The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Farewell to a disciplinarian

    Farewell to a disciplinarian

    An outing and thanksgiving service was held last Saturday for the late Prince Michael Aderibigbe Adesanya at The Apostolic Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos.

    The late Adesanya died on May 8.  He was 73.

    His children accorded him a befitting burial in Ijebu-Mushin, Ogun State where his remains were interred on July 10.

    Last Saturday in Lagos, the children extolled their father’s virtues, gathering many of their friends and associates to celebrate the life of a man they described as a disciplinarian.

    The compact church comprised many top military brass both serving and retired. They were led by former Chief of Army Staff Lt -Gen Azubike Ihejirika. Others were directors and coordinators of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from across the country.

    The service was officiated by the Ikosi District Pastor of the church, Elijah Famurewa

    In a tribute, the widow, Adenike, recalled how they began their journey in December 1971, chronicling their ups and downs.

    First daughter of the deceased and wife to the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, Adejoke, said as a child, she thought her father did not love them, but as she grew older, she realised it was his way of ensuring that his children did not go astray.

    A son of the deceased, Adejuwon, said though his father’s body was full of activity and strength, his soul was gentle, endearing him to many.

  • Today and Now

    Some people who are obsessed with the past; they can’t take their eyes off their failures or even their successes. Some others only care about now; their philosophy is “live, eat and enjoy all you can today because no one knows tomorrow”. Yet, some live in dread or hope of the future and they waste their present. There’s got to be a balance somewhere. Interestingly, yesterday, today and tomorrow have something in common- they are made up of time. For yesterday, time had passed, today, time is passing by and tomorrow, time is going to pass. One way or the other, we can’t keep time from passing.

    What you do with your time is what determines whether you are wise or not. Your time is your asset; you will become rich in whatever you invest it into. When you administer your time wisely, you will build your wealth gradually. As time passes without much formality, so will your wealth grow without much publicity. You should have a proper disposition towards time. Let yesterday teach you, let tomorrow motivate you, but don’t let today pass you by.

    Don’t worry unnecessarily about things you can’t control, just focus on what is within your reach.  Don’t worry about yesterday, it is gone. Don’t worry about tomorrow, it is out of reach. Don’t worry about today, it’s a whole lot of time. Focus your attention on “now” because it is the meeting point between yesterday, today and tomorrow. You never do anything yesterday- by now you must have done it, otherwise, it’s too late. You never do anything tomorrow- it is always a future projection that is constantly ahead. You never do anything today- today is just an illusion that makes you think you have a lot of time until it passes you by. You only do things now. Yesterday had a “now” that passed already. Today is full of “now” that are passing as you read this article. Tomorrow’s “now” is useless until it comes to the present.

    How much of your day do you invest in profitable activities? I’m not trying to judge you; I’ve gone through the evaluation myself. Try out these suggestions:

    • Mind your own business: if you know what people are doing, the time they are doing it, why they do it and probably why they shouldn’t be doing it (unless it is your job to know), watch out! You are probably doing nothing yourself! Protect your time as much as you can. Avoid whatever does not help you to achieve your goals. Shut out every distraction and focus. You don’t need to know any information that will not add anything to you. Miss the gossip and gain some value.
    • Avoid time wasters: there are some people who are gifted in consuming other people’s time. If they visit you while you are preparing to attend an event, you may end up going late or not going at all. After making your plans for the day, all you need is to meet them and your plans go out of the window. I’m not being unkind, it is just the fact. Once you identify such people, find a strategy to manage your relationship with them.
    • Plan with time: any plan that is not set to time is no plan at all. At the beginning of everyday, make a list of what you want to achieve and assign time to each of them. This will give you a sense of mission. Even if you cannot follow through completely, you will have a sense of accomplishment when you evaluate your activities at the end of the day.
    • Trade busyness for productivity: have you ever been so busy that you hardly had a breathing space, yet by the end of the day, you hadn’t achieved much? It happens all the time. What happens is that we tend to spend our time on things that are urgent but we ignore things that are important. Why not do an evaluation of your day? Determine the activities that add to you and the ones that drain you? Find out the things you invest most of your time on and they bring little or no dividend? Try to reduce the time you allot to them. On the other hand, when you discover the activities you spend little time on that end up being productive, increase the time allotted to them. If you do this, you will multiply your success.
    • Delegate responsibilities: I know you think no one can measure up to your standards or do things exactly the way you want them done. Nevertheless, unless you desire to wear yourself out quickly, you need help. If a leader feels that subordinates can’t perform tasks to his/her taste, it is a clear sign of leadership failure. If you train them well, they will take a lot of burden off you and you will do more productive things with your time.
  • 55 cheers to a lawmaker

    55 cheers to a lawmaker

    House of Representatives member for Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Hon. Bode Ayorinde, marked his 55th birthday and the 30th remembrance anniversary of his mother penultimate week. 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, celebrated his 55th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the death of his late mother, Mama Alago Ijanrensola Ayorinde, penulttimate week . 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, visiting the School of the Blind in Owo to donate their widows’ mite to the less privileged.

    After this,  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.

    Chairing the occasion was Professor of Law, Demola Popoola, who lectured Ayorinde at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

    Also in attendance were  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 and noted 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.

    In his sermon, Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese James Oladunjoye challenged politicians to always live up to their campaign promises.

  • Anambra student gets US degree in Medicine

    Anambra student gets US degree in Medicine

    Anambra State-born Ikenna Erinne has received a Doctorate Degree in Medicine (MD) from Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia in the United States.

    Ikenna, who attended Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt, is an alumnus of Portland State University, Oregon, USA.

    His list of awards also include: M.D. Graduate Award Magna Cum Laude; Alpha Omega Alpha honour; Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Medical Microbiology.

    He has since started his six-year Residency and Fellowship programme in International Medicine and Cardiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.

  • The Seed

    Once upon a time, there lived three supernatural beings and their names were Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Each of them had special powers to control certain aspects of time. For instance, anything that had to do with memories or history was within the domain of Yesterday; Today was the lord of actions and execution of plans, while Tomorrow superintended over the realms of vision, dreams, projections and strategic plans. One day, ego set in and these three beings got into an argument on who was the most important. Of course, each of them put forth his argument but there was no one to mediate among them.

    After several days of argument, which almost led to a disruption in the time continuum, a little Seed approached the three supernatural beings and said, “I hail you mighty ones. While you are supernatural, I am natural. However, I can help you decide who is the greatest among you.” The three beings became very curious because no one had been able to judge among them thus far. So they asked how the Seed planned to carry out the task. In response, the Seed said, “I have life within me and my capabilities are without limit. I can provide food, shade, books, and several other amazing things. However, my powers cannot be released until I am planted and I grow. Whoever can perform this colossal feat is worthy of honour.”

    After giving the proposition some thought, the three beings agreed that it was a brilliant idea. They decided that they would return to the conference table after seven days to see who would have released the power of the Seed. Immediately they left the meeting, Yesterday had a terrible mood swing, or should we call it a wave of depression? He told himself, “If I had known about this challenge, I would have planted my seed since yesterday, and by now it would have grown”. As each day passed, he became more and more depressed.

    Tomorrow was quite the opposite. He was full of such hope that he could not sleep. He kept telling himself, “Tomorrow, I will buy a beautiful flower pot and plant the seed. After it has grown a little, I will transplant it to where it will have all the space needed to mature. After maturity, more seeds will be produced and I will repeat the process so that I can have a big plantation. Of course, I will multiply the power of the seed several times over and become the greatest”. With every passing day, Tomorrow became more and more excited.

    As for Today, he planted the seed immediately. He said to himself, “It is true that I could have planted this seed yesterday, but I never knew of this challenge then and I cannot beat myself up for that. Besides, it is better late than never. Also, though the condition today is not the best for planting and tomorrow may be better, I will start small and improve with time rather than wait for a perfect condition.” And so, with every passing day, Today watched as the seed began to grow.

    On the seventh day of the challenge, the three supernatural beings converged. Yesterday was depressed because he still felt yesterday was the perfect time to have planted but he missed it, and Tomorrow was ecstatic because with every passing day, his dreams were becoming greater and new strategies were emerging. As for Today, he was grateful that he took advantage of the moment to plant the seed, which had sprouted. At the meeting that day, the three beings agreed that though each of them was unique in its own assignment, only Today could get anything done. But more importantly, they agreed that the Seed was a perfect test of greatness.

    Dear readers, today’s article is not necessarily about using time effectively, though this is obvious from the story above. Our focus today is on the seed. A seed is not supernatural, yet it determines your harvest. It is only what you plant that you reap, not what you are getting ready to plant. It doesn’t matter how great or influential you are, the question is, “How productive are you?” It is possible to get involved in a lot of activities such as clearing the farmland, making ridges, and fertilizing the soil, without actually doing the planting! What a wasted effort it would be.

    Stop getting ready to live; start living right away. You have been planning all along; now, have the courage to actually take the step.  If you see nothing on the surface of the ground (plant), you don’t need to worry because every process requires time, but if you don’t have anything (seed) in the ground, you better start worrying because time can never bring a harvest when there was no planting.

  • WEDDING

    WEDDING

    First grandchild of the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Rolari Femi Segun and only child of Yeni Kuti got married to an Austrailian, Benedict Jacka, last Saturday in a rich traditional ceremony at the Afrikan Shrine, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Tributes for Aimiuwu

    Tributes for Aimiuwu

    A service of songs/night of tributes has been held for the late former President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chairman, Governing Council of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and Osayuwanoba of Benin Kingdom Dr Lugard Aimiuwu at the City Hall, Onikan, Lagos.  NNEKA NWANERI and OLUCHI IGBOKWE report.

    He stood tall at gatherings, jovial and friendly. The late light complexioned economic affairs analyst and commentator Dr Lugard Aimiuwu was never missed out in a gathering. His traditional attire always stood him out.

    All these have now become memories to cherish by his family members, friends and associates. Last Tuesday, they held a tribute session for him at the City Hall in Lagos. He died on April 16. He was 70.

    The late Aimiuwu was a director of many blue-chip companies, where he contributed his quota to national development.

    Large portraits of the deceased were placed at the venue. Many nodded their heads in sadness. Stricken with grief, the place was graceful and scerene. Death, where is thy sting? They silently asked as they made their way to occupy seats.

    Past presidents of NIM sat  on one side of the front row while the daughter of the deceased and other family members of the late Aimiuwu were on the other side.

    Many songs were rendered to remind all of the eventuality of death.

    NIM President, Dr Nelson Uwaga, in his tribute, said the late Aimiuwu ensured that the country did not fail. He urged all to follow the footsteps the late Benin Chief left behind to ensure the success of the country.

    President of the Nigerian Institute of Directors Prof Yemi Akeju, who described the deceased as a first-choice facilitator, said the late Aimiuwu was an emblem of resourcefulness and humility to the institute and the country.

    Former Minister for Industry, Chief Nike Akande, who grew up with the late Aimiuwu recalled how they played games as toddlers and how the late Aimiuwu participated actively during her 7th birthday. She said they had been friends for the past 60 years and had in all those years known him to be an intelligent and eloquent speaker.

    Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by Victor Durodola described the late Aimiuwu as a brilliant and hardworking professional who contributed a lot to the development of the country.

    Other friends of the late Aimiuwu described him as a professional boardroom guru and doyen of management, who  had a song in his mouth.

    Daughter of the deceased Mrs Keisha Imina Ehigie was proud to know her father was a genius, who never wanted to leave things the way he saw them. “In his eyes, I was great. He was a big inspiration to I and many and I am glad he finished well.” She said.

  • Royal union

    Royal union

    Prince Leke Olateru Olagbegi, son of Olowo of Owo, Oba David Olateru- Olagbegi III, last week married his heartthrob, and former Miss Olubunmi Josephine Aladejebi in Owo, Ondo State. Taiwo Abiodun was there.

    Last Friday the Owo Town Hall in Owo, Ondo State was agog when  Prince Leke, the son of the Olowo of Owo, Oba David Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi  signed the dotted lines with his heartthrob  Olubumi Josephine.

    The event was attended by many people, including monarchs and chiefs.

    The following day, the traditional wedding took place at Aruwajoye Events Centre.

    All the necessary items for the ceremony were provided but the Aladejebi’s rejected the bride price, also known as  ‘Owo Ori’, as they see their daughter as priceless.

    The groom told The Nation  he had always wanted to marry an indigene of Owo. His dream became a reality when God granted him  his heart desire and gave him a woman of his choice.

    He said:  “I am proud to be married to a lady from Owo, and as a Prince am glad I obeyed my father. He also added that his wife is from a very  humble, reliable and God – fearing background.

    The bride Olubunmi said: “I met the Prince at the right time and place and having found in him a humble and honest person.”

    At the event were: the Ojomo Oluda of Ijebu Owo, Oba Kofoworola Oladoyinbo Ojomo; Oliyere of Iyere, Olunaun of Unaun  Oba     Olanrewaju Abegunde;  Chief Rotimi Ibidapo; Jide Tububo, Chief Tola Ogwatowose ,  Tunde Okunrinboye,  among others.

  • As Postgraduate Medical College president’s son takes heartthrob to altar

    As Postgraduate Medical College president’s son takes heartthrob to altar

    There’s a big difference between falling in love with someone and falling in love with someone and getting married. Usually, after you get married, you fall in love with the person even more, says Dave Grohl.

    For Taofeek Olaniyi Arogundade, an engineer and former Miss Halimah Bolatito Olambiwonnu, penultimate Saturday was a day to behold.

    The lovebirds exchanged marital vows before hundreds of personalities that included their family members, colleagues, friends and well-wishers.

    The 10 Degrees Event Centre on Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, hosted the memorable union.

    To the lovebirds, the words of Barbara de Angelis that “The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom,” best described their mood.

    The duo mesmerised the gathering with good dance steps, before their parents joined them on the dance floor.

    Everything about the Aqdun Nikah (wedding) was awesome – the choice of venue, the guests, attires’ uniformity, cuisines and wonderful gifts distributed.

    For Prof. Rasheed Ajani Arogundade, the President, National Post- Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and his amiable wife, Alhaja Nofisat Abiola Arogundade, the Director, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Abuja, their joy knew no bound for the addition to the Arogundade family.

    They were full of appreciation to Mr Rasaq Olambiwonnu and his wife, Halimah Bolatito for raising a beautiful bride.

    The wedding began on a celebration note, with couples’ parents dancing their way to the hall.

    The couple followed suit in a dramatic way.

    Aside cutting of the cake, it featured toast, goodwill messages, presentation and exchange of rings, presentation of gifts, among others.

    The wife of former Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, was on ground to rejoice with the families.

    Guests from various organisations and government agencies were not left out.

  • Celebrating an achiever

    Celebrating an achiever

     Former Agriculture and Rural Development Minister and Africa Development Bank (AfDB) President –elect Dr Akinwunmi Adesina last Friday was hosted to a party at Transcorp Hotel Abuja, reports FRANK IKPEFAN 

    He will not be forgotten in a hurry. Remember the N10b cassava bread project that was launched with fanfare at the Presidential Villa? Cassava bread became a staple relished by former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings but many  Nigerians never tasted it? The project was part of the agricultural revolution by former Agriculture and Rural Development Dr Akinwunmi Adesina.

    Adesina was celebrated last Friday in Abuja following his election as Africa Development Bank (AfDB) president.

    Adesina was not just a face in former President Jonathan’s cabinet.  He is someone who can never be missed in a gathering. His urbane composure and bow ties and sharp suits stood him out always.  But he was different when he arrived on the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton and Towers in Abuja last Friday at 7:45.pm, with his wife, Grace. He was in agbada and a cap to match. He was the cynosure of all eyes.

    The hall was filled with many who came to rejoice with him.

    The AfDB President-elect  moved from table to table, exchanging pleasantries with guests. He didn’t stop until he had touched all the tables.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sunday Echono, extolled Adesina.

    He stated that the ceremony has provided an opportunity for development partners, stakeholders and clients of the ministry to thank the former minister for his tremendous achievements in the agricultural sector.

    Others described him as a ‘reformer,’ who turned everything about agriculture into gold.

    National President of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA), Pastor Segun Adewumi, appreciated the change Adesina brought to the sector.

    He noted that the minister has laid a solid foundation that would return the nation’s economy to the path of prosperity.

    Others who spoke included past and present members of the National Assembly, youth and rural farmers as well as cassava growers.

    About 9 pm, when he took the microphone, he was full of smiles as he wondered: What more could I have asked for?

    He thanked President Muhammadu, for President Jonathan and other leaders for their faith in him. He also thanked Nigerians for their support, promising not to let them down.

    It was a night of fun. Guests were treated to dinner, comedy and music from a Yoruba band. Adesina posed for photographs with guests.

    In attendance were former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh;  Team Leader, Rice Value Chain Prof Osiname; Director-General National Seed Council Dr. Philip Ojo a former Permanent Secretary of the ministry. Mrs Ibukun Odusote; Serikin Noma of Zamfara Alhaji Mohammed Kwazo and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, among others.