The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Vitafoam celebrates golden anniversary

    Vitafoam celebrates golden anniversary

    The Shell Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos hosted directors, members of the staff and customers of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc to a musical concert to mark its 50th anniversary.

     

    Last Friday, directors, members of the staff and friends of Vitafoam gathered at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, for a musical concert to celebrate its 50 years of hardwork.

    They had every reason to rejoice given the hurdles the company has scaled since inception.

    The members of staff shone in orange colour attires with Vitafoam at 50 inscription. The expansive hall decorated in orange with sparkling multi-colour lights was filled to capacity. The various colours added glamour to the occasion.

    Once the guests were seated, the event, which was anchored by Mr Sina Ojemuyiwa, started with the rendition of the National Anthem.

    Shortly after, the Vitafoam Anthem was recited.

    These were carried out by the Greenland Chorale Inc. and led by the Chairman, Concert Committee, Mr Segun Sofowote. The choral ladies were beautifully dressed in flowing orange gowns.

    It was fun all day; the Piano Recital by Tunde Sosan thrilled everyone. They applauded his performance. The Soprano solo by Deborah Awunor followed. She sang beautifully.

    The Golden Duo’s ‘Don’t cry for me’ further thrilled guests who gave them standing ovations.

    The excitement of the guests heightened when the Lagos State Chapter of the Guild of Nigerian Dancers (GOND) came on stage to perform traditional dances. They did Bata, Atilogu and other local steps.

    The SS Spectrum lead by Sofowote made the day of guests. He was joined by some on the stage who danced to his music as he sang to the admiration of all.

    Prof Olumide Olusanya staged his song entitled: Sing to the Lord a New song, he thrilled guests, too.

    It was music all day.

    The Greenland Chorale took the stage again to feed the guests with another round of melodious songs. Their performance sent many to the dance floor.

    Sofowote performed the last song for the concert. He urged the guests to take home lessons they have learnt from the concert. We shall overcome was the last song, all groups including the GOND returned to the stage to sing the song. They hugged themselves and shook hands with one another – a message of unity to the guests.

    All the directors were acknowledged for driving the company to its present height. They were called out to take a bow before the guests; they did amid rousing ovation.

    The company’s Chairman, Chief Samuel Olaniyi Bolarinde, said the reason for the concert was to thank God.

    Bolarinde hailed the staff and customers for their efforts at making the company grow in the faces of challenges.

    “We are thanking God, our workers and customers; and we are showcasing ourselves that we are here to stay forever. To survive 50 years in Nigeria is a big deal because there are so many things that can kill you. For us to have survived this far, we need to celebrate it,” he said.

    “Fifty years in this society is a serious affair. If you survive all the challenges and make it, you have a cause to celebrate and thank God. So, we are thanking God and to showcase that we are here to stay,” he added.

    He said the company survived all the hurdles because of the leadership skills and strong will of directors. He assured customers that Vitafoam would give them more values.

    The concert came to end with the recitation of the Vitafoam anthem.

  • A night of honour

    A night of honour

    The banquet was at the instance of the Society for Corporate Governance (SCG) in honour of Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachiukwu, to celebrate his appointment as the Executive Vice-Chairman, Exxon Mobil.

    It was Tuesday, September 25 and by 6.30pm; the hall at the topmost floor of the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the event, was almost filled to capacity. The about 150 invitees were dressed in an all-English party fashion. The men wore suits and ties. The women were adorned in various Western attires. As it is common with such outings, there were back-slaps and banters. It was also an opportunity for many old friends to catch up on the past.

    To set the night rolling was Dr Christopher Akolade, President and Chairman, SCG Board, who opened the dinner party with an incisive speech. Taking his steps elegantly to the podium, he said: “Do you know what ladies and gentlemen?” He asked. “This Emmanuel is a package of dynamite. He looks gentle, but don’t be deceived; he’s got more up his brilliant sleeve than you can guess by looking merely on the surface… I liken him to a human resource of the most eminent quality that the world needs to look up to more of his likes to put this world in order so that they can experience good governance…” as he proceeded to speak on the goals and objectives of the (SCG)

    In line among the crème-de-la-crème of guests were Prof Pat Utomi, former presidential candidate, political economist, management lecturer and entrepreneur who simply intoned: “Emmanuel and I have been friends since our university days.”

    Also sitting almost unnoticed was the former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, of the Nigerian Navy and the de-facto vice-president of Nigeria during the Ibrahim Babangida military era from 1985 to 1986. When this reporter approached him and introduced herself, he looked up sharply and shouted “Media?”… “please, please, please, let me be I beg of you… “ and immediately, he returned to demolish the modest plate of food laid on the round-table before him.

    Then, it was the turn of the man of the night, Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, an expert in Petroleum Law and Practice and the newly appointed VC, Exxon Mobil, to speak. The hall went silent as he trailed the story of his life.

    “I wish to say that left to me, I would not have come to this dinner. The reason is, I am not the partying type. But when I heard that it was put together by the SCG, I knew that I was left with no other choice than to be here. And now that I have come, I think the best place to start is with thanks. I wish to thank everyone of you that has made this occasion a very successful one. But I have one particular painful experience as we speak. Tonight, I wish my late father, Justice Kachikwu, was here to celebrate with me. He was a tough disciplinarian in every way. My father was so tough I sometimes wonder if he was actually my father.

    “I must confess. To my father, once the first child get the lessons being impacted, other children will fall in line.

    “I remember when I concluded my studies at the Harvard University in USA and I was to return to Nigeria. It was about the time that Mercedes Benz was the car for the rich. At the time, I had saved enough money to buy one. So, I bought it and shipped it to Nigeria. However, I had arrived before the day the car was to arrive. So one day, I went to my dad and asked him for a loan to be able to clear the car. He looked at me keenly and asked me to repeat what I just told him. I repeated myself and told him that I would refund the money as soon as I got back to the states and was able to safe. Before I could end that particular statement, my father asked again, what year is your brand of Mercedes Benz. I answered him that it was the 1982. And then, it struck me, as a young man, I bought the latest version at that time when my father who was then a justice, was using the 1979 brand. I was still lost in that thought when he retorted: “I will borrow you no money, boy! When you bought your car, didn’t you know you will have to clear it? And when you, a young man, could buy a brand higher than that of your fathers, then you should also be ready with all the money you will need. Is that what I sent you to school to do? I won’t give you money, I repeat. On the long run, I had to go and get the money elsewhere.

    Kachikwu thanked the staff and management of Exxon Mobil for giving him the privilege to thrive.

    He said: “And I must confess that it is not because I have been the best of a person; but one thing that worked for me all the time is that I have been focused based on values my late dad taught me. With all that I had learnt, I have come to appreciate my family more even though I was born into a polygamous home. To all the friends who nudged me on at the time I would have throw in the bucket, I say thank you. To all my senior colleagues who pushed me beyond the level or capacity I never knew I possessed, I here use this medium to express my deep appreciation. Above all, I have to thank the Almighty God who has helped me in every way from my life as a young boy to this young man whom you have all come to honour tonight …”

    On that note, the table turned to clinging of plates and cups as every guest was invited to the menu slabs on the right corner of the event hall to deal with the banquet. And though it was a brief two-hour party; the event, as some of Kachikwu’s associates noted, would remain an unforgettable one.

  • Good old memories

    Good old memories

    It was a reunion for old girls of Baptist Girls’ School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, when a book: Idi-Aba Down Memory Lane, was presented to the public in Lagos, at the Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, Obanikoro.

     

    Not even the rain or traffic snarl on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway penultimate Thursday could deter guests from turning up for the launch of a book, Idi-Aba Down Memory Lane, edited by Mrs Oyeronke Lawoyin. It was for her alma-mater, the school that shaped her.

    The presentation was the climax of the eight-year journey of the book she began in 2004.

    She radiated joy and contentment at the event.

    The Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, was busy with activities as guests made their way to the school hall for the event. The arena of the school was full with various flashy cars. The decoration of the school hall, venue of the event, was simple.

    Though held on a week day, the guests’ presence underscored their love for the Lawoyins. Thus, they left their engagements and work places to attend the launch.

    They reminisced about the good old days; schoolmates reuniting after a long time was an added reason to rejoice.

    Many were from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital and its environs. They were ushered into the hall by some students of the school, who were in their white school gown and green belt.

    With the serenity of the environment, everyone paid rapt attention as the opening prayer was said by the President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Supo Ayokunle.

    Mr Titi Durojaiye anchored the ceremony.

    The authors’ friends and members of Idi-aba Baptist Old Students Association (IBOSA), who were her classmates and juniors back then in school, wore uniform ankara as she did. They sang gleefully and danced happily. The old girls relived experiences and chatted like the young girls they once were.

    For them, life has remained a track of triumphs than trials. Their motto was and still is: ‘A good name is better than wealth and riches.’

    Chairman of the occasion and Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Gbadebo was represented by Deacon Lanre Gbadebo.

    He brought greetings from Abeokuta.

    Deacon Gbadebo lamented that the Ibi-Aba of today compared to what it used to be, a pride to the Baptist and Christian world.

    The father of the day and former President Olusegun Obasanjo was represented by the Olugbara of Igbara, Dr Jacob Omolade. He congratulated the author.

    “The author’s husband taught me while I was in school, so, she was also my teacher. And when I read the book, it just reminded me of my sojourn in the Baptist Academy. It is not just Mrs Lawoyin’s record but that of everyone who passed through the school. It is different individuals telling their experiences in the school,” Dr Jacob said.

    Wife of the first governor of Lagos Mrs Funmilayo Johnson delivered the keynote address.

    She encouraged parents to go back to teaching their children home management.

    Commenting on the aim of the book, Mrs Johnson noted that it serves as a channel to correct the mistakes they have made as parents.

    The book was likened to the compendium of the history of the school.

    The book, the author said, is to avoid a wrong foundation for the future of this generation.

    The reviewer of the ten-chaptered book, Maxim Uzor Uzoatu, described the book as a landmark, chronicling the experiences during the school days.

    The facts of the book, according to Uzoatu, are based on historical accounts and not imaginary stories and fictions.

  • Lions get president

    Lions get president

    The investiture of Dr Mujibat Sholabomi Odunsi as president of Ilupeju Diamond Lions Club of the International Association of Lions Club, District 404B, Nigeria, attracted eminent personalities

    It was held at the Sparkle Multipurpose Hall on Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja GRA Lagos last Sunday.

    Members of the club appeared striking in cream-coloured attires.

    The event kicked off with the recitation of the National Anthem, followed by a call to order by the outgoing President, Lion Margaret Ajaja.

    The occasion, chaired by the President, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Mr Olatunde Busari, was anchored by Dr Yomi Akindele-Oscar.

    In her farewell speech, Lion Ajaja thanked members for their support during her administration.

    She urged that such support and more should be given to her successor.

    She recounted the progress made by the club during her tenure.

    “Our club was awarded a Platinum award for our steady support and excellent contribution to the service of humanity,” she said.

    Continuing, Lion Ajaja said: “We were able to present modern ophthalmic equipment and furniture worth N3 million to the eye clinic at Gbagada General Hospital; a desktop, UPS, jaws (Braille software) and talking calculators to the vocational School for the Blind in Oshodi, among others.”

    The District Governor of the Club, Lion Stella Agbogun, described the Ilupeju Diamond Lions Club as one of the most vibrant in the district.

    She said the election of Dr Odunsi is a trust she must keep.

    “Your election to this office is a demonstration of the trust and confidence members of your club have in you. I, therefore, trust that you will justify this confidence and take Lionism to greater heights,” she said.

    When it was time for the incoming president to be installed, Lion Agbogun was tasked with the responsibility.

    After Lion Agbogun had read the code of ethics of office to Lion Odunsi, she was decorated the permission of her husband, Mr Oladisun Odunsi, was sought.

    An elated Lion Odunsi said she was honoured by position and promised to work diligently for the progress of the club.

    “I am honoured because my members have placed their trust in me to serve as their president for this Lionistic year and I am grateful to them for this opportunity and promise to carry out the responsibility diligently,” she said.

    Lionism, she said, is all about service,

    “We help where help is needed; in our communities and around the world; and in so doing, we put smiles on the faces of people around us,” she said.

    She said the is accomplished through voluntary donations from members and public spirited Nigerians.

    Funds were raised for the development of the club.

    The highlight of the event was the induction of Mr Busari as a member of the club and his wife, Oluwayemisi. It was done by Lion Agbogun and supervised by Dr Odunsi.

    Guests were entertained by the band of Bewaji Music Entertainment. It was led by Olukunle Abiodun.

    After the investiture, all took to the dancing stage. Guests were served with choice foods and drinks.

  • All for Ekwueme

    All for Ekwueme

    It was a gathering of political heavyweights and A-list personalities – those who seem to have seen it all.

    They came from the six geo-political zones.

    The venue was tastefully decorated. Green and white satin were used to design the background of the high table.

    Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon captured the worth of those seated at the Thisday Dome, Abuja last Tuesday, with these words: “On entering this hall, I had to check my invitation card to be sure I had not walked into a sovereign national constitution conference, seeing that men and women of all political parties and groupings, people and languages and religious affiliations and economic classes are fully represented.”

    Such was the scene at the international colloquium to mark the 80th birthday of former Vice President Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.

    Call it another show of fashion and culture. Six different caps dominated the venue – the red Igbo cap, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s self-styled green cap, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Solomon Lar’s long cap, the Okadigbo type, the Southsouth bowler hat, and the Shekarau red cap

    Indeed, it was a breathtaking outing. The celebrator could not have asked for more.

    Guests shone in their various elegant attires.

    The ‘birthday boy’ was decked in a fitting dark blue suit, a blue shirt, red tie and a pair of shoes.

    He ‘bounced’ to the high table like a teenager.

    Said Gowon: “It is safe to say that one of the secrets of his longevity is his penchant for acquiring “university degrees” to keep expanding the landscape of his mind. Or how else does one explain his chain of degrees in architecture, urban planning, sociology, history, philosophy and law?”

    The event began with the National Anthem after a sizeable number of guests had converged.

    ThisDay publisher Nduka Obaigbena compered the event.

    Obaigbena nearly caused a stir when he tried to do the impossible: unmask the notorious leader of the “Kaduna Mafia”. He did that while calling on the former Minister of finance, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, to make his contribution. Ciroma pretended he never heard what Nduka said; he just went straight to his contribution.

    Another drama ensued when former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Ahmadu Ali stressed the need for the country to amend itself rather than amend the Constitution.

    The moderator of the event, Obaigbena, immediately questioned Senator Ali’s statement. “There is no good governance?” Ali responded in the affirmative, arguing that if there was good governance, Boko Haram would not exist and the students of the University of Port Harcourt and College of Health Technology, Mubi would not have been slain.

    Aside the comic reliefs that doused the tension-soaked gathering after a debate on the amendment of the Constitution, and good governance, everyone who spoke, said good things about the celebrator.

    President Goodluck Jonathan described him as “an outstanding pillar of our nation’s democracy, whose intellectual contribution to our political progress has given meaning to the definition of democracy as it should be practised in Nigeria.”

    Dr Ekwueme, according to Jonathan, is a bridge builder, a clean man that could not be stained by all that political office could offer.

    “Of course, it is on record that Dr Ekwueme came out of political office poorer than he was before he became the nation’s number two citizen from 1979 to 1983,” he said.

    Jonathan said Ekwueme is “a great man, a father of democracy and the leading light of our time.”

    The President, who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federatio, (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, urged Nigerians to be patriotic and support the country.

    Gowon described Ekwueme as “a brilliant politician and a consensus builder.”

    “As an architect, he distinguished himself as the designer of several public and private monuments across the length and breadth of Nigeria, including Federal Government colleges or Unity Schools,” he said.

    The former Head of State said Nigeria needed the veritable platform provided by the birthday of an elder statesman such as Ekwueme to chart the way forward.

    The Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola described Ekwueme’s brand of politics as the “hallmark of a great statesman.”

    Fashola said the celebration must be used as a platform for national rebirth and a return to the highest values of brotherhood, restraint and patriotism.

    According to him, the occasion must be for a return to restraint, compromise and patriotism before it can serve the true purpose of negotiating the basis of a truer and better nation.

    Conveying the best wishes and felicitation of the government and good people of Lagos State to Dr Ekwueme, Fashola wished him many more fruitful years of statesmanship in good health, peace and prosperity.

    He said: “I do not call him a statesman lightly or without thought. Nigeria has known a few good men and, without a doubt, Dr Alex Ekwueme is one of them. It, is, therefore, always easy to acknowledge men like him. The silence of their quiet achievements is so deafening that they are impossible to ignore; thus, making easy, the task of paying them tribute.

    “Or how else does a person show commitment and influence change but by personal example? And how else can we describe the example set by Ekwueme as Vice President when after all manner of investigation by the panel set up by the military after they took over government in 1983, it was publicly and now famously declared that Ekwueme had left politics poorer than he was when he entered it and that to ask for more from him was to set a standard which even saints would be unable to meet.

    “I can think of no greater honour than that which acknowledges a man’s high sense of integrity. In a government that has continued to be defined by the depths of profligacy to which some of its members sank, it is, indeed, instructive that one good man stood out. A statesman indeed,” Fashola said.

    Among the crème de la crème at the event were Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters Sen. Joy Emordi; Minister of Labour Chief Emeka Wogu; Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; Deputy Governor of Kano State Dr Abdullahi Ganduje represented Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; Federal Road Safety Commission Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka; Senator Andy Uba; former Board of Trustees chairman of PDP Chief Tony Anenih; the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Ralph Uwueache; Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark; former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah.

    Also in attendance were Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; Dr Oby Ezekwesili; Gen David Jemibewon; former Ministers of Information Prof Jerry Gana and Prof Dora Akunyili; National Publicity Secretary of PDP Chief Olisa Metuh; former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu; former Senate President Dr Joseph Wayas; former Transport Minister Umaru Dikko; former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Chief Dubim Onyia; Prof Osita Ogbu and Chairman, Coscharis Group Dr Cosmos Maduka.

    Others were Senator Chris Ngige; former Anambra State Governor Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Oluwo of Owo Oba Olateru Olagbegi; Alhaji Ibrahim Isahiaku; former Minister of Transport Alhaji Umaru Dikko; former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Prof. Charles Soludo; Pastor Obi Ekueme of House on the Rock Church and the celebrator’s sister, Dr Helen Ekwueme.

     

  • Friends, associates celebrate ACN man Banire

    Friends, associates celebrate ACN man Banire

    There were mini billboards with his picture at various strategic locations across his political base.

    Many passers-by and commuters, who at Fadeyi, Mushin, Onipanu, Ilupeju, some parts of Ikeja and environs thought a political rally was in the offing.

    “This is not an election year,” said a cab driver.

    “What do you mean?” this reporter inquired.

    “My brother, it’s because of this man’s (Banire’s) picture everywhere. Is it that he wants to launch his governorship campaign? Though 2015 is still far but politicians have their ways of doing things. To be sincere with you, he (Banire) has the wherewithal to succeed Governor (Babatunde) Fashola. He has delivered on various portfolios he has held so far, which kept his successors on their toes to meet his achievements.”

    He later saw the billboards were congratulating the former University of Lagos lecturer on his birthday.

    As it was on the Agege Motor Road where the cab man spoke with this reporter, so was it at the Oduduwa GRA residence of the National Legal Adviser of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr Muiz Adeyemi Banire, penultimate Saturday.

    The quiet atmosphere turned rowdy as Banire’s political associates and childhood friends stormed his residence as early as 8am.

    Notable personalities were on ground to felicitate with the former Commissioner for the Environment on his 46th birthday.

    Outside the gate, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), created during the celebrator’s tenure as the helmsman of the Ministry of Transportation, were on hand to ensure the free flow of traffic.

    To some of them, it was payback time.

    Though Banire was in Dublin for the International Bar Association’s Annual Conference, his pretty wife, Jemeelat Olufunmilayo, ensured his absence was not felt.

    Mrs Banire, the founder, Rhesus Solution Initiative (RSI), was everywhere.

    People watched in admiration as the frontline businesswoman bantered with her husband’s associates.

    The Masters in Business Administration holder received accolades from the guests for her gesture.

    “Mrs Banire has today displayed the rare qualities it takes to be our friend’s wife,” Banire’s childhood friend, Hon Musibau Oyefeso enthused.

    “I doubt if our own Muiz could do better than this if he were to be at home. He is blessed with a beautiful and hardworking woman. Being a successful businesswoman, she ensures the home did not suffer while her husband served Lagos State in various capacity,” Oyefeso, a former Lagos State Independent Electoral Commissioner, stated.

    The celebrator’s mother, Alhaja Sarat Abiola Banire, joined the gathering before the clerics concluded the prayer session.

    The septuagenarian was aided by Banire’s elder sister Ms Raimot Banire.

    The low-key celebration began with the recitation of the Quran. The clerics were led by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ilasamaja Branch Missioner, Alhaji Tajudeen Salis.

    Interestingly, some of the guests including the former Special Adviser to the former Governor of Lagos on Transportation, Hon Abdur Sobur Olawale Olayiwola; Oyefeso; Chairman, Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Hon Abiodun Mafe, his Agege counterpart Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem and Secretary to Mushin Local Government Yahya Ismail took part in reading of the Quran.

    After the recitations, random selection was made to offer prayers for the celebrator. It started with his aged mother and wife. Some of the guests were also called to pray.

    Light refreshment was distributed to the guests in a packed nylon.

    The Nation spoke with a few of the guests among whom were Commissioner for Information and Strategy Hon Lateef Ibirogba, his Education counterpart Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Member, Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla; Hon Mafe and Mrs Banire.

    Mrs Oladunjoye described the celebrator as “amiable, compassionate, hardworking, trustworthy, dependable and a handsome man.”

    The Commissioner for Education wished him long life and prosperity and all the good wishes he wished himself.

    Hon Ibirogba said Banire is a man always interested in the progress of everybody.

    “He is a man who believes that everybody must progress and he never sees any obstacle stopping any man from attaining what God has for him. He’s so humble and doesn’t allow his position to get into his head; all he is interested in is the upliftment of people. Such a man will always have a future. My wish for him is, at 100 years, we all should still be alive to celebrate him in good health,” Ibirogba said.

    Mafe described Banire as articulate, considerate, a thorough leader who always sought for the welfare of all members.

    According to the Mosan-Okunola council boss, the celebrator believes in justice, fair play and justice.

    He wished him many more fruitful years.

    Hon Ayinla said Banire has made Mushin people proud with his sterling performance in office.

    The lawmaker representing Mushin Constituency said if he (Banire) is made the Governor of Lagos State today, he is going to perform excellently well.

    “He is God fearing, honest and sincere. His behaviours are worth emulating. I wish him long life and prosperity,” he said.

    Mrs Banire thanked the guests for turning out en mass, saying the family never expected such crowd, considering that the celebration was not a landmark one.

    “More so, he’s not around. I was highly overwhelmed when I saw the turn out, I cannot thank them enough,” she said.

    She described her husband as a humble and God-fearing person.

    Mrs Banire said: “He is loving and caring to his children and, sometimes, his children prefer him to me. He doesn’t allow his children to lack anything concerning education and he does the same for other children. He is so passionate about children that he can spend his last penny or even go borrowing to make sure the children are okay. I wish him success in life not just because he’s my husband, but because he reaches out to the poor.

     

  • Harvest of praise

    Harvest of praise

    The Cherubim and Seraphim Unification of Nigeria, Olorunsogo Parish, Ese-Ofin, Lagos held its Adult Harvest and Thanksgiving Service penultimate Sunday.

    For the people of Ese-Ofin Village in Lagos, it was jubilation. It didn’t seem like every other day because what has been a serene environment was thrown into singing and dancing.

    It is the hometown of the Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, and host of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Olorunshogo Parish which held its Adult Harvest in grand style. It was themed Harvest of Dominion 2012.

    Though a small community, it was a crowd puller on Sunday, October 7.

    That Sunday, it rolled out the drums in celebration, leaving no stone unturned to make the ceremony an elaborate one.

    The boat riders, tricycle and motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders had a field day making more money than usual, conveying guests to and fro the church. Guests parked their posh cars and crossed the water to the village, which was a beehive of activities.

    The elderly ones and children stood by the road side and watched as well dressed guests made their way to the church. They lined the road greeting passers-by. Some simply stood and watched in awe. Others whispered that they had not seen such an an array of guests trouping into the towne.

    The drumming and music from the small church echoed through the town. The community bubbled.

    As is the tradition of the C and S, they were dressed in their white robes. The women sang, the men danced. Even the elderly ones couldn’t resist the music, despite their ages. They bent to dance. The women wriggled their waists. It was an exciting harvest and their laughter depicted their joy. They had a swell time; the even sang some Igbo worship songs.

    Ojelabi brought his friends and professional colleagues to make the occasion worth-while. He wasn’t left out as he was dressed in his white robe, too.

    Those in attendance were royal fathers: Olumegbon of Lagos Chief Fatai Lawal; the Ovori of Ibeshe Kingdom, Oba Gausu Rasaki, and the Asiwaju of Festac, High Chief Kole Oboh.

    Others were former member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Sodiq Abayomi; Chairman, Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Hon Kayode Robert, and the Women leader, Alhaja Amota Sanni; a Director of Finance and Administration in the Lagos State Ministry, Mrs Elizabeth Ashiru; Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Rural Matters, Mr Babatunde Humpe; State Co-dinator, Neighbourhood Watch, Alhaji Kolawale Sanni, and Chairman, Community Development Advisory Council, Prince Gabriel Awomodu.

    When the Spiritual Head, C and S Society Worldwide, Prophet Bola Adeuja, mounted the podium, the worshipers went wiild as they jumped and clapped as if intoxicated.

    Giving the dictionary meaning of dominion, he congratulated them on harvesting their dominion.

    According to the cleric, the blessing is what is the extra icing on the cake.

    “Though it isn’t easy to worship, God wants you and needs you. You have planted and now you are reaping. Do your work consistently and you will eat the fruit of your labour. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” he added.

  • An evening with a legend

    An evening with a legend

    The event tagged “An evening with Ebenezer Obey” left no one in doubt about the kind of guests that would grace it. And true to expectation, high profile personalities thronged the Picasso Lounge, an upscale hospitality outfit on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

    The gathering was a perfect blend of the old and the young who cut across ethnic, religious and political lines.

    Although the show was expected to start at 9pm, it did not begin until about 10.15pm. It was anchored by popular comedian Gbenga Adeyinka, who held the audience spell bound with rib-cracking jokes.

    The owner of the hospitality outfit, Otunba Olaitan Oladipo, and his delectable wife, Keye, were on hand to welcome guests who started trickling into the venue as early as 8pm.

    According to Oladipo, the event was borne out of the need to satisfy teeming friends who had been clamouring for Obey’s live performance. Many of them, he said, are based in Europe and the United States (US) and they had been kind of nostalgic, hence, we decided to have the show to celebrate Nigeria’s independence anniversary.

    Expectedly, many of Obey’s long time fans, such as ‘Lagun Adesanya (now an evangelist); Chief Jide Osinubi; Ovation Publisher Dele Momodu; Global Excellence publisher Mayor Akinpelu, made the list of guests at the show.

    Though the guests did not ask for an encore they got one after Obey-Fabiyi has churned out quite a number of his evergreen songs. Many guests sprayed him with naira notes. There was no stopping Obey-Fabiyi who played until the wee hours followed by a splendid performance by upcoming hip hop artiste G-Tone.

    Popular disc jockey DJ Humility was on hand to dish out music as soon as Obey dropped the microphone after a six-hour performance.

    Humility’s spectacular show ‘on the wheel of steel’ drew the curtain on the show with many guests acknowledging that it was a good and memorable outing.

    Praising the organisers of the event, notable personalities also lauded Obey for his unique performance and showmanship, urging him not to relent in dishing out more albums.

    Lagun Adesanya said he never had any doubt that “today’s show will be a success because Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey does not disappoint when on stage and he has proved that with his “unstoppable” performance tonight.

    “And if you look at the audience here, you will discover that they cut across age; we have the old and young socialites and music buffs. This is a testimony that his music will remain evergreen and appeal to even the younger generation because of his edifying lyrics that got people like us fascinated to his brand of Juju music.”

    Another ardent fan of the juju maestro, Chief Oshinubi, who despite his age made it to the event said, Obey is a quintessential artiste.

    He said: “As one of his die-hard fans who have followed his trajectory in the Nigerian entertainment scene, I think he has not lost his musical prowess at all.

    “Personally, there is no way I would ever want to miss his live performance because he is a delight to watch on stage anytime, any day. But I want to urge him to wax new albums of his rich Juju Miliki brand so that we can continue to enjoy him more. I wish him good health and abundant God’s mercy. As for the organisers, they really deserve kudos for putting this show together and I wish it never ended after thrilling us for six-hour non-stop.”

    Tayo Oropo described Obey’s performance as “interesting, exciting and exhilarating” adding that he would forever remain relevant on the music scene because of his unequalled performance and ability to hold the audience with soul-lifting lyrics.”

    Among other guests were former Ogun State Speaker, Hon. Titi Oseni; Ogun Commissioner for Special Duties Mr Lanre Tejuosho; Hon. Kayode Amusan; Donald Obaseki; Taofeek Okoya; Wosilat Seriki; Yinka Oropo and Otunba Biodun Onanuga.

     

  • Moyin, Alvin, triumph at 2012 elite model look

    Moyin, Alvin, triumph at 2012 elite model look

    Saturday, September 29 marked a memorable day in the lives of Moyinoluwa Arowoshola and Alvin Dayaffin, as both emerged winners of the Elite Model Look Nigeria 2012.

    Both emerged winners out of twenty contestants – ten males and ten females scouted from all over the country.

    The grand finale took place at the Federal Palace Hotel after two weeks of makeovers, photo shoots, facials, body treatment and catwalk grooming.

    Judges at the event ranged from former Miss World, Agbani Darego, Stylist Ezinne Chinkata, renowned Photographer Kelechi Amadi, and an Elite representative from Paris.

    The contestants strut the runway in beautiful pieces of Nigerian designers such as Odio Minonet, Grey, Rebahia, and Tiffany Amber.

    At the end of the contest, 17- year old Moyin was announced winner among the female contestants, while 18 -year old Alvin emerged winner in the male category.

    Moyin will join other contestants from 80 countries across the globe in the Elite Model Look International competition slated for December 8 in Shanghai, China .

    Alvin will be signed on to Elite Model Management in Milan, Italy.

    The 2012 Elite Model Look competition is the fifth edition to be held in Nigeria. It is an annual event organized by Elohor Aisien, CEO Beth Model Management.

    Kudos to Mrs. Asien and her team on the success of the event.

    And we say a big congratulation to Moyin and Alvin for emerging victorious in the competition.

     

  • Caroline Danjuma’s one good turn

    Caroline Danjuma’s one good turn

    BEFORE she got married, Caroline’s style could be described as “the girl next door” look. There were lots of t-shirts, jeans and minis in her wardrobe. After her wedding and babies, her style became sophisticated, though a little mature for someone in her 20s. Caroline seems to have found the perfect balance, and has been spotted looking good courtesy of her shipping magnate hubby, Musa Danjuma, younger brother of ex-defence minister, General T.Y Danjuma (retd).

    She played host to the crème-de-la-creme who attended the wedding of her step-daughter, Mary, in Lagos last week. Not only did she perform her role as a step-mum, the mother of two made sure everything was perfect to make the day grand for the bride. And trust the bride’s father, Musa, who has enough bucks to throw around.

    Insider revealed that the former Delta girl’s gesture towards Mary is like a case of one good turn that deserves another. In the heat of marital challenge that the former actress encountered in the Danjuma home, we learnt it was Mary that prevailed on her father from sending the mother of two out of her matrimonial home.