The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Do these or Don’t Speak!

    Professor Val got an invitation to be one of the lead paper presenters at an international conference. He had been working on a research formula for a while and he had received several awards and international recognitions; therefore, he believed the audience would be excited to listen to his presentation. He negotiated his fee with the organiser of the event and agreed to speak for one hour.

    The conference was to begin on Monday and Val’s presentation was scheduled for Tuesday. Nevertheless, he arrived on Sunday because he had to transverse several countries to the location of the conference and the organiser had appealed to him to be present at the opening ceremony. To demonstrate how much Professor Val was appreciated for attending the conference, a party welcome was held in his honour on Sunday night.

    Finally, it was Tuesday and Prof Val’s presentation began. Unfortunately, not quite 15 minutes into the one hour paper, the audience started to be distracted. Don’t tell me that the distraction came because Val was not energetic and passionate about his subject matter because you are wrong. He worked really hard at it. However, the more he tried to be convincing, the more he lost the attention of his audience.

    One of the challenges he had was that he believed the one hour was not enough to do justice to the topic so he tried as much as possible to force so much information into the time. Of course, he also tried to speak as fast as he could. The greatest challenge of the presentation, however, was that he was a Russian and didn’t speak good English. That, more than any other thing, made it difficult for the audience to comprehend the presentation. Quickly, the initial excitement of see Prof Val “in the flesh” gave way to boredom.

    Thirty-five minutes into the presentation, about 50% of the audience was asleep, 25% was busy with a book or other materials, while the remaining 25% struggled to follow the presentation because of a particular interest in the topic. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) took a look at the audience and was uncomfortable, so he approached the organiser to discuss the situation. The organiser, however, insisted that the contract with Prof Val specifies that he would be speaking for one hour and he had been paid accordingly.

    After 50 minutes, the MC approached Prof Val, like he did for other presenters, to tell him that he had 10 more minutes. Prof Val reacted sharply by saying, “I have one hour to present. I will use my one hour”. While the MC courteously returned to his seat, the audience murmured as though they could not bear another minute of the presentation. When finally the presentation ended, members of the audience couldn’t wait to go for their long -awaited break and they didn’t care much about asking questions from the speaker.

    I’m sure a few questions may be going through your mind right now. One of them may be, “what did Professor Val do wrong?” The truth is that he worked perfectly by the book. He prepared hard, he was energetic and passionate, he was time conscious (his one hour) and he wanted to pass across a lot of valuable information to his audience. These are all virtues, aren’t they? So, what did he do wrong? Well, his asset was also his liability- he worked perfectly by the book. In public speaking, there are lots of valuable rules that enhance effective presentation. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to note that public speaking is an art. It is dynamic. Rules are set as guidelines but we must also learn when and how to apply them, or even how to sensibly break them.

    In this series, we shall be exploring exceptions to some public speaking rules. The greatest attribute of an experienced public speaker is the ability to effectively evaluate his/her audience and respond according. Whether you are a professional public speaker or you simply make presentations at work, your audience must be your prime focus. Next week, by the grace of God, we shall take a closer look at Prof Val’s errors. I would also love to hear from you. Kindly send me your comments or questions so that we can explore them together. Have a blessed weekend.

  • Honour for ex-VC’s son

    Honour for ex-VC’s son

    The All Africa Students Union has conferred an award on Olawale Soyode, son of the former Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. Ernest Nwokolo reports.

    The All Africa Students Union based in Accra, Ghana was literally relocated to  Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when its executives hit the ancient town to confer its Africa Ledership Award on Mr. Olawale Soyede, son of the former vice chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

    The event held at the Continental Suites, Abeokut. Among those who attended were Olawale’s parents; the Alaporu of Ilaporu- Ijebu,  Oba Jimoh Quadri; Assistant Director of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Olutayo Samuel; the Managing Director, FirstBank Insurance Company, Mr. Val. Ojumah; and former member, House of Representatives, Femi Kehinde.

    The duo of Ologun Ayodeji (Nigerian Representatives, Commonwealth Students Parliament) and Ambassador, Dominique Gullaime, described Olawale as a philanthropist, lover of youths, builder of people and accountant.

    Olawale,  a chartered accountant with the Nigeria Agip Oil Company(NAOC), lauded the group for counting him worthy of the award, which he described as reserved only for the “best of minds on the continent of Africa in the area of astute leadership qualities”.

    He pledged his commitment to the ideals and cause of  the students body.

    Describing the students’leaders as future leaders, he urged them to prepare effectively to enable them fit into leadership positions in education, industry, science, commerce, politics and governance in future.

    He advised them to embibe integrity, accountability, transparency, and honesty in their activities, if they want to succeed in their career and become exemplary leaders in future.

  • Soyinka to Oshiomhole: You’ve not let us down

    Soyinka to Oshiomhole: You’ve not let us down

    Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka last weekend showered encomiums on  Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for being ‘a worthy ambassador’ of the progressives community.

    Professor Soyinka’s plaudit was delivered at an exclusive dinner he  hosted to toast the Edo governor and his wife, Lara, at his Abeokuta, Ogun State capital home, assisted by his wife, Mrs.Folake Soyinka, on a night filled with jokes and reminiscences over sumptuous food and choice wine.

    The Oshiomholes, whose union was sealed at a brief but colourful  ceremony at Iyamho (Edo State) on May 15, 2015, were accompanied by Edo  Information Commissioner, Mr. Louis Odion, the Executive Director,  Governor Office, Ms. Esohe Adams and celebrated writer and Chairman Editorial board of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Sam Omatseye. Early callers at the event included the immediate past governors of Lagos and Rivers, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Rotimi Amaechi respectively, and renowned  scholar, Dr. Asani Edo Omozuwa.

    In a veiled reference to Comrade Oshiomhole’s perceived activist streak  for accountability even while in public office, the literary giant, often described globally as the conscience of the nation, said: “Adams, I must use this occasion to thank you for your courage, for not forgetting your roots and for not letting us down,” sealing it up with a vigorous handshake with his guest.

    On a lighter note, Professor Soyinka added: “I’ve always believed that  people should try and remain themselves and not allow themselves to be  blinded by power. Which is why among the favourite photographs I keep  today is the one where you were shown really digging it down at a public  concert with your two fingers pointing to the ground like arrow,  without any inhibition. I think the picture was taken sometime in 2012.

    When I saw it splashed on the front page of the newspaper while driving  on a Lagos street, I grabbed a copy from the vendor and I told my wife

    ‘Yeah, this is the Oshiomhole that we’ve always known’.”

    The Edo governor has been most vocal in the clamour to make top  officials of the past administration account for the nation’s trillions  of naira stolen from the nation’s oil receipts.

    On her part, Mrs Folake Soyinka, an alumni of the Maria Gorreti Secondary  School in Benin City, praised Oshiomhole’s transformation of public  schools in Edo State since coming on board in 2008: “I’m sure the  governor does not know this; I attended Maria Goretti in the 70s and  graduated in 1979. In our days, it was a beautiful school. But many  years later, the school was completely run down. But when I checked  recently, I was quite impressed with what I saw. The school had been  completely transformed.”

    Her words were echoed by the next speaker, Dr. Omozuwa, incidentally an  Edo indigene based in Benin City: “It is the same story at Idia College  and hundreds of other public schools across the state. I say this as  someone who is based in Edo State myself. We can’t thank the Comrade  Governor enough for his good works in our state.”

    Responding, the Edo governor, in a voice suffused with emotion, thanked  the Soyinkas for honouring him and his wife with the lavish dinner,  adding that whatever modest achievements recorded under his stewardship  in Edo would not have been possible without the critical solidarity of  the anonymous counselors like the Nobel laureate.

    Said Oshiomhole: “Prof, I am eternally indebted for the support and  inspiration you have provided me over the years dating back to when I  was in the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Some would limit themselves  to just been a critic or commentators on the pages of the newspapers.

    But you are different, sir. You are not just a man of words but also a  man of action. The other day, I happened to have seen a couple of photographs taken during our public protests against the policies and  programmes of President Olusegun Obasanjo more than ten years ago. One of the photographs that stuck out is the one in which you were in the  front-line, hand-in-hand with me, wearing the NLC apron. For me, it is a  mark of your statesmanship and a testament to your commitment to fight  and speak for the masses of Nigeria. Like it has been said time and  again, you are indeed a living legend and the conscience of not just the  nation but the continent of Africa at large.”

    An inexhaustible bag of humour, Professor Soyinka constantly set his guests laughing for the four hours the interaction lasted. To the Edo  First Lady, he said: “By now, I’m sure Adams must have tutored you on  the difference between ‘swallow’ and ‘swallow’ in Nigeria’s manner of  speaking, particularly whenever it is your duty to host guests at home.

    Here, to swallow does not just mean eating some thing, it also means  eating something concrete like Eba (cassava flour) or Iyan (pounded  yam).”

    When Dr. Omozuwa popped another bottle of wine and topped the glasses of  the guests, Kongi remarked with a chuckle: “That’s one of my good  students”, to which everyone burst into another round of laughter. While shaking hands with the Edo commissioner on arrival, he exclaimed:

    “Louis!, Louis!!”, then facing the governor asked matter-of-factly,

    “What have you been feeding Louis with; he has added so much weight.”

  • Double celebration for a lawmaker

    Double celebration for a lawmaker

    House of Representatives member  (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State) Hon. Bode Ayorinde marked his 55th birthday and the 30th remembrance anniversary of his mother. He also inaugurated his constituency office, reports LEKE AKEREDOLU.

    Bode Ayorinde, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has celebrated his 55th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother, Mama Alago Ijanrensola Ayorinde.

    The day also featured the grand opening of his constituency office  on Aruwajoye Street, Owo.

    The simplicity  of the birthday ‘boy’ was the  major attraction, pulling politicians from across parties to the  two-day event.

    Though Ayorinde’s birthday was on June 22, it was held the weekend after.

    The events began with members of the Governing Council led by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunji Ibiyemi, who visited the School of the Blind in Owo to donate to the less-privileged.

    Then they proceeded to the expansive hall of Achievers’ University for Ayorinde’s birthday lecture. Students of the university ushered him in with loud chants and praise.

    The lecture titled: Politics and economic development in Nigeria:The change phenomenon,was delivered by  Dr James Oladunjoye of the Department of English,   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was well attended by tradition rulers, and academicians.

    Dr. Oladunjoye is one of Ayorinde’s old students, he  described him as one from whose milk of knowledge he benefitted tremendously.

    A Professor of Law, Demola Popoola, who  taught Ayorinde at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chaired the event.

    The event was attended by  the Ondo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr. Isaac Kekemeke;Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN);  Senator Titus Olupitan; Chief Olusola Oke, Chief Alaba Isijola, the Owo Local Government Women leader, Mrs. Akinrogbe, among others.

    Kekemeke, who inaugurated the constituency office, praised Ayorinde for not diverting from the ideology of the party, which is to make government responsible to the masses noting that the office will serve as link between the people and the lawmaker.

    The celebration continued at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Igboroko-Nla Street, Owo.

    Ayorinde decked in ofi attire was ushered into the church with his wife, by members of the Man O’war in a parade.

    The expansive church hall could not contain all the guests who graced the occasion, so additional canopies were erected.

  • A lioness roars in service

    A lioness roars in service

    Mrs Idowu Omolola Anobili has been installed as the District Governor of Lions Club 404B-1 at the Knot Events Centre, Yaba, Lagos. She promised to lead an exciting year full of landmarks.

    She adopted ‘Lifestyle of Service’ as her theme for the year.

    At the event, there was a fund raiser of N60million to build an eye centre in Badagry, Lagos.

    Also,there were awards for members. A Platinum Lifetime Award was given to Lady Taiwo Ade Ojo, wife of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elizade Motors Limited Chief Michael Ade Ojo.

  • Fond memories of a mother

    Fond memories of a mother

    It is often  said that “sweet are the memories of the righteous”. So it was when  prayers and a reception were held in honour of the late wife of a renowned Engineer, Afolabi Salami. Mrs Kaarina Salami died on May 29. She was 67.

    Her remains were buried on June 24, at Sundskajen. Limhamn, Malmo, Sweden. She was an inspiration to many, home and abroad.

    The Marina, on Osborne Road, Foreshore Estate in Osborne Phase 2, Ikoyi, Lagos, venue of the reception was filled to the brim.

    There were personalities from both the private and public sectors. Many foreigners also attended the ceremony.

    Solar Entertainment Disc Jockey supplied jazz music–in the spirit of the ceremony, obviously.

    Mr Salami in a white native dress, sat  among his friends and family members. His daughter, Minna, sat with her friends and relations on another table. Mr Salami and Minna went round to exchange pleasantries with their guests.

    To Minna, her mother’s death has left her in pains.

    The widower described his wife of 40 years as a “admirable”.

    Other guests and family members spoke about the deceased.

    Managing Director, Lotus Capital, Ikoyi, Mrs Tayo Ogbebor, who is a relation of the deceased, described the late Mrs Salami as “precious” and “one in a million”, saying she was someone who you looked forward to seeing. “You can never be around her and not feel her love,” she said.

    She she would miss her presence, Mrs Ogbebor said, praying that God would give her the strength to bear the loss.

    Another relation and Managing Director, Bola Frances Enterprising Limited, Mrs Aderonke Sanyaolu, said the deceased was not only an aunt but also a source of inspiration to her.

    Mrs Sanyaolu, who could not hold back her tears, wiped her face with a white handkerchief, describing her as an amazing person who encouraged others.

    “She was always there for you to talk to, she was good and easy going.

    A lot of times you could say you want to see her for 30 minutes, but you would find yourself there still discussing comfortably with her hours later. She was an adult that we could always run to; she was a fun to be with and she was a best friend that would be greatly missed”.

    Principal, Unique Architects, Debo Aina said the late Mrs Salami adapted herself as if she was a Nigerian.

    The Group Managing Director, Hoten Engineering Limited, Biodun Osodi, described the late Mrs Salami as a good wife of a dear friend, whose friendly disposition and care would be missed.

    Chief Pius Akinyelure described her as one with a homely disposition. Chief Jibowu Owoade, who has known the late Mrs Salami for about 40 years, said she was humble, generous and loveable.”

  • Good speaker or great speaker; your choice!

    Do you know we sometimes settle for ‘good’ when we can be ‘great’? O yes we do. Sometimes we don’t put as much effort into what we do because we think we have nothing (physical) to gain. However, when we invest ourselves into any activity, the knowledge and experience we gain become ours for life. We have to develop the attitude of being the best at whatever we do, whether we are rewarded or not. Excellence is not an action but a way of life. If you are given any task, do it so well that little or nothing can be added.

    Excellence is the best bargaining chip you can have. I heard the true story of a man who chose to engage in vigorous self-development and to put his best into all he did at work. While his colleagues stylishly escaped responsibilities, he gladly took them up. While his colleagues mocked him for always “being available,” he was busy developing himself. Without them realising it, he was becoming indispensable in the organization. One day, he told the management of his place of work that he was quitting and there was confusion! An emergency board meeting was convened and he was asked to renegotiate the terms of his employment; the board was willing to give him a raise and even a better position just to retain him in the organization. Imagine that!

    In relation to public speaking, you also have a choice to make. You either go the extra mile to become outstanding or you vanish in the crowd as ‘yet another speaker.’ I listened to a speaker some time ago and I was left unsatisfied after his presentation. He delivered a good speech but I wished he had made it a great one. So, instead of writing the points he was making, I found myself writing what made him good instead of great. Here are my observations:

    • Facts without proofs: the speaker made brilliant points, but he couldn’t convince us that the principles actually work. If he had cited examples of those who achieved success by using those principles, we would have benefited more from the presentation. Fact without proof is like wind without rain.
    • Expression without experience: the speech was eloquently delivered. The speaker was quite expressive, but he obviously didn’t have any experience to fall back on. It is actually easy to know when someone is speaking from a wealth of experience and when he/she reads up the topic just for presentation.
    • Presentation without passion: when a speaker is not passionate, there is no way his/her speech can ignite fire in the audience. An unmotivated speaker will turn a great speech to a good one any time any day; in fact he can do worse.
    • Definition without depth: if a speaker has 15 minutes to speak and he spends 10 minutes giving definitions, when should we expect the substance of the speech? Depth is not only how much you understand your subject matter; it is also how much you can make your audience understand it. Always speak from an overflow and never from reserve.
    • Volume without Value: public speaking is not about how much you say, but how valuable your words are. Someone can deliver a 20 minutes speech with only 2 minutes value with someone else can deliver a 5 minutes speech with 20 minutes value. It is not about the number of points you make; it is about the relevance of your words to your listeners.

  • Destination X

    Robert woke up one morning feeling excited. He sang to himself as he walked from one end of the room to another, dressing up for his big day. He had been unemployed for five years, but his luck was about to change. He looked at the mirror and smiled with satisfaction, locked the door of his tiny room, and headed out of the overcrowded compound. On his way out, he met Tina. “Wow, you seem quite motivated today, Robert.” “Morning Tina,” he replied, “Today is my big day.” “A job interview or something?” she asked. “Not quite. I simply have this deep feeling that something great is coming my way today, so I’m going out to find it.” “That’s good. So, where exactly are you going?” She asked. “I don’t know yet,” he answered, “but I think I will start from Victoria Island. There are very big businesses there. You know, New Year comes with new opportunities.” “VI is a pretty big place. Don’t you have a list of the companies you wish you visit?” Tina was concerned. “Nope! That will limit my scope. I need to keep my options open for my big break. Don’t worry, there is someone waiting somewhere to give me that million dollar job. I can feel it in my bones.” With that, Robert left.

    After several hours of wandering around some business streets in Victoria Island, Robert saw a black Mercedes Benz SUV about to drive into a big office complex. He rushed towards it and pleaded for the attention of the occupant. Against the better judgment of the security personnel, the middle-aged man stepped of the vehicle to find out what Robert wanted. Robert explained to him how desperately he needed a job. The man asked him what he could do and Robert said he could do anything. Shocked because anything actually means nothing, the man asked him the course he studied in school and he said Biochemistry. “Do you know what we do here?” The man asked, “This is an auditing firm!” “Well,” said Robert, “I can do that too.” “What did you do with your time for five years, while searching for a job?” The man wanted to know. “Nothing sir. I decided not to get actively engaged in anything because my dream job may show up at any time. I had to be focused. I also couldn’t settle for a mediocre job for the same reason. Once I get my big break, the five years will be worth the wait.” The man looked at Robert pitifully and said, “When you know what you want to do with your life and you have developed your capacity in that direction, I may have a few suggestions for you.” Robert stood gaping and emotionally deflated, as he watched the man walk into the building.

    What do you think about Robert and his adventure? I can imagine someone saying, “It is not fair that he didn’t get a job, after all he was so optimistic.” Someone else may say, “God save us from rich people who are unwilling to help.” Ok, let me show you a few things he did wrong that justified his fruitless effort.

    • Optimism without direction: while it is a great thing to have a positive disposition towards life, you must have a direction for your life. A lot of people are excited about a new day, month or year without really having a plan. They are certain something great would happen, but they don’t have goals to reach for. Robert, in the story above, was heading for “destination X,” which simply means “no destination,” because he had no specific goal. Take a pen right now and list what you hope to achieve this year. Zig ziglar said that without fail, those who don’t take the first step will never take the next step. So, go ahead and list your goals for the year.
    • Lack of vision: Robert neither knew the exact kind of opportunity he wanted nor where to find it. According to Dr. David Oyedepo, if you don’t know where you are going, everywhere will look like it. Stop making efforts without a mental picture of what you want to achieve.
    • Big break mentality: the problem with “big breaks” is that many people wait without doing anything. Your big opportunity will come, but it must meet you prepared. “It is better to be prepared and not have an opportunity, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared,” says Les Brown.
    • Disrespect for small beginnings: Robert felt he deserved more than the little opportunities around him, so he waited for the big one. What most people don’t realise is that those small opportunities in life help to prepare them for greater ones. If you refuse to handle small projects because you think they are beneath you, how will you acquire the necessary skill and experience to handle the big ones? Learn to have respect for every opportunity.

  • To serve humanity

    Last Saturday, Lagos businesswoman Mrs Remi Akinterinwa became the 31st president of the Rotary Club of Ikoyi at the Golden Gate Restaurant. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    WHAT happens when Rotarians meet? Some fun and a thought for humanity.

    And so it was last Saturday at the Golden Gate Restaurant in Ikoyi, Lagos when the Rotary Club of Ikoyi got a new leader–Mrs Remi Akinterinwa – the 31st person to mount the saddle.

    When Mrs Akinterinwa, an entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Oakwood Cleaning Services, joined the club eight years ago, little did she know she would soon rise to occupy its highest position. It paid off for her, having sacrificed a lot of her time, talent and treasure to the service of the club and humanity.

    Those from their other brother clubs were also there to felicitate with the joy of the day.

    Speaker after speaker mounted the podium. First, was the District Governor Otunba Bola Onabadejo. Then, the immediate past president of Ikoyi Club, Charles Okonkwo outlined some of the projects achieved during his tenure. He called on all and sundry to support his successor in being gifts to the world.

    The guest speaker and Editor of The Nation Mr Gbenga Omotoso spoke on “Leadership”. He cited examples of leaders past such as the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Shehu Shagari, whose selfless service could not be forgotten as opposed to those who promised to serve but ended up being served.

    He urged leaders and the led to learn from good citizens who are doing good and making the country proud in their little ways.

    Mrs Akinterinwa was invested with pageantry, surrounded by her spouse, a former Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State, their  children and other special guests. At exactly 3:35pm, she hit the gong for the first time, calling the gathering to order. She accepted the mantle of office and read out a speech, where she reiterated her pride to serve humanity.

    The club’s star project for this year is the refurbishing of eight schools in Igando, a Lagos suburb. Members and guests were urged to contribute to the funding of the projects.

    There was also a lucky dip session, where the star prize winner went home with a return ticket to London, among other prizes.

    At the ceremony were: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Plum Insurance Brokers Mrs Laide Osijo; Chief Mobolaji Ayorinde (SAN); Sir Oladipupo Ajayi; Managing Director of JNC International Limited Mrs Clare Omatseye; Chief Bisi Olatilo.

  • 70 years of abundant grace

    70 years of abundant grace

    Former Acting Comptroller-General of Customs David Akintayo Ogungbemile marked his 70th birthday last Friday with a book launch at a colourful event in Lagos, report NNEKA NWANERI

    IT was obvious that the large army of dignitaries did not come to celebrate only his achievements. They came to reward a man of character. The tributes said so.

    They were moving-all for former Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service David Akintayo Ogungbemile on his 70th birthday.

     His autobiography, Abundant Grace: Journey of a peasant Farmer’s Son, was unveiled at the event, which was held last Friday at the prestigious MUSON Centre on Lagos Island.

    But the birthday ‘boy’– to the amazement of his guests–did not look 70. His agility was remarkable.

     Yellow was the colour of the day.

     The tables and chairs had overlays of white cloths that glittered with silver embossments, giving the ambience a regal glow. Across the hall, long swaying white drapes hung above.

     Tributes came in torrents in appreciation of a man who touched many lives. Chief Tunde Aluko, who chaired the event, said he met the celebrator in 1963, and had taught him Mathematics, General Sciences and English. “He has done very well for himself inspite of his humble background,” he said.

     He said Ogungbemile did very well in Customs, rising to the very top but was not confirmed as substantive Comptroller-General. “What mattered was that he was adjudged qualified,” he said, adding: “The political decision that denied him the substantive post was not of his making. He left Customs a fulfilled man.”

     A video clip was shown in which Ogungbemile’s former bosses, associates, friends and family members paid glowing tributes to him, wishing him longer life in good health. One of his grandchildren also wished him a happy birthday online via Skype.

     Ogungbemile’s classmate at the University of Ibadan (UI) Mrs Ayeni Adeyemo recalled their days as undergraduates from September 1969 to June 1972. She described Ogungbemile as a” easygoing fellow, studious and intelligent. “He was always around the library and was a very conscientious, noble classmate,” she said.

     Eminent Scholar Prof Adebayo Williams recalled that they were both student union activists. “He is a remarkable fellow whose life should be an inspiration to many.

    “His life teaches the very virtue of redemption. As a child,he was a trouble maker and old, a trouble shooter.”

    Williams said the book is made of great stuff and shows that you can get anywhere in life with sheer determination.

     Reviewing the book, former University of Lagos (UNILAG) Vice-Chancellor Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe said the 207-page work is well-indexed and illustrated.

     He highlighted the author’s account of his birth on July 17, 1945 in Ijesa-Isu, Ekiti State; his growing up in a polygamous home, his love for education, his father’s influence as an evangelist and a disciplinarian, his Advanced-Level studies, how he enjoyed theatre, his admission to UI and election as Vice President of the SUG, as well as his failures and tribulations.

     “His life shows that the way you’re  born has no relevance to what you will achieve in life,” Ibidapo-Obe said.

    In response, Ogungbemile said ever since he left Ekiti to see Lagos, he had experienced a life of love all the way. “Why won’t I be grateful to God?” he asked.

    He added that he spent 19 years of his career life in the Nigerian Customs Service.

     Among the guests were Ekiti State Deputy Governor Dr Kolapo Olubunmi Olusola, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Akpo Ogilo; Senator Martins Jubril Kuye; former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Joseph Sanusi;  DN Meyer Plc Chair Sir Remi Omotoso; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; former Lafarge Cement Chairman Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Political Matters Mr Akin Osuntokun.

     Also present were Senator Seye Ogunlewe; a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Justice Olabisi Akinlade of the Lagos State High Court, Chief Lawrance Ogunleye, Chief Sola Faleye, former Secretary of Health Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Dr Olubunmi Eleka; Island Club President Dipo Opeseye; Mr Victor Awobiye and his wife, Tutu; Mr Chidozie Ogbonnaya, who represented Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu; and Mrs Nike Akande, among others.