Category: Entertainment

Vice-President Namadi Sambo led eminent personalities to commission the newly renovated Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque, Ilorin in Kwara State on Sunday. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports.

The big men were there in large numbers. The influential Islamic leaders and scholars gathered in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Sunday for the grand opening of the renovated Ilorin Central Juma’at Mosque. The project cost N1.9 billion.

Human and vehicular movement around the popular Emir’s Palace in the city centre came to a halt. A detachment of security personnel comprising the military, and police, official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) maintained security. With them, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Kwara State-owned Traffic Management Authority (KWATMA) who were at major road intersections and strategic locations attending to traffic.

The tattoos and inscriptions on the bodies of the horses stationed in conspicuous places added colour and aesthetics to the event.

Following the call for Juma’at prayers which took place 3:10pm, the main auditorium and outside of the mosque overflowed with worshippers. The shoving because of the large number of worshippers.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad urged Islamic clerics to preach the correct tenets of Islam. Sambo said the call was borne out of the current security challenges in the nation; Tambuwal said such teaching was the antidote to peace.

Sambo noted the spirit of sacrifice behind the actualisation of the project despite the downturn in the economy.

The mosque, he said, will contribute to religious tourism and enhance economic activities.

The Sultan, who noted that the project’s fund was raised by Christians and Muslims, called for the replication of such attitude among Nigerians to show unity.

He said: “A project like this that was made possible by the contributions of people from different faith deserves our commendation. We must be ready to replicate the gesture in all that we do in this country for if we are able to do such then things will be better. I, therefore, call on my fellow Nigerians from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of unity and let’s build the nation together.”

Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, who chaired the fund- raising for the mosque in 2009, urged Nigerians to take a cue from the success of the project and contribute to the development of their communities.

Aliyu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof Mohammed Yahaya, said the project was completed in record time, praising the foresight of those responsible for the idea and those behind it.

They praised former Governor Bukola Saraki, now a Senator, for driving the project. They called on worshippers to ensure proper maintenance of the mosque.

Saraki expressed delight about the fulfilment of a dream.

He assured Kwarans that the project was just the beginning of good things to come to the state.

Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed described the mosque as a unifying symbol for Muslims across the country.

Ahmed said the manner of actualising the project should be a lesson to Nigerians that genuine brotherhood is possible among the people.

The atmosphere and general ambience at St Michael’s Church, Oye-Ekiti was quiet, almost somnolent. The gathering inside the church was supportively silent, perhaps accentuating the fact that it was essentially a remembrance event conducted for a big fish who once plied this earth.

Attired in various clothes with matching caps and headgears occupying most of the seats in the church, children and other participants at the event listened to dignitaries reel out tales of what the deceased did while on this side of the world and what would be proper as honour to extend to him now that he is no more.

One could not but become sentimentally attached to the spirit of the occasion when even before the commencement of the service and while the service lasted, one got regaled by achievements of several firsts of a man about whom not much has been heard, at least in contemporary times.

Indeed, the life and attainment of the late Chief Elijah Are Babalola offered seminal affirmation of the inimitable words of Victor Frankl, a World War II holocaust survivor and psychologist that ‘the richest place in the world is the cemetery’.

His grave, located within the precincts of St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Oye-Ekiti, carrying a finely sculptured effigy of the late scholar/politician, apart from the two books he wrote in his lifetime, offers prime signal to posterity that one Elijah Babalola indeed once lived.

He was born in November 1897 and departed August 1984 in Oye town which now falls within Ekiti North local government. In between this period of 87 years were strewn activities/attainments that were fittingly captured in many other ‘firsts’.

He was First Minister of Works, Western Region of Nigeria (1952-1956); first indigene of old Ondo State to become a Minister of State (1952); first member, Western House of Assembly (1952-1956); and first Ekiti member House of Representatives, Lagos (1952-1954).

Chief Babalola was the first President-General, Ekiti Progressive Union (1933-1939) and ((1945-1956); first African Principal of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti (1947); and first Principal, Islamic High School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan (1957-1959).

His other attainments are too numerous to merit a space in a small effort like the present one.

He joined other nationalists in achieving political independence for Nigeria in 1960. He later became a foundation member of the Action Group (AG) founded in 1951.

The church service and launch of a magazine entitled: The life and Legacy of Chief Elijah Are Babalola at St. Michaels Anglican Church, Oye-Ekiti, was witnessed by dignitaries including Chief Ayo Ogunlade, former Minister of National Planning and Are of Oye-Ekiti; the monarch of Oye town, Oba Michael Ademola Ademolaju.

Chief Samuel Alao, Chief Bayode Ajala and the late scholar/politician’s last son, Mr. Olusegun Babalola and his wife, Temitayo, were also in attendance.

Others were Mr Sunday Agbaje, Oye Progressive Union (OPU) National President; Mr Bamise Sunday; Dele Awobusuyi; High Chiefs Victor Olatunji, Morakinyo Bamisile and Seun Owolabi, OPU National Secretary.

At the church service, the fourth son of Chief Babalola, Mr Akin Babalola, recalled the various contributions his late father has made towards the development of the country and his immediate community of Oye Ekiti.

He said: “Some roads and other public utilities put in place during the time of Chief Obafemi Awolowo were the efforts of my father. This is aside the fact that my father had taught in many places like Ijebu, Sagamu, Oyo, Abeokuta and Ibadan before he came back to Ekiti to become first African Principal of Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti.” “He was equally instrumental to the coming together of several dispersed communities including Oye-Ekiti and those outside like Iyin-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Ikare Akoko now in Ondo State.

“The late Chief and Papa Adekunle Ajasin were both assigned by the Action Group (AG) to prepare a policy paper on free education, which they wrote at Olowo’s palace at Owo. Papa was not just a contemporary of Chief Obafemi Awolowo wo, they lived and operated well together in the politics and movement of the time.

“I have written to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on the need to remember and honour this great Nigerian, even if posthumously.”

In his comments, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ogunlade likened the late politician to a well-scenting flower in the desert, cast away from every possibility of being appreciated by any one.

The Lagos State branch of the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Alumni has held a reunion at The Martinos Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

Yearly, alumni of the Usman Danfodiyo University gather to celebrate. This year, they did so in a big way. They came in their numbers. Virtually every set of the institution was represented,

It was a platform for the ex-students to thank God for keeping them alive. It was also for them to meet and network.

They laughed, danced and dined. They were truly blessed as their alma mater has made them what they are today.

Some hadn’t seen each other since their school days in the 80s. Some had the opportunity of meeting the spouses of their classmates. They greeted one another, hugged and shook hands. Others just held on to the each other’s hands like little children. For many of them, it was a heart warming.

Seeing old friendly faces gave them joy. All their emotions came pouring out as they exchanged pleasantries.

Though many are resident in Lagos, some came from the north and eastern part of the country. Both the men and the women dressed the Muslim way just as they did back then in school.

The Martinos Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, venue of the reunion, was tastefully furnished in purple and green. It wore the look of a wedding decor. The organisers said it was just how they chose to project its brand.

Danfodites, as they are fondly called, have notable individuals in the community. Some of them were present. They included the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, who chaired the occasion; Justice Mohammed Garba Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos; Dr Maymuna Garba of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba; Assistant Commander, Operations, of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Abuja, Oke Adebisi and Mallam Yakubu Etudoye of the Nigerian Customs TinCan.

Everyone, in their individual way, carried the banner of the university.

Ahmed implored the members to attend meetings as it is a way to socialise.

Dr Garba spoke on how to manage stresses.

She listed 10 commandments of stress, and encouraged that whether as employees or employers, it is important to know where to draw the line to avoid stress.

“In our daily hustles, we should put our values in place. Happiness starts from within,” she said.

She enjoined parents with busy schedules not to abandon their parental responsibilities.

Then, it was time to do things on the lighter mood. A member of each set came out and spoke of something that made his set to stand out.

Justice Idris of the 1992 set stood to speak with pride of how his set revolutionalised the university by fighting for the emancipation of the Students Union Government and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The jurist recalled how the Union, shut down the university for a week to enable it to dialogue with the university authorities. The outcome, Justice Idris said, was the foundation most of the preceding sets enjoyed.

They took turns to cut and pose for photographs behind the reunion cake.

The wife of Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Olori Folashade, has been installed as Yeye Oba Isese Ile Yoruba by the Isese Parapo, Oyo. The installation took place at the Alaafin’s palace in Oyo. GBENGA ADERANTI was there

History was made in the ancient town of Oyo last Saturday when one of the wives of Alaafin of Oyo, Olori Folashade Adeyemi was installed as the Yeye Oba Isese Ile Yoruba by the Isese Parapo, Oyo, at the Alaafin’s palace, Oyo, Oyo State.

She is the first Yoruba woman to be conferred with the title. Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, his oloris (the queens), traditional rulers from far and wide and guests, seated comfortably, expecting the big masquerade of the day. The scorching sun did not stop the Oyo people from attending the ceremony, and when Olori Folashade came to the vast arena, she did not disappoint.

Olori Folashade is currently an undergraduate at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

Elegantly dressed, Olori Folashade came to the arena in a combination of white and red attire. She was a sight to behold as she cat-walked into the arena. Her ‘beauty queen’ steps were not a surprise to those who knew her antecedents. Her beauty before now had been acknowledged by different awards in her kitty.

The celebrator’s glowing attractive fair skin was shaded from the scorching sun with a royal umbrella. While she was being ushered unto her seat at the middle of the arena, the crowd went into jubilation, and the noise enveloped the sound of the local gun salute meant to announce her presence.

The other oloris were upbeat when Queen Folashade arrive the arena.

The rich culture of Oyo people was on display as various traditional dance groups entertained the guests. Children between the ages 7-12 drew admiration of many as they recited ifa corpuses; many could not but shower them with money for their rare ingenuity. Egungun (masquerades) also entertained the guests. The display of the egungun electrified the atmosphere.

The ceremony proper started with educating the people the importance of Yeye Oba Isese Ile Yoruba. This was later followed by the formal presentation of Olori Folashade to the public. Thereafter, the Isese Parapo (a group of traditionalist) came together to pray for the queen.

The rites commenced with the opening of a big white calabash that had smaller ones inside by Olori Folasahde. Inside these small calabashes were assorted items such as honey, kolanuts and other things meant for the ceremony. At every point, Olori Folashade was told to open each of the small calabashes and tell the excited guests what he found in them; the item picked was used to pray for her.

The ceremony was not devoid of putting the leaves on the YeyeOba Isese which is important when a person is being conferred with a traditional title in Yoruba land; this was followed by the presentation of Ileke (beads) and staff of office. The excited Folashade was ably assisted by Alaafin’s royal Ambassador, Paula Gomez, a Portuguese, who seemed to have mastered Yoruba culture and tradition.

The presentation of certificate and the staff of office to the Olori was the high point of the ceremony while acknowledging the crowd; Olori Folashade went straight to her husband, Oba Adeyemi, to show her appreciation.

A visibly elated Olori Folashade was full of praise for the people of Oyo and the entire Yoruba race for the honour bestowed on her.

“You believe in me, and you feel that I deserve it that is why you chose to honour me. I thank you all,” Folashade said, after the rituals were concluded.

While the Kabiyesi went on short break, the guests were thrilled by musicians, who had been waiting anxiously to entertain.

The event was attended by traditional rulers and chiefs from different parts of Yorubaland including Oyo State Speaker, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu and council chairmen.

The Olayiwola Mabinuori and Shehu Lawal families have become one, following the consummation of the marriage of their children Olakunle and Olamide in Lagos, ABIKE ADEGBULEHIN writes.

It was a three-in-one celebration starting with the engagement held at the SS Joachim and Anna Catholic Church Ijegun, a Lagos suburb.

Family, friends and well wishers came from far and wide to witness the blissful union of Kunle Mabinuori and former Miss Olamide Lawal.

Looking radiant in his national attire of green and lemon lace, the groom danced into the hall with his friends to perform the traditional rites.

He was made to prostrate, a sign of respect for his in-laws and seriousness about seeking Olamide’s hand in marriage.

Kunle was well received. His in-laws and parents prayed for him.

After performing the necessary rites; the groom was asked to take the special seat prepared for him.

The bride, Olamide, stole the day. She was resplendent in her lemon green lace iro and buba with green Aso oke.

Accompanied by her friends, Olamide danced into the hall full of smiles.

She knelt before her parents who prayed for her. Her in-laws also prayed for her.

The Nikah took place immediately with the Imam of Ijegun Mosque, Alhaji Ayoade Semiu, officiating.

After joining the couple, the Imam urged the newlywed to be each other’s backbone.

“As a couple now, make sure you are always there for each other, trust each other and don’t listen to side talks and make sure you always put God first and make him the pillar of your marriage”, he said.

The guests were in Aso-ebi of baby pink and pink head gears.

The reception was held at the wedding venue; with the couple took time off to change into fresh attires.

The groom returned in a black suit, white shirt and pink tie; the bride wore a white flowing gown.

The couple danced into the hall accompanied by the bridal train, grooms men and friends.

The bride and groom danced like never before to the tunes dished out by the Upper Musical Band.

Pastor Emoreke Moses urged the couple to respect their marriage vows, and treat each other right.

The reception was chaired by Dr. Olayiwola Bello, who prayed that the union would be fruitful. He urged the couple to let the word of God reign in their home.

It was time for the couple to cut their three- step cake of white and pink

Olamide knelt to feed her husband; Kunle fed her in return.

Olamide, a graduate of Accounting from the Lagos State University (LASU) said: “We attended the same university although we were not in the same class and we were not friends, but when he left, we met outside the school premises on his way back from work and on my way back from school and our friendship developed; then came love and now marriage”.

She described her man as loving, down to earth and gentle.

Olakunle, also an accounting a graduate of LASU described his wife as “cheerful, caring and my dream come true”.

The bride’s father thanked God for the wedding. He advised the couple to be each other’s best friend.

The mum, a deputy director at Isheri-Oshun Junior Secondary School in Lagos, Mrs Bukola Lawal was ecstatic with joy. She prayed for the couple to be fruitful and multiply.