National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu turned 63 on March 29, a day after the presidential and National Assembly elections. Contrary to expectations, he went for a low-key celebration. His family members, close friends and associates gathered for a small party at his Ikoyi, Lagos home last Sunday.
Islamic clerics prayed for the birthday ‘boy’ on the occasion.
The convener of Single’s Platform, a non-profit organisation for young adults, Pastor Olaiwola Abiola, has presented three of his books: Understanding Marriage; The Mystery of the 5 Fingers and Sex! Kini Big Deal, reports NNEKA NWANERI
For the man of God, it was a dream come true, after years of waiting and putting ideas together. Last Saturday, Pastor Olaiwola Abiola, the convener of Single’s Platform, a non-profit organisation for young adults, launched three of his books at the Protea Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Many of his friends, young and old, were there to support him.
The books are: Understanding Marriage; The Mystery of the 5 Fingers and Sex! Kini Big Deal.
The Single’s Platform music group ushered in chairman of the event and president, Simnet Outreach Ministries in the United Kingdom, Prophet Simon Idowu, to speak, with song praise.
The prophet and Abiola’s late father, were friends.
He is happy that Abiola has kept the flag flying.
“I see in him a man with zeal for the work of God, just like his dad who gave everything. This is a calling from God he is attending to.”
Deputy Secretary, Mushin/Oshodi Isolo Province of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Austin Ameh reviewed books: The Mystery of the 5 Fingers and Sex! Kini Big Deal. He said in the former, the author used the five fingers to explain the events that took place in Adam’s life.
The thumb represents purpose; the index finger for tasting, represents food; the middle, which is the longest finger, represents man’s potential and the shortest finger signifies man’s shortcomings.
Sex! Kini Big Deal comprises 88 pages and eight chapters.
The reviewer said the book gives insight into societal decadence.
The book, he said, presents sex in God’s view with relevant spiritual references that will make the young appreciate sex and practise it in the right sense.
Senior Pastor of The Incorruptible Seed Church, Magodo, Lagos, Morenikeji Ajayi spoke on the need to take the issue raised in the book seriously, because it is one of the treacherous areas of life that makes the end time more scary.
The church, he notes, is facing challenges in raising the standard of God in these perilous times.
“Abiola is preparing the next generation through these books, because long after he is no more, these books will still be useful.
Reviewing Understanding Marriage, by Daniel Asonye, likened marriage to driving a car on a long busy road, where there will be the need to observe traffic signals, speed limits and other vehicles and road users around.
“As you journey, there will be death traps and pot holes to avoid. Without doing all these, the journey can end up being fatal. The book is loaded with the myths and realities of marriage, for which many marriages fail because of the violation of the laws.
Abiola said his programme which holds every third Sunday of the month, has met the needs of youths outside the church, with many giving testimonies.
Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Australia Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement last Sunday at the national headquarters of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ebute Meta, Lagos, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.
It was a day of thanksgiving and praises to God for Ambassador Ayoola Olukanni, former Nigeria’s High Commissioner in Australia.
He celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement last Sunday at the national headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Throne of Grace Parish in Ebute Meta, Lagos.
He was clad in blue Agbada with a wine cap and a pair of black shoes. He sat in the front pew of the church with his family members.
Many guests came to greet him on his seat.
The event began with praises. It was led by the church choir.
Kayode Ojo was the Master of the Ceremony.
After the praise session, BJ Sax led the gathering in another round of praises with his saxophone.
A musician, producer, songwriter and son-in-law of the celebrator, Cobhams Asuquo also led guests in praises, singing and playing the keyboard.
Special Assistant to RCCG General Oversser (Administration and Personel) Pastor Johnson Odesola, in a sermon, told the celebrator that life begins at 60.
He spoke on the need to be rightly positioned, saying it will determine possession in life.
“You must have something to offer; you must apply your heart to wisdom and we must ensure love among ourselves because with love, the world would be a better place,” he said.
The cleric, who is also the pastor in charge of Region 1, prayed for the celebrator and his family afterwards.
The celebrator said life is great at 60.
“I don’t feel 60, I feel 16 and I thank God for good health. I feel excited and I have begun another race. I still have a lot to do in terms of my contribution to the country.
“My retirement now gives me the opportunity to start a new life. Based on my experience in the Foreign Service, I want to contirbute to the nation in the area of development, culture, environment, education and may be civil society groups.”
His wife, Yemisi thanked God for His faithfulness and for the grace to build the family.
She described her husband as her dearest friend, soul mate, lover, baby, sweetie and all in all. She thanked him for being a wonderful and caring husband, and for being a loving father to the children.
She said their journey in marriage of about 45 years has been interesting, full of memorable experiences, great achievements and challenges and gave all the glory to God that they are still standing in Him as a family and as husband and wife.
RCCG General Overseer Pastor Enoch Adeboye and his wife Folu were represented by their first son, Pastor Adeolu Adeboye. He congratulated the celebrator and thanked God for His grace and mercy on his life.
He said the celebrator loves dancing, adding that is one part of him that no one can beat.
“You travelled to different parts of the world while in the civil service; you should be a missionary in the second half of your life. We love you,” he said.
Ambassador Michael Ononaiye said it is the grace of God that has kept the celebrator till now.
According to him, the celebrator served excellently well in the civil service, he distinguished himself and he was an energetic worker.
“I am happy to have come across him. I wish him well and pray that he will continue in the blessings of God,” he said.
Dr Adegbenga Sun-Basorun told the celebrator that this is the time to serve God with all his strength having retired from service.
A friend, Mr Bunmi Makinwa, who has known the celebrator for over 45 years, said Olakanni is an entertainer.
“He loves dancing and no body can compete with him. When we were in St. Lawrence’s Grammar School, Ilesa between 1968 and 1972, he loved dancing like the late Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, musician, Fela Anikulapo. Ayo would dance in front of the class, in parties and he still dances up to today.
“He is a socialist and he would only be either first or second in every competition. He is a super star, he has done well for all and we want him to continue to serve us in a better way.
“He is a man that would never allow anything to go wrong, he is always ready to help, care and assist,” he said.
His first daughter, Mrs Ojuola Asuquo thanked God for the life of her father and prayed that he would live for another 60 years.
She said her father is loving, nice, generous, open hearted, optimistic and practical.
“Words cannot fully convey how full of gratitude I am for your love, acceptance and encouragement. May God grant you more wisdom, influence, new experiences and enjoyment,” she said.
Mr Asuquo said his father-in-law is exceptional, special, and dear to him.
“He is such a man that you want to have a long relationship with, I wish him the best. He has achieved so many things and I plead to him to share his words of knowledge to our generation,” he said.
The celebrator’s brother, Mr Dele Olukanni said him as warm, handsome, a giver, a mentor and approachable, adding that he can be looked up to.
Olakunle, son of Bjeg Ventures Nigeria Limited founder Mr Bankole Jegede, married his beau, Tumininu, daughter of a Lagos State civil servant, Mr Oluwadayo Olaitan, last Saturday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Centre Parish in Agege, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.
It was a day of joy for Olakunle, son of Bjeg Ventures Nigeria Limited founder, Mr Bankole Jegede, and his beau, Tumininu, last Saturday when they were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victory Centre Parish in Agege, Lagos State.
They were the cynosure of all eyes. The bride was a beauty to behold in her white flowing wedding dress. The groom was handsome in a blue suit and sparkling white shirt.
Their parents wore light blue native attires.
Some of the guests wore the gold lace and blue head gear and cap chosen for the occasion.
Deaconess Catherine Ojekunle said the opening prayer; Pastor Wole Oluwasanmi took the Bible reading from John 2: 1-11.
The church choir sang the hymn “God give us Christian home”. Pastor Oluseyi Olaore joined the couple after they exchanged marital vows and rings.
In a sermon, Pastor John Ekundayo said marriage is a life time affair, urging the couple to embrace effective communication. “You must learn to work on yourselves and say sorry at all times. Be friends and settle all quarrels between you, ” he advised.
A bevy of pretty women in black dresses, welcomed guests to the reception at LaOcassion Events Centre in New Oko Oba, Agege
The hall was decorated in white.
Heads turned when the couple entered, smiling and dancing.
They were accompanied by friends and family members amid hip pop songs by the Disc Jockey Daniel Stephen.
The chairman on the occasion, Nigeria Guild of Editors President and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Mr. Femi Adesina congratulated the couple and their parents on the outing, noting that it is a blessing to witness such a day. He told the couple that if they hold on to the scripture all the days of their life, they would enjoy their marriage.
“Bring out the best of yourselves, so that your marriage will work. Do not provoke each other to anger; rather ensure love and good works just as the Bible says,” he added.
He urged them to desire to live together for over 60 years and to carry each other like an egg. He said: “Let your partner be your friend because there are certain issues you may not be able to resolve as husband and wife but you can resolve them as friends”.
The couple cut the cake and fed each other.
Samuel Akinyode, a close friend of the couple, proposed the toast. He said the groom married his first love, insisting that it is possible to do so.
Seyi Michael and his Glorious Band entertained guests. Family members and friends joined the couple on the dance floor.
Prince Adeyemi Balogun told the couple to make God the corner stone of their relationship.
“They should have the spirit of forgiveness and their love must be evergreen at any point in time,” he told The Nation.
Bride’s mother, Mrs Toyin Olaitan, who works with Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue, prayed God to bless the couple with children.
She urged them to manage their relationship with love.
Her father, Mr Oluwadayo Olaitan, said the secret of his marriage is patience, urging the couple to emulate him.
“For your marriage to be successful, you need patience and you need Jesus. If you have the spirit of God in you, seek God and never rely on your own power, God will guide you,” he said.
Groom’s mother Mrs Bosede Jegede prayed that the marriage would be fruitful.
She advised the bride to submit to her husband, adding that the couple should encourage each other always. She said they should hold on to God and be prayerful.
Jegede told his son to follow his footsteps in his marital life.
The groom said he felt elated, happy and fulfilled.
He thanked God that their 12-year friendship blossomed into marriage.
He described his wife as the most beautiful woman that he had ever seen. “She is a virtuous woman with good character and a woman every good guy will want to spend the rest of his life with. I am so happy that she said yes to me, I love her so much and I will love her for the rest of my life,” he said.
The bride said she is filled with joy, excitement, happiness, adding that it was the best day of her life, which she has been waiting for.
She described her husband as cool, caring, hardworking and the best.
Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Adeola Ipaye launched his book titled: ‘Nigerian Tax Law and Administration’ at Muson Centre, Onikan. The event drew judges and lawyers, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.
The courtroom is the Lawyer’s playground, where he exhibits his skills, arguing cases. But the setting was different last Wednesday when Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr Adeola Ipaye launched his book: “Nigerian Tax Law and Administration” at Muson Centre Lagos State Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Lawal (SAN), welcomed guests. He said the book is a contribution to the nation’s development and applauded the author for finding time to write it.
Justice Amina Augie of the Court of Appeal, said the author was goal-oriented, describing him as an accomplisher.
Book reviewer Tunde Fagbohunlu said the book has added a vital resource to the existing knowledge on tax law and administration. He described the work as “concise”, comprehensive and effective.
Presenting the book, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) said payment of tax should not be taken for granted in any society because there is no way the government can embark on projects without taxes.
Renowned lawyer Prof Itse Segay (SAN), saluted Ipaye’s courage in writing the book.
He described Ipaye as reliable, efficient, intelligent and proactive. “He is a man of excellence, It has been a pleasure meeting him and I have benefited much from our relationship”.
The author said his experience as a teacher and the tax special assistant to former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu inspired him to write the book.
He said: “Tax law and administration is an important topic, both in the legal and practical aspect.”
He explained that the law and practice of taxation are complex because people naturally don’t want to pay and there are laws to it.
“The book breaks down the topics into bits, such that people can understand; it can also serve as a textbook for those studying tax law in the university.”
He said the book attempts a review of the major tax laws and the administration structures and processes by which they are implemented.
“It covers the essential background details, including contextual definitions of terms and the basic rules of tax assessment, dispute resolutions and enforcement,” he said.
To commemorate the International Women’s Day, the University of Lagos Women Society (ULWS) gave awards to three women for excelling in their fields, writes NNEKA NWANERI.
Gone are the days when women stayed the background; when all they did was to mind the children and keep the house. These days, many are making impacts in their fields; indeed, many have broken the glass ceiling, dared the challenges and made tremendous strides in their careers.
So, when on March 3, the University of Lagos Women Society (ULWS) honoured three women as part of activities to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, it didn’t come as a surprise.
The honorees are Emeritus Professor of Medicine Yetunde Olumide; multiple award-winning literary giant Prof Akachi Ezeigbo and the first female Registrar of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Mrs Folashade Olumide.
The Julius Berger Auditorium was filled with women and a few men.
Everyone in attendance had a symbolic orange scarf around their necks.
The event began with a prayer followed by a welcome address by ULWS President and wife of the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Mrs Memudat Bello.
She said the awardees were chosen because they excelled in their professions and have become role models for every woman in the institution and worldwide.
According to her, the awardees, despite that they have retired, are still radiant and gorgeous in retirement.
The event was chaired by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Omatek Computers, Mrs Florence Seriki.
A Lagos Magistrate, Mrs. Jumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu, the guest speaker, spoke on the theme for this year’s Women’s Day: Make it Happen.
She urged women to play their roles as homemakers, custodians of their families and take necessary steps to attain greatness and ensure that Nigeria attained greatness.
There was a break from speeches during which a short drama on the gains of women empowerment was performed. It was followed by the reading of the awardees’ citations and awards presentation.
After each presentation, the awardees, who were accompanied by their spouses, made a short speech. Their husbands and children were there to share in their joy.
Prof Olumide, thanked the society for counting her worthy. Olumide, the first woman professor of the over 50 year-old- university, dedicated her award to children. She urged some secondary pupils at the event to see their self worth in life primarily as their relationship with God.
“I never compromised on the time I give to my family; and to keep it, I woke midnights to do my research works,” she said.
Mrs Seriki described Prof Olumide as a light to the country.
Prof Ezeigbo, former head of Department of English, said she is grateful to God for making her a woman. She relived events that almost led to her not getting married to her husband, whom she said is rsponsible for her success. She advised other women not to run their country down with what they say.
Mrs Olumide, 71, said there is a thin line between being successful and being honoured. She worked in UNILAG for 34 years and the university was the only place she ever worked.
Giving the vote of thanks, Channels TV Vice Chairman Mrs Olusola Momoh, represented by a newscaster, Amarachi Ubani, lauded the awardees for doing extraordinary things. She paid tribute to every mother, who has an opportunity to recreate someone’s destiny.
The remains of Chief Adenrele Adebiyi Adejumo were interred on March 10 at Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos. Reception followed at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island. SAFIYYAH ABDUR-RAZAQ was there.
Everywhere was blue. Guests either dressed in blue or had a touch of blue on their attires. The hall was also decorated in blue. This was the setting at the reception for friends and relatives, who attended the funeral of Chief Adenrele Adebiyi Adejumo, the past president, Association of Consulting Engineers of Nigeria, member of Lodge Academic 1150SC and former Deputy District Grand Master, District Grand Lodge of Nigeria. He died on February 1 at 85.
The chairs and tables were decorated in white, sky blue and navy blue drapes. There were lace overlays on the tables.
Members of the District Grand Lodge of Nigeria were dressed in their customary attire of white shirts, black business suits and aprons.
His daughters and their children were dressed in cream lace; his sons and their children wore cream guinea brocade.
As the guests arrived, a bevy of women dressed in blue ushered them to their seats.
The funeral service, conducted by Rev. Canon Josephus Jaja, began with the cleric receiving Adejumo’s remains.
The hymn, Hark, Hark, my soul was sang. It was followed by the scripture reading taken from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-15.
In his sermon, Rev. Jaja urged the bereaved family to be happy because the late Adejumo lived a wonderful life.
After the sermon, the hymn I know that my redeemer lives was taken.
Interment was at Ikoyi Cemetery. It was followed by reception at the Harbour Point at Wilmot Close on Vitoria Island.
The eldest daughter, Mrs Adefunke Adeteju Kuyoro, described her father as a man with a good sense of humour who loved all his children.
“He educated us to wherever level we wanted. He never told us: “you have had enough. Don’t go forward”. He had a quiet disposition and sound sense of humour. He was not ill. He was running temperature for a day. The doctor came and treated him for malaria and said they were going to run some tests to see if he had any infection. He died before he got to the hospital, but it was as if he was sleeping so I believed he must have died a peaceful death,” she said.
His son, Aderemi, said his father would be missed.
“I am tongue-tied. He was such a wonderful man and did a lot. This is Wilmot Point where the Naval Dockyard is. He built the dockyard and worked in Lagos Executive Development Board as the resident engineer that reclaimed the Victoria Island. One of the memories of him is all that he did. He was very illustrious as you can see from the gathering today. It shows the impact he had on people and the environment. There is a lot he did in his lifetime and he would be sorely missed,” he said.
One of his granddaughters Mayowa Kuyoro described him as a wonderful man.
Adejumo is survived by seven children and many grandchildren.
Pastor-in-charge of Israel Assembly and the Allen Zone of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Dapo Awoshika has celebrated his 50th birthday at Nana Arena in Ikeja, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.
It was a show of class last Sunday at the Nana Arena in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, as the Pastor-in-charge of Israel Assembly and the Allen Zone of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Dapo Awoshika, marked his 50th birthday.
He joined the golden club on March 10, and was treated to a high-class birthday party by his church members, friends and colleagues.
The hall was tastefully decorated with white fabrics and complemented with colourful lightings.
Chairs were set around tables which had silver overlays. A bevy of beautiful women in white dresses took guests to labelled seats and the waiters ensured that the tables were not empty.
BJ Sax electrified the hall with gospel songs which kept guests dancing and singing along all through the event.
The gathering was relaxed.
Pastor Bolade Osinubu supervised the cutting of the cake by the celebrator and his wife after the spell of JESUS.
Deacon Wole Aderinkomi led the toast.
The celebrator said the party was beyond his imagination adding that he is grateful to God for clocking 50 when life expectancy in the country is said to be 4…
“It is grace to get to 50 in Nigeria of today; getting to 50 is a thing that brings me joy. Being on Gods side has made life good and I aspire to live long, live well and serve God for the rest of my life.
“The peace of God has kept me over the years and I don’t allow anything to trouble me. If you allow your environment to control you, you will not live long so it is always good for you to allow yourself to be in control of your environment,” he said.
Pastor Bayo Samagbeyi from RCCG Living Faith said the celebrator is dedicated to the work of God. “He is focused, determined and he is a man of integrity,” he said.
Parish Coordinator of RCCG, Israel Assembly Pastor Femi Onasanwo said the celebrator is faithful, adding that he is a man that is always ready to do anything for God.
He said his life is a blessing to others and wished him long life and strength to serve God more.
Assistant Pastor in charge of Admin, RCCG Lagos province 2 Pastor Noruwa Edokplol said the celebrator is a jovial, funny, deep and wise man.
He said the birthday is a testimony of the impact of the celebrator’s life on people, adding that it is to appreciate him for what he has done.
The celebrator’s son, Toluwani, said he is happy for his father. He described his father as a friend and brother, adding that he has always been there for him.
Alhaja Abiola Saratu Banire, mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire, has celebrated her 87th birthday in Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.
It was a day of joy for Alhaja Abiola Saratu Banire, mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, when she celebrated her 87th birthday. Many eminent personalities came to rejoice with her.
Oduduwa Crescent in GRA Ikeja, Lagos, felt the celebration. Exotic cars filled the neighbourhood and the adjoining streets, announcing the celebration. Uniformed and armed security agents were on hand to ensure orderliness.
Some wore turquoise blue lace with the chosen head gears for the ceremony, were in orange attire. Others simply looked charming in choice outfits.
The celebrator was the cynosure of all eyes. She wore a white Iro and Buba with a matching blue head gear, and sat with friends and family members. Many of the guests came around to greet her.
The event began with Alhaji Tajudeen Salisu leading the opening prayers and was coordinated by Abdul Hakeem Kosoko.
Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh Abdul Afeez Abou and Abdur-Rahman Lekki led the gathering in prayers.
In a lecture, the National Missioner of Ansaudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad spoke on proper upbringing of children, saying what the celebrator has done for her children is the reason for the celebration. He said the celebrator trained her children well, urging other women to emulate her.
Reception followed with plenty to eat and drink.
Alhaja said she is happy people came to celebrate with her.
Lagos State APC governorship running mate Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule described the day as wonderful. She said it was a thing of joy that mama clocked 87 and thanked God for her life.
“With the people here today, we can say that mama has lived a very wonderful life; we pray that the almighty God will continue to be with her, give her sound health and Allah’s favour will not depart from her,” she said.
She urged the family to continue to pray for mama, adding that at 87, mama is still a beauty to behold.
Dr Banire said he joined his mother to thank Allah for sparing her life. He said he was happy that his mother is still around.
He described her as gentle, admirable and an extremely amazing.
“She is free with everybody and not discriminatory. She taught us to be God fearing and she is always willing and ready to express joy, and care for others, both in their joy and in their pain.
“One moment I will never forget about Mama was when we were growing up, she is always ready to follow us anywhere. She is already at our school gate to take us home before school closes and when we are home she ensures we get something to eat immediately,” he said.
Banire’s wife, Olufunmilayo, described her mother-in-law as wonderful and very humble, adding that she has been like her real mother. “She is a jovial person and one in a million. She is warm hearted with a heart of gold and she is worthy of emulation; a role model” .
A guest, Hon Femi Wilson, said the celebrator is a great achiever to have clocked 87 because it’s not everyone that attains that age. He wished her the best.
Another guest, Dr Buhari Oloto, prayed that mama would advance more in age.
Former Chairman, Mushin Local Government Hon Olatunde Adepitan said the celebrator is a mother with a passion. “She has taken good care of her children and what is happening here today is something that mama is worth much more than”.
The average attention span of human beings has dropped from 12 seconds to 8 seconds between 2000 and 2013. This alarming finding was made by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, at the U.S. National Library of Medicine. While reporting this statistics, Michael Brenner stated in his publication of May 30, 2014 that the attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds, which means humans are less attentive than the fish.
The Centre defined attention span as the amount of time that a person spends while concentrating on a task without being distracted. It was further stated that, “most educators and psychologists agree that the ability to focus attention on a task is crucial for the achievement of one’s goals. It’s no surprise attention spans have been decreasing over the past decade with the increase in external stimulation”. Michael Brenner agreed with this finding by observing that the advent of social media and the deluge of marketing and advertising messages available on them make them a major contender for people’s attention.
Have you ever noticed how connected people are to their phones, tablets, and other gadgets? Some people hardly look up in public places; they are busy concentrating on their devices. Sometimes in formal meetings, people would rather put their phones on silent rather than switch them off. It can even be a little irritating when you are discussing with someone and he or she intermittently checks out messages, sends replies, etc. I was at a formal event recently and an appeal was made at the beginning of the event that participants should switch off their phones and other devices that could disrupt the proceedings. Not long afterwards, we heard a phone ring. A closer look also revealed that some people had their hands under the table where they systematically made use of their devices. Of course, I doubt that they benefited from the programme as much as they should have.
The National Centre for Biotechnology Information further said that 25% of teenagers forget important details about their families and friends; 7% of people generally forget their own birthdays from time to time; and typical mobile phone users check their devices more than 150 times per day. We may consider these mere statistics that have little or no implication on our lives but we cannot deny that people are getting more and more distracted every day.
The issue of attention span should be a major concern for a public speaker. Think of all the things that are contending with you for the attention of your audience? This is not only about standing before a crowd to speak; it’s a problem no matter who your audience is. Imagine that you and your competitors are making a crucial presentation to potential clients. How will you feel if the opinion leader steps out to receive a call when it is your turn to present? How about defending your final year project before a panel in which more than half of the judges are staring at the screens of their phones while you are speaking? There is no way people can respond to you effectively if they don’t listen to you in the first place.
It is essential for us to learn how to gain and sustain the attention of our listeners. This does not only apply to professional speakers; it also applies to anyone who needs to pass across a message to other people. It is not enough to know what to say; how we say it matters a lot. If we are aware of the little time we have to interest our listeners, we will take special care to plan our speeches. We must realise that in this technological age, listeners have a choice to either pay attention to our presentations or to ignore them. Having people physically present is not a guarantee that they are paying attention.
As a public speaker, one of your greatest responsibilities is to gain access to the thoughts of your listeners. Since the mind is hardly ever empty of thoughts, you should be able to interrupt their current thoughts and get them to give your words some consideration. You should also be able to keep them listening to you. This is no mean feat at all. For you to grab and maintain your listeners’ attention, you have to do the following:
•Understand your audience: you can never interest the people you don’t know. Your first assignment as a speaker is to study your listeners to identify their interests, desires, fears, expectations and turnoffs. You can do this by asking yourself exploratory questions about your listeners. After making a list of what you need to know about them, attempt to answer the questions through observation. The next step is to seek answers from informed people about the questions you cannot answer yourself.
•Be dynamic: it is not enough to be able to grab the attention of your listeners; it is more important that you sustain it. Attracting attention without sustaining it is like wind without rain. You must develop a system to keep your audience involved in your speech. The more they participate the lesser the tendency of you losing them.
In this current series, we shall discuss several ways to grab the attention of your audience. We will also examine some successful speeches to see how the speakers attracted the attention of their audience. Have a blessed weekend.