The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Change of baton at Lafarge

    Change of baton at Lafarge

    Cement giant Lafarge Africa Plc celebrated its outgoing chairman, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, and welcomed his successor, Mr Mobolaji Balogun, in Lagos last Friday. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    Good deeds beget good reward. So it was last Friday when Chief Olusegun Oshunkeye, former Lafarge Africa Plc chairman was celebrated after bowing out.  It was a twin event as his successor Mr Mobolaji Balogun, son of eminent banker Otunba Subomi Balogun was ushered in.

    It was all at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos. Guests were the cream of society.

    The women were in high heel shoes and lovely hairstyles. They moved to the red rug at the entrance to take photographs and exchange pleasantries before entering the hall.

    Women in green ankara, sewn in Oleku style, ushered guests to their seats.

    The hall was tastefully decorated.

    Osunkeye was in white agbada with light blue cap; Balogun was in suit. They were the cynosure of all eyes. They sat on the front row with top members of staff of the company. The waiters, assisted by ushers, served guests snacks, foods and drinks at intervals.

    Frank Edoho, the Master of the Ceremony, ensured that guests had a nice time.

    Yinka Davies and her band led guests to recite the national anthem.

    Yibs Ensemble presented a play titled: “Grip Aim” written by the late Ola Rotimi.

    After the play, the firm’s Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Roux said the gathering was to celebrate Osunkeye who has remained committed to Lafarge Africa.

    Ogun State governor’s wife, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, who delivered her husband’s goodwill message, said Osunkeye has been supportive to her, her foundation and the state.

    She congratulated Mr Balogun on his appointment, saying he is capable of stepping into Osunkeye’s shoes.

    A director Mr Adebayo Jimoh, read Osunkeye’s citation. People eulogised Osunkeye. Another director, Joe Hudson, read Balogun’s citation.

    Osunkeye’s first child, Mrs Kemi Adewole described him as God-fearing. “God is everything to him, he loves God, he is very passionate about God, he is Godly and he puts God in every single thing he does. He serves in church and that tells me he is a humble man. He is a rare gem, patient, diligent, compassionate, hard working and long suffering. He is a man, who brings out the best in everybody and especially his children and our spouses. He has time for everybody; he is an attentive father and attentive grandfather. He meets each of us at the point of our needs. He is generous. He is interested in what you are going through, at work and at home. He has a solution to anyone’s problem and he does not take anyone for granted. He is a leader by example. I want to say today that on behalf of my siblings, our spouses and everyone that has taken you as a father, we are proud of you, we are honoured to be your children and thank God that a day like this has come.”

    Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Otunba Bimbo Ashiru described Osunkeye as a supportive father.

    A former Central Bank of Nigeria governor and former director of the company, Chief Joseph Sanusi proposed the toast. He described Osunkeye as a man who excels in everything he does. “I was on the board of Lafarge with Chief Osunkeye for about 10 years, he never came late or missed any meeting. He is always fully prepared for the meeting and he will always find an answer to every question raised. It is my pleasure tonight to propose the toast of Osunkeye, a great Nigerian, a good leader and a jolly good fellow,” he said.

    He asked the gathering to rise for the toast amid singing of the popular song, “For he is a jolly good fellow”. Guests clinked glasses filled with wine.

    Sanusi congratulated Balogun, wishing him a successful tenure.

    Responding, Osunkeye said he was overwhelmed by the show of love for him, adding that the gathering surprised him.

    He invited Balogun to the stage and introduced him as his successor. They hugged amid applause.

    Osunkeye described Balogun as a thoroughbred, corporate  multi-tasking, solutions bringing and result-oriented man, full of vitality in the board room, and also in the business world.

    He prayed that Balogun will take  the firm to greater heights. “May God bless, keep and make his face to shine upon you. May success, joy and satisfaction be yours.”

    Balogun, after thanking guests and apologising for his parents’ absence, said:  “I’m delighted today to have the opportunity to step into the shoes of a remarkable man and I am tremendously humbled by the opportunity that I have to follow the foot step of one of Nigeria’s greatest citizens and I am extremely blessed by the opportunity to have sat on the same board with Osunkeye for over a decade.”

    “To be asked to chair this company, short of my 50th birthday is a remarkable opportunity for a young man like me,” he said.

    He hoped that in the next five or seven years he would have taken the company higher than he found it.

    Osunkeye was appointed to the board on October 24, 2000 and became chairman on October 1, 2009. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Institute of Directors and the Nigerian Institute of Management.

    He is also president (and a fellow) of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria and the immediate past chairman of International Chamber of Commerce, Nigeria Chapter.

    He was Nestle Nigeria Plc and GlaxoSmithKline chairman for 14 years. He is a past president of the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

  • 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.

  • That others may learn

    That others may learn

    A Media Adviser to the former Governor of Abia State and Publisher of The Sun newspaper, Dr Uzor Kalu, and member of the Editorial Board of the paper, Ebere Wabara, has launched a book titled: “Media Gaffes and Essays and other interventions”. It was launched penultimate Tuesday, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It’s all about a journalist. A member of the Editorial Board of The Sun and media advisor to the former Governor of Abia State and publisher of The Sun newspaper, Dr Uzor Kalu, Ebere Wabara, has presented his book: “Media Gaffes and Essays and other interventions”.

    Wabara, with over 20 years media experience, was full of joy penultimate Tuesday, when governors – past and present – media icons and captains of industry showed up in their numbers at his book launch, which held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The event was anchored by the Publisher of Nigeria Political Economist, Ken Ugbechie.

    In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Jigawa State Governor, Dr Sule Lamido, thanked guests for finding time to come.

    The governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Haruna Wakili, congratulated the author on the book, adding that he is proud of him. He described Wabara as not just an ordinary columnist, but a man with a great ambition. He, however, tendered an apology for the governor’s absence, wishing him well.

    Relaying his principal’s message, he said he was asked to tell the author to continue to write, propagate knowledge and not let his pen go dry.

    The host, Dr Kalu, described Wabara as someone very strong, sometimes to the extreme.

    He applauded him for the book, saying his pen has gone beyond the newspaper to what other people can learn from.

    The special guest of honour, Katsina State Governor, Dr Shehu Shema, said the book is a stop-gap for quick resolutions of daily grammatical challenges, adding that he believed the book will enrich anyone interested in the correct use of English Language.

    The governor, who was also represented by his Head of Service, Mohammed Aliyu, asked why errors are routinely committed in English Language. “Is it a function of ignorance, carelessness or sheer blatant mistake? Could it be tactlessness arising from slothfulness? Should it all be attributed to the evolution of what has come to be known as Nigerian English?” he asked. Staggered answers to these questions, he said, should be contained in the book.

    He continued: “Most of the mistakes in the print and electronic media are manifestations of carelessness, loose thinking and ignorance. We must be consistent in the use of either British or American English; mixing up both variants in any lexical environment shows slip shoddiness.”

    He noted that most media audiences are sticklers for perfection. “For those in this finicky and fastidious class, all slips count. Unfortunately, most people, who commit these facile and fallacious blunders, are persons, who should know, but because incorrigibility has affected them, they have become ignoramuses.

    “Why should some journalists describe themselves as ‘media practitioners’ instead of ‘media professionals’ or ‘mass communication practitioners?,” he asked.

    The author, Wabara, thanked all the guests, especially his boss, Dr Kalu. He thanked the former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, in absentia, for his generosity towards him over the years.

    He said he felt happy with himself on his achievement, adding that it would encourage him to do more, work on other books and other aspects of life.

    He said the book aims to improve the use of English Language by Nigerian journalists. “It is a collation of errors in the past 20 years that have been published in different newspapers and I’m sure any journalist, who goes through the copy, the section on grammar, will learn a lot and possibly minimise, if not eliminate the mistakes made,” he said.

    He added that the book will contribute to intellectual and national development because people will learn from it. “English is our national language and mode of official communication; by the time you go through the pages of this book, you are likely to find out how not to commit the same mistakes made over the years by journalists. When you write in the newspapers and they are published and you don’t document, they will perish after sometime, but once it is documented like this and put in a book, it will last for a very long time,” he said.

    He also spoke on the different sections in the book.

    “The book is in three parts, the first part is on media gaffes, mistakes; it is a compilation of the works that I have been doing over the years, over the past two decades that I have put together. The second part is essay; some of my articles that are published in different newspaper and the third aspect are on my encounter on my adduction last year. If not for the intervention of God, I would have been history by now. I thank God for my life that I survived it,” he said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Assistant Editor-in-Chief, Olisa Egbunike, reviewed the book.

    Launching the book, Chief Charles Ahize, congratulated and thanked the author for his contribution to  knowledge. He presented the book to the public, saying that it will impact more knowledge on Nigerians.

    Many of the guests donated large sum of money as a way of their contribution towards the book.

    The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, The Sun, Mr Femi Adesina gave the vote of thanks.

  • Bye, ‘the chair’

    Bye, ‘the chair’

    The prestigious Island Club last Friday held a valedictory party for its out-going 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, last 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.

  • ‘I feel complete now’

    ‘I feel complete now’

    Lagos State Chief Judge Funmilayo Atilade and her husband Archbishop Magnus Atilade gave out their daughter, Adefemi Abimbola, in marriage to a Bank of America financial analyst, Oluwatosin Gabriel, last Saturday at the Ikoyi Baptist Church. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    For the couple, it was a dream come true. One year after they met in Atlanta, United States (US), they were joined in holy matrimony in Lagos last Saturday. Adefemi Abimbola, daughter of Lagos State Chief Judge Justice Funmilayo Atilade, and her beau, Oluwatosin Gabriel Ola, Atlanta-based financial analyst brought their families together during their union at the Ikoyi Baptist Church.

    Adefemi is an oil and gas lawyer.  Her father is Archbishop Magnus Atilade. Oluwatosin is a financial analyst with Bank of America in Atlanta, United States (US). He is the son of Elder Niyi Ola.

    Saturday’s downpour and fuel scarcity did not mar the event. Guests turned out in large number to witness the union. They were mostly judges and lawyers.

    The men were smart in well-tailored suits and the women looked gorgeous in fashionable attires. They complemented their dressing with flowered or feathered hats.

    Adefemi walked down the aisle hand-in-hand with her parents.  She looked stunning in flowing gown eventhough, she used a veil. On entering the church, she sat beside Oluwatosin, who was in a blue suit. At the altar, the couple held a Bible and took turns to exchange vows. It was an emotional moment as Adefemi broke down midway, sobbing. Seconds later, her voice became steady.

    Revd Dr Abayomi Lawal blessed the rings and pronounced them man and wife.

    In his the sermon, the cleric charged them to see Christ as the centre of their lives, saying: “I have been married for 38 years and have been pastoring for 42. In all these years, God has been the centre of my marriage,” he said.

    Pastor-in-charge of children and teenagers in the church Revd Bosun Adegboyega led the special prayers for the couple. He presented the couple their marriage certificate.

    The congregation, in unison,  pledged to always support the couple in prayers and Christian counsel.

    Taking his wife by the hand, Oluwatosin and Adefemi headed for Habour Point Events Centre on Victoria Island for the reception. They were treated to a cocktail outside the venue.

    Guests came to congratulate the couple before moving into the hall at dusk.  Some played mobile games and took photographs from a mobile booth.

    The hall was decorated in black and white. Delectable female ushers in black gowns led guests to their seats. The table and chair overlays were white and black.

    A Master of Ceremony, Matilda Duncan anchored the event.

    There were fireworks as the couple danced into the arena to the blaring of Nigerian hip-hop songs.

    Justice George Oguntade (rtd), who chaired the event, recalled that on joining the judiciary in 1980, he was posted to the Divorce Court.

    “I became a master at divorcing couples, but as a Christian, I had to stop and reflect because it was an ungodly thing to do. I saw the hurt that came from broken marriages and the effects it had on the children,” he said.

    He urged the couple to be patient in order to overcome the hurdles of life. The jurist advised Adefemi to always make her home conducive and welcome her husband from work with a smile.

    Outgoing Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire supervised the cutting of the wedding cake.

    The couple danced to a number of rhythms and blue (R&B) songs before the sensational hip-hop artiste Skales came on stage, dishing out many of his hit songs.

    The maid of honour, Bunmi Sokenu-Salako and the best man Dapo Olanitori, proposed the toast. Olanitori said he had known Oluwatosin for 19 years, adding:  “He has not looked a day older since I met him.” He described Adefemi’s acceptance of his friend’s proposal as the best news he has heard in years.

    Giving the vote of thanks, the  groom said he felt complete and blessed witnessing the day he had dreamt about for long.

  • ‘He was a jolly good governor’

    ‘He was a jolly good governor’

    A thanksgiving service was held last Friday for the out-going governor of Lagos State,  Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola at Trinity House Church, Victoria Island. It was tagged: 8 Years of Grace, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    An appreciation of his eight-year service in Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola last week got a rare honour from the Trinity House Church. The church held a thanksgiving for him and his family at its Landmark Village on Victoria Island, Lagos headquarters last Friday. 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 ribracking jokes amid soulifiting songs by Dupe Ige. Gospel artistes Buchi and his gospel reggae band, Lady Evangelist Tope Alabi and the Trinity Voices were also on hand.

    There was a presentation on Fashola achievements and how he has been able to transform Lagos. There were also people’s views and opinions on the outgoing governor and on 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 8 years as beautiful.

    She prayed for a peaceful tenure for the incoming 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 Governor Fashola for remitting the taxes of those living in Ogun and working in Lagos.

    Describing Governor 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, would still need him, having shown what he is made of and will be remembered for.

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

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

  • For a better society

    For a better society

    Renonwned lawyer and former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing Alhaji Olufemi Okunnu (SAN) has unveiled his book : “Contemporary State Land Matters in Nigeria: The Case of Lagos State”, at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    There  was no dress code. But the dressing of many gave it out as a gathering of lawyers. They were in black suits. The senior citizens and traditional rulers settled for native attires. This was the setting penultimate Wednesday when renonwned lawyer and former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Olufemi Okunnnu (SAN) launched his book: “Contemporary State Land Matters in Nigeria: The Case of Lagos State” at the Metropolitan Club on Victoria Island.

    Well attired beautiful women led guests to their seats. The venue? It was decorated in green and white.

    Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), displayed his mastery as a compere, reeling out dignitaries, names and inviting them to the high table.

    Pedro led the gathering to recite the National Anthem.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who chaired the event, noted that the book dealt on a topic that concerns everybody.

    According to him it is a new and better edition of a book on how Lagos was denied land access.

    The governor said: “I had had the chance of travelling over Lagos in a helicopter and I can tell you Lagos is a beautiful site. It is the smallest land mass in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is just about 3,700 square kilometres, but there is something unique about this land that in spite of the size, it is one of the most sought after. It is one of the most valued. It is where a lot of wealth, businesses and addresses love to be and where many of them are being created. Many people, who are anything in this country trace their origins, either their bank headquarters is here or the headquarters of the Stock Exchange is here. So, if you want shares here, the land here has helped to control the value of your assets wherever you live in this republic. Indeed, it is also one of the very few places in the world rounded on both side by water; the atlantic and the lagoon. The state has many rich Islands, but yet that is the place where we have been most hard done by the federal government.”

    Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, the reviewer, described the book as a melting pot of history, geography and constitution. He praised the author for  presenting the subject in a coherent manner, saying it examines, cross-examines and re-examines issues of state land holdings against the backdrop of our pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial history.

    Ipaye noted that rather than make a case for a particular state government, Mr Okunnu is actually rooting for true federalism, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

    He said he believes the book is Alhaji Okunnu’s presentation to the incoming government  of Muhammudu Buhari and Prof Yemi Osinbajo, (SAN).

    “From 1985 to date, it appears that Lagos State has always been at the wrong end of the stick of federalism. Alhaji has made a case for constructive dialogue here. The time for that dialogue between the Federal Government and Lagos State Government is now,” he said.

    The Otunba of Iruland Chief Alaba Oniru presented the book, which was unveiled by Fashola. The book was launched by Governor-elect, Akinwunmi Ambode and former Chief Judge of Lagos State Justice Ayotunde Philips, among others.

    The author said he was inspired to write the book because of  his commitment to the ideals of justice and equality among states  as the true basis for federalism.

    The book, he said is about land tenure system, with reference to Federal Government’s to ownership of land in several parts of Nigeria, using Lagos State as a case study.

    The book, he said, examines the Land Use Act 1978 and Decree No 52 of 1993 vis-à-vis the laws of the state regarding land ownership.

    Ambode described the book as a working paper for him. “There is no other way someone can put that vast knowledge together, so it’s the future of everyone and I say a big thank you to the author,” he said.

    In attendance were All Progressives Congress (APC), National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN); Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu; the author’s wife, and former deputy governor of Lagos State Alhaja Latifat Okunnu and her daughter, Justice Latifat Okunnu; Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu; Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN); Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi; Chief Philip Asiodu; Chief Lai Ajayi-Bembe and Mr Babatunde Fatayi- Williams, among others.

     

     

  • ‘He was a jolly good governor’

    ‘He was a jolly good governor’

    A thanksgiving service was held last Friday for the out-going governor of Lagos State,  Mr Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola, at 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 Governor Babatunde Fashola last week got a rare honour from the Trinity House Church. The church held a thanksgiving for him and his family at its Landmark Village on Victoria Island, Lagos headquarters last Friday. 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 ribracking jokes amid soulifiting songs by Dupe Ige. Gospel artistes Buchi and his gospel reggae band, Lady Evangelist Tope Alabi and the Trinity Voices were also on hand.

    There was a presentation on Fashola achievements and how he has been able to transform Lagos. There were also people’s views and opinions on the outgoing governor and on 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 8 years as beautiful.

    She prayed for a peaceful tenure for the incoming 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 Governor Fashola for remitting the taxes of those living in Ogun and working in Lagos.

    Describing Governor 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, would still need him, having shown what he is made of and will be remembered for.

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

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

     

  • Union of soul mates

    Union of soul mates

    Daughter of veteran journalist Gboyega Amonboye (aka Governor) Adejoke and her heart-throb Abiodun, scion of the popular Adebutu of Ijebu, Ogun State, got married in Lagos on Saturday May 9. NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    Their love story began five years ago. Then Abiodun Adebutu, an information technology (IT) worker with Premier Lotto, was undergoing his National Youth Service in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

    Adejoke Amonboye who was in her final year at the Enugu State University (ESUT), used to visit him.

    That relationship became a lifelong affair following their wedding penultimate Saturday at Dominion City Church in Festac Town,Lagos.

    The three- event was held the same day in the same venue. It started with the traditional wedding, the solemnisation in church and the reception.

    Close family members and friends were there to witness the ceremony. The hall was decorated in purple and yellow.

    Abiodun was the first to arrive in the church. He eagerly awaited his bride’s arrival. He and his best man wore purple jackets on black trousers.

    Minister in charge of Dominion City Church Pastor Tobe Mbanefo urged the couple not to see the ring as a symbol of slavery, but that of a marriage between lovers. He administered the oath of marriage on the couple before joining them as man and wife.

    Reading from Ephesians 5:23-25, he urged the couple to stick to the rules of marriage, imploring Adejoke to submit to her husband. He advised Abiodun not to see himself as a symbol of power and authority.

    Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, who chaired the reception, said the couple’s union is significant because they got married when God is at work in the country. He urged Abiodun to be faithful to his wife.

    The couple cut their beautiful pyramid shaped cake of purple and white. The groom’s friend, Seun Folayan, who proposed the toast, told the gathering how the couple’s love story began.

    The bride’s father, Mr Gboyega Amonboye, urged the couple to fear God.

    Praying for long life for the couple, he advised them neither to see life as a bed of roses nor expect so much from each other too soon.

    Adejoke, who works with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) said she met her man through a friend, adding that she was attracted to his mature character.

    Abiodun said her beauty attracted him. He thanked God for making his dream come true.

  • Firm rewards excellence

    Firm rewards excellence

    The joy of members of staff and agents of African Alliance Insurance, a foremost insurance company, knew no bounds when they received special recognition, awards and gifts for excellent performance in Lagos. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

    They came in their best suits and traditional attires. Their happiness was self-evident.  It was the day African Alliance Insurance, a foremost insurance company, gave special recognition, awards and gifts to its deserving employees and agents in Lagos. It is an annual fiesta looked forward to by employees and agents.

    For employees, the honour of standing on the rostrum to be celebrated cannot be quantified. And they glowed with pride as they took turn to receive their awards.

    Some of the rewards were in Best Unit Manager in Takaful, a family plan product; Best Three Agents in Takaful, Best Agency Managers in Annuity Premium Income, Best Agency Manager in First Year Premium Income, Best Agency Manager in Renewable Premium Income, among others.

    The essence of the ceremony, which was initiated in 2013, is to encourage the employees and agents of the company to explore more opportunities in the insurance world that is increasingly becoming more competitive.

    “It is not essentially because the money and gifts thatcome with the award that I am too much bothered with. It is rather the honour and recognition that advertise you as a hard working staff. I narrowly missed being recognized this year but I hope that by next year, I will be one of those to be celebrated,” said an employee.

    African Alliance Insurance Managing Director Alphose Okpor, who introduced the initiative on his appointment in 2013, explained that the essence is to reward the winners and challenge others to work harder in order to be able to meet the goal of the company, which he said, is to become a leader in the life insurance sector. In apparent reference to the biblical story of the mustard tree which started as the smallest seed but later became the largest tree in the forest, he disclosed that the company began the reward system from a humble beginning before taking it to its current enticing status.

    He said: “We started with small gift items like generators and plaques before we realised that they were not enough. We upgraded when we introduced new targets across policies”.

    In explaining the qualifications for the award, Okpor disclosed that an employee who delivers individual life policies and life annuity insurance worth specific amount of premium, is entitled to a saloon car from the company.

    Okpor added that since the introduction of the gesture, staff and agent morale for achieving more, has been boosted greatly.

    At this year’s exercise, plaques, cars, cash prizes and home appliances were given to deserving staff and agents.

    Sylvester Onu, Onitsha, Anambra Branch Manager of the company, who won in two out of 25 categories, was presented with a Hyundai Elantra Saloon Car, which he earned in Best Agency Manager category in Renewable Premium Income. He was also given a trophy and cash award.

    Onu, who enthused that he had won awards for three consecutive years, lauded the company for motivating him to do more. In his words; “I have won this category for three consecutive times now and the company still appreciates my efforts by giving me tools to explore. I thank the management for keeping their vision up”.

    Vivian Adams, Best Unit Manager of the year category award winner, was no less enthusiastic. Obviously overwhelmed with excitement at attaining the rare feat, she described the reward as a challenge for her to do more in the years ahead. “I feel so great to be recognised as best among my colleagues. This award is a tool for me to work harder in the coming year”, she stated.

    Winners in other categories expressed similar notes of excitement at their recognition and pledged to do more. On their own, those who could not make it this year, vowed to ensure putting up performances that would earn them recognition and accompanying reward next year.

    African Alliance Insurance, it was gathered, does not limit its efforts at motivating and encouraging its agents and workforce only to awards and special recognition.

    The company, according to the General Manager, Marketing, Vincent Emezi, also organises training programmes on time management and strategic marketing, among other incentives, for the staff and agents. Such engagements, he said, contribute in enhancing quality and capacity building within the company’s workforce and in the process, securing its future.

    He spoke glowingly on the annual award ceremony, stressing that it promotes healthy competition among the marketing staff of the company.

    The exercise, he said, “is a replica of what is done abroad to challenge employees to engage in healthy competition”, adding, “that is why the company rewards the First to the Third Winners at the event”.

    African Alliance Insurance Plc was incorporated as a Private Limited Liability Company on May 6, 1960 and was the first indigenous insurance company to carry out the business of Life Assurance in Nigeria. The company which was originally set up in partnership with Munich Reinsurance Company of Germany, one of the largest reinsurance companies in the world, has a shareholders’ fund of about N9 billion.

    It has in the last three years improved its revenue profile after recording losses in previous years. The liquidity of the company’s balance sheet and profitability ratios indices have also improved significantly.

    The core competencies of the company are a creative combination of Protection (Term Assurance and Group Life), Savings and Investment Products, which the insurance company has established a solid reputation for excellent customer service over the years.