Category: Society

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has been honoured as Silverbird Man of the Year 2014. Other notable Nigerians were also recognised at the ceremony, which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

CALL it a valedictory award, you won’t be wrong.

In three weeks, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan will complete his second and final term. Last Sunday in Lagos, he was honoured as Silverbird man of the year 2014

He was not the only honoree. Minister of Agriculture Dr Akinwunmi Adesina and Chairman, Innoson Group of Companies Chief Innocent Chukwuma bagged Silverbird Extraordinary Achievement Award.

For their efforts in battling the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which hit the country last year, Medical Director First Consultant Hospital, Dr Benjamin Ohiaeri, Lagos State Commissioner of Health Dr Jide Idris and his Rivers State counterpart Dr Sampson Parker picked Silverbird Special Recognition Award.

The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the late apostle of “politics without bitterness”, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri and former Imo State governor the late Chief Sam Mbakwe got Silverbird Posthumous Award.

Three senior citizens-Alhaji Maitama Sule, former Nigerian Permanent Represenative to the United Nations (UN), former Secretary of Petroleum Dr Philip Asiodu and former presidential adviser on budget Dr Gamaliel Omosode carted away Silverbird Lifetime Achievement Award. It was at the 10th Silverbird Television Man of the Year award held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Uduaghan got the award for restoring peace and security in Delta, infrastructural development, free medical care for children and elderly and his micro credit scheme.

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), who chaired the event, said the honorees deserve the awards.

There were documentaries on the awardees. The late Fawehinmi’s first son, Mohammed, received the award on behalf of the family. His mother and sister were with him.

The late Mbakwe’s award was received by his daughter and Imo State Commissioner for Education Lady Patience Mbakwe. She said with the award, she was proud to be called her father’s daughter. She dedicated the award to the re-elected Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, for keeping her father’s legacies.

Waziri’s daughter, Hajia Aisha Umar, said the award was timely, adding that her  father would be smiling in his grave to know the country is upholding his philosophy.

Chief Chukwuma’s Innoson is the first private company to assemble motorcycles and cars in Nigeria. It is the producer of the first made-in-Nigeria car. Chukwuma’s dream is to make new cars affordable for Nigerians instead of them going for second-hand vehicles. On receiving the award, Chukwuma said: “I will keep making Nigeria proud.”

Adesina said his achievements did not come because he is an extraordinary person, but as a public servant called to serve his country. He said he is from a poor background, adding that he worked with his father on people’s farms till he turned 15; went to Lagos and learnt to read and write.

“What motivates me is service to the poor because I came out of it and I know there is no comfort in it. Other awardees are real heroes of our country. Only God can reward them for making Nigeria a spotlight for other countries to emulate.”

Onosode, it was noted, began the Good News Baptist Church in his living room. The church has grown to having many branches across the country. Onosode’s son, Spencer, received the award on his behalf. Quoting the Bible, he said with the award God has anointed his father’s head with oil.

Asiodu said: “I take this award as a rejuvenation of our Civil Service which was destroyed since 1975 because it is necessary for us to rebuild our country with hardwork and diligence.”

The hall stood still for the Ebola conquerors as they made their way to the stage. There was a documentary on the Ebola virus that put the country on edge on last year. In the documentary, tributes were paid to those who paid the ultimate price.

Ohiaeri said his hospital lost four of its staff. In all, 12 died nationwide. He thanked the late Dr Stella Adadevoh for her sacrifice to the country.

Chairman of Silverbird Group and Bayelsa East Senator-elect Ben Murray-Bruce drove into the hall in an electric powered Kia Soul mini jeep. He showed the audience how the car is powered by a chargeable battery that can last for eight hours. Murray Bruce urged manufacturers to produce solar-powered cars that need no fuel or diesel to run, but has zero tolerance for pollution. He said the battery can last 300 kilometers.

He added: “The world has changed and we must change with it. But for the change to take place, we must understand what drives our people. The problem with Nigeria is the rich versus the poor. We need to control our consumption behaviour and care for the least of us by conserving and shrinking the way we spend.”

The high-point of the night was when Uduaghan was called out. He wore white suit and a black bow tie; his wife Roli wore a black dinner gown.

Delta State born aristes Sammie Okposo and Daddy Showkey sang a song to usher him to the podium.

Also in attendance were: Senator Annie Okonkwo; Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; President, Nigerian Guild of Editors Femi Adesina; Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation Sam Omatseye;  ace broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Publisher Vanguard Newspaper Sam Amuka-Pemu Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo; Nollywood act or Fred Amata; Comedians Basket Mouth, Bovi and Emeka Smith.

The Iyaloja of Odua Market in Ojota, Lagos State, Chief Oluwasimidele Fadayomi, clocked 70 on April 14. She celebrated her birthday at her Ojota, Lagos home, after a thanksgiving service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi-Ketu. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

Ever seen a strong woman at 70? Iyaloja of Odua Market in Ojota, Lagos, Chief Oluwasimidele Fadayomi demonstrated the strength of a septugenarian penultimate Sunday, at her 70th birthday at her Ojota, Lagos home, after a thanksgiving service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi-Ketu.

Mrs Fadayomi, a retired nurse,  hardly sat down for the over five hours that the celebration lasted.

She was filled with joy, dancing to beautiful tunes by Victory Live Band and moving around her compound to greet her guests.

She was a beauty to behold in her pink lace Buba and Iro, with matching Gele and Ipele; her simple but beautiful make-up with the gold jewellery and royal beads made her look much younger.

Her husband Chief Abiola Fadayomi looked resplendent in green agbada, with beads on his neck and a pair of glasses. Their male children were all in white; their daughters wore uniformed blue ankara fabric with pink head gears.

Family members and friends sat on chairs set at tables under tents. The waiters, assisted by family members, ensured that guests had a lot to eat and drink.

Taiwo Ade-Lawal, a.k.a. Bountiful, anchored the event; Mr Abiodun Adedeji said the opening prayers. Guests said nice things about the celebrator.

Mr Fadayomi said he was excited that he and his wife is alive. He described her as a woman in a million, nice, truthful, gentle, decent and trustworthy.

He said: “I really thank God for our marriage, which has blossomed into over 20 individuals including our children, their spouses and grand children. If we are coming back to this world, I will prefer to marry my wife than anybody else. My wife is a very good woman; God specifically gave her to me and I cherish her so much. She is a good mother.” Her first daughter, Mrs Omolara Ete, described her mother as wonderful, loving, understanding, beautiful and gorgeous.

She said: “My mother is the best mom anyone can have. She is someone that will not pamper you, but then, she will show you love as a mother. I appreciate and thank her for her advice, training and for making me what I am today. I wish her many more years in sound health and beauty as she is today.”

Her first son, Mr Henry Fadayomi, said his mother was incomparable, adding that he cannot do without her.

He said his mother was able to cope with him in the midst of all the problems he gave her. He wished her long life, prosperity and good health.

In her thanksgiving, the celebrator thanked God that she is alive, saying that 70 is a long journey. She also thanked her guests attributing the secret of her young looks to God.

She added: “In the midst of all ups and downs in 70 years, I thank God that I am alive and my children are celebrating it for me.”

Mrs Fadayomi said one of her  memorable days was when her first child gave birth, adding that  now she is 70, she wants to live happily.

She said: “I want to go out, sit down and eat the way I wish. I also like going to parties, dressed up and with that I will feel younger”.

The celebrator described her husband as a darling, who will always be there for her and someone, who hardly gets annoyed.

A family member, Mrs Margaret Adepegba, described the celebrator as an epitome of beauty; a woman of virtue and a good mother.

A family friend Otunba Yemi Odutayo described the celebrator as a woman people use as a prayer contact.

He added: “She is a woman to be proud of; a woman among women and a role model.”

Managing Director of Mud Cosmetics former Miss Stella Onyinye Onwugbenu got married to her heartthrob and Information Technology specialist Bosah Ikenna Chukwuogo on April 18, in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

THEY met last year through a mutual friend. They became friends culminating in their marriage on April 18 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The traditional marriage of Onyinye and Bosah took place on April 7, at Chief Louis Onwugbenu’s  Uruagu, Nnewi hometown in Anambra State. Onwugbenu is the Managing Director of Louis Carter Industries – which is into manufacturing, real estate, agriculture and importation.

The groom’s father is the Managing Director of Boskel Nigeria Limited, an engineering firm in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The bride, with her bridesmaids, arrived in the church at noon in a white Infinity Limousine. She stole the show in her flowing gown as she was led into the church by her father. Bosah was seated on one side of the church waiting for her.

The ceremony was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Rev Dr Martin Uzochukwu.

In a homily, Rev Dr Alphonsus Okonkwo of Nnewi Diocese urged the couple to replicate the Trinitarian love.

“This is an institution of divine level and not man made. In this union, you have to take up your responsibility and be a man of faith, who lives a life of communion and union with Christ. It is no longer your life, but the life of Christ. If you are faithful to Christ, you will be faithful to each other,” the cleric said.

He urged the couple to always pray together so as to attract grace from God. He said prayers and mutual understanding were key in marriage.

At the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel in Lekki where the reception was held, there was cocktail on the corridor before  people entered,  a pianist played nice tunes. Pictures of the couple were displayed; their friends signed on plain spaces of the pictures.

The hall was breathtaking. Nollywood actor Okey Bakassi was the Master of Ceremony. He also cracked jokes in-between anchoring the event.

There was plenty to eat and drink. The all-rosy cake was suspended from a chain. It soon became a spectacle as people struggled to see it.

Onyinye outshone Bosah in dancing into the hall. Guests stood to have a good look at the groom’s funny dance steps. The invited band, Adrenaline, was supported by a DJ, who churned out contemporary tunes to guests delight.

It was fun all the way when the son-mother and father-daughter took to the dance floor. The moving moment was when Onyinye broke down and wept during a solo dance with her father.  Her father fought back tears before handing ther over to her beau.

Bosah was born in Warri, Delta State and grew up in Port Harcourt.  He had his secondary school education in the United States (US) and studied Computer Science. Thirteen years after a fulfilling career as a software engineer, he returned to Nigeria in 2011 to begin his IT business, Hamot Integrated Services, specialising in network infrastructure and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Oyinye read accounting in America and worked with Ernest and Young as an accountant. She came back to Nigeria to live her dream as a cosmetics and make-up expert. She runs a cosmetology school, where she trains young stars in make-up and hair styling.

Bosah told The Nation how he found out that he had a lot in common with Onyinye after months of dating.

“I proposed to her when she was in New York on holiday last year. I went there with a ring to see her, but it was straightforward when I asked her to marry me. I’m lucky she accepted because she makes me feel happy and fulfilled. She makes me feel like I’ve never felt before. She’s the only one that makes me feel that way,” he said.

Bride’s mother Patricia described her daughter as an industrious and hardworking adding that she loves doing house chores and ensuring that everyone is comfortable. “There is no dull moment whenever Onyinye is around. She can even sacrifice herself to ensure that everyone is happy,” she said.

She advised her to keep up her good character and respect her husband.

Mr Chukwuogo described his daughter-in-law as a good girl whom he is proud of.

Dangote Group of Companies President Alhaji Aliko Dangote, former Defence Minister Gen Theophilus Danjuma and the Offa, Kwara State monarch, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, were last Friday installed as vice patrons of the prestigious Island Club at its Peacock Hall. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

IT is a club of great repute with membership cutting accross every segment of society. The Island Club commands respect. It is a club among clubs and does its things in a big way. Its first outing for the year-inauguration of Vice Patrons and Trustees – last Friday was a crowd puller. The roads leading to the club were jampacked.

Chauffeur driven cars jostled for parking space on the roadside, as their occupants alighted to walk to the club.  Only those dressed in suits or agbada were allowed into the premises.

Itinerant drummers and street urchins made brisk business, singing praises of those they recognised. Members of the club complimented their traditional attires with a uniformed blue-striped cap made of aso oke fabric. Some came with their wives. The hall was decorated in blue and white.

Banners advertising Dangote products dotted the premises.

The majestic entry of royal fathers, such as Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, was heralded by  trumpeters and traditional flutists, called Kakaki. As they entered, everyone rose in their honour.

Legendary Juju music maestro Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi was on the bandstand.

The chairman Prince Demola Dada, led the three vice patrons – Gen Theophilus Danjuma, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, represented by the Ojomu of Offa, Chief Bayo Akinola, into the hall. They took their seats on the high table.

The gathering was called to order by the club’s Social Secretary, Obafemi Oderinde. The General Secretary, Diji Vera-Cruz, led all to  render the National Anthem, the club anthem.

Prince Dada described the awardees as diligent men whose achievements in business are phenomenal. He lauded them for their contributions to humanity and the society, which prompted the honour.

He paid tributes to the late Chairman of the club’s Board of Trustees, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, whose death, he said, delayed the inauguration.

“Gen Danjuma is a man of honour and integrity. Apart from serving gallantly in the Nigerian Armed Forces before his retirement, he has also become a successful businessman in and outside the shore of Africa.

“Alhaji Dangote is Africa’s most successful business mogul, whose name is synonymous with success. Though humble, he sits atop a massive business conglomerate with global spread,” he said.

The vice patrons’ citations were read. They were also presented with certificates and made honorary members of the club. They join the rank of other vice patrons of the club,  such as Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade; Oba of Benin Omo N’oba Erediauwa; Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona; Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

Those installed trustees are: Chief Sunny Odogwu; Chief Olusola Faleye; Prof John Godwin; Elder Simeon Olakunrin (SAN); Mr Samuel Adegbayibi; Chief O. Alex- Duduyemi and Alhaji Ayo Quadri.

Gen Danjuma thanked the club  for the honour, Alhaji Dangote said he would strive to contribute to its growth.

A pharmacist, Mr Paul Ndukwe, from Awka in Anambra State has given out his daughter, Vivinne Nkechi, in marriage to  Oluyomi Daniel, son of Chief Josiah Odofin, who hails from Ilesa, Osun State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

Oluyemi was beside himself with joy when he related to this reporter how he met his heartthrob, Nkechi, whom he had a crush on  the first time they met 15 years ago. They met in same neighbourhood and struck each other as acquaintances. But Oluyemi wanted something more than being an acquaintance.

Fortunately, in 2004, they both worshipped at the same fellowship centre, Believers’ World Fellowship, of the same campus of Onabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where they both studied. Oluyemi was studying Geography and Town Planning and Nkechi was studying Law.

“She sat in front of my friend and I and when she looked back, our eyes met and she was convinced she has met me somewhere. Before the final grace, we talked and she tried explaining who she was to me to no avail. I just could not remember.

“The next day, while having my bath, I remembered her. She was my long lost crush. I ran out of the bath in excitement to tell my friend I had found my wife. On same day, as we drove into the campus, there she was at the gate. We stopped the car and that was it. Since then till now, we spend every weekend together and I’m glad we began as friends because since 2004 till date, we are still together because it is a mutual thing.

“I believe it was fate that brought us together because she was meant to have studied in the University of Lagos, but was declined an admission into Law. That was when she opted for her second choice so that she could meet me. Can’t you see it was divine intervention?”

The Classique Events Centre on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, played hosts to the family of the lovebirds from Anambra and Osun State at the traditional wedding ceremony, Igba Nkwu of Nkechi and Oluyemi.

It was a day both families had longed  for to and they  left no stone unturned in ensuring that it was not only memorable, but exciting.

Passersby wondered if there was a dance troupe rehearsal going on as various traditional dancers tried to show their skills.

Those, who made it into the tastefully decorated hall, venue of the event, after being thoroughly checked by security officials, wowed at the massive parking space at the venue. They were greeted by an Igbo traditional troupe dancers, who entertained with flutes. On each table was a candle stand with lighted candle stick. There were big television screens placed strategically on the walls around the hall to give guests a better view of what was happening.

The tables were exotically decorated in gold and shiny overlays.  An Indian lantern was equally placed in the centre of each table.

The Ndukwes were already seated, awaiting the arrival of their in-laws and guests.

Along came a group of people, announcing the arrival of the long expected guests from Osun State. They  refused to take their seat untill they achieved their mission. They told the gathering why they came to pluck a beautiful flower they described as shiny and respectful.

Oluyemi, who was decked in an Igbo attire, looked more like a traditional Igbo chief. He held a title-less hand fan, which he waved around with a sense of pride.

He made straight for the high table, himself and his friends, prostrated before his family members and in-laws, showing how Yoruba men greet their elders.

The bride’s mother, Grace, had  kolanut trays to present to her guests. As they moved forward into the hall, praise songs in honour of women rented the air. The cultural dancers added colour to the event with their dance steps.

Nkechi also danced with maidens and friends, bearing a tray filled with garden eggs. She was sprinkled with red rose petals every step she took.  She then took the tray to where her in-laws sat and served them. Her dress and her charming smile caught everyone’s attention.

When it was confirmed that her in-laws have met all the requirements expected of them, Nkechi went in and changed into a beautiful skirt and blouse made from a shiny sequence. She collected a glass of palmwine from her father and began to search for her beau in the crowd. She found him, knelt and presented him with the drink, which he hurriedly gulped down his throat.

She then led him to her father and they both knelt before him. The old man then prayed that the young couple would have a prosperous marital life.

Remains of the Iyalode of Osogbo, Chief Bernice Alake Kolade, who died on February 12,  have been buried in the historic town. Joseph Eshanokpe reports.

Osogbo, the Osun State capital virtually stood still between March 5 and 6 for the funeral of the Iyalode of the ancient town, Mrs Bernice Alake Kolade (nee Jayeola), who died on February 12. She was 74.

The calibre of guests attests to her status while alive. Everything about the funeral was classy.

Though she held a traditional title, the funeral was  a Christian affair. The late Mrs Kolade was a devout Christian; her late husband was a  deacon in Baptist Church. The wake was held on March 5 at the Abodua Compound in Osogbo.The two-hour event was presided over by the Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Osun, Rt Rev James Popoola, who spoke on man’s mortality. He reminded all that it was appointed unto man to die and after that judgment.

The cleric said every human being is expected to play his role, noting that the late Mrs Kolade did. He said the tributes by well-wishers testified to the life she lived.

Rt Rev Popola described the late Mrs Kolade as a community leader and God-fearing. Her daughter Mrs Aderonke Funmilayo Abokede said her mother stood by her in her most trying moments and helped her to keep her family together.Her brother Femi Kolade waxed philosophical, describing death as wicked. ‘’Just like that, you took away the precious jewel of many,’’ he said.

The late Mrs Kolade’s only brother Mr Tunji Jayeola said his sister were like Siamese twins.  She was honest, virtuous, elegant and a promoter of gender equality and women empowerment, he said.

Jayeola, Manager, Ecobank, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Branch, said his sister’s death surprised him. His words: “You were ever my pride and an African pride that came out from a humble background. You were a good ambassador of the family and the community. What I really missed about you is the cross pollination of issues we shared together.’’

Mrs Kolade’s grandchild Temitayo Abokede’s tribute was touching. “Grandma,’’ he wrote , “It looks as if you travelled and you are not yet back. I asked my mum if I will be able to see you, and she said no, but you can see us. I told mummy that I want a very big picture of you to hang in my room so that I can see you every day.’’

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a condolence letter, described the late Iyalode as an epitome of womanhood, imbued with humility, compassion and care. His deputy  Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori  said she had known the late Mrs Kolade from youth to be  accommodating, forthright, thoughtful and willing to lead by example. Aregbesola’s predecessor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola prayed God to grant her eternal rest.

The funeral service was at the Anglican Communion Cathedral of All Saints, Balogun Agoro in Osogbo on March 6. The pall bearers  gave a good account of themselves. Led by some ladies and young men who wore aso oke, and held horse tails. They were a sight to behold with the  their dance steps, were a sight to behold. The cart manned by two men, which ferried the casket, added colour to the ceremony. Many people came out to watch them.

Jayeola said the ceremony was unique, noting that it was the first time a cart would be carrying a casket in Osogbo. According to him, it was also the first time too that billboards were used to announce a funeral, instead of posters.

After the church service, the ‘congregation’ moved to the  late Mrs Kolade’s husband house on Oduola Street for the interment. The General Overseer, Victory Life Ministries International, Ilesa, Osun State, Bishop Mike Bamidele, said, it was the end of an era. He said with her interment, her earthly journey was over.  Mrs Abokede’s brother Femi and others performed the dust-to-dust rite.

At the reception, Osogbo Stadium, Juju music maestro  Chief Ebenezer Obey  entertained guests.

At the event were: former Inspector-General of Police (IG), Tafa Balogun; Iyalode of Egbaland, Mrs Alaba Lawson;  Senator Olu Alabi; and representatives of Ooni of Ife.

Also there were Prof Iyiola Oni of the Department of Geography, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Toyin Ogundipe; Director, Academic Planning, UNILAG; Mr. and Mrs Bode Adediji, Prof Femi Fadiora, Chief Medical Officer, Ladoke Akintola University Osogbo; Alhaji  Akeem Toluwaloju and Sir Supo Adigun.

Otheres were former president, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Segun Aina; Dr Abiola Afolabi-Akinyoye;  Prof Foluso Okunmadewa, Chudi Onuha; Prof Niyi Okunola of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Mr Bade Adesina, Prof Bolanle Awe, Leo Awoyemi and James Odiba.