The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • A jurist’s wife takes final bow

    A jurist’s wife takes final bow

    The remains of Mrs Theresa Abiodun Oluwole, wife of the late Justice T. A. Oluwole of the Ondo State High Court,  were interred last Friday at the Catholic Church Cemetery in Akure, the Ondo State capital, reports LEKE AKEREDOLU.

    Despite the heavy rainfall, prominent men and women from across the country made their way to  St. John Bosco Catholic Church,  Ijapo Estate, Akure to bid Mrs Oluwole a final farewell.

    A nurse, Mrs Oluwole was married to a former Ondo State High Court Judge, the late Justice T.A. Oluwole. She died at 75.

    One of her daughters is the wife to the lawmaker, representing Epe federal constituency in Lagos State, Hon. Lanre Mukaila Odubote and the other, to Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN).

    The funeral began with a Christian wake last Thursday at her residence in Ijapo Estate in Akure, followed by interment at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Ijapo.

    Her remains were brought to the church premises before the stipulated 10am by the pall bearers, who made a dramatic entry into the church, bearing the golden framed casket. A brigade, the Bell, followed.

    Before long, the church was filled with sympathisers; canopies were erected outside and around the church premises to accommodate more.

    Prominent among attendees were Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Judge(CJ) of the state, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Kola Ademujimi; the State Attorney-General, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN)and House of Representatives lawmaker, Hon. Adegboyega Adedipe.

    In his sermon, Revd Fidelis Olokunboro, described the late Oluwole as a woman who was dedicated to God and church activities.

    He said: “She is always giving godly advice and will be greatly missed. She has written her name with a golden pen in this church; she nursed her children on the right path of life and she was prominent in the church and in the society at large”.

    The cleric addressed the saying: “those who died are at their loss” stressing that it is only those who lived evil lives that would die and be forgotten.

    “The late Mrs Oluwole will not be forgotten because she had devoted her time to God. While she was sick, she would always put a call across to ask if she owed the church.”

    Guests moved to the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade Ground at Ondo State House of Assembly, Igbatoro road, for a reception.

    The arena was decorated with red, yellow, cream and green colours.

    Gospel artiste Yinka Ayefele was on stage to entertain guests.

    More personalities trouped in to grace the occasion. They include: Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Hon. Dr. Bode Tawak, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu’s in-law, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, Hon. Akin Miniru, members of Redeemed Church Faith City, Ojodu, Lagos, Bukola Adetula, Bro. Olu Onafowora, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Hon. Dauda Bakare, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi and others.

    Odubote described the late Mrs Oluwole as the best mother-in-law in the world. He was grateful that she accepted him to marry her daughter at a time when destiny had dealt a blow on him.

    Another son-in-law, Adedipe said the late Oluwole was his confidant and adviser. Adedipe, a lawyer, described her as a deeply religious person, focused and dependable person; generous and frank to a fault.

    Step-brother of the deceased and publisher of Marketing Edge magazine, Mr John Ajayi said the late Mrs Oluwole was the eldest in the family and a woman they would all miss.

    The late Oluwole’s only son, Tolulope, described his mother as honest and trustworthy.

    Another daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Funmilayo Oladapo-Ojo, said her late mother was a philanthropist who  adopted some children.

    “It was when we started growing up that I was able to identify those who are my blood sisters and we still remain one. You can’t leave the house without doing the house work. You must know how to cook, clean the house and other domestic work either you are a male or female,” she added.

  • Honour for ex-commissioner, governor’s aide

    Honour for ex-commissioner, governor’s aide

    A send-off has been held for the immediate past Special Adviser on Rural Matters to Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Hunpe and former Commissioner Cornelius Ojelabi, writes NNEKA NWANERI

    Their send off on June 2 did not come as a surprise to many in the Lagos State Ministry. The duo of the former Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi and the past Special Adviser on Rural Development to former Lagos State governor Mr Babatunde Hunpe were honoured by the ministry’s officials for their dedication to duty.

    Their four years of meritious service was rewarded by the ministry’s staff. They were  made up of directors and staff of the ministry, who recognised their leadership qualities and selfless service and decieded to send them off. To them, they provided selfless services to the people and inspired the staff during their four-year tenure.

    The occasion was more of a get-together for members of the ministry. It was declared a work free day; the staff wined and dined at the hall in the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja. It was decorated in blue and yellow. There was no dress code, but most of them were unusually clad in native attires, unusual for a week day.

    Outside the hall and while it drizzled, a mini parade was done for them by the men of the Neighbourhood Watch, a pet project they both executed during their tenure.

    In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Babatunde Sanuth, said the gathering was in appreciation of the good works of Ojelabi. He thanked them for doing the ministry proud.

    Ojelabi’s citation was read by Mrs Elizabeth Ashiru. He was in 2007 member of the House of Representatives and asides being a politician, he is a pastor with Cherubim and Seraphim and patron of the Awori Progressives Union.

    Mrs Adenike Shobowale read Hunpe’s citation.

    During their administration, the Community Development Associations (CDA) became popular, she said.

    There were torrents of accolades on the men of the day. One of the workers, Alhaja Sherifat Dosunmu, described the governor’s aide as a ladies’ man; a jolly good fellow; easy going and playful. She said there was never a dull moment around him as he always had a kind word for everyone.

    She said the commissioner was a tireless worker and one who is very passionate about rural development, adding their combination has propelled the ministry to what it is now.

    Hunpe’s daughter, Mary, thanked the ministry for accommodating her father. She expressed pride that she is her dad.

    Lots of gifts were presented to them both.

    A book was launched. It  was titled: ‘Enhancing sustainable rural development in Lagos State-four years of Cornelius Ojelabi’s exemplary leadership’, and written by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry Mrs Modupe Ileyemi, whose daughter inspired her to write the book.

    Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Lateef Raji, who reviewed the 84- page pictorially illustrated book, said it is a synopsis of the time and dates of Ojelabi. He said book, having zeroed on the the personality of the subject, is a pointer to the fact that one’s background should not determine one’s destiny.

    “The book is a chronicle of the achievements of the subject in his four years in office and the impact he had on people, with 271 projects completed during their tenure”, he said.

    The book was presented to all by a member of the House of Assembly, who represents Epe Constituency II, Hon Segun Olulade.

    In response, Hunpe urged all to extend a hand of fellowship to those stepping into their shoes to continue the goodwill.

    Ojelabi led all to join him sing a praise worship song to the Almighty. He charged the staff not to relent, but buckle up so they can effect change and contribute their quota to the development of Lagos.

  • ‘I’m nothing without her’

    ‘I’m nothing without her’

    Online Editor, National Mirror Mr Segun Fatuase has given out his daughter, Temitope in marriage to Adeyinka, son of a retired service coordinator at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Adedayo Bademosi. The ceremony held at the All Saints Anglican Parish Church in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos, last Saturday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    LIKE her father, she is a journalist. Temitope, daughter of Mr Segun Fatuase, formerly of The Punch and Daily Independent, and now Online Editor of National Mirror, got married in  Lagos last Saturday. Temitope, a producer with the wave-making private broadcast station, Television Continental (TVC), and her beau, Adeyinka, an accountant, were joined in holy matrimony at the All Saints Anglican Parish Church in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos.

    The couple met at the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

    Temitope wore a white wedding gown; Adeyinka wore a white jacket on black trousers, white shirt and a black tie.

    Their parents wore uniform green and cream lace; guests wore either the lace or the ankara fabric chosen for the occasion.

    Fatuase walked with Temitope hand-in-hand into the church, amid the hymn, “Praise my soul the king of glory”.

    The church’s Vicar and Archdeacon, The Ven Sunday Ayodele joined the couple after they exchanged marital vows and rings..

    Ven Ade George from the Anglican Church in Ikorodu told the couple to respect each other. He said marriage is a gift of God, a symbol of God’s grace, adding that it requires love, patience and endurance.

    The cleric prayed for the union. A retired Director in Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Agness Betiku, presented the couple their marriage certificate. The couple left the church amid the hymn, “Lead us heavenly father, lead us”.

    The groom’s parents were the first to be ushered into the Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial Church Hall in Surulere, where the reception was held. The bride’s parents came next, with family members and friends.

    The couple entered, dancing to hit songs by Hues Disc Jockey.

    Prophet Ayotunde Falebita from Cherubim and Seraphim Headquarters in Ikotun said the opening prayer.

    The chairman on the occasion, Mr Tunde Osho, Deputy Director, TVC News,  urged the couple to focus on the things that brought them together and stay the course. He described the bride as his daughter, urging the groom to take good care of her.

    The Master of Ceremony, Godwin Okoli aka Mallam Ali,  led the couple to cut the cake after the spelling of J-E-S-U-S.

    The bride said she was happy the day had come, adding that she got married to the love of her life.

    She described her husband as nice, loving and caring.

    The groom said he was excited, describing his wife as God-fearing, loving and caring. He said she is his world and salt, adding that he is nothing without her.

    He said what attracted him to her was her concentration while reading, pointing out that she is disciplined, determined and puts God first in everything.

    The bride’s father, Fatuase, said he had given his daughter the right foundation which she should build on.

    He urged the couple to be patient and understand each other to overcome the challenges in marriage. “Both of them must not be angry at the same time and you must settle all quarrels before you go to bed.”

    He said he would miss his daughter because they do everything together. “We talk and play games together, she calls me old school and I call her new generation.”

    Fatuase said his daughter is stubborn and focused like him.

    The groom’s father, Bademosi, said he would miss his son during the early morning prayers and his constant check on him to “know how he  feels.”

    He advised them to be prayerful, listen to each other, settle their quarrels without a third party and learn from his own marriage.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Oyinlade Bademosi, a retired nurse, urged the couple to put God first in everything they do.

    She said she was happy that she now has a daughter.

    The bride’s mother, Mrs Funke Fatuase, a businesswoman  advised the couple not to allow a third party to interfere in their marriage. “They should hold themselves together and be at peace with each other.”

    She described her daughter as pleasant, humble and filled with all good things. “I don’t want to cry, I love my daughter and I will miss everything about her,” she said.

  • ‘That little girl of yesterday’

    ‘That little girl of yesterday’

    A teacher, former Miss Omorinsola Temiloluwa Taiwo, got married to a lawyer, Ajibola Eyimofe Ige, last Thursday in Lagos, reports NNEKA NWANERI

    For mother and daughter, it was a day of joy- their birthday and wedding came up the same day. Omorinsola, a teacher, got married to Ajibola Eyinofe Ige, a lawyer, on the day her mother, Mrs Seyi Taiwo added another year.

    It was a Thursday, yet the wedding was well attended. Family members and friends turned out in large numbers to share in the couple’s joy. The event held at the The New Estate Baptist Church (NEBC) in Surulere, Lagos.

    With the hymn: “My hope is built on nothing less”, the pretty bride was led to the altar by her father.

    The couple took turns to exchange marital vows. Ajibola stepped out first; his voice steady and confident. Omorinsola, after a chuckle, recited hers.

    The officiating minister and pastor of NEBC, Revd Amos Achi Kunat, blessed the rings. He urged the couple to always wear their ring as a symbol of their commitment to each other.

    In a sermon, the cleric described love as an active word. He implored the couple to be broadminded.

    He said: “Examine your paradigms and be open to each other’s perspective, judging it from the word of God. Listen to each other and do not let the way you see things make you act in a certain way.”

    The couple told The Nation how they met five years ago during Nigeria’s Independence Day Fair in London.

    Ajibola had gone to London for his postgraduate studies; Omorinsola just finished her teacher’s training.

    According to Omorinsola, their parents are friends. She said they met when her mother sent him to her in London.  They began dating a year later.

    Describing Ajibola as the love of her life, she said she became convinced that he was her man six months into their dating.

    On how they have been coping, she said: “We talk a lot on what is going on and how we feel. He’s such a good listener, so, there is no problem we can’t deal with.”

    Ajibola said he was attracted by her simplicity and character.

    “She was so free that day. I also must mention that she is smart and great company,” the groom said.

    He proposed to her on their second outing which fell on her birthday.

    The Bishop Howells Memorial Church Hall in Surulere, where the reception was held, was decorated in light green and dark red fabrics.

    A white carpet lined the walkway with red rose petals adorning it. An all-white court was set up at the far end of the expansive hall with LOVE boldly inscribed above the couple’s seat.

    The groom’s mother, who teaches Teachers Education at the University of Ibadan, described her daughter-in-law as the little girl of yesterday who has become a woman.

  • 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’.

  • 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.

  • 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, penultimate Thursday 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.

  • Bye, ‘the chair’

    Bye, ‘the chair’

    The prestigious Island Club  held a valedictory party for its outgoing chairman, Prince Ademola Dada, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    For three years, he was chairman of the prestigious Island Club.

    In those years, Prince Ademola Dada distinguished himself, leading men of various professions and backgrounds.

    So, penultimate Friday, at a valedictory party for him, the high and mighty` rose to celebrate him. The blue blooded, businessmen and women were also in attendance.

    The club members wore uniform blue and white stripped aso oke cap and white agbada to match. It was another opportunity for them to unwind and campaign for the coming elections.

    Those who supported the chairman during his tenure were given the club highest award of Grand Commander of the Peacock (GCOP). They included Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Elegushi;  Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni; Oba Tijani Akinloye; Osile Oke-Ona Egba Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Oba Idowu Oniru of Iruland; Eko Club president Alhaji Babatunde Brino and others.

    In his valedictory speech, Prince Dada said he first contested for Assistant Social Secretary 27 years ago. He, however, recalled agonising  whether being the club’s chairman was worth it. There were times, according to him, his business suffered  because of his absence.

    He added: “It’s been three glorious years full of meritorious service. I could not have wished for a better team.” He prayed that his successor completes the car park; a project he initiated to enhance the club financially.

    Oba Tejuoso, who came with his three wives, said he would cherish the award forever. He said he was introduced to the club by his late father. “I qualified as a medical doctor in 1964. Since then, my late father never let me rest until he brought me to the club.”

    Another awardee, Chief Bisi Olatilo, a polyglot, said the award has wiped tears off his face. Olatilo lost all his work of 16 years when fire razed his studio. The award, he said, would spur him to more action.

    King Sunny Ade and his African Beats entertained guests.

    In attendance were the former Lagos State military administrator, Ndubisi Kanu; Chairman Chisco Transport, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu and Dr Yomi Finnih, among others.

  • ‘He was a jolly good governor’

    ‘He was a jolly good governor’

    •Church honours Fasholas

    A thanksgiving service was held former Governor of Lagos State  Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola, at the Trinity House Church, Victoria Island. It was tagged: 8 Years of Grace, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    In appreciation of his eight-year service in Lagos State, former Governor Babatunde Fashola last week received a rare honour from the Trinity House Church.

    The church held a thanksgiving service for him and his family at its Landmark Village on Victoria Island, Lagos. Friends, associates and family members gathered to honour the Fasholas.

    They sang and danced to their hearts’ content.

    Ace comedian Holy Mallam was the Master of Ceremony. He and another comedian, First Born, dished out rib-cracking jokes amid soul-lifting songs by Dupe Ige.

    Gospel artistes Buchi and his reggae band, Lady Evangelist Tope Alabi and the Trinity Voices were also on hand to spice up the event.

    There was a presentation on Fashola achievements and how he was able to transform Lagos. There was a session for people’s views and opinions on the former governor and their expectations of him after office.

    Dame Abimbola, who came with her children, Demola and Olayinka, sister-in-law and mother-in-law radiated joy, saying: “This is all I love to do – giving thanks and praises to God. I will hold on to these songs that inspire me into being the best.”

    She thanked Lagosians for supporting her husband, describing the last eight years as beautiful.

    She prayed for a peaceful tenure for the new governor, adding that she is happy that her kids would now have her and her husband back.

    Representative of Ogun State Governor and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Otunba Bimbo Ashiru read the Bible passage from Psalm 147. He also gave a goodwill message, thanking Fashola for remitting the taxes of those living in Ogun and working in Lagos.

    Describing Fashola as the ‘Class Captain’ of other Southwest governors, he urged him to go and have some rest for now and be ready to come back for more work. Nigerians, he said, still need him, having shown what he is made of which he will be remembered for.

    The Fasholas rose and the men of God stretched their hands towards them in prayer.

    Senior Pastor Ituah Ighodalo preached on the gains of eternal life. He presented Fashola, represented by his wife, with a bouquet of colourful flowers.

  • Look within you

    You’ve got greatness within you!” These are the words of Les Brown, one of the world’s leading motivational speakers. But before you dismiss this statement as another sugar quoted, empty, and make-people-feel-good speech, you need to read the story of Les. One of my most revered mentors says that the secret of people is in their stories. So, let’s find out if Les has the right to tell us to look within.

    Leslie Calvin “Les” Brown was born in 1945. Les and his twin brother, Wesley, were born on the floor in an abandoned building, in a low-income area of Miami, Florida. They were later adopted at the age of six weeks by Miss Mamie Brown, a cafeteria attendant and a domestic assistant. In the fifth grade, Les was labeled “educably mentally retarded” (EMR) and he became a child no one thought could amount to anything.

    One day, Les was in a class, waiting on a friend who was to rehearse for a play. The teacher told him to go and write something on the board but he declined. When he was asked why, he explained to the teacher that he was in a special education class. The teacher asked him what that meant and insisted that he should write on the board. Still, Les decline. Again the teacher asked him why, then he said he was educably mentally retarded. The teacher came from behind his desk and said, “Don’t ever say that again. Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality”. That statement changed Les’ life forever.

    Les Brown never had a college degree, never worked for a major corporation, and never had any MBA or Ph.D; yet, he became one of the world’s most renowned motivation speakers and a highly-sought-after resource for Fortune 500 Companies. What happened to Les? Was there a magic in what that teacher told him? I don’t think so. What happened was that the teacher redirected his attention from outside to within. He had previously been confused by people’s opinion about him that he never looked inward to discover himself.

    Several people are too focused on external factors that they think very little of the internal factors. How can we believe other people over our own mind? How can we accept external verdict that we are a failure when our hearts are screaming that we can make it? When it comes to our personal success, majority does not carry the vote. We as the minority should determine the outcome of our lives. This is particularly important when it comes to public speaking or communication generally. We need confidence to perform excellently.

    There is something very interesting about opinion; people state what is on their mind, but we are left to act it out. If we are called a failure, it is required of us to fail for them to be correct. The fact that they said it does not seal our fate; our action or non-action is required. So, our action is what either proves people right or wrong. If we are called a failure, but we live out success, we will find people changing their minds.

    Les Brown was labeled EMR. For as long as he convinced himself that he was not good at anything, even something as simple as writing on the board, the label remained with him. He had to change his mind before he could change his life. Supposing someone meets him now and calls him EMR, won’t the person look like a fool? Of course. Les’ life has proved the person wrong. In the same way, what people say about us is not what matters; it is what we think, say and do about ourselves that makes the difference.

    It is very important for us to look within us. We have a lot of potentials that we are not bringing out. Why should we deprive the world of our skills as among the most outstanding speakers, business person, inventor or influencer that the world has ever known? According to Les, “Most people fail in life, not because they aim too high and miss but because they aim too low and hit”. The only reason we aim low is that we fail to have confidence in our abilities.

    Some people’s disposition to life can be summarized by this statement, “Blessed are those that expect nothing for they shall not be disappointed”. A lot of times, the reason we play safe is not because we are being strategic but because we don’t think we have what it takes to succeed. A proverb says, “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm”. It’s time to deal with the enemy within. Let’s face our strengths and weaknesses with courage. Why run away from ourselves. It’s time to look inside us and explore the resources that God has planted therein.

    Les Brown says, “Feed your faith and your doubt will starve to death”. Faith is an inside force that manifests on the outside. If we look within, we will discover that there is more to us than what people say about us.

    In this series “Look Within You”, we shall explore how we can become less distracted by outside noise and how we can bring out the best in ourselves. I believe you will find this journey a worthwhile experience. Let’s make it a date next week, by the grace of God.