them, show them around like they are the most important persons around and give them maximum attention. If they don’t find what they are looking for, you can suggest where they can get it or simply ask them to come back for it if it is convenient for them.

    If you are a customer, which will you prefer? The third example will develop such a good relationship that the customers will feel sorry that they didn’t buy from the shop. You can be sure that they will return next time. My point is this; it is more about the communication than it is about the business. If you want to change the way people react to you this year, change the way you communicate with them. If you learn to respect people in your communication with them, you will be surprised how much respect you will get in return. I’m hoping that you will take up this challenge in your life and change something in the way you communicate with people. If you do, then you will have a different result from what you had last year.