The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Change of baton at Lions club

    Change of baton at Lions club

    The Okota Lions Club has installed Funke Faderera Adekoya as its 21st president at the Century Hotel, Okota, Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE and BASIRAT BRAIMAH were there.

    It was a twin celebration; the investiture of Lion Funke Faderera Adekoya as the 21st president of the Okota Lions Club and her 50th birthday thanksgiving.

    The fittings in the hall were beautiful. Members, guests and their family members were excited. They all appeared in gorgeous attires.

    With badges on their chests, members of the club could easily be identified. Most women dressed in corporate wears while men wore the popular Atiku attire with caps. They exchanged pleasantries.

    As they waited for the commencement of the investiture, a disk jockey (DJ) dished out music to the delight of all; some stood to dance while many shook their heads to the rhythms of the music.

    The ceremony started with a prayer. The Lion anthem followed.

    Guests were invited to the high table. The occasion was chaired by Mrs Funmi Sanusi.

    When the celebrator, Adekoya, was invited to the high table, she was led in by  members who danced to Michael Jackson’s song “We are the one”.

    Lion International Club District 404B-1 Governor Lion Abiola Odeyemi was the chief host.

    The Matron, Vocational Training Institute, Oshodi, Dr. A. Afuwape, was the guest lecturer. She spoke on: “Our sight, our light”. She emphasised the importance of sight as she urged all to take care of it.  She shed more light on how to prevent blindness.

    In her valedictory speech, the outgoing president of the club, Lion Folashade Joseph, thanked God and members for their support and cooperation during her tenure. She highlighted some of her achievements which included best club award; best president award; best 10 clubs award and a letter of appreciation from the International President of the club, Barry Palmer, among others.

    “Another year has passed with great achievements in the history of our club. We had a very busy and eventful year, focusing on youth and children empowerment, aiding the blind and the visually impaired, widows’ empowerment, and reading action programmes among others. All these earned us awards at the International  and District levels,” she said.

    Joseph urged her fellow Lions to stay off criticisms and support incoming president Faderera Adekoya.

    In appreciation of their  support, Lion Joseph presented awards to some members of the club and non members for their contributions to the success of her administration.

    Lion Odeyemi conducted the investiture. Before the installation of Lion Adekoya, Lion Odeyemi sought the permission of her husband and children for the job, after  which Lion Adekoya was installed.

    All cheered and applauded the new president. Odeyemi took her round the tables to officially present her to guests and members of the club.  She acknowledged cheers from guests.

    Lion Odeyemi, who dressed in a suit congratulated the new president and members, urging them to uphold the club’s code of ethics at all time. She said her theme for the year is: “Service is caring, strengthen the pride”. With smiles, he wished the members a successful service year.

    In her acceptance speech, Lion Adekoya described the position as another learning stage in her life and accepted to be the president with deepest humility and a true feeling for selfless service.

    “Right from inception, I have always loved to reach out to people. My core project is on prevention of sight, I don’t believe in jam-packing things but if I can with God’s help give five to 10 patients back their sight, then I will say am fulfilled,” she said.

    The celebrator’s husband, Superior Evangelist Sesan Adekoya, described her as a hardworking woman who seeks to promote human welfare. He said it gladdens his heart knowing a number of her dreams are being fulfilled.

    She cut her one-layer gold and white cake with her family, club members and other guests amidst clicking cameras.

    Some giggled at private jokes while others ate silently as the ceremony lasted.

    After the vote of thanks, people joined the celebrator on the dance floor where they were till light faded.

     

     

     

     

  • ‘She was small but mighty’

    ‘She was small but mighty’

    A funeral service for the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Oluremi Oyo, was held at the St Dominic’s Basilica, Yaba Lagos, after a weeklong series of events. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    The left big footprints in the sands of time as she lived a life worthy of praise and emulation. The former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Dame Oluremi Oyo, died on October 1, in the UK, where she was receiving treatment for a cancer-related ailment. She had looked forward to her 62nd birthday on October 12, before death struck.

    Dame Oyo began her journalism career in 1973 in the then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) now known as the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

    On October 13, a commendation service held in her hometown at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Usi, Ekiti State;  and on October 16, a Requiem Mass at the Church of Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja in her honour.

    The media had a night of tributes and Papal Knights and Medallists also organised a service of songs for her. The solemn songs reminded many of eternity.

    There were reminisces of her life and times last Friday during a funeral service to bid her goodbye. Her husband, children, in-laws and associates were there in their numbers. The management and staff of NAN were in uniformed purple Ankara chosen for the occasion

    Even the Catholic Priests all, had their cassocks sewn with the purple material from the ankara.

    In a sermon by the Parish Priest of Ss Timothy and Titus Ijegun, a Lagos suburb, Rev Jude Abulu urged the mourners to celebrate, rejoice and thank God that she has gone to a better place of rest, where there are no sadness, sickness and sorrow.

    He said because she was and still many things to many people, there are a lot of lessons to take from her life.

    “She was small, yet mighty. She was one who took note of small details and was one lover of nature and life itself.

    “I can still remember her voice when she speaks or laughs and it is memories such as these that we should keep dear to us because she loved to love; was compassionate and accepted the things of life as they  were,  naturally becoming a philanthropist with her life and family and lived her life in the name of Christ. That was why she gave it all to her work, church and family.

    “She told me once with tears that she was happy to receive the Lord during her Communion rounds. She has left a mark on us.”

    He urged all to learn from her dedication and how she accepted all that came to her including her death.

    “What about you?” Fr Abulu asked.

    The cleric also spoke of the late Mrs Oyo’s days and her humble background noting that she sold akara (bean cake) after school hours those days. “She even assisted her parents in selling bread and puff puff in a moving train.”

    President Goodluck Jonathan in a condolence letter to the family, described the late NAN boss as an epitome of the highest ideals of journalism and an archetypal professional, whose life should provide succour and inspiration to all who have crossed paths with her.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom she served as his Senior Special Assistant on Media from 1999-2007, said the late Remi earned his recognition and admiration.

    He also described her as dutiful and hardworking and a woman loyal to the core. “Ever resourceful, trustworthy and conducted herself with humility” Obasanjo said.

    In attendance were Frank Nweke jnr; President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Mr Femi Adesina; Lanre Idowu, advertising guru Biodun Sobanjo;  past governors of Ekiti Dr Kayode Fayemi and Segun Oni and their Osun State counterpart Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

  • 60 gbosas for a governor

    60 gbosas for a governor

    Delta State Governor Emmauel Uduaghan entered the sexagenarian club with pomp at a well-celebrated event, SHOLA O’NEIL was there. 

    The 60th birthday of Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was unique in several ways. It was the last birthday the medical practitioner-turned politician would mark in the Delta State Government House as the state helmsman.

    The one-week-long affair, which held at the Event Centre, Asaba, the state capital, began with a public lecture on Anger Management. It was chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.

    The glitz and glamour that attended the celebrations climaxed with a thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Warri.

    Reminiscing, Uduaghan, in an emotion-laden voice, said he had many reasons to thank God on attaining the age.

    To him, “60 years is not a joke. In the last 60 years, God has lifted me from nothing to something.”

    He described his life as “a living testimony of thanksgiving”, adding that at 60, he felt a lot stronger than when he was in his 50s.

    He also reflected on his journey to becoming governor of the state, his successes and travails, particularly, his sack in November 2010 by an Appeal Court, which upturned his victory at the 2007 polls and ordered a re-election, which he also won in January 2011 before repeating the feat three months later, when he was re-elected in April of the same year.

    He concluded his narration with the reasons why he has always prevailed over his adversaries in every situation.

    “When the judges decided to remove me as governor in 2010, I was in this same church to give thanks and when I was reinstated, I also came to give thanks. So, in any situation, learn to give thanks,” Uduaghan advised.

    Earlier in his sermon, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and founder of the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, praised Uduaghan’s attitude towards thanksgiving, stressing, “God is interested in your expectations; thanksgiving energises your expectations.”

    He admonished Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to carry out their responsibilities with the fear of God, hardwork and not to rely on undue merits and benefits.

    “There are people in this country today enjoying what they didn’t work for. The scriptures say the wickedness of the wicked will come to an end. They think there’s no God, but they will know there is God. They do things without considering the God factor; they have made a major mistake.  They will suffer somehow, somewhere. Wickedness is a killer of expectations. If you do wickedness, it will wait for you in the future. If you do wickedness, it will catch up with you and when tomorrow comes, you are left with nothing,” Pastor Oritsejafor cautioned.

    After the service, Uduaghan led members of his family, friends, associates and his officials, including the Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN) and his wife, Nelly Tuwere, to a special thanksgiving offering.

    Thereafter, the party moved to the governor’s private home, off Ogunu Road, Warri, for a reception chaired by a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and former presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the 1999 election, Chief Olu Falae.

    Uduaghan, dressed in a sky-blue traditional George wrapper with gold-colour frills at the edges, a matching cream/gold Kemeje shirt, arrived the venue with his wife, also dressed in the same attire. Their arrival was greeted with wild cheers and ovation by guests, supporters and aides, who camped outside the compound for a long time.

    The roll call of guests comprised many in politics and business. More than 10 aspirants of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), who have indicated their interest to succeed the celebrator, were in attendance.

    They included Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Sir Godswill Obielum; Hon Ndudi Elumelu; Chief Ngozi Olejeme; former Speaker of the State Assembly Hon Victor Ochei; former Minister of State for Education Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege, among others.

    Other guests were: Senators James Manager and Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, representing Delta South and Central respectively; Hon Daniel Reyenieju, representing Warri Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and his Ethiope counterpart, Akpodiogaga Emeyese; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt Hon Patrick Onwusanya and his deputy, Basil Ganagana, and Honourables Daniel Mayuku; Dan Yingi; Irene Imilar and Efe Ofobruku, among others.

    Traditional rulers from the three senatorial districts of the state: the Orodje of Okpe, Francis Mujakperuo, his counterparts from Ughelli, Olomu, Akugbene Mein and Seimbiri Kingdoms, Oharisi II, Ogoni Ogbon II, Stanley Kananawei and Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, were there.

    Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, his counterparts in the ministries of Works, Housing, Special Infrastructure, Poverty Alleviation and Transport, Funkekeme Solomon, Paulinus Akpeki, Mrs Orezi Esievo, Dr Anthonia Ashiedu and Ben Igbakpa were also in attendance.

    Falae praised the celebrator for his humility, admonishing politicians and those in public offices to learn from the modest nature of the governor. He decried the attitude of those who see public offices as avenues for self-enrichment and aggrandisement, adding that some councillors would make more noise than they are worth just to draw attention to themselves. He said the celebrator was refreshingly different and conducts himself  with humility.

    The highpoint of the reception was the cutting of the birthday cake and the celebrator’s dance with his wife, Roli Nere and their children-Mrs Orode Okpu and her husband, Ryan, and Toju Uduaghan.  Members of the state executive council also joined them on the dance floor.

    Entertainment was at its best as guests were thrilled by a stellar of comedians and musicians, including Ali Baba, I-Go-Die, I-Go-Save, Gordons, sensational gospel singers such as Sammie Okposo and Frank Edwards of Oghenedoh fame and Daddy Showkey, among others.

  • Reward for hardwork

    Reward for hardwork

    A group of Oyo State indigenes, Jericho Business Club (JBC) honoured some of its own at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes. 

    It was a remarkable day for members of Jericho Business Club (JBC) as they turned out in choice outfits at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, for an award ceremony.

    The club honoured some of its distinguished ones including Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for their achievements in their various fields of endeavour and contribution to the development of the country.

    The second floor of the hotel, where the event held, was full of attractions. The spot lights on the ceiling, the sparkling floor tiles and glass walls were a beauty to behold.

    Guests occupied chairs set around the tables.

    There were mouth watering cuisine and choice drinks. SAJ music Inc electrified the hall.

    JBC is a group of young men from Ibadan land between the age of 35 and 55 who are professionals in their chosen fields.

    The event kicked off with the rendition of national anthem. The duo of Mr Bayo Adepoju and Mr Rufai Ladipo coordinated the programme.

    The president of JBC, Mr Bayo Olugbemi in his welcome address, said the club is set up to assist its members and Ibadan land.

    He said the award is based on the achievement of its members in their fields of endeavour. “We are honouring them because they have excelled in their various callings and we encourage them to do more,” he said.

    The guest speaker, Hon Dabiri-Erewa, urged the gathering to be politically cautious and ensure that they contribute to the development of Oyo State.

    “It is not all about the award being given today, it is the charge that voters are the most important part of democracy and if the electorate is not passive, we will get the kind of leaders we deserve.

    “It is, therefore, important that members of this club should get up and be part of the election process and determine who governs them, participate, register to vote, and monitor the vote and ensure your vote counts,” she said.

    President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adebayo Oyero in a good will message, said the awardees have been playing their roles effectively and they are being honoured to show appreciation for what they have been able to achieve personally which is a pride to CCII, an umbrella organisation under which all clubs formed by Ibadan indigenes beset.

    He said the club members are a pack of patriotic Ibadan men who have given back to the town a lot of what they have. “These people have the potential to be effective political leaders; they are leaders in their respective professions; they have attained the peak of their careers and have certain qualities to be leaders so, l urge them to use the qualities to enthrone better politics in Nigeria. They should show more interest in the politics of Oyo State and Nigeria because they have what it takes,” he said.

    The representative of Senator Ajimobi, Special Adviser, Bureau of Investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership, Oyo State, Mrs Folakemi Akinleye delivered the governor’s wishes to the club, urging them to join hands with him to take the state to the next level.

    The award session followed.

    Hon Dabiri-Erewa was the first to be honoured. She looked elegant in her cream skirt and blouse.

    Other awardees were; Governor Ajimobi who was represented by Mrs Akinleye; Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; President and Chairman of Council, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Aderemi Bello; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr Wale Onaolapo and Executive Director/ Chief Financial Officer, First Bank of Nigeria, Dr Adesola Adeoduntan.

    Hon Dabiri-Erewa appreciated the honour more so as it came from a group of professionals. She said the award shows that there is no alternative to hard work.

    Alhaji Bello urged the gathering to participate in democracy. “We should be part of our democracy, we need to be involved in the election and exercise our voting right,” he said.

  • Selectivity (2)

    It is my pleasure to welcome you again to this column on public speaking. First, we teach that everyone is a public speaker because we all express ourselves among people at one time or the other, be it in school, at work or religious gatherings. Second, we believe that your level of success in anything you do will be determined by the attention you give to effective communication. Also, you cannot lead effectively without learning to be a good public speaker. Several leaders who are accused of not ‘carrying along’ their subordinates may be victims of not knowing how to express themselves. The higher you go in the hierarchy of your organization, the more you will be given leadership responsibilities and opportunities to represent the organization. If that happens, you will need to speak more. Instead of dreading it, why not learn it?

    We have shared several things in this column, such as what public speaking is, dealing with the fear of public speaking, types of speeches and their peculiarities and how to present impromptu speeches. Though our aim is to become better speakers, we have recently started to explore the importance of listening. We observed that a lot of people would rather speak than listen. In fact, a lot of people reading this article right now find it difficult to wait and listen. Unfortunately, if we are not good listeners, we may not be able to get people to listen to us. Consequently, we have been sharing important information on how to improve our listening skills and how to get people to listen to us.

    Last week, we examined Joseph T. Klapper’s assertion that audiences don’t passively receive all mass media messages; rather, they only receive messages that reinforce their existing convictions. We applied this to public speaking by stating that listeners have a technique of filtering whatever message we pass across to them and only keep what they consider relevant. Klapper identified five major factors that can determine listeners’ disposition towards messages and we decided that four of them are more relevant to public speaking. The first one was examined last week, which states that predispositions and related processes of selective exposure, selective perception and selective retention influence audiences’ reactions to messages. Today, we shall examine the remaining three as they apply to public speaking and they are the following:

    •Type and norm of the group the audience belongs to.  We are more influenced by the group we belong to more that we are aware of. While teaching my students some time ago, I asked them about their attachment to some specific brands of products. One of them claimed to love a particular brand very much and would not consider an alternative. Further questioning revealed that she didn’t have any other reason for her decision apart from her family’s adoption of the brand. In like manner, people in different political parties will react to issues and candidates according to their political leaning. Hence, as a public speaker, you must learn that whatever message you give to your listeners will be screened based on the group they belong to and the norms of that group.

    •Interpersonal dissemination of the content of communication. In public speaking, the extent to which you can connect with your audience on an interpersonal level will determine how successful your speech is. When that connectivity is not there, your listeners may not feel any responsibility towards your message.

    •The role of opinion leaders. Whether people will listen to you or not will be determined by who they are already listening to. Opinion leaders are people who have influence over the decisions of other people as a result of the positions- political, social, financial or spiritual. As a public speaker, your understanding of who controls the opinion of your audience will help you to learn how to present your ideas. Of course, it goes without saying that criticizing such an opinion leader brings your speech to a premature end. This is not to say that you should be a sycophant. It only means that the key to the hearts of the people is with the opinion leader, so a message that would succeed must be one that has his/her approval.

    I have mentioned it several times before that public speaking is mainly about the perception of the audience. You can never judge the success of a speech by the number of people present. The only true measurement of your success is the feedback you get from your listeners. Based on the foregoing, a public speaker should do a proper and detailed analysis of his/her audiences to determine the various “checkpoints” in their minds. There is no point in you being unnecessarily disagreeable or controversial. If you are not accepted by an audience, find another one. There are always people waiting to hear what you have to say. I am yet to meet the first speaker that is acceptable to the entire human population. Even the most famous and highly respect public speakers are disliked by some people. As important as your preparation is to the success of your speech, more important is the readiness of your audience to listen to you.

  • Sweet memories of the just

    Sweet memories of the just

    The remains of the Chief Executive Officer of Awe Medical Centre on Willouby Street, Ebute Metta and former President of Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA), Olumide Olugbolahan Awe, were interred in England. A service was held on the same day at the College Chapel in Yaba, Lagos, report NNEKA NWANERI and OMOLARA OGUNWALE.

    The death of the former President of the Igbobi College Old Boys Association, Olumide Olugbolahan Awe, came as a rude shock to many. He died after a terminal illness in the United Kingdom (UK) on September 21. He would have turned 60 next year.

    The late Awe was a student of the Igbobi College, Yaba of the 1967/1973 set, and Chairman of ICOBA UK/Europe from 2009 to 2013.

    His classmates and members of the Old Boys Association of Igbobi College organised a funeral service  in his honour. While they held theirs at the Canon Reginald Parker Memorial Chapel, inside the school, his family members were at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Jesus House) Bent Cross, London.

    Many of the ‘boys’ came with their spouses. Others, who attended the service were his extended family members who could not make it to the UK and decided to pay him their last respects. Most old boys were dressed in their yellow and navy blue  colours.

    The service was anchored by the Rev Bola Oyeladun of the Methodist Church, Wesley Cathedral, Tinubu, Lagos Island, where the late Awe worshiped as a child.  Other clergies were in company of Rev Oyeladun, they were dressed in white and purple robes. The purple signifies mourning.

    After Rev Omobola Akerele announced to the guests the purpose of their gathering, the opening was led by Revd. Dapo Daramola.

    The first lesson taken from Sirach 38:16-23 was read by Mrs Kemi Awe. The second, read by Rev Kayode Gbelee, was taken from John 11:1-26.

    The Old Boys  all rose and rendered Alma Mater’s Anthem.

    There was a session of  tributes and testimonies on the life of the late Awe. Most of them remembered how they first came in contact with him. They described him in the superlatives as a selfless man, highly disciplined and hugely principled. To them, the late Awe gave his all for the good of others. His size, they said, was no match for his wisdom.

    ICOBA President, Murphy Ipaye, said the event was about celebrating the late Awe’s life and how he brought the UK branch of ICOBA into limelight.

    To others, he transformed ICOBA UK and Europe to what it can be boasted of today.

    Demola Adewakun, a member of ICOBA UK said when the late Awe took over as their president, the association’s account swelled  from from 50 pounds to 1500 pounds.

    “He was our soul and machine in Europe.” Adewakun said.

    The late Awe was one of the youngest staff teachers of Igbobi College in the late 70s after his first degree, a job he held before he went to study medicine.

    Doctor Omololu Oshinowo described him as an accommodating business partner.

    Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Olusegun Adesegun, who was his classmate, said he will miss his support and input in the coming elections.

    Omoruyi Iyamu recalled meeting him in 1972 in the HSC block; decked in a clean and crisp khaki uniform, which was his trademark.

    Rev. Oyeledun in a brief sermon, said the event was a wakeup call for others to consider what they can do for the college and pick from his exemplary life.

    The cleric, who was also a contemporary of the late Awe described him as a much misunderstood person.

    He also asked: “What will people say about you when you leave this world? What do we want to be remembered for?

    He urged all thus: “Everyone will die someday, whether we like it or not. Let us use the little time we have to do positive things for God, humanity and community. Always keep your eyes on the cross and don’t be deflected.”

    He ended his sermon with a solemn song and briskly walked back into the altar.

  • That the church may grow

    That the church may grow

    The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Complete Sanctuary, Dominion Area Headquarters, Lagos Province 17 has dedicated its building at Jas/Ojo Pipeline Avenue, Iju Ishaga, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    It was a day of jubilation for the entire church. The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Complete Sanctuary, Dominion Area Headquarters, Lagos Province 17 at 14, Jas/Ojo Pipeline Avenue, Iju Ishaga, Lagos was dedicated.

    The event also featured the inauguration of borehole for the host community.

    Exotic cars brought some distinguished guests who graced the event.

    Guests were dressed in corporate and traditional wears.

    The church and its  compound were beautifully decorated.  The hall creatively decorated. Painted in cream with matching floor tiles and a touch of dark brown; the altar was painted in butter colour and decorated with tiles. The 500-seater hall had a gallery and plastic blue and orange chairs set in rows. The walls were further decorated with wine and gold fabric having lights all over. Its ceiling was dark brown and white.

    The service started with praises led by the church choir during which the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, represented by the Pastor in charge of Region 2, RCCG, Pastor Joseph Obayemi, arrived with an entourage. They were received by other ministers of the church.

    They went straight to the main entrance of the church where Pastor Obayemi cut the ribbon and dedicated the church. He also opened the plaque by the right side of the door and commissioned the water facility in front of the church.

    The train moved inside the church and joined in the praise session.

    After the praises, the Assistant Pastor in charge, Corporate Social Responsibility, Lagos Province 17, Yomi Oluranti, led the opening prayers and the Pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Soji Omotunde, welcomed guests thereafter.

    Pastor Obayemi in a sermon taken from Hebrews 12:6, spoke on the topic, “I work with progress in the hand of God”.

    He told the congregation that God has not finished with them yet, encouraging them that they are at work with progress in God’s hand.

    He said God will perfect whatever is left to be done in their lives, urging them to surrender absolutely and cast all their burdens on God.

    He praised members on the beauty of the church, applauding the ministers and members for the great job done.

    After the sermon, he told the congregation to go on their knees while he led them in a session of powerful prayers for the church and the members.

    The Pastor in charge, Lagos Province 17, Pastor David Omunagbe, led the congregation to pray for Pastor Obayemi thereafter.

    Pastor Omotunde said the water project commissioned was part of the church’s corporate social responsibility to the community.

    He said though water flows from Iju Water Works to Ikoyi and Victoria Island, the locality still lacks water.

    “The church has done this is to make water available in the area,” he said.

    He said the church which is dedicated after being built for several years is now a settled place. “The church is a place of miracle and salvation and of benefit to all those who come in,” he said.

    The Parish Pastor, Pastor Abiodun Sofoluwe said the church building which was dedicated was for the expansion of the kingdom of God. “It was an outcome of focus and dedication,” he said.

    He urged the members to ensure that they are dedicated and focused with God, adding that is the only way they can achieve whatever they want in life.

  • Fond memories of a provost

    Fond memories of a provost

    At its 52nd Founders Day celebration, some alumni of the College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL), relived encounters with the late Provost, Prof Horatio Oritsejolomi. WALE ADEPOJU was there.

    Egg heads from all walks of life gathered at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos to remember the school’s first provost, Prof Horatio Oritshejolomi Thomas; aka HOT.

    The event was the 15th Horatio Oritshejolomi Thomas (HOT) and 52nd Founder’s Day Lecture.

    The theme of the event was: Celebrating the Pioneering Spirit of HOT: the SEPLAT Story.

    The venue was the Old Great Hall, which was full to its capacity. Guests and students who could not get into the venue in time stood outside and listened.

    The guest lecturer is the Chairman, Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Dr Ambrosie Bryant Chukwuemeka Orjiako.

    Former Chairman, Court of Governors, College of Medicine, Dr Sonny Kuku said there was need for alumni and other stakeholders to turn the school around.

    He implored the alumni to do their best to uphold the legacy of late Prof Oritshejolomi .

    He called for a better alumni association for the college.

    Kuku praised the life of the late Thomas, for his strictness and professionalism, adding that many medical experts are who they are today because of him.

    A professor of surgery, Shoga Sofola, described HOT as disciplinarian who was straightforward and a gentleman with interest and firm belief in academics and morals.

    Prof Francis Ogunye, Chief Obafemi Olopade and and InVitro Fertilisation expert, Prof Oladapo Ashiru, all described late HOT as a good man, who observed and loved decorum.

    The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Rahamon Bello assured the College of Medicine, Idi Araba, its sister school, of better infrastructure, among other facilities to enable it compete with the best across the world.

    According to him, improving on the existing facilities is necessary because most of them are presently obsolete.

  • Change of baton at Innerwheel

    Change of baton at Innerwheel

    Innerwheel Club of Lagos has installed its 41st president, writes AMIDU ARIJE.

    Inner Wheel Club of Lagos was chartered in July 1969. Its first president was Mrs Deji Alakija. The club kicked off with 28 members with an objective to promote true friendship; encourage the ideals of personal service and to foster international understanding.

    It was on this note that the club members and their friends converged at the Pinefield School hall on Christ Avenue, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos to install Mrs Olamide Da-Costa as the 41st President. She and other executive members will steer the affairs of the club for the next two years.

    On entry into the school, the club’s banner was seen strategically placed along roads leading to the hall. It was to sell the club to first-timers and briefly explain what the club is all about.  Many took their time to read through the inscriptions.

    More banners in the hall added beauty to its settings.

    Members of the club shone in different attires, looking resplendent. The -would- be installed president, Da-Costa stole the day with her beautiful attire and became the cynosure of all eyes. With smiles, she moved from table to table, greeting and acknowledging the teeming guests. For those who she could not reach, she simply waved them from a distance.

    Other club members exchanged pleasantries. The venue served as a contact point. Others still found it a fun place to relax.

    The programme began with prayers.  It was led by the club’s District Treasurer, Mrs Blessing Okougbo. Then, followed the club’s anthem Guests were invited to the high table by the anchors.

    There was sonorous music in the background.

    The outgoing president, Mrs Chidinma Joy Ashimole gave her valedictory speech, thanking all for the success she achieved during her tenure.

    She said that during her reign, the club was able to renovate toilets and provide facilities to some schools within its jurisdiction.  She attributed her to the support of all members of the club.

    Ashimole called on all the members to give the new president full support for her to achieve her goals.

    Mrs Da-Costa was introduced to all as her profile was read. She was immediately installed President by the District Chairman, Mrs Mrs Joe Ebo.

    The out gone president Mrs Ashimole gently removed the collaret from her neck and hung it Mrs Da-Costa’s.  This gesture attracted applauds. She took up the challenge by joggling the bell.

    In her acceptance speech, Da-Costa she said the plight of widows will be of top concern, and promised to improve their lots with empowerment programmes.

    “Empowering the women (widows) has been a long-life dream of mine and am thankful that God give me this unexpected chance to fully utilise this opportunity to impact upon the lives of widows and single parents, whom I happen  to be a part of,” she said.

    She added that their intention is to provide them with skill to practice trades.

    She called on their support towards realising her dream.

    Secretary of the Club, Comfort Okolie gave the vote of thanks.

    The curtain was drawn with a closing prayer by the anchor of the programme, and all took to the dance floor.

  • A ‘diligent’ teacher bows out at 60

    A ‘diligent’ teacher bows out at 60

    Mr Ajayi Ayokunle, who has just turned 60, has retired from teaching after 35 years of meritorious service, reports MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE. 

    It was a moment to give gratitude to God. A day colleagues, council workers and associates of Mr. Ajayi Ayokunle bade him farewell at a colourful ceremony, after spending 35 years in the service of the Lagos State government.

    The event took place at the council hall of the Oshodi Local Government Area, Lagos State.

    Beaming with smiles, the retired teacher acknowledged cheers from guests, who came to felicitate with him. Dressed in a black suit on the high table with his wife, Mojisola, one could see fulfillment on his face. He wouldn’t have wished for a better outing.

    Guests sat in circles, responding rhythmically to the music coming from the loud speakers. Intermittently, the master of ceremony would interrupt the music to announce the presence of guests as they entered the hall.

    The event began with a prayer from one of the Pastors in attendance. It was followed by opening remarks by a close associate.

    The man of the moment was ushered onto the dance floor, amid traditional Ekiti songs rendered by a group. Ayokunle danced to the rhythm in such a skilful way and he was greeted with standing ovation.  Ayokunle challenged Ekiti indigenes who are cut off from culture to retrace their steps.

    As the event progressed, the profile of the erudite teacher was read.

    The profile said Ayokunle started his career as an auxiliary teacher in 1975-1976 at the Community Primary School, Are Ekiti. He later served as a clerk at the Student Account Section, Bursary Department, Obafemi Awolowo University in 1976.

    He had a stint with Briscoe Motors, Apapa; New Era Girls Secondary School, Surulere and AUD Grammar School, Apapa.

    He was transferred to Ajao Estate Grammar School, Oshodi/Isolo before he was redeployed to another department as an Investigating Officer.

    With the creation of Education District in Lagos State, he was moved to the Inspectorate Department where he served and retired as Deputy Director on  September 23.

    In a chat, Ayokunle said he would remain grateful to God for enabling him to serve his fatherland as a teacher.

    He said: “Teachers build the society; they build leaders and give those they taught a direction to follow. I give the glory to the Almighty God to witness this event.

    “I will miss the spirit of camaraderie, the togetherness we often shared as colleagues. But I must say, we are still going to be in touch, we are still going to see one another either in private capacity or in public places.”

    He prayed for long life, saying over 90 per cent of his objectives have been fulfilled whilst he was a teacher.

    ‘’I thank God I have my own accommodation; I give glory to God so I don’t have anything to worry about.” He advised his colleagues left behind to be hardworking. “I want them to work as expected of them,” he added.

    His wife described him as a gentleman who is caring and loving.

    “He likes people around him, a very jovial person and warm. Now, that he has retired I am full of praise to the Almighty because he will always be around for the family.

    “Those things we could not do in his active service days, the retirement will now afford us the opportunities to look at them.”

    His friend, Ajakaye Olusola, described him as a committed public servant who gave his best to humanity. “We grew up together in Ado-Ekiti, so I have known him for a long time.

    ‘’Much as I know him, when he joined the teaching profession, he grew through the ranks and had his promotion regularly. He passed through the body of knowledge as a professional. He was at the college of education; he went to university and did other teaching courses.

    ‘’He is a diligent person and very committed; he did everything to impart knowledge to those who passed through him. Obviously, his colleagues and students alike will miss him. He has produced great minds who are now occupying key positions in the society. There was never a dull moment for him. He is a man of integrity,’’ he said.

    Another colleague, with whom Ayokunle started work the same day, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, described the ex-teacher as a good listener and adviser.

    He said: “I know him far back in 1980 when we were at the College of Education. He has been a very good friend. Ever since, we have been together. He is a very understanding person. He is humble and diligent.

    ‘’He assists people to resolve their problems immediately. When I am troubled, he knows. He will call me immediately and assist me to get over the challenge. I have worked on his pieces of advice and they have been very rewarding. He is a very punctual person when it comes to his duty.

    ‘’The students, who passed through him before he moved to the office, have good stories to tell about him. We started our teaching career the same year that was in 1984 after our service year. I thank God we retired the same year, just that my own retirement came in May and his in September,’’ he added.

    Ayokunle later changed to a flowing white Agbada and cap to match when it was time to be formally pulled out of service. He was ushered into a black Honda CRV, which was laced with flowery ribbons. His colleagues pulled the ribbons as the car moved, to signify his formal exit from service.

    He later returned to the hall to cut the cake to mark his 60th birthday and got lots of gifts from his friends and well-wishers.