The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Union of lovebirds

    Union of lovebirds

    Miss Chinyere Omenka, who works with telecom firm Etisalat in Lagos, got married to Newton Ihoeghian, an engineer with Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Edo State, last Saturday at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Testimony Area Head Quarters in Akute, Ogun State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    They strode hand in hand out of the church after being joined in holy matrimony. Newton Ihoeghian, an engineer, had just married his beau, Chinyere, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Testimony Area Headquarters in Akute, Ogun State.

    Chinyere, who works with telecom firm Etisalat in Lagos was all smiles.

    She dazzled guests  in her white wedding gown and veil. She hugged and exchanged pleasantries with all who came around her. Newton was in black  suit, white shirt, pitch jacket and tie.

    Newton is the son of a retired accountant with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)  Mr Pedro Ihoeghian; his late mother was represented by Mrs Queen Ihoeghian. Chinyere’s brother Emeka represented their late father Mr Vincent Omenka. Her mother; Mrs Florence Omenka, a businesswoman was full of praises to God.

    The ceremony began with the traditional wedding at the nearby Raceeko Hall followed by the church solemnisation.

    Chinyere accompanied by her brother and the bride’s maids, walked to the altar while the choir sang the processional hymn: “In Christ Alone, my hope is found”. The bride’s maids wore blue dresses with pitch hats. The groom and his men were already in the hall. They wore similar suit.

    Deacon Abiodun Sholeye said the opening prayer. Pastor Goke Aniyele joined the couple together. The choir did a special ministration for the couple.

    Back at Raceeko Hall for the reception, guests were treated to a nice time. The bride’s parents arrived first, followed by the groom’s.

    Pastor Paul Oyeranmi, who chaired the occasion, urged the couple to live happily, praying that God would be with them and grant them success.

    The Master of Ceremony (MC),  Adewale Oni, led the couple to cut the four-step blue cake after the spelling of JESUS. The couple had their first assignment of feeding each other and sealed it with kisses.

    The bride danced with her mother. Her husband and other guests joined them on the dance floor.

    The groom said he felt great, elated and excited, adding that his wife is truthful, committed, dedicated and God-fearing.

    The Edo State born groom met his wife in 2007 but they started dating in 2010 when they were students at the University of Benin. The groom was then studying Chemical Engineering; the bride Microbiology.

    The bride said she is happy, describing her husband as a man filled with the words of God. “He is faithful and sincere,” she said.

    The bride’s mother said marriage is an institution of learning, urging the couple to be ready to learn. She advised them to be tolerant and friendly with members of their families.

    She prayed for the success of the marriage.

    The groom’s father told the couple to put God first in whatever they do. “They should not be selfish, they should respect and let love be their watch word,” he said.

  • A teacher par excellence

    A teacher par excellence

    Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Lanre Ogunlana has marked his 51st wedding anniversary with the launch of his autobiography, “Reflections and Challenges in Time and Tide”. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    Fifty-One years ago, when former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife, Prof Lanre Ogunlana, exchanged marital vows with his wife, Aderemi, in Ibadan, only eight people witnessed the ceremony.

    More than five decades later, he says he has no regrets to have taken that bold step on June 12, 1964.

    At the launch of his autobiography last Friday at the Agip Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, the Professor of Pharmacy and former Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ife, beamed as a book chronicling his social journey was presented to the public.

    Many of his professional colleagues and students were there to support him.  The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, sent representatives.

    The memoir documents many of Ogunlana’s reflections on a myriad of issues. Passion has moulded, influenced and sustained the author through life, illustrated with prose, abstracts and pictures.

    Dapper in a brown suit and same colour of shoes to match, the 79 year old read out his speech from his smart phone. Nothing showed he was a member of the Old School, but for his white bearded and hair. All the same, many attested to the fact that he has still remained gallant and smart despite age taking a toll on him.

    Chairman of the occasion and a friend of the author for many years, Prof Akin Mabogunje, in a remark extolled the virtues of Ogunlana. He recalled the first time he met the author’s wife, fondly called ‘Deremi, with her friend Lola, who were the first set of nurses trained at the University College, Ibadan after their school certificate.

    Reviewing the 482-page book was another Prof Abiodun Ogundaini of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry OAU. He said the book documents the early stages of the author’s life to his education and training, noting that aspects of his years as a lecturer, research pursuits and lectures are not spared.

    The author spoke before the book was presented by a Knight of John Wesley, Sir Demola Aladekomo.

    He said his wife had some impediments not long ago, but led all to sing songs to the Almighty. He also recalled having his wedding done in a different style, adding that these 51 years have been full of challenges and testimonies, describing the challenges as opportunities. He also said his first passion is music.

    “Challenges are essential to life, but in all that, God turned them into testimonies. My marriage is still a work in progress after 50 years. As I reflect, I see challenges in time and tide which I wish all to read, draw lessons and tell their stories too.

    “Our individual social actions are created by our society, yet, we create our society by our societal action.” he said.

    Ogunlana, who also holds the title of the Fiwajoye of Ife, added that it is a reference book for studying pharmacy, hoping to document more books before his creator calls.

    Sir Aladekomo before unveiling and displaying the books, said in his younger days, many prayed to be like Ogunlana-polished, suave and gentlemanly, many qualities which have not changed till now except for his white hair.

    “He is a distant mentor and role model”.

    On the book, he said: “The title of the book is right; the size and content is right and the content, printing and packaging of the book is right.”

    President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, who the author taught Pharmaceutical Microbiology from 1983-1984, described him as a classical epitome and ‘grand teacher’ with striking versatility. He also said his former teacher is a cultural enthusiast and one of the best dressed in his generation, recalling a day Ogunlana stunned everyone when he came to class dressed in a native attire and beads.

    “He was the first indigenous Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy in Ife and, indeed, Nigeria. He blazed the trail when he rose to be the first pharmacist to attain the height of DVC. Seeing him now, one will help but appreciate what age can do to people.”

    There was a re-enactment of what they did 51 years ago when the author stepped up with his wife to cut their anniversary cake.

    There was also a musical performance by the Methodist Musical Society in honour of Prof Ogunlana, who was a former choirmaster for the Methodist Church of Tinubu, Lagos.

    In a vote of thanks, daughter of the author Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos Judiciary said her marriage is 23 years, expressing pride that her parents have been able to carry on so long.

    Financial Controller of Tata Services, Dey Saurabh, while presenting Ogunlana with a gift, said since he has known Ogunlana for three years, to be a man vast in knowledge and intellect.

  • Farewell to a loving mother

    Farewell to a loving mother

    The remains of Mrs Olufunke Adeoya, mother of the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing Mix and Co, Akin Adeoya, were interred at the Apostolic Faith Cemetery, Igbesa, Ogun State, after a funeral service at the church camp ground, reports IBRAHIM ADAM.

    Even in death, she was celebrated. For Three days, her children gave her a befitting burial.  They described her as a mother, who lived all her life for them and God.

    The late Mrs Olufunke Adeoya was a nurse and midwife at the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa. She also worked at the General Hospital, Ido Ekiti and Randle General Hospital in Surulere.

    She died on April 10. She was 77.

    Her rites of passage began with a service of songs at Times Square off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. A funeral service was held at the Apostolic Faith Campground, Igbesa in Ogun State.

    Family members, sympathisers, and friends came in their numbers to bid the late Mrs Adeoya farewell.

    The children of the deceased clad in lemon native attire.

    Her remains were laid in a grey casket with gold cross and her pictures around it. The casket was conveyed in a white Volvo hearse.

    The service began with a processional hymn, ‘O beula land’ led by the congregation and the Orchestra. The church choir later rendered the hymn, ‘When I wake up’.

    After the scripture reading from book of Job 14: 1-12, a sermon followed by Rev Tayo Oyelaja, who spoke on the topic: “Is your name written in the book of life”.

    Rev Oyelaja said the late Adeoya spent her life with Christ and has gone to meet the Lord.

    He asked the congregation where they wish to spend their eternity, urging them to live a good life, confess their sins and make it right with God.

    Rev. Sola Opaleye prayed for the deceased, the widower, her children, grandchildren and other guests before the deceased remains were interred at the church cemetery.

    The following day, a funeral reception was held at the Time Square, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. Guests arrived in exotic cars. The ambiance of the hall was conducive as guests moved round to exchange pleasantries and take pictures.

    A bevy of beautiful ladies welcomed guests and led them to reserved seats.

    Most guests clad in the mixed purple aso ebi while others wore choice native attires.

    The hall was tastefully decorated in purple, pink and white matching with chairs set round tables. There were flower vases at strategic location.

    Celebrities including, Clarion Chukwura, Kunle Afolayan, Femi Davies, and Dele Taiwo, among others, added colour to the event. Theatre and advertising practitioners and media professionals also stood to be counted.

    National President, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ambrose Somide, anchored the event and entertained guests with rib-cracking jokes.

    Sir Shina Peters and Taiwo Omotunde led their bands to electrify the hall. Their music ushered the children and guests to the dance floor in celebration of a life well spent.

    The deceased’s younger brother, Mr Femi Fayemi, described his sister as his mother, friend and benefactor.

    He urged the children of the deceased to emulate what their mother stood for and unite themselves.

    He said: “She is my elder sister and I call her my mother. She was a wonderful friend to all and a core Christian. She wais my benefactor because I lost my dad when I was a small boy and she had to see me through school. She was prayerful, a loving mother and exceptionally generous. We will miss her a lot because I remember she gave me a Bible and I am using it presently not knowing that she gave me a parting gift.’’

    He recalled her words: “She said Femi take this Bible in Yoruba and English translation; make sure you read it always.’’

    The first child of the deceased, Mrs Adenike Abiona, said her mother was disciplined and served God all her life.

    “She was trustworthy, kept no malice and if there was any issue, she would call you and settle it. She prayed for all; if you pray and sleep at 12 midnight, when you wake at 3am, you will meet her praying again. She believed in prayer and that with God all things are possible. She taught us how to be decent and have faith, she was a lovely mother,” she said.

    The deceased son and President, Babatunde Femi Owolabi Memorial Heart Foundation, Mr Tope Owolabi, said his mother brought them up in a Godly manner.

    “She was a wonderful mother; she was like a hen than protects her chicks. She was supportive and gave us morals and I will miss her prayer,” he said.

    A daughter in-law, Mrs Florence said her mother-in-law was religious, prayerful, loving and caring. “If you don’t call her, she would call and say, I just want to hear your voice. She was just wonderful,” she said.

    A granddaughter, Morolake Abiona, described the deceased as caring and nice.

    “I don’t know where to start from because we will miss her so much. She was so nice, more caring compared to my mum because when we are on holiday, we go to her and it was always interesting. She taught us the ways of God, how to read the Bible and pray,’’ she said.

    Mr Akin Adeoya in his tribute said his late mother never took credit for her efforts to effect change.

    He said it was a duty that she dared not fail after she knew ‘the stone in my heart was gradually becoming a diamond’.

  • Honour for a worthy daughter

    Honour for a worthy daughter

    A reception was last Sunday hosted for Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule at the Awori College in Ojo, by the Badagry Divisional Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC). IBRAHIM ADAM reports.

    The open field of Awori College in Ojo Lagos was filled last Sunday by politician, friends and associates of Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule during a reception for her. In attendance were executive secretaries and workers of Local Governments, Local Council Development Associations (LCDAs), Community Development Associations (CDAs) and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Badagry.

    Despite a downpour, guests made their way to the venue. They arrived in exotic cars.

    They moved round to exchange pleasantries before the programme started.

    Many of them were clad in white lace with pitch cap and headgear while others wore choice traditional attires.

    It was an APC affair. The high table was covered with sky and deep blue layers with flower vases on them.

    The arrival of the woman of the day, Dr Adebule, added colour to the gathering. She went round greeting and exchanging pleasantries. She wore mixed gold attire with matching headgear and Ipele.

    The programme began with the National anthem. Ven Ilegbusi Dicson and Dr Paramole Kabir said the opening prayer. Cori cultural group entertained guests at intervals.

    In his address, the divisional leader, Prince Rabiu Oluwa called on all members of the APC to reunite.

    Prince Rabiu said it is their joy to have Dr Adebule for the third time, saying the reception should have taken place since the inauguration day but they had to give her more time. “We had already fixed today before we realised today was Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s birthday. All we want is your unity despite everything that happened. Let us forget the past and move on with the present”.

    He also used the medium to appreciate National Leader APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his courage and support to all the southwest states. He said Tinubu has done a lot for them and now they have a third deputy governor.

    The Aladi Onijanikin of Ijanikin Kingdom, Oba Momodu Asafain his goodwill message congratulated the state governor and his deputy for the outcome of the last election.

    He tasked the APC in the division to be up and doing ahead of local government election.

    He also appreciated Tinubu for another opportunity, adding that he thanked God for the third deputy governor. He assured Dr Adebule and Ambode of their support,  praying that they would succeed.

    Lagos State Former Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, added that the people should play their part and allow the deputy to also play hers for the  progress of the nation.

    The Alabirun of Ikaare Land, Oba Kayode Akinyemi gave the deputy a bottle of wine. He drank from the cup and gave her some.

    Dr Adebule appreciated the division for their support at the last election.

    She described her success as theirs, appealing to the division to reunite themselves ahead of other elections.

    “Am not here alone but am here with the governor and we are here to appreciate you all for your support. I want you to know that if I do it well, it will open doors for others and together we will claim more success. All I want is your blessings and I promise not to stay away. We are promising you that we will do our best from where our predecessor stopped for the continuity of the progressive in Lagos state,” she said.

  • For their good deeds

    For their good deeds

    Rotary Club of Omole-Golden District 9110 has launched its maiden magazine “Golden Notes” at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, KEHINDE ONIFADE reports.

    Members of the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden District 9110 were resplendent in their eye-catching outfits on Friday May 22, when they gathered at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos to launch their maiden magazine “Golden Notes”.

    At the entrance of the hall was the big flex with the picture of the President, Mr Chris Alabi, ‘welcoming all to the morning fellowship of the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden’.

    Inside the hall was another big flex, printed in blue and yellow with the inscription: “Omole-Golden District 9110” and the club logo.

    A stack of the magazine to be presented was placed at the back of the high table and draped with brown ribbon.

    The event began at 7:45 am with four members of the club rendering different songs. They were Mrs Oluyemisi Balogun; Dr Omowunmi Bakare; the incoming President, Idowu Olusegun Afelogun and the club Assistant Governor, Rotarian Mrs Kemi Popoola. After the songs, the members went round, welcoming each other.

    The club president, Mr Chris Alabi, decked in white Agbada with a matching grey cap, spoke about the past meetings, the 10th year anniversary, the last conference and gala night of the club, which held on May 8, this year in Abeokuta.

    He congratulated the members and the club executives for their cooperation and support towards the success of the gala night award, which rewarded them with trophies as the Overall Best Club’.

    He said all the projects embarked upon by the club, its reaching out to the public and its achievements were made possible during his tenure with the support of the members, the club executives and the grace of God.

    He also spoke on their plan to travel to Sao Polo to gain more experience and knowledge on how to move the Club forward.

    The club past President, Mr Osomo Omole said the gathering was to celebrate and congratulate the club for its achievements during the tenure of Chris Alabi. He advised the members to work harder and maintain the trophies won by the club, adding that the trophies should not be taken from them. He said the eyes of other districts are on the club waiting to see if they would be champions at all times.

    Omole described the Magazine as the best, saying that it was not a work done in a hurry. He described it as a catalogue of the past projects and awards won by the club. He urged the incoming president to move faster than the present one.

    The Assistant Governor of Ikeja Rotary Club, Mr Bola Oyebami, who was decked in white lace attire with a black bowler hat, reviewed the magazine. He described the 50-page Magazine as incomparable.

    He added that the magazine catalogued past projects and awards of the club, which included World Class ICT Laboratory for Oke-Ira Grammar School; the donation of six-room toilet; borehole to Ajuwon Grammar School; donation of books to Special School in Accra, Ghana; Omole-Golden de-worming pictures for school pupils; donation of security equipment to Area G Police Command in Ogba and donation an incubator to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital.

    He added that the magazine was the best ever published among other clubs. He recommended the magazine to all members to read. The launch and the presentation of the magazine were anchored by the club Assistant Governor Samuel Ayetutu. The closing grace was said by Mr Kayode Owolabi.

  • Celebration of unity

    Celebration of unity

    The 20th Mushin Day has been celebrated at the Ojuwoye market square. Residents, irrespective of tribes and religion gathered for the ceremony reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    Yearly, Mushin Lagos residents celebrate their unity and achievements. It started 20 years ago. This year’s be the 20th edition.

    Men, women and children of the area wore well- tailored attires. They made their way to the old palace of the traditional ruler, the Olu of Mushin,Oba Fatai Aileru.  They waited patiently watching as the venue was being set up for the event.

    All stalls at the Mushin market were shut. Everywhere was quiet.

    The youth besieged a stage, where famous musician-Osanla 1, Wasiu Pasuma was billed to perform.  They ensured there were to be no hitches during the event.

    The chiefs assembled at the palace to pay homage, traditional rites followed as they presented the oba with schnapps and local gins.

    The beating of the Gbedu drum, signalled the kick off of historic event. Oba Aileru led all to the rendezvous.

    In a welcome address, the chairman of the occasion and former Police Officer, Chief Ebere Ubani, praised the initiative of the organisers of the event and called for total participation. He was glad that Yoruba land has been a favourable ground for many successful Igbo men, adding that the unity between both tribes must be upheld. He referred to the relationship that led to the death of Adekunle Fajuyi (Yoruba) who died with his former boss and Head of State Major-General Aguyi Ironsi, an Igbo.

    A few gunshots by men of the Nigerian Police Force heralded the arrival of the Iyaloja of Lagos and President-General of Market Men and Women, Chief Folashade Tinubu- Ojo. The tone of the setting changed. She launched a Children Welfare Scheme, a project which she said, is dear to her, urging all to give proper mentoring to children. She offered prayers to everyone.

    The partying continued as various itinerant drummers jostled for a space to perform before the special guests.

    Also, Igbo masquerades and cultural troupe put up a spectacular display, adding colour to the event.

    The Nation met with one of those who attended the event, Ola Nelson Rafiu, who though, was born in Mushin left for the United Kingdom when he was Seven.

    Having worked with the British Telecoms as an Engineer, he came home briefly to pursue his Masters degree.

    He described the tradition as quite interesting and the event entertaining, adding that it evoked a sense of pride in him that he is a son of the soil.

  • Friends forever

    Friends forever

    They lived in the same neighbourhood, but were not friends. Today, Ademola Somorin, a banker, and former Miss Stella Oyibo, a teacher, are man and wife. They got married in Ilupeju, Lagos last Saturday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    If they had been told they would marry each other they would not have believed. Reason: They lived in the same neighbourhood in their younger days, but were not friends.

    But about eight years ago, the story changed. They became friends and five years later,  Stella, a teacher, and Ademola Somorin, a banker, knew they were meant for each other.

    Last Saturday, the lovebirds, who grew up in Anthony Village, Lagos, got married at Emmanuel Chapel in Ilupeju, Lagos.

    Stella was all smiles. It was her day. Her father, Mr Alexander Oyibo, who is based in the United States, walked her to the altar.  Stella told The Nation how she met her husband. She said: “We have always known each other but we were not friends. One major friend has tried so many times to match make us but we were always not interested. But, at the right time, both of us decided to move on and have something to do with ourselves and am glad that today I am finally his wife.”

    Ademola, an employee of Zenith Bank, is the son of the late Mr Abayomi Somorin, who was a Chattered Accountant/Chief Executive officer, Eminent Group of Companies. His mother Yetunde Somorin is the proprietor of Temas School in Ikeja, Lagos. He added: “We don’t really use to talk, it was just ‘hi’ and ‘hello’ that we said to each other. We grew up in Anthony Village and after some time we started talking, and seeing each other. Sometimes, we will not see for a while and we will see again. But as time went on, I discovered that she is different from other women, she is God-fearing, the word of God in her life cannot be overemphasised. She is a woman that can pray for her family and that is what any man needs”.

    The solemnisation of their marriage was witnessed by family members, friends and well wishers. Some of the guests clad in green lace and yellow head gear, which were the colours of the day.

    Stella was beautiful in her white wedding gown and veil. Ademola was charming in grey pair of trousers, suit and jacket. His green tie on the white shirt added beauty to his dressing.

    Rev Adebayo Siyanbola of Methodist Church, Lagos officiated at the ceremony. He said the opening prayers and the choir led the praise and worship.

    Apostle Emmanuel Ediomo from Terbanacle of Mercy and Miracle, Sapele in Delta State led the couple to exchange marital vows and rings.

    The cleric prayed for them, urging them to dress and keep their marriage like God told Adam to dress and keep the garden of Eden in the Bible.

    The cleric lamented that most of the issues members see their pastor for are marital, rating them at 60 per cent.

    He added that marriage is not a laughing matter. “You have to watch it for you to have the best from it. If you sow nonsense, you will reap nonsense. Don’t allow technology like the ipads, android phone, uploading and browsing to take the place of your partner. It should not cause issues in your marriage,” he said.

    At the Rajulie hall in the same premises where the reception held, Caleb Ogechukwu aka Calibird was the Master of the ceremonies (MC).

    The hall was tastefully decorated in the colours of the day. The bridal seat was decorated in white with white pillars and flowers of yellow and green colours all over.

    Mistimonta Band ushered in the couple’s parents with songs into the hall. The groom’s father was represented by his elder brother, Prof Owolabi Somorin.

    As the couple entered, guests stood up to honour them. They danced to music from Black Beat Disc Jockey.

    Mrs Odusola Stevenson led the opening prayer.

    The Chairman on the occasion Chief Sunny Okpurie urged the gathering to enjoy the day. The Mc led the couple to cut the cake. They had their bridal dance and other guests joined them on the dance floor.

    The groom said he felt fulfilled for marrying someone he loves.

    He said she is God-fearing, adding: “She is a teacher and that means my kids will not lack any good education. She is a caring person who will go all out to make sure that I am fine no matter what it costs her. These are characters that geared me toward making a decision of spending the rest of my life with her,” he said.

    The bride said she was excited but gave glory to God for the day. She described her husband as focused and loving.

    The mother of the groom, Deaconess Somorin told the couple to work and pray together. She described her son as loving and cool-headed, adding that her daughter-in-law is good. She said she would greatly miss her son.

    Mother of the bride, Mrs Josephine Oyibo, said the day was wonderful and God had been faithful to her.

    She urged the couple to be patient and understand each another. “They must resolve differences between themselves. Bringing a third person does not help in marriage,” she said.

    She said her daughter has been patient and caring, adding she would miss everything about her daughter because she was always there for her. They have many things in common and she is her birthday mate.

    Father of the bride, Mr Oyibo, said he was proud to have brought up his daughter to the point of marriage.

    He said: “Many ladies these days do not even care about marriage. I was proud when my daughter brought somebody that I am satisfied with and Iam glad to give out my daughter today to the family that she wants to marry.

    “My daughter is a well-groomed lady. Right from the beginning, she had a good education, and I made her know the value of education and I supported her. She is hard working and an associate teacher; I think if all teachers are like her, this world would be peaceful.”

    He said he would miss her, especially her smile and help. “But, there comes a time that we have to let go for the person that will take good care of her and I think the person I gave her to will not make me to miss her because he will take good care of her,” he said.

    Oyibo promised to be in touch with them, adding that he would not interfere with their marriage. He told them that marriage is give and take. “Marriage is something you have to reverence. It is the way you take care of your marriage that it will be for you,” he said.

  • Look within you: Les Brown II

    Welcome to your column on public speaking. Last week, we explored the importance of looking within us and bring out the hidden treasures. I shared with you the story of Leslie Calvin “Les” Brown who was born on the floor in an abandoned building and was later labeled educably mentally retarded. Les listened to the teacher who told him, “Never let other people’s opinion of you become your reality” and he went on to become one of the greatest public speakers in the world today.

    While preparing to write on someone else in today’s article, another aspect of Les Brown’s triumph over life’s challenges struck me and I know you won’t mind if I share it with you. Les usually talks of what he refers to as the “inner conversation”.

    In one of his special TV programmes titled, “You Deserve!”, Les Brown told the story of how he was in the audience one day, listening to Zig Ziglar, whom he considered to be one of the greatest motivational speakers on the planet. As Les watched Zig move back and forth while delivering his speech, he said to himself, “I would like to do that. I can do that’. He leaned over to the person sitting next to him and asked, “How much do they pay him to do that?” He replied, “Five thousand dollars”, and Les said, “I know I can do that”.

    However, on the way home as he was driving, his inner conversation kicked in and said, “Les Brown, you can’t do that. You don’t have college education. You don’t have money. You don’t have contacts. You’ve never worked for major corporations. What makes you think that you can make more in one hour talking than you make working for a year?” So, for several years, he talked himself out of his dreams until he finally had the courage to take the bold step.

    Decades after Les Brown became a world famous public speaker, he reflected on the years he wasted convincing himself that he could not do what he actually could do. He said the easiest thing he does presently is to speak, train people to speak and make presentations before thousands of people. However, the most difficult thing he had ever done was to believe that it was possible. A lot of times, the process of believing in ourselves is far tougher than what it takes to pursue our dreams.

    Les Brown says that many people think of great things to do and they talk themselves out of it. According to him, that inner conversation is the reason most people take their greatness and ideas to the graveyard with them. Les referred to late Myles Munroe’s famous quote that the wealthiest place on earth is the graveyard. According to Myles, “The wealthiest place in the world is not the gold mines of South America or the oil fields of Iraq or Iran. They are not the diamond mines of South Africa or the banks of the world. The wealthiest place on the planet is just down the road. It is the cemetery. There lie buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestselling books that were never written, and masterpieces that were never painted. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential.”

    So, what is the idea you are currently talking yourself out of? What opportunity are you letting go because you think you are not good enough? If you look inside you, you will see that you are up to the task, with God on your side, of course. Stop focusing on your failures; start concentrating on your successes. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t learn from the past. But after learning, you must focus on the future. If you act on the gift in you, you will make the world, and not the cemetery, a richer place. Do you dare to take the step? Five years from now, you will either be telling the story of how you succeeded in spite of your limitations or you will be telling the story of how you could have succeeded if not for your limitations. It is really all about the choice you make today.

  • Exit of a loving father

    Exit of a loving father

    The eighth day prayer for Chief Adeyinka Opeifa, the late Baba Adinni of  Surulere Central Mosque and father of former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, has been held at the Police College in Ikeja, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    In solidarity with their colleague, members of the immediate past Lagos State Executive Council joined former Commissioner for Transport Kayode Opeifa at the eighth day prayer for his father, the late Chief Adeyinka Opeifa, who was Baba Adini of Surulere Central Mosque. The event, which was held at the Police College, Ikeja, attracted eminent Islamic clerics, family members and friends.

    Some of the guests, especially the women wore yellow lace with red headgears.  The late Opeifa’s children wore blue native attires.

    Five large tents erected on the college’s field were filled with guests. The clerics arrived before noon, waiting for the event to start.

    Alfa Agba of Lagos Tijani Gbajabiamila said the opening prayer; Abdul Afeez Milo from Oba Asafa Central Mosque in Orile Agege read some portions of the Quran.

    The Chief Imam of Surulere Central Mosque, Abdullahi Mustapha Jatto, led the prayers.

    In a sermon, Adam Abdullahi urged the gathering to live for humanity so that they would be remembered for their good deeds after their death.

    “Use what you have for the good of others because we will all die one day,” he said.

    Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde entertained guests at the reception held at the same venue.

    Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire said the late Opeifa  impacted on the lives of many.

    “He was a source of joy to all of us that God gave the grace to come across him,” she said.

    His son Kayode described him as honest and straight forward, adding that he was the kind of father everyone wants to have.

    “He taught me to be people-oriented; he spent all his life, money and resources serving people regardless of not knowing where they came from. He is amazing, someone I can always run to.

    “Sometimes, when you feel frustrated and rejected about some things and you need someone serious and objective to discuss the matter with, dad is someone you can go to. He speaks to you like a father and I will miss him for that,” he said.

    Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba said the gathering showed the deceased lived a fulfilled life.

    “From the children, we can see that he is a disciplinarian, he brought up his children well and he is the kind of father everyone should emulate. He was interested in developing other people and that is why we are all here to celebrate his life,” he said.

    Former Governor Babatunde Fashola’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Hakeem Bello said the late Opeifa lived an exemplary life.

    “He was a man who gave a lot to the service of the state; he was a gentleman and had given a lot in the service of the state. He lived a fruitful life and he is well celebrated,” he said.

    His daughter-in-law Abiodun described him as her father. She said he was intelligent and meant a lot to all.

    “He was someone that I personally love, he was my father and I will miss him a lot. I will miss his words of wisdom, I will miss his calls because he called everybody. I am from Ijebu and he knows many things about Ijebu land and all the towns in Ijebu, so, I’m going to miss the story of Ijebu land from him,” she said.

    In attendance were Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Alhaji Lawal Pedro (SAN); former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo; Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson Joe Igbokwe; former Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Yinka Babalola; former Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Wale Ahmed; former Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo; former Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Demola Seriki; former Special Adviser for Works Ganiyu Johnson; former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative Prince Gbolahan Lawal; APC women leader Mrs Kemi Nelson; APC Agege leader Yinka Ogundimu; Bisi Yusuf;  Akinsanya Ajose; Chief Safari Adaranijo; Comrade Femi Aborisade; Oba Alara of Ilara, Akeem Okunde Adesanya; Chief Solomon Ojolowo and Dr Amos Akingba, among others.

  • ‘We’ll always carry you in our hearts’

    ‘We’ll always carry you in our hearts’

    The life and times of Christian Oladele Onikepe will remain ever green in the memories of his children-Tayo, Angel, Ope and Ifedayo. In a tribute to their late father, the quartet chronicle the footprints of the man of many parts.

    On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Christian Oladele Onikepe passed on to meet his Holy Father, God Almighty. His indomitable spirit and joy for life are carried on by his family, extended family, friends, colleagues and fellow travelers on the path we call life.

    There is only one Christian Oladele Onikepe and yet to everyone that met him, he was many different things. He was a father, friend, mentor, spiritual guide, kindred spirit, a debate and discussion partner, a leader and much more… If you were to ask him to describe himself, he would simply say, “I was sent to this world to be a servant of God, in humility and simplicity of the heart, and to be a testament to God’s grace and mercy.”

    Born to a large family, Christian Oladele Onikepe possessed a keen intellect and grew up to be one of Nigeria’s brightest minds and brilliant thinkers. He was a star student at GOAGS, Gbongan, Government College, Ibadan, University of Lagos where he bagged a Second Class Upper Division honours in French, and capped it all with a Ph.D in French from the University of Grenoble, France.

    In his professional career, he touched and changed many lives as professor, social activist, and advocate for peace. At the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, he and his peers were pioneers. He led colleagues and students in reinterpreting African literature through the application of metaphysical concepts. This led to the first ever successful doctorate in his academic unit at the university. Christian expressed and lived his faith through his teaching and mentoring. Always the rigorous academician, he was also the humble teacher who respected his students’ intellect—even when he disagreed with them. He was an unyielding and passionate defender of the weak and helpless; and of what was right.

    In the United States he also worked towards sharing knowledge and shedding light on the African experience, both within the country and abroad. He was highly successful at two institutions, namely Mount Saint Mary’s University, Maryland (America’s second oldest Catholic university) and the University at Buffalo (SUNY), New York. At SUNY-Buffalo, he was part of the team that helped to lay the groundwork for the university’s graduate education in Cuba in January 2002. An accomplished teacher, Christian was also a Fulbright Scholar in Burkina Faso, West Africa, in 2004 and 2005.

    In addition to his work in Francophone cultures, he never forgot his roots. He was a tireless promoter of his beloved Yoruba culture and language. His boundless energy and joyfulness were infectious. Wherever he was, he fought for religious tolerance and freedom. Always humble, passionate and charismatic, he tirelessly advocated for a space in which Christian, Muslim and Traditional practitioners could work beyond ethnic and religious differences, towards the common good. In Nigeria, he was one of the co-founders of NARETO, the National Association for Religious Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence.

    If he were to speak his wishes today, it would be to say, “celebrate my life as the only happiness in this world is that of always being content with what God has given me. I can “demand nothing with fervor, except the perfect accomplishment of God’s will in my soul.”

    We will always carry you in our hearts, Oladele Christian Onikepe. We will always remember and see you in every smile, every joyous song and everything good in life.