The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Father in a million

    Father in a million

    An eight-day Fidau prayer was held for the late Yinusa Lawal-Aare, father of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Mutiu Lawal-Aare. Many party stalwarts and senators were there to offer prayers with the family, writes NNEKA NWANERI

    At  82, Yinusa Olatunde Lawal-Aare, from the Aare dynasty in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,  lived a fulfilled life. His family members were not thrown into mourning upon his demise.Instead,they celebrated his passing.

    Penultimate Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos, prayers were held for the deceased exactly eight days after his death according to Muslim rites. The session was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos Mainland, Alhaji Sabitu Lawal, as well as other clerics, who took turns to admonish attendees on the life of the late Aare and prayed for the family members.

    The event drew lots of dignitaries to fraternise with one of their own who is the eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Mutiu Lawal-Aare. They were led by Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Idiat Adebule and wife of the National APC leader Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Two of the deceased’s children, who met with  The Nation, spoke of how much impact their father’s discipline had had on them.

    Alhaji Mutiu described his late father as one in a million. “Today, I can say I am a better person because of him. Though strict, he was a gentle man par excellence.

    ‘’From him, I learnt to be independent and not wait for man to make you. He wanted us all to be better people and will always say we should not be weak men who wait for our father’s names.

    ‘’I have fond memories of him being jovial and kind to a fault. He got jobs for lots of people.”

    Another son, Bahir Abiola Lawal-Aare, a financial technologist in a private sector said: “I used to like soccer when I was younger. But my dad allowed me to play soccer only when I passed my exams. So that made me very focused in life, and that is one thing I will miss about him; his sense of discipline and kindness.”

    Alhaja Ganiat Abeo-Aare, first daughter of the late octogenarian nick named him ‘Baba General’, who did all for the well-being of the family.

    Right after the prayers, a reception followed at same venue, decorated with yellow backdrop.

    At the event were: Lagos House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Alhaji Wasiu Eshinlokun; Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Mr Ganiyu Johnson, who is a nephew to the late Alhaji Aare; Ex-Lagos Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Omotilewa Aro-Lambo; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Lagos Traditional White Cap Chiefs who represented the paramount ruler Oba Akiolu of Lagos, among others.

  • Father in a million

    Father in a million

    An eighth-day prayer was held last Sunday for the late Yinusa Lawal-Aare, father of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Mutiu Lawal-Aare. Many party stalwarts and senators were there to pray with the family, writes NNEKA NWANERI

    At  82, Yinusa Olatunde Lawal-Aare, from the Aare dynasty in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,  lived a fulfilled life. His family members were not thrown into mourning upon his demise.Instead,they celebrated his passing.

    Last Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos, prayers were held for the deceased exactly eight days after his death according to Muslim rites. The session was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos Mainland, Alhaji Sabitu Lawal, as well as other clerics, who took turns to admonish attendees on the life of the late Aare and prayed for the family members.

    The event drew lots of dignitaries to fraternise with one of their own who is the eldest son of the deceased, Alhaji Mutiu Lawal-Aare. They were led by Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Idiat Adebule and wife of the National APC leader Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Two of the deceased’s children, who met with  The Nation, spoke of how much impact their father’s discipline had had on them.

    Alhaji Mutiu described his late father as one in a million. “Today, I can say I am a better person because of him. Though strict, he was a gentle man par excellence.

    ‘’From him, I learnt to be independent and not wait for man to make you. He wanted us all to be better people and will always say we should not be weak men who wait for our father’s names.

    ‘’I have fond memories of him being jovial and kind to a fault. He got jobs for lots of people.”

    Another son, Alhaji Bahir Abiola Lawal-Aare, a financial technologist in a private sector said: “I used to like soccer when I was younger. But my dad allowed me to play soccer only when I passed my exams. So that made me very focused in life, and that is one thing I will miss about him; his sense of discipline and kindness.”

    Alhaja Ganiat Abeo-Aare, first daughter of the late octogenarian nick named him ‘Baba General’, who did all for the well-being of the family.

    Right after the prayers, a reception followed at same venue, decorated with yellow backdrop.

    At the event were: Lagos House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Alhaji Wasiu Eshinlokun; Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Mr Ganiyu Johnson, who is a nephew to the late Alhaji Aare; Ex-Lagos Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Omotilewa Aro-Lambo; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; Lagos Traditional White Cap Chiefs who represented the paramount ruler Oba Akiolu of Lagos, among others.

  • What’s your excuse?

    When Borislav and Dusanka Vujicic were told they would have a baby, they could hardly contain their joy. It was a dream come true. The pregnancy period was full of joyful anticipation. When it was finally time, on December 4, 1982, Dusanka delivered her wonderful baby, or so she thought until she asked the nurses about the health of her son and they couldn’t respond. When she directed the same question to the doctor, he revealed that the baby had a Phocomelia syndrome. She had worked as a midwife, so she knew what the term meant. The baby had a rare disorder resulting in the absence of arms or legs. Shocked, she refused to see the baby or hold him when the nurse held him out to her. She couldn’t understand how three sonograms did not reveal any complication. Eventually, Borislav and Dusanka accepted their son’s condition and raised the child as a dedicated Christian.

    However, this article is not about Borislav and Dusanka; it is about Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic, the limbless child. The parents might have overcome their shock and accepted Nick but he had his entire life ahead of him. As a child, Nick struggled mentally, emotionally and physically. He battled with loneliness, depression and bullying. He consistently wondered why he was different from other children. Finally, he came to terms with his condition and found his strength in God. He had to learn to stand up by pushing against the wall with his head and slowing standing upright. Gradually, he converted his obvious limitations to his greatest asset. He found his purpose in giving hope to the hopeless.

    Stop to think for a moment. You have hands and feet you are practically taking for granted. You stand and walk without even thinking. You eat with ease. You comb your hair. You type on your computer. You use your phones. Imagine for a while the limitations you would encounter without your hands and feet. Someone else would rather be dead than live like that but not Nick.

    Without hands and feet, Nick Vujicic graduated from Griffith University at age 21 with a Bachelor of Commerce. He had his first speaking engagement at age 19 and has since spoken more than 3, 000 times. Nick has spoken in more than 57 countries on five continents and has met with several government officials and presidents. He founded a motivational speaking company, Attitude is Altitude. He is also a Christian evangelist. Nick also starred in a short film that won an award at a film festival. He has appeared on several TV shows and has authored several books. More importantly, he is happily married with two children.

    Out of curiosity, I watched some of Nick Vujicic’s videos on YouTube and could not believe my eyes when I saw him swimming, playing gulf, typing, surfing and skydiving. I couldn’t help but wonder what else Nick would have done if he had hands and feet! Obviously, he is not allowing anything to limit him while we are busy looking for reasons why we can’t achieve our goals. Here are a few lessons I got from Nick:

    • Life may not be fair but it is waiting for our response. It is not what life is that matters but what we do with it.
    • Never live a life that is dependent on people. Stand on your feet and take responsibility for your life. You are not a liability but an asset.
    • Never settle for an average life when you can be the best. If Nick merely survived, we would have commended him for perseverance. However, he went far beyond that; be became a reason for others to hope.
    • Life and circumstances only suggest limitations to you; you are the one that imposes the limitations on yourself.
    • You can find your purpose in your situation, no matter how tough.
    • You may be rejected by many but you are someone’s masterpiece.

    I believe there are several people out there who have beaten the odds to achieve the impossible. I appreciate those who have sent me their comments already. This article is dedicated to you. Please send me more messages and I will share your story on this page. Have a blessed weekend.

  • Woman of virtue

    Woman of virtue

    A Special Adviser to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Mrs Tinuola Shopeju, has clocked 55. She held a reception for her family members and friends at the Royal Master’s School, Ikeja, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    The glittered in her wine dress,  catching the attention of everyone in attendance. Her shoulder length hair swung from side to side as her smile, carriage and gait gave her out as the woman of the day.

    Mrs Tinuola Shopeju, who turned 55 a few days ago, waxed stronger in virtue, grace and confidence. She had every reason to dance that day as the band led everyone in a praise and worship session singing most of her favourite songs.

    Champagne was popped, glasses clicked and merriment took over with music from a group of people. It was at the Royal Master’s School, Alausa Lagos, where she was celebrated. To her, her new age was worth celebrating. Guests took time off their busy schedules to felicitate with her. Many of them were grateful to have met and known her.

    Mrs Shopeju worked as an officer at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the United States.

    On her return to Nigeria, she joined the Ogun State Television (OGTV) as the News Editor.  She then moved to the defunct Gateway Bank, where she headed the Public Relations Department of the bank.

    She also, worked as the Southwest regional director of Intercontinental Bank. Mrs Shopeju was later appointed as Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, on Agriculture, Commerce and Industry.

    She is also a Pastor at Jubilee Christian Church International, House of Glory, Lekki, Lagos.

    The Group Managing Director of United Capital, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sanni, said the birthday ‘girl’ has been her role model, who taught her how to carry herself as a lady. She described her as a woman of virtue.

    The celebrator’s son, Bode, was glad to have had a disciplinarian and intelligent woman as a mother. He said that was why he had to marry a girl who could relate intellectually with his mother.

    He thanked her for showing him love and teaching him the way of the Lord.

  • It’s impossible!

    Several years ago, two little boys, let’s call them Tom and Billy, were playing on a frozen pond. They were between the ages of six and seven. In their excitement, Tom went farther than they had planned to and stepped on thin ice. Suddenly, the ice broke and he fell in. His little friend rushed forward to help him but the more Tom struggled, the deeper he went. In a brief moment, the surface of the water froze up and Billy could not break the ice. Quickly, he ran to a nearby tree, broke off a huge branch and dragged it to the spot where Tom fell in. He used the branch to break the ice and managed to drag his friend out. Apparently, some people around had called the rescue line so help came soon after. There was a mystery though; the rescue team could not figure out how a small boy like Billy could have broken such a huge branch and dragged it all the way to save his friend. As they marveled saying, “How was he able to do that?” An old man standing nearby spoke up. He said, “I’ll tell you how he was able to do it. He did it because there was no adult around to tell him that he couldn’t do it”.

    How right the old man was! The word “impossible” refers to something that cannot be done or something that is incapable of existing. Have you ever asked yourself why some things are labelled ‘impossible’? Who exactly gave them the status of impossibility? While we ponder on these questions, here are my thoughts on impossibility:

    • It refers to something that has never been done until it is done. From history, we know of some medical conditions termed ‘incurable’ in the past that are now curable. There was a time it was considered impossible for man to fly or journey to the moon but we have long passed that level now. All it takes is for someone to break the record, then everyone agrees that it can be done after all. Of course, since our list of impossibilities is short of one, we quickly look for something else to take its place. We never learn do we?
    • It is another way of saying, “I’ve run out of ideas”. When people reach the limit of their understanding, particularly when they are ‘authorities’ on the subject, we conclude that it can’t be done. Why has it never occurred to us that knowledge is progressive? The situation you are battling with right now may be due to lack of new ideas. Who says the winning idea cannot come from you?
    • It saves your feelings but hurts your future. Some people tell you things are impossible just to save you from eventual disappointment. However, imagine how you will feel to give up your dreams just to see someone else achieve it when you are old and cannot pursue it anymore. We play life too safe sometimes that we fail to maximise our potential. According to Les Brown, “There is no safe position in life because you cannot get out of life alive”.
    • It makes you less of a competition. The vehemence with which some people argue that something is impossible can make one wonder if they have vested interest. Could it be that because they failed at it they are afraid someone else might succeed? It appears that the moment we decide to attempt the impossible, we begin to contend, not only with the problem but also with people.
    • It is more mental than physical. If you can find a way around a problem in your mind, you will physically overcome it. However, the moment you are convinced it is impossible, you won’t even try it. When you want to challenge an impossible situation, start with your mind.
    • It is the norm but there are always exceptions. If there is something invaluable that science has taught us, it is that for every rule there is an exception. Simply because it is generally believed that something cannot be achieved doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It may be the norm but you are the exception.

    I believe there are several people out there who have beaten the odds to achieve the impossible. It may be as simple as passing an examination people said was impossible to pass or as complex as surviving a terminal medical condition. This article is dedicated to you. Please send me a message and I will share your story on this page. Have a blessed weekend.

     

  • Childhood dream fulfilled

    Childhood dream fulfilled

    A book, The Sun Will Soon Shine, written by Mrs. Adejoke Ajibade Bakare, a Corporate Communications specialist at an oil and gas company, was presented in Lagos last Thursday, NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    Mrs. Adejoke Ajibade Bakare’s life-long dream was fulfilled last Thursday at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, when a collection of her poems entitled: The Sun Will Soon Shine, was presented to the public.

    To bring life to the writings, she recited two of the poems. With passion in her eyes and strength in her voice, she acted out every word from I Am Woman and Arise Naija, both excerpts from the book. Everyone in hall listened with rapt attention.

    The book is a documentation of her thoughts at  every stage of her life. The author confessed that the unveiling of her book was a day she had anticipated for a long time; a dream she had nursed till she found her voice in poetry.

    On her journey into the world of poetry, she said: “Poetry found me as a form of expression. I needed a way to let it out in my own way, so one day in the United Kingdom, while I was pregnant during my master’s programme, I picked up my pen to jot down my first thoughts.

    “Since then, I have come to know that it is a beautiful thing to write because poetry has a lot to offer the world and make it a better place.”

    The book was reviewed by three people. Mrs Bridget Nwokocha, a quality analyst, said the descriptions in the book are as vivid as watching a movie.

    “Though Joke is a busy person, she takes time to view the little things around her. Her poems are an influence of the environment. This book will take tension away from the reader and help one relax.”

    An engineer and the CEO of Pekulia Production Limited, Mr Bambo Oguntoyibo, also reviewed the book, which he described as a classic chronology of tales from the womb to the tomb, with something for every age grade. He also noted that some poems in the book will give hope in a challenging country.

    “In this book, she creates imagery from everyday happenings with all forms of literature encapsulated in it.”

    The author’s boss and Corporate Affairs Manager of Total, Mr Albert Mabuyaku, who said he met Joke three years ago, said he knew there was something unique – one who is full of dreams and ideas.

    Mrs. Fatima Ololade, a literary editor, who gave the last review, added that the book is a unique biography of the phases and faces of womanhood; with personal glimpses into the transition of a girl-child into womanhood – an inventive documentation of our being.

    Naval Captain Bayo Adekoya described the title of the book as prophetic and a harbinger of hope, being timely, apt and relevant.

    Students of Taqwa Primary School, Iju performed a poem from the book entitled: Each one of us a Chibok girl.

  • Enter Tinubu, the Man of the Year

    Enter Tinubu, the Man of the Year

    At the 13th edition of the annual Sun Awards, held last Saturday in Lagos, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, bagged the Man of the Year Award.  Anambra State Governor Wille Obiano is the Governor of the Year, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    It was a night of fun and excitement last Sunday at the 13th annual Sun Awards. The event, which held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, was to honour and reward many outstanding personalities who had distinguished themselves in their various fields.

    Many of them, self-made, did not walk to fame overnight. Some recounted how they began small till they became known in their fields.

    Top on the list were: the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed  Tinubu, who clinched the highest award as the Man of the Year and Anambra State Governor Wille Obiano who bagged the Governor of the Year. There were 17 others.

    Borno First Lady Hajia Nana Shettima (Most Supportive First Lady of the Year); Director General of PenCom Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (Public Service Award); former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia; two-time Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; first female Chief Justice of Nigeria Mariam Aloma Muktar; first post-independence Minister of Aviation Chief Mbazulike Amaechi and Chief Kessington Adebutu aka Baba Ijebu got the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

    Other awardees were: Executive Chairman Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Dr Obiora Chukwuka (Businessman of the Year); Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Bank Mr Yemi Adeola (Banker of the Year); President Mater Energy Group Dr. Uche Ogah (Investor of the Year); President of Erisco Foods Ltd Chief Eric Umeofia (Manufacturer of the Year); President Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Mr Amaju Pinnick (Sports Personality of the Year); Rockview Hotel  owned by The Young Shall Grow Motors boss, Chief Vincent Obianodo (Hospitality Firm of the Year); Mrs. Josephine Ugwu (Nigerian Hero of the Year); actress Omoni Oboli (Nollywood Personality of the Year); and songstar Harrison Okiri aka Harrysong (Creative Person of the Year).

    The arena was full with dignitaries, politicians and men of the pen.

    In attendance were: President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal; Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo; Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Ogun State Governor  Ibikunle Amosun; APC National Chairman Chief John Odigun Oyegun; Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; APGA Chairman Chief Victor Umeh; Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Usman Mamman Durkwa; Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Deputy, Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; and that of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon.

    Also were serving and former ministers; senators and members of the House. Royalties from across the country were led by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; business moguls and Nollywood acts were there to show their solidarity.

    Publisher of The Sun Orji Uzo Kalu, in an address, said the award was initiated in 2003, to show the outside world that there are great Nigerians. He also noted that the selection processes were open; transparent and got inputs from all parts of the country.

    “We are celebrating 19 Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various endeavours in 2015 and performed well during their lifetime; so let’s all bear in mind that selfless service and with I can do it spirit can make a positive difference for us.” Kalu said.

    The event was chaired by elder statesman Chief Authur Mbanefo, an alumnus of the roll of awardees during the 2012 edition. He added that that the award is in celebration of the characters, thoughts, words, actions and deeds of the recipients.

    Mbanefo said: “Character is greater than reputation. Character is who you are and reputation is what people perceive you to be. This country needs more role models for our teeming young individuals, so that way, we have ensured that the labours of our heroes past do not go in vain.”

    Asiwaju Tinubu, when called to the stage to receive his award, danced to the podium. He was accompanied by other party stalwarts who joined him in displaying their dancing skills.

    The icing on the cake was Harrysong’s stage performance of his hit song Reggae Blues.

  • When royalties meet celebrities

    When royalties meet celebrities

    On Air Personality (OAP) Princess Tolulope Afusat (aka Toolz), daughter of Oniru of Iruland Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru has tied the nuptial knot with her beau, Babatunde Tolulope Demuren, a captain and son of former Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    It was a royal wedding in the true sense of it. The array of first-class monarchs in attendance and those who sent their staff of office gave the wedding out as one to remember for a long time to come.

    To complement the royalties were celebrities. It is rare for both   to meet at an event, but this one was different.

    The venue of the ceremony- Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, setting of the hall and dressing of guests – all pointed to the class the couple belongs.

    The Onirus and the Demurens were joined as one, courtesy of their children, Princess Tolulope Afusat, daughter of Oniru of Iruland Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru and Captain Babatunde Tolulope, son of former Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren.

    Tolulope, an On Air Personality (OAP) with BEAT FM, popularly known as Toolz, and Babatunde, last May got engaged in Punta Cana in Dominican Republic.

    The lovebirds had a private engagement dinner for close friends on Wednesday, January 27.

    The star-studded traditional marriage was anchored by Foluke Ogunjimi, who is known for Sokoyoto (TV cooking programme) and veteran actress Abiola Atanda (Madam Kofo) with her flamboyant head gear (Gele).

    After entertaining the crowd, the groom was called amid cheers from the gathering.

    Babatunde appeared with 23 groom’s men, some of whom are A-list musical stars – Banky W, Wizkid, Dare Art Alade, among others. The men shone in the three piece dress called Agbada.

    Tolulope’s entry was awesome. Amid music by King Sunny Ade, the bride came in with nine bridesmaids.

    The lovebirds were presented to their families’ members before the royal fathers blessed them.

    Ooni of Ile-Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, among others, prayed to God to make the union a success.

    Before rounding off, the bride’s parents, Oba Oniru and his amiable wife, Olori Risikat Abisoye, the Yeye Apesin of Iruland, took turns to advise and pray for the couple.

    Afterwards, the couple, their parents and friends stormed the dance floor where King Sunny Ade dazzled the gathering.

  • ‘She was loving, peaceful and God-fearing

    ‘She was loving, peaceful and God-fearing

    Abia State Governor Victor Ikpeazu buried his mother, Mrs Bessie Ikpeazu, after a funeral service penultimate Friday at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuobiakwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state.  UGOCHUKWU UGOJI-EKE was there.

    The sleepy community of Umuobiakwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State came alive penultimate Friday when Deaconess Bessie Ikpeazu, mother of Abia Governor Victor Ikpeazu, was buried.

    She died on November 29, last year, aged 87.

    Dignitaries from all walks of life thronged the town to pay their last respects to the matriarch of the Ikpeazu family and to condole with the governor.

    Five governors – Prof Ben Ayade (Cross River); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); Udom  Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Dave Umahi  (Ebonyi); and Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) – were at the event. So also, were some deputy governors, former governors, wives of governors, and members of National and state Houses of Assembly and government officials.

    Others were:  Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu;  former Abia  Governor Theodore Orji;  Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Prince Arthur Eze;  Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe; Nkechi Nwogu and  former minister Emeka Wogu,

    Abia Speaker Martin Azubike and his deputy, Cosmos Ndukwe, among others, commiserated with the Ikpeazus.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by Okorocha, condoled with the family, saying their late matriarch was one who lived a good life.

    In his homily, President, Eastern Nigeria Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Bassey Udoh, who  read Luke 2:25-30, urged parents to train their children well.

    Pastor Udoh added that when children are well educated and trained, the society would be better for it. He reminded all to live righteously in preparation for the second coming of Christ.

    “Life and times are short and; therefore, all should strive to make peace with the Creator before it is late, so that when one dies, there is opportunity of seeing Jesus again. This will come only if we live according to God’s principles,” he said.

    In a tribute deceased’s daughter, Mrs Edith Ugboaja described their late mother as a peace maker, kind, loving, transparent and God-fearing woman.

    Just before the interment, Governor Ikpeazu thanked the guests for grieving with him.

    The late Mrs Ikpeazu served as a career nurse and midwife. She had worked at Ahoada County Hospital, Ahoada, Rivers state, Okpuala Ngwa General Hospital and Nigerian Christian Hospital, Onitcha Ngwa in Aba where she served as the matron until her retirement in 1994. She was also the Nursing Supervisor for the Motherless Babies Home, Adventist Hospital, Aba.

  • A fashionista at 70

    A fashionista at 70

    For Otunba Olusegun Abayomi Ogunsanwo, last Saturday will remain indelible in his mind. He was treated by his children and other family members to a lavish party to mark his entry into the club of septuagenarians.

    A prayer session for the birthday ‘boy’ was held in Ebute Meta and was followed by a lavish party at Magodo-all in Lagos.

    In one of the tributes, he is described as a fashion icon, who always has a smile on his face.

    His wife of over four decades, Victoria, eulogised him in superlative terms.

    Otunba Ogunsanwo’s son-in-law, a top journalist and media person Lanre Arogundade, described him as one who possesses uncommon, difficult-to-find qualities.

    “My father-in-law’s qualities are not the market-place stuff. His wisdom, compassion, humility, vision, selflessness, tolerance and accommodation belong to the inner chambers of the nobility, the royalty, the knowledgeable and the divinely blessed.”

    Ogunsanwo worked with the defunct Daily Times and National Concord.