The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • New helmsman for Lagos Central

    The Rotary Club of Lagos Central has inducted Segun Oluyemo as its 33rd president. The event, which was held at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos, was also to raise funds for the club’s projects. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    The Rotary Club of Lagos Central  became chartered in 1981. Since then, it has grown in leaps and bounds. At an epoch-making ceremony, an Estate Surveyor, Mr Segun Oluyemo, was ushered in as its 33rd president. He took over the mantle of leadership from Mrs Victoria Adeyemo.

    It was a funfilled day for the club members, their families and friends.

    The Yoruba Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos, was the place to be that day  as the Rotarians gathered to crown a president, who will lead the club for the next one year.

    The ceremony also afforded the club a platform to solicit for funds from friends and well-wishers for its projects.

    The venue was decked in yellow and blue decorations, colours of the club. Chairs and tables were arranged in four rows, such that everyone could see the happenings on the dignitaries’ table.

    The event began with the Rotary anthem followed by other songs. The songs enlivened the atmosphere.

    Soon, the chairman of the installation committee, Idowu Ayinde, welcomed guests, soliciting their their moral and financial support towards effectively delivering the projects for the year. Then, it was time for the business of the day.

    Taking over the microphone, Mrs. Adeyemo called Oluyemo to the podium to be decorated. Saying that he is the right man for the job, she removed the insignia of office – a medal bearing the names of past presidents – and placed it on his neck to the delight of the audience.

    Accepting the challenge, Oluyemo outlined his course of action for the year and went back to his seat.

    Chairman on the occasion and Managing Director of First Registrars, who was represented by Mr Sebastain Okeke, lauded the club for comprising men and women who are thoroughbred professionals. He said their wealth of experience had given rise to various laudable projects in the club.

    Managing Director of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Mr Ola Oresanya was the guest speaker. He spoke on the Rotary in the early 80s and how their activities and comments influenced government’s policy and his decision to become a waste manager.

    He urged the club to motivate the younger generation into selflessly giving to their communities.

    Oresanya’s speech was greeted with a loud ovation.

    The immediate past District Governor of District 9110, Olubemiga Olowu, who represented the District Governor, Dr Dele Balogun, made Oresanya an honorary member of any Rotary Clubs of his choice.

    Olowu removed his club’s lapel pin and decorated the LAWMA boss with it.

    This, he said, would see them as partners in progress in the work of bringing about a good environment for all to live.

  • Women with a difference

    The National Headquarters of the Nasrullahi-li-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) in Mowe, Ogun State was agog as the women wing of the society celebrated the grand finale of their 15th annual Women’s Week. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    They exchanged pleasantries.

    Excitement was in the air as they were all filled with joy. They looked resplendent in their white and blue attires with gold shoes to match. It was their day, so they were there in number.

    The venue was beautifully adorned in blue and white satin colours.

    It was the 15th annual Women’s Week of the women wing of the Nasrullahi-li-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) in Mowe, Ogun State.

    Alhaja FadhilatAdebisi and Alhaji Mustapha Bello anchored the programme.

    The Dhikr (praises) by Alhaja Adebisi enlivened the gathering as all stood to recite after her.

    This was followed by the address of the National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Nofisat Arogundade.

    Alhaja Arogundade thanked the members for their support during her tenure. She said she was addressing them for the last time as the Secretary of the organisation for two terms.

    Giving account of her stewardship, Alhaja Arogundade said the group was able to empower women in various vocational skills and improve their spiritual life through various programmes.

    “At our 4th biennial conference, we took the bold step with the theme ‘Muslimah! It’s time to move’ which was intended to inspire, motivate and empower people from all walks of life to see this challenging moment in history as an opportunity to come together and transform ourselves and our communities as agents of change,” she said.

    She recieved a standing ovation as she spoke on her achievements in office.

    The NASFAT women leader urged the women to continue to make the difference in all they do to make life better for themselves, their children and the nation at large.

    “Let us begin by performing our traditional roles with a difference and do better in what brings us together. We have integrity, making a difference is a big business, a Muslimah (Muslim woman) must make a difference wherever she finds herself,” she said.

    Wife of Vice President, Hajia Amina Namadi Sambo, represented by Hajia Aishat Bello Tukur, eulogized the Women Wing of the society for their commitment towards the development of women capacities in the country.

    Over the years, NASFAT, Hajia Sambo said, has shown commitment and dedication to the cause of women through its various programmes of which the annual Women’s Week crowns them.

    “The Women Week,” she stated, “offers us an opportunity to discuss, aggregate and exhibit the virtuous roles that Muslim women keep playing and should play as major stakeholders in this globalised world to make a difference.”

    She noted that active participation of women in nation development is vital.

    “The world today is convinced that the active participation of women leads to the development of a peaceful and just society,” she said.

    NASFAT President, Alhaji Sheriff Yussuf thanked the Women Wing of the society for the foresight and meaningful programme.

    The guest speaker, Dr Lateef Adetona of the Lagos State University (LASU), said the making of a meaningful society lies on the shoulder of the women, urging women to take care of their home.

    Lagos State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Idiat Adebule; Fashola’s deputy Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire was represented by Alhaja Riskat Akinode. The Ogun State Governor’s wife, Mrs Funso Amosun was represented by Mrs Bolanle Baturiat Oyedele.

  • A banker-author

    A banker, Mr Sunday Olowoyobiojo, has presented a book at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Victoria Island, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    The title of the book provokes a deep reflection on the happenings in the country.

    “Cash-less Nigeria: Benefits, opportunities and challenges” has been presented to the public at the Ijewere Hall of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    For the author, Mr Sunday Olowoyobiojo, a banker, it was a dream come true.  It took him three years to write the book, which is his first.

    Chairman, Standard Bank Limited, Sir Remi Omotosho, chaired the event, which could have been mistaken for a banker’s forum.

    Guests came in quality and fitted corporate outfits. They looked smart and gorgeous.

    They could not hide their joy as they congratulated the author for the master piece, which many described as the first of its kind. Many shook hands with him, praising him for the great job done.

    The beautiful and fully air-conditioned hall was the place to be. Some copies of the book were placed in the middle of the high table. The high table was covered with green and white fabrics, which matched the colour of the book.

    Commencing the event, the emcee, Mr Tolu Adeyemi, led the gathering to sing the National Anthem. After, some guests were introduced.

    Omotosho in his opening remarks hailed the author for occupying  himself with a result-driven exercise.

    He said the book would be useful to all. He urged the young ones to emulate him.

    His words: “The book is unique in that it is the first book where we have enlightenment in a consolidated manner for Nigerians on the issue of cash-less economy.

    “The days of carrying bags of cowry, loads of naira would come to an end if we embrace the whole process of cash-less economy which was introduced to help us embrace the new phenomenon of transactions.

    “Mr Olowoyobiojo has put together the history of money transactions, money spent over time and the advantages and disadvantages of various ways we have been handling our money transactions,” he said.

    He lamented the declining reading culture but urged the author to get his book across to the public through proper distribution channels.

    Dr Andy Titus Okwu, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Banking and Finance, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, reviewed the book. He was represented by Mr Kayode Ibrahim.

    Director of Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Muazu, represented by Mr Innocent Edozie, said the author has contributed to knowledge and shed more light on the cash-less economy.

    This, he said, will help to achieve a secured nation that will be free of robbery attacks on the highways, homes and banks, among other places, because people will no longer carry money around.

    Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, presented the book and set the pace for its purchase. He was represented by Mrs Nurat Kikelomo. Some other guests bought copies.

    The author said the book was borne out of his decision to promote a united, prosperous and peaceful Nigeria and also to educate and enlighten Nigerians and foreigners on the importance of a cash-less society.

    Olowoyobiojo said the cash-less society will increase the financial inclusion in Nigeria because the book is written in a way that when people read it, they will have a deeper understanding of what cash-less society is all about and it will also facilitate their adoption and usage of various banking channels.

    “Since the commencement of the cash-less policy in Nigeria, the rate at which people use ATM, PoS machines and mobile money has increased tremendously; we are moving gradually and we will achieve the cash-less Nigeria of our dreams which the book has shed more light on.”

    He noted that going cash-less in the country has some challenges which the book has addressed.

    “When people buy and read the book, it will spur them into action and those challenges will be curtailed.

    “The book was written to further complement efforts of the Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria in the promotion of cash-less society,” he said.

    He said the book is unique in every sense; it is portable, easy to read and understand.

  • All for Gowon at 80

    All for Gowon at 80

    Looking years younger, the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, stepped out  in style to celebrate his 80th birthday. Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, literarily rose for him, reports AUGUSTINE EHIKIOYA.

    HE walked strongly and briskly without showing any sign of senility into the National Christian Centre, Abuja, for his 80th birthday thanksgiving service an hour before the scheduled time.That was the soft-spoken former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon, who  still believes in military  precision  and punctuality.

    He joined the class of octogenarians on Sunday 19, at a well-celebrated event, organised by the State House, Abuja.

    General Gowon was the Head of State from 1966-1975. He holds the record as the youngest Head of State, having assumed the position when he was 31.

    Given his love for Nigeria, GOWON’s name formed the popular slogan, ‘Go On With One Nigeria’.

    The birthday ‘boy’ was dressed in white babanriga attire, and walked with his wife, Victoria, to their seats where some dignitaries were awaited the commencement of the event.

    The Festival Choir dished out various soul-lifting hymns. It was an interdenominational affair.

    The personalities in attendance included President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark; Governors David Jang (Plateau) , Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Dr. Alex Ekwueme and wife, Beatrice; Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma; General Oladipo Diya, Brig-Gen. Jones Arogbofa  (Chief of Staff to the President) and ministers; Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Obong Ufot Ekaette; Professor Jerry Gana; Archbishop John Onaiyekan; Bishop Nicholas Okoh; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade; Chief Edwin Clark; Obong Victor Attah; Dr. Ahmadu Ali and President of Christian Association of Nigeria Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps were not left out. They came in their numbers.

    Jonathan, who spoke during the service, extolled the good virtues of Gowon during and after his life in the military.

    He said he was still in the primary school when Gowon was the Head of State, describing him as a patriot and head of government.

    “General Gowon did not see the Biafra side as a team that must be crushed. He saw the war as a struggle of Nigerians and his main target was to keep Nigeria together.

    “After dropping the gun, he picked up programmes to keep this country together. He came up with the ‘Nigeria Praise’. And with that he has continued to keep Nigeria one. His commitment is to prepare a better Nigeria for the future generation.” He added

    Archbishop of Jos Dr. Ben Kwashi, who gave the sermon, also compared Gowon with the biblical Joel, who faced the problems of his time head-on and did not dissociate himself from them.

    Paying tribute to the celebrator, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, also described Gowon as a good man.

    Kukah, still on the podium, though not for preaching,  cracked jokes that had the audience reeling with laughter.

    On a lighter mood, the Bishop sarcastically gave reasons he is sure he too will live up to 80 years or more. He said this year, he was involved in the funeral of Justice Oputa, who died at 96 years; and at the 80th birthday of Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and that of the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbenedion.

    “And here I am. So, if I don’t live to be 80, I think I will hold all these 80-year-old men responsible,” Kukah added, igniting another round of laughter.

    He also recounted his experience of the humility of Gowon when he visited him in his home long time ago when Gowon’s wife was not at home.

    When the celebrator was asked to give a remark, he humbly asked to speak after President Jonathan. Humbly, Gowon, while greeting the president bowed for him. This caused many to stare and some murmured aloud.

    All Gowon could do was to thank God for all he has been able to achieve in his 80 years on earth.

  • Curtain falls for a media icon

    The remains of the late media icon and former Vice Chairman of The Sun, Igwe Uguru Dimgba Igwe, were interred in his home town, Okafia Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, on Saturday October 11. Professionals from all walks of life were there to pay their last respects, reports SUNNY NWANKWO.

    Ndiokeh, Umuikpo Okafia Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was in a sorrowful mood, when people from far and near came to pay their last respects to one of its illustrious sons and former vice chairman of The Sun Newspapers, Dimgba Uguru Igwe, who died on September 6. He was 58.

    The funeral service was anchored by the General Overseer of Evangel Pentecostal Church, Maj Gen Paul Toun;  Bishop Humphrey Erumaka of Wordbase Assembly, Ago, Lagos and Pastor Emeka Onyebuchi of Kingdom Fortress Ministry, Enugu.

    The event began at 10:30 am with a lying-in-state.

    The wife and children of the late Igwe, in white attires, sat on the front  seats under a canopy.

    The event, though a sad one, was an opportunity for those who worked closely with Dimgba to share their experiences and give testimonies of his personality.

    His close friend and colleague, Mike Awoyinfa, in a  funeral oration, chronicled his 30 years relationship with his writing partner and a man that saved his life twice.

    Awoyinfa said he would have been happy if, instead of funeral oration, he was reading Dimgba’s citation at a Nobel Prize event or award giving day.

    He stated that  in their 30 years of  friendship, they never quarrelled over money or placed their ethnicity into perspective when relating with each  other or doing business.

    “If this (funeral) had been a Nobel Literature Award I would gladly have stood here to read the profile and achievements of my writing partner. For many times, we had covered the death of many great men like the great Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Moshood Abiola, among others. It took his death to know he is a great man also.

    “Our story should be the story of Nigeria; let us all come together as one, regardless of our religion or tribe.

    “My brother Dimgba revived me on the streets of Paris where I was at the point of death. The second occasion was when we were writing the biography of Governor Babatunde Fashola in our hotel rooms. I had a crisis and was bleeding profusely and I called him. He rushed into my room and took me to the hospital and my life was saved.

    “I feel very very sad that I could not save him. I feel sadder that I am being asked to give the oration.”

    Other notable men also sent condolence messages. National Leader of the All Progressives Congress Asiwaju Bola Tinubu described the late Dimgba as a star in the profession; consistent, reliable and committed.

    “His unexpected exit shocks and saddens, but we are comforted that he lived a good life and left a powerful legacy of professionalism and service to humanity. The media profession will miss him. However, his stewardship will light the way for a better country.”

    In his tribute, the publisher of the  Sun and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, described Dimgba’s death as a great loss to the establishment, Abia State and the country.

    Kalu, who recalled how the late Dimgba contributed to the growth of the newspaper, said it was difficult dealing with the vacumn the loss of Dimgba has created.

    Abia State Governor Chief Theodore Orji, represented by one of his special advisers, Ifeanyi Iboko, said the state has lost one of its finest brains and responsible men who deserved to live.

    Governor Obiano was represented by Anambra State Commissioner for Information Tony Onyima. The elder brother of the deceased, Prince Hanson Igwe, described the death of his junior brother as one that occurred at the time the country, his readers and the entire family needed him the most.

    Hanson said they were yet to come to grips with the loss and regretted that he was burying a man that was supposed to bury him.

    For his friends in the media, they will miss a man who, with his wealth of experience, would turn a bad story into an interesting one. For members of the Evangel Pentecostal Church, they will miss a man whose professional career did not affect his service and work in the church. And to the people of Igbere, his home town, they will miss the wealth of knowledge the late media icon would have shared and probably the impetus the community needed to launch the agrarian community into limelight.

    In attendance were President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Femi Adesina; Pastor Ralph Egbu; former Abia State Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Hon. Okey Ezeanata; former Senior Special Assistant to Abia State Government Deacon Agono Duke and former Internal Auditor, UBN Plc and others.

  • Farewell, ‘father in a million’

    The remains of the patriarch of the Ekong family, Edet Udo Ekong, were interred at his country home in Akwa Ibom. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU writes.

    IT was a celebration of a life well spent as the remains of Elder  Edet Udo Ekong were interred.

    The funeral rite held  at Ikot Nkim Oku Government Primary School Ibesikpo, Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was very  colourful.

    It was like a carnival as family members, relations, the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in-laws, friends and well wishers gathered in large numbers  from all parts of the country and beyond  to celebrate the life of a  great man, a patriot  who touched the lives of many people, contributed immensely to the economic and socio-political development of his community, State and country.

    The late Ekong died on August 13 at 81 years.

    The funeral was slated for noon, but before 9am the family house and the primary school field were filled with sympathisers and guests. All sorts of exotic cars, SUVs, heavy security were manifest in the arena causing heavy traffic gridlock around the field.

    It was indeed  a gathering of the who-is-who in Akwa Ibom State and beyond,  an occasion to showcase gorgeous cultural and English apparels.

    Corporate bodies were not left out in the celebration,  as Airtel built stalls at the venue  and was busy attending to  some of its customers. The downpour that occurred shortly before the programme commenced did not stop any of the burial rites, it rather graced and spiced the event.

    The ceremonies  were ably conducted by clergy men from the Jehovah’s Witness, the congregation where Mr.  Ekong worshipped before his death.

    After the interment, guests were well entertained. For Paul Usoro, his wife, Mfon and his  family members,  it was indeed a grand occasion as they entertained guests in their family house till mid night. Among them  were lawyers, government functionaries, top company executives, captains of the industries.  The  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, his Commissioners, traditional rulers from the State and political associates from far and near were all part of the event.

    One of the daughters of the deceased, Afi Akpan,  said her  “Father was a beneficiary of other peoples’ kindness after loosing his father in his teens. Consequently, with the active support of his wife, he accommodated a lot of relations and less privileged people in his house during his life time.

    “Those people grew up with us and invariably became members of our immediate family. He sponsored most of them in schools, helped others to learn vocational skills and many got employed, some become  professionals in different fields of human endeavour and learning. Some learnt business skills from him and consistently acknowledge this fact directly to Papa and Mama or their children. These extended family members, including those who did not live with us, who were not even related to Papa by blood,  traditionally came to Papa for advice on personal or family issues and he happily attended to them  up to his death.

    Another  Daugher of the deceased, Mrs  Mfon Usoro said: “Papa was exceptionally kind and generous, he  provided financial support,  assistance and accommodation to a number of people who were really  in need, those people were  not necessarily related to him by blood. Many young men and women passed through our home, quite a number got married or were given in marriage by Papa, right from his home. A number of parents have named their boys after him.”

  • Farewell to a ‘disciplinarian’

    The retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr Adelaja Omofade, has buried his mother, Mrs Beatrice Omofade. A lying-in-state and commendation service was held at the African Church Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos. IBRAHIM ADAM reports.

    It was a celebration of a life well spent at the African Church Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    Family members, friends and other guests arrived at the church early. Many came in exotic cars.

    It was the lying-in-state and commendation service for the late Mrs Beatrice Omofade, mother of the retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr Adelaja Omofade.

    She died on September 3.

    She was 94.

    Guests appeared in beautiful choice traditional attires. The grandchildren of the deceased and their spouses wore uniformed brown and gold lace with befitting gold caps and head gears. Some women made fashion with white lace and blue head gears with Ipele to match.

    They converged on the church hall where the commendation service was held.

    The church hall was decorated in blue and white colours with lights hung on the ceiling.

    The remains of Mrs Omofade were brought into the church in a black Mercedes Benz car.

    Broadway Funeral pall bearers dressed in white dry lace and Agbada danced with the casket at the entrance of the church before taking it in. The scenario attracted commuters and passersby.

    Commencing the service, the Provost of the Church, Ven. Sam Akin Bamiselu, led other ministers dressed in white robe into the church as the remains of the deceased were moved to the altar. The children, grand and great grand children followed.

    Ven. Bamiselu led the gathering to sing the hymn, ‘Lae lodo Oluwa’ and Bishop Suru Afolabi (rtd) took the Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 15: 35-49.

    The church choir afterwards sang the hymn, ‘Okan are ile kan mbe’.

    In his sermon, Ven. Bamiselu said death will come to all men but noted that there is life after death.

    “Death would come to everyone.                 Whether you are rich, poor, sick or healthy, you will die. With this, we would learn to live our lives and decide on where to go after death,” he said.

    Ven. Bamiselu said at death, there is no mercy and therefore urged the gathering to believe that there is God.

    “Whatever you want to do on earth, do it well because you will be judged by what you do,” he said.

    He prayed for the deceased and her children.

    The service continued with praise, worship and offering.

    It ended with a recessional hymn ‘A o pade, leti odo.’

    Dr Omofade described his mother as a strict disciplinarian, lover of children and a willing and cheerful giver.

    Decked in mint green attire with gold cap, he said he will miss his mother for her love, care, passion and prayer.

    One of the deceased grandsons, Adegoke Omofade, described the deceased as a disciplinarian, wonderful and an affectionate woman.

    Among dignitaries present at the event were the former Lagos State Head of Service, Dr Olufemi Lewis; Mr Dele Oshodi and Chief Gbolahan Owolabi.

     

  • A good man goes home

    The remains of Chief Michael Olagunju, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and the Asiwaju of Aagba, Osun State, have been laid to rest amid pomp. The ceremony drew dignitaries from far and near to the rustic town. ADESOJI ADENIYI reports.

    TheRE was a big sense of loss— to the small town and its people. But the family seemed to have quit mourning to focus on  his examplary life.

    The funeral of the Asiwaju (leader) of Aagba, Michael Adebayo Ololade Olagunju, brought the sleepy Aagba community in Boripe Local Government alive. The final rites for the man, popularly called Asiwaju, in the community, drew dignitaries in politics, religion and the corporate world to the town.

    A few minutes after 10am, friends and associates of the Olagunjus started coming into St. Anthony Catholic Church, for the  Requiem Mass.

    Majority of the congregation wore a uniform Ankara to identify with the family.

    Seated on the first three front rows were the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Claudius-Maria Modupe Motunrayo Olagunju, her three children – Oloruntomiloba, Ifeoluwa and Oluwayemisi –  grand children and the extended Olagunju family members. They were dressed in uniform lace material with matching accessories.

    The Parish Priest of St. John Catholic Church, Ilode-Ife, Rev. Fr John Popoola, who delivered the sermon, described the late  Olagunju as a man who lived by God’s principles. The cleric said Olagunju used his resources – time, money and energy – to serve God and humanity. He challenged the widow, children, friends and associates of the deceased to promote his ideals.

    The congregation listened with rapt attention as the cleric urged them to celebrate the life of the deceased than seeing his demise as a loss.

    Rev Popoola said: “By now, Asiwaju must be resting in the bosom of the Lord because of his good works here on earth. We must not let his good works perish but go on in the town, in politics and in the church. Asiwaju is known for  his love for God. He was a good Christian and a good Catholic. He was generous. He loved to pray. Though he died at the age of 68, which we can say is relatively short, but his life had meaning because he allowed it to touch lives positively.”

    The cleric admonished all to take cues from the late Olagunju’s spartan and Godly lifestyle.

    “Olagunju knew God and lived by his principles to the end. He used his resources for God – energy, time and money. He prepared for his death. He played his politics with decency and the fear of God. Let everyone learn from this,” the cleric concluded.

    After the church service and interment, guests were entertained at the playing ground of the St. Anthony Primary School where the dancing and feasting erased the sense of loss and the soberness that greeted the news of the late Olagunju’s death. There were enough varieties of African dishes to feast on.  There was music as the merriment lasted.

    At the funeral were Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Osun Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Chief of Staff to the Governor Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; MicCom Golf Hotel and Resort, Ada Chairman Prince Tunde Ponnle; Senator representing Osun Central district Prof. Sola Adeyeye; industrialist Chief Dele Ajayi; Osun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration Ajibola Basiru; his Information and Strategy counterpart Chief Sunday Akere and Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District Babajide Omoworare.

    Others were: the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State; Prince Gboyega Famodun, chairman, Governing Board of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation; Mr. Kola Akanji; a retired Director in the Ministry of Works in Osun State; Mr. Albert Adeleke Adedapo, the Head of Ejigbo Local Government Alhaji Hassan Oladepo Adedapo; the Director-General of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation Prince Soji Fadehan and Director of Marketing, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation Mr Wale Idowu.

  • Adapting to your audience and situation

    Since we began our discussions on public speaking and communication generally, we have tried to avoid unforeseen circumstances. We have even tried to plan for situations that are unexpected. For instance, we agreed that impromptu speeches are speeches that you are given little or no time to prepare for, yet, we still came up with a strategy to beat that. However, can we beat every single situation? Can we come up with strategies for everything? I’m sure you will agree with me that the answer is no! We can’t always predict or anticipate what we may encounter. So, what do we do? We must learn to adapt.

    Sometime in 2011, I joined a team to organize a vocational training for members of a church in Lagos. Of course, I was to train on public speaking. As should be expected, I wanted to know ahead of time the kind of audience I would be encountering; so, I inquired from the leader of our team. He assured me that the programme was organized by the Youths Association. So, I used the information to prepare for the training.

    When we arrived at the venue, I noticed something strange- there were several elderly people there too! Nevertheless, I consoled myself that they probably came to see what the youths were up to and give them moral support. At the opening ceremony, we, the facilitators, were introduced to the participants and vice versa. Guess what I discovered? The Retiree Group decided to collaborate with the youths! In case you don’t understand my dilemma at that time, I will tell you. The age difference was too much! On one hand, I had people who were just starting their lives, with lots of dreams and aspirations, and on the other hand, I had people who had ‘seen it all’ and just needed something to occupy their time.

    As I sat there, unconsciously, my mind raced through all the illustrations I intended to use during the training and I discovered that they would not appeal to the older participants. Quickly, I started to think of new ones. The new challenge I was faced with was finding illustrations and a teaching approach that would be effective for both groups. To make matters worse, an old professor walked up to me and greeted me cordially, saying that he taught communication for over fifty years. And he was supposed to attend my training? God help! Thankfully, he didn’t stay the entire period.

    If a public speaker is too regimented, he or she may find it difficult to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. As much as it is good to plan your presentation to the minutest detail, it is still very important to be flexible both mentally and ‘stylistically.’ So, what did I do to my mixed class? I did the following:

    • Asked them for their past experiences: the first thing I needed to do was to find out how much they already knew about the subject. It particularly helped me to find an average of their knowledge so that I could present a balanced training. Once I was able to establish that they all had elementary knowledge of the subject matter, I knew that they could all be taught from the same curriculum.

    • Asked them for their expectations: I had attended several trainings myself, so, I knew that participants weren’t always satisfied with what they got from trainings. Hence, by finding out what exactly they expected to gain and what they intended to do with the knowledge, I was able to discover that within the same training session, I could accommodate the two groups. Knowing what they wanted also helped me to tailor the training along their requirements so that it met their individual needs. Having discovered their expectations, it wasn’t too difficult for me to surpass it; I would have run into trouble if I didn’t have that information. It also took off me the pressure of trying to read their expressions to determine if I was reaching them or not.

    • Used balanced illustrations: the illustrations used during the training were balanced. Some of them were quite contemporary and applicable to the youths while the others were applicable to the older ones. The main challenge I encountered was building expectations for the course. While the youths could think of several things they could do with public speaking, it wasn’t that easy for the older ones. However, by enlightening them on the positive impact they could have on the youths if they could communicate effectively, they too became motivated.

    • Treated them all as students: I worked by a simple logic- the youths wanted to be treated as adults while the elders didn’t want to feel old fashioned; so, I treated them all as equals. While I raised my level of respect for the youths to the level of the elders, I made sure that the elders had as much practical sessions as the youths. For as long as the class lasted, nobody really cared about age. The excitement of standing before the class to present took care of any reservation anyone of them might have had.

  • All for Gowon at 80

    All for Gowon at 80

    Looking years younger, the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, stepped out last Sunday in style to celebrate his 80th birthday. Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, literarily rose for him, reports AUGUSTINE EHIKIOYA.

    HE walked strongly and briskly without showing any sign of senility into the National Christian Centre, Abuja, for his 80th birthday thanksgiving service an hour before the scheduled time.That was the soft-spoken former Head of State Gen Yakubu Gowon, who  still believes to military  precision  and punctuality.

    He joined the class of octogenarians last Sunday at a well-celebrated event, organised by the State House, Abuja.

    General Gowon was the Head of State from 1966-1975. He holds the record as the youngest Head of State, having assumed the position when he was 31.

    Given his love for Nigeria, GOWON’s name has formed the popular slogan, ‘Go On With One Nigeria’.

    The birthday ‘boy’ was dressed in white babanriga attire, and walked with his wife, Victoria, to their seats where some dignitaries were awaited the commencement of the event.

    The Festival Choir dished out various soul-lifting hymns. It was an interdenominational affair.

    The personalities in attendance included President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark; Governors David Jang (Plateau) , Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Dr. Alex Ekwueme and wife, Beatrice; Lt.Gen. Theophilus Danjuma; General Oladipo Diya, Brig-Gen. Jones Arogbofa  (Chief of Staff to the President) and ministers; Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Obong Ufot Ekaette; Professor Jerry Gana; Archbishop John Onaiyekan; Bishop Nicholas Okoh; Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade; Chief Edwin Clark; Obong Victor Attah; Dr. Ahmadu Ali and President of Christian Association of Nigeria Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps were not left out. They came in their numbers.

    Jonathan, who spoke during the service, extolled the good virtues of Gowon during and after his life in the military.

    He said he was still in the primary school when Gowon was the Head of State, describing him as a patriot and head of government.

    “General Gowon did not see the Biafra side as a team that must be crushed. He saw the war as a struggle of Nigerians and his main target was to keep Nigeria together.

    “After dropping the gun, he picked up programmes to keep this country together. He came up with the ‘Nigeria Praise’. And with that he has continued to keep Nigeria one. His commitment is to prepare a better Nigeria for the future generation.” He added

    Archbishop of Jos Dr. Ben Kwashi, who gave the sermon, also compared Gowon with the biblical Joel, who faced the problems of his time head-on and did not dissociate himself from them.

    Paying tribute to the celebrator, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, also described Gowon as a good man.

    Kukah, still on the podium, though not for preaching,  cracked jokes that had the audience reeling with laughter.

    On a lighter mood, the Bishop sarcastically gave reasons he is sure he too will live up to 80 years or more. He said this year, he was involved in the funeral of Justice Oputa, who died at 96 years; and at the 80th birthday of Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, and that of the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbenedion.

    “And here I am. So, if I don’t live to be 80, I think I will hold all these 80-year-old men responsible,” Kukah added, igniting another round of laughter.

    He also recounted his experience of the humility of Gowon when he visited him in his home long time ago when Gowon’s wife was not at home.

    When the celebrator was asked to give a remark, he humbly asked to speak after President Jonathan. Humbly, Gowon, while greeting the president bowed for him. This caused many to stare and some murmured aloud.

    All Gowon could do was to thank God for all he has been able to achieve in his 80 years on earth.