The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • The ‘limping editor’ at 60

    The ‘limping editor’ at 60

    General Manager (Corporate Services), Vintage Press Limited, Pastor Soji Omotunde has celebrated his 60th birthday at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Complete Sanctuary, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    He was destined for a position of an editor in a newly established newspaper but as faith would have it, someone convinced the publisher not to make him the editor.

    “Why? The publisher inquired.

    “How can you make someone limping as an editor of the paper,” he replied.

    The publisher who was out of the country at that time agreed and he was instead made the head of the Editorial Board.

    He took it in his stride, believing that position comes from God, after all “I have edited Timesweek and African Concord before the accident that only made me to be limping because of hip dislocation while I still remain alive and well.”

    After a while, God’s plan came to manifest in his life as he was apologized and made the Editor after the latter decided to leave the position.

    “The management even gave me a better package than the former editor,” he disclosed.

    Such is the story of Pastor Soji Omotunde, the General Manager (Corporate Services), Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspaper.

    Pastor Omotunde, who celebrated 60th birthday last Sunday at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Complete Sanctuary, Dominion Area Headquarters, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos outskirt told the gathering how he had close shave with death when he had an accident that occurred along Akure-Iju road in January 1996.

    An incident that made him unconscious for three days before he was brought to Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos, but for God’s grace, he came out alive, was down for about eight months, and then arose, limping but not wrecked. It was that occurrence that made him to surrender his life to Jesus. “I might be limping, but I keep rejoicing in the Lord for sustaining me to move forward,” he said. Even when thereafter he was arrested as Editor of African Concord by the Sani Abacha regime, the threats to assassinate him while in detention for several months could not manifest.

    His story touched the church auditorium-filled guests that came to felicitate with him on the occasion.

    The pensive mood that followed the celebrator’s heart-touching story was dissuaded, courtesy of spectacular performance by a singer and drummer, Funmi Ayan Jesu, the church’s youth drama group and the choir.

    Pastor Omotunde took to the dance floor to celebrate God’s mercies and grace in his life.

    Surrounded by his wife Florence Emiede and family members, the celebrator acknowledged cheers from friends and colleagues who mounted the dance floor to thank God for him.

    The ornately decorated auditorium of the newly-built church erupted in celebrations.

    The event featured praise and worship, opening prayer, hymns, Bible readings by two of the celebrant’s children, Tolulope and Mrs. Ibiyemi Nwenearizi and guests’ tributes and testimonies in abundance.

    The Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG, Anambra Province 2, Pastor Paschal Udah, who ministered congratulated the celebrator. He prayed he fulfils his mission on earth.

    “You did not come to this world for nothing; God sent you to do something special. I pray you accomplish it and do more because you have many more years on earth,” he said.

    Pastor Udah enjoined the gathering to make impact in peoples’ lives every day.

    “The value of man’s life is to contribute to another man’s life; if you live a million years on earth and never impacted on the planet earth, you have not live anything, but if it’s just few years and impactful, the whole world will not forget you,” he said.

    He prayed for the celebrator alongside his family members – all on kneels.

    Afterwards, Pastors Udah and Omotunde shook hands and hugged.

    Prayers were also said for Mr John Omotunde, an engineer and his wife, Barrister Lilian who marked 36th wedding anniversary on that day.

    Pastor Kola Odesanmi presented two books – Crossover to Perfection and As It Is written by Pastor Omotunde.

    The duo of Pastor Sanya Oni, Editorial Page Editor of The Nation and Deacon Kayode Oyawa reviewed the books.

    The Omotundes afterwards moved towards the cake. Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diasporas, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa was given the task to supervise the cutting of the cake.

    With J-E-S-U-S, the cake was cut.

    Dabiri-Erewa, a former journalist at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) described Pastor Omotunde as a friend, brother and senior colleague in journalism.

    “I have known him for as many years I have been in journalism; we have worked together as journalists – he, is newspaper and I, in television; he is an erudite journalist. He is fair, straight forward and has passion for what he does; a gentleman per excellence,” she said.

    The celebrator’s wife, Emiede, in her tributes, described him as wonderful.

    “As you celebrate your 60th birthday, the beauty of the Lord will be upon you, may He set you on high and honour you with longer life, good health and not lack in anything good,” Mrs. Omotunde wrote.

    In his response, Pastor Omotunde thanked all for coming.

    He enjoined the gathering never to be wailed down by challenges, saying “even though you might fall, you can rise higher.”

  • Dance champions

    Dance champions

    Nigerians have crowned the Utere family from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State winners of the 2014 edition of Family Dance TV show, Maltina Dance All 8 (MDA), at a colourful ceremony, NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    After weeks of suspense, drama and excitement which kept millions of Nigerians glued to their television screens, the Utere’s went home with the star prize of a whopping N10 million after securing the largest number of votes in the keenly contested competition. The show which is reputed for promoting family values, bonding and happiness and sponsored by Maltina, a premium malt drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc took place at the Eko Hotels & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Apart from the grand prize of N10million, the family also earned the title of Nigeria’s number one dance family while the Uzodinma family who claimed second position went home with N3m. The Odigie family, who came third, were rewarded with N1m.

    It would be recalled that 10 families were initially admitted into the famed Maltina dance academy after which they were subsequently whittled down to the four families – Utere, Uzodinma, Odigie and Unanka – that took part in the grand finale.  As anticipated, the show which was beamed live across select TV stations was filled with excitement. The four families that made it to the grand finale competed in two dance styles – Rhythm of Naija and Hip-hop.

    The families first competed in the “Rhythm of Naija” dance style. The Utere family, who were first on stage, set the tone for an awesome night with a dazzling performance to Shake Bodi by Skales much to the delight of the audience. The Unanka family who were next also impressed with their performance to Mavin’s Dorobucci hit song. Their performance was followed by that of the Uzodima family who danced to Lil Kesh’s Shoki and Odigie family who performed last, danced to Ukwu by Timaya.

    The next dance style performed by the families was the hip-hop style. The order of performance saw the Uzodinma family perform first while Utere, Unanka and Odigie followed suit respectively.

    At the end of the entertaining displays showcased by the families, tension in the hall was palpable as the final votes were awaited. After the voting process ended and the results certified authentic, Utere family was announced winner as voted by Nigerians while the Uzodima and Odigie families came second and third respectively.

    Speaking at the event, Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Mr. Adewole Adedeji, stated that the Maltina Dance All platform has been very effective in audience engagement. He said “the MDA platform has been sustained over the past 8 years because we are a consumer-centric organisation. We will continue to invest in the things that create positive experiences for consumers to connect with each other and also with our brand. The reason why we have sustained it this far is majorly because it connects with consumers”. He also described this year’s MDA as the best ever and revealed that next year’s edition would be more exciting.

    Wilfred Utere, the family representative of Utere family, who was visibly filled with joy, expressed his excitement for winning this year’s MDA competition. He said, “My family and I are short of words to describe how we feel now. It is so overwhelming to be crowned winners tonight. We have really worked hard to be here today. I want to thank all those who have supported us all the way. I want to also thank Maltina for giving us a platform to showcase our talents and to also be rewarded with this huge amount of money.” On what the family plans to do with the N10 million, Wilfred stated that amongst other things, he would open a dance studio as well as further his education abroad.

    As Nigerians wait for what next the brand has up its sleeve, they will not forget in a hurry the fun and excitement that was the hallmark of the 2014 edition of the MDA tagged “Rhythm of Happiness.”

  • Just Listen

    Tayo sat on the visitor’s chair in his hospital room. He was about to be discharged and he was excited. He couldn’t wait to rejoin his football club after being missing in action for four months due to an injury. Though the doctor felt he needed more rest, Tayo managed to convince her that he could get along just fine. After the doctor had examined him for a last time, he was handed over to a nurse who explained how to use his prescription drugs. Tayo nodded vigorously to show he was paying attention, while keeping his eyes on his timepiece because he wanted to watch his teammates train. Later that evening, after being exhausted by watching the training, it was time to take his drugs. At that point, Tayo became a little confused. “Yea, I know this one is two tablets to be taken twice a day,” he said to himself. “But…is it the one I should take after a week of recovery or should I take it immediately?” Just listen.

    A lecturer paced back and forth explaining the Agenda Setting Theory of the mass media to the students. After two hours of intensive explanation of how the mass media suggest what people think about, he asked the students, “Any question?” and they chorused, “No.” Thus, the class was concluded. Later that week, Peggy and her friends were revising for a test. One of her friends asked her, “Peggy, can you please explain the Agenda Setting Theory, I didn’t get a word of what that lecturer said.” “I don’t understand it either. I can’t even remember I heard what he said,” Peggy responded. Just listen.

    Uche was on his way to Ikeja for a job interview. He lived in Sango Ota, so he had to leave home pretty early. He could hear the conductor saying something but he wasn’t interested; all he cared about was his last-minute preparation for the interview. After a while, he said, “Conductor, I’m alighting at Ikeja.” He was not prepared for the responses he got from the conductor and almost all the passengers. They all shouted at him, “We passed Ikeja a long time ago”, “Were you sleeping?” “Didn’t you hear the conductor call your bus stop?” “Mumu. Why you no say you no know where you dey go?” Uche was stunned and dismayed because he could already picture himself missing his interview. Just listen.

    Adamu’s mind was preoccupied. He couldn’t just imagine why Arsenal had to draw that match with Tottenham. He was expecting a clear victory. How on earth would he face his friends now? Suddenly, he heard his name and tried to focus. To his surprise, everyone in the boardroom was staring at him, as if expecting him to say something. The last thing he remembered hearing was “Marketing Strategy” and that was almost 15 minutes ago. How would he explain to the CEO of the company that he hadn’t a clue of what he was expected to respond to? Just listen.

    It is very interesting how most people assume listening is a natural action. As a matter of fact, some people become offended anytime they are accused of not listening. However, there is a great difference between hearing and listening. While hearing is a physiological process through which our hearing apparatus pick up signals, listening involves paying attention. The distinction between these two will be examined later in this series.

    Listening is a lot of work. I thought I was really good at listening until I had a funny experience. I visited one of my cousins for an event several years ago and I decided to spend some time with his children. There were a few other children present too so we decided to have some fun. One way or the other, I was persuaded into telling them stories. After exhausting the stories I could remember, I had a brilliant idea (or so I thought at the moment). “Why don’t you tell me stories instead,” I said, and they loved the idea. So, I started listening to them one after the other. While some told stories revolving around movies they had watched, some others told stories of Tortoise and Elephant. Then finally, the youngest girl insisted that it was her turn, and of course we gave her the floor. At the beginning of the story, Tortoise was driving a car- what I couldn’t figure out from the story was how the car got to the top of a tree. Then suddenly, the car was inside a swimming pool. After about 10 minutes, it became obvious it was a never ending story. I couldn’t bear another minute of it so I called for a recess, which I ensured we did not resume from. Listening requires sorting information in your mind. How much attention do you pay to people when they talk to you?

    As a public speaker, the only reason you are speaking is that people are listening. If you have no audience, there is nothing public about your speaking. At the same time, what is the value of having a hall full of people without any one listening to what you have to say? Hence, it has become very important for us, not only to concentrate on the art of speaking, but to also learn what it takes to listen.

    As a public speaker, you have to learn about listening on two levels. First, you must learn that to be a successful speaker, you have to be a great listener. Your preoccupation should not be making people to listen to you but you learning what they need so that you can make it available. You must have learnt about your audience through listening before they learn from you by listening. While speaking, it is also important that you listen to their feedback.  The second level of listening is the art of making your audience listen to you. In the next few weeks, by the grace of God, we shall be exploring this all important topic of listening. Please feel free to suggest aspects of it you want us to explore. I wish you a Happy New Month and Happy Independence.

  • 60 cheers to a good man

    60 cheers to a good man

    Olayinka Olanrewaju Ogunbiyi, a principal manager with the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), has celebrated his 60th birthday and retirement from service. The event was held at the Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club in Ikeja, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports. 

    It was an afternoon of celebration and an occasion to share in the joy of a good man. Members of the Lagos Country Club and some staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), family and friends came to the venue in choice traditional attires. Many used the silver head gears/caps chosen for the occasion.

    They came to rejoice with an engineer, Mr Olayinka Ogunbiyi, on the occasion of his 60th birthday and retirement from service. He retired as the principal manager in the distribution department of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) after serving for about 32 years.

    The Jubilee Hall of the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, was decorated with pink and white fabrics and lightings all over.

    Divine Muzik, a life band, entertained guests.

    Pastor Oluwole Olatimehin of the True Divine Evangelical Ministry in Lagos said the opening prayer.

    The celebrator and his wife, Omokehinde, entered the hall in the company of friends and family members dancing to the music supplied by the band. Ogunbiyi wore blue linen Agbada and a pink cap. His male children wore the same linen but in different styles.   His wife wore blue lace blouse and wrapper with pink head gear, ipele, a pair of shoes and bag to match. Her female children also wore the same blue lace but made in choice beautiful styles.

    Pastor Olatimehin, in his short sermon, said it was good to celebrate one’s birthday because it would help you number your days and compare your life with God’s standard and requirement.

    He urged the gathering to live their lives in accordance to the purpose of God.

    “Be guided by God on a daily basis, follow His direction, fear Him and seek His wisdom. Let your treasure be in God and not in money, sex, power, houses, cars, corruption and all other fleshy desire,” he said.

    The chairman on the occasion, the Otunba of Igboholand in Oyo State, Otunba Olawuwo Oni, congratulated the celebrator and welcomed him to the ‘age of those getting younger.’ He described retirement from service as a life-time achievement, wishing him well on his journey.

    He said the celebrator is a loyal and committed friend.

    “He is a brilliant professional and a good man on his job,” he said.

    Some of the guests were also called to talk about the celebrator.

    A chartered accountant, Adeleke Elujoba, urged the celebrator to continue his good works, saying he has touched many lives.

    A retired engineer from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10, Mr Titus Adedeji, described the celebrator as humble, reliable, and transparent.

    Ogunbiyi, he said, is a man that has helped and is still helping so many people in diverse ways.

    Mr Babatunde Okunuga, a friend to the celebrator, described him as a complete gentle man.

    “He is quiet to a fault; he does not want to offend anyone and would therefore go out to all the way he can to ensure everyone is comfortable. He makes sure he attends to whatever problem people have anywhere,” he said.

    The celebrator and his wife, Omokehinde, took to the stage to cut cake. The three- step white cake with pink design was cut at the spelling of J-E-S-U-S.

    A session of photographs followed, during which guests dropped their gifts for the celebrator.

    The party continued with dance as family, friends, colleague and club members   were called one after the other.

    The celebrator said the day was his happiest.

    “I thank God for sparing my life till today. I won’t say I am fulfilled yet, but I thank God for what he has done today and I am hopeful that things will continue to be fine,” he said.

    Ogunbiyi added: “I am the Chairman in Brilliant Esteem Private School, I want to go into agriculture and I am still a consultant in PHCN. Life till 60 has taught me to be humble and diligent and I thank God because I never had a day of sickness.”

    His wife Omokehinde, the Proprietress of Brilliant Esteem Private School, gave God thanks on the life of her husband.

    “My husband is a good man to me; he is a nice father to the children, younger and elder brother to his family and he is a good in-law. He is a friend indeed; I wish him sound health and that he will not be tired as he is retiring,” she said.

  • A fairy-tale wedding:

    A fairy-tale wedding:

    Former presidential aide Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has given out her daughter Kokoeka’s hand in marriage to Chimaobi, son of former Chairman of Continental Sales Ltd, the late Chief Shawcross Moore Obioha, in Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    •Ita-Giwa’s daughter marries

    Former presidential aide Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, aka Mama Bakassi stopped at nothing to give her daughter, Kokoeka, a fairytale wedding. Lagos and Calabar, the Cross River State capital, hosted the three-legged event. The introduction and wedding were held in Lagos. The traditional rites were performed in Calabar.

    The ceremonies were rounded off at the Methodist Church of the Trinity in Tinubu, Lagos, last Saturday when Koko, as the bride is fondly called, and her beau, Chimaobi Obioha, walked down the aisle.

    Chimaobi is the son of the late Chief Shawcross Godwin Moore Obioha, former Chairman of Continental Sales Ltd.

    He has a Masters degree in International Business from The Coventry University, England; Koko, also schooled in the United Kingdom where she has just completed her Masters degree.

    The colourful engagement, which reflected the rich Calabar traditon, went without any hitch.

    A distinguished Efik and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke chaired the Calabar event. Efik and Igbo traditional performances kept the ceremony lively.

    The couple were resplendent in traditional Efik marriage outfits.

    Senator Ita-Giwa led her daughter into the church. Koko was in a stunning veiled white wedding gown.

    Despite the late start of the ceremony, guests, friends and family members of the couple waited patiently.

    Those who rushed to the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, the reception venue, were not allowed into the hall until the end of the church service.

    The reception did not start until some minutes past 8pm.

    Guests marvelled at the decorations of the gigantic hall.

    Highlife legend Sir Victor Olaiya and hip-hop artiste Innocent Idibia (a.k.a Tuface) entertained the large crowd.

    The couple cut the cake few minutes past midnight.

    They thrilled the gathering with scintillating dance steps amid music by Sir Olaiya and Tuface.

    Senator Ita-Giwa thanked God and the guests for their support.

    She enjoined the couple to believe in God in everything they do.

    “They should hold on to their God and have a successful marriage. They should live a good life and trust each other. They should believe in each other and always have the presence of God in their union,” she said.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Evelyn Obioha, who is from Abraka in Delta State, was excited.

    “I have always been in support of their relationship. Koko is a good girl and would make a good wife for my son. I am happy we are marrying into her family. Intertribal marriage fosters unity and I am happy my son is marrying into an Efik family,” she said.

    Koko was grateful to God for making the day a success.

    She said she was attracted to Chimaobi because he is God fearing.

    “I feel that any man that is God fearing comes with a lot of other positive attributes that would complement him. When you are God fearing you are focused. When you are God fearing, you will know that whatever challenges you face, you will come out victorious and successful. We work together as a team. He is my brother and best friend. He is my confidant,” she said.

    On how they met, she said: “We met on my birthday. I went out for lunch and he happened to be in the same place and that is how it started.”

    Chimaobi described Koko as beautiful, down to earth, understanding, intelligent and hardworking.

    “I am excited about today because we looked forward to it for a long time. And God has answered our prayers and we are very happy,” he said.

    In attendance were Minister of Culture and Tourism Chief Edem Duke; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; former Ogun State governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba; his Jigawa, Ekiti and Cross River counterparts Senator Saminu Turaki; Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Donald Duke and wife Onari; wife of Ogun State governor Mrs Olufunso Amosun; President, Dangote Group of Companies Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman, HoneyWell Groups Oba Otudeko; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Segun Awolowo; former Commerce and Industry Minister Mrs Nike Akande; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Asoju Oba of Lagos Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; former Aviation Minister Mrs Kema Chikwe; Lagos socialite Hajia Abba Folawiyo; monarchs – Dr Etim Okon Edet and Etubong Bassey; Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe; Arthur Nwandu; Ogbuagu Emeka Okwwuosa; Prince Walter Eze; Mrs Bola Shagaya; Chief Sam Iwuagwu; former Chief Of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadome; Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu; Paramount Ruler of Bakassi Dr Etim Okon Edet; traditional ruler of Abraka, Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ararile Ovie; traditional ruler of Arondizogu in Imo State Eze Cosmas Kanu; Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba; Senator Bassey Out; former governorship aspirant in Delta State Chief Great Ogboru; Hon Daniel Asuquo; Onyeka Onwenu; Encomium Publisher Chief Olakunle Bakare; Managing Director, Duro Soleye Medical Centre Dr Tunde Soleye; Chief Akin Ariyo; Chairman and Chisco Group of Companies Chief Chidi Anyaegbu,  among others.

  • A union of doctors

    A union of doctors

    A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adebayo Oshinowo (aka Pepperito), gave out his daughter, Dr Sekeenah Kehinde’s hand in marriage to Dr Abdul Hameed Adeoye at a colourful Aqidun and Walimat Nikkah. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    It was a dream come true when former Miss Sekeenah Kehinde Oshinowo, a medical doctor with Lagos State and her counterpart, Dr Abdul Hameed Adeoye were joined in holy wedlock.

    The event would pass as one of the biggest and grandest witnessed in Lagos State in recent times. The road to the venue, the K and G Events Centre, along Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, was busy with vehicles making their way to the arena. Before long, its  parking lots were full and guests parked their cars by the road sides. The rows of cars on both sides of the road stretched for kilometres. Street urchins made brisk business directing guests to where to park their cars. Local drummers sang the praises of the guests at the gate as they entered the venue.

    It was a gathering of socialites, politicians and business moguls, who came to celebrate with family members and friends of the couple. Glamour and style were on display.

    One after the other, guests made their way into the expansive hall, which was filled.

    Many jostled to be let in at the three entrances which were manned by security officials. Only those with invitation cards were let in.

    It was a gold and silver affair. Decorations arched into the top central aisle from the sides of the hall. There was a red carpet too.  Chandeliers also dropped from the ceilings as well as big shinny disco balls of silver and gold. Colourful flowers were placed on the tables numbering about a 100. A table could take 10 guests.

    Soon, the couple arrived. First, was the groom in a white Infinity branded Limousine. Minutes later, the bride’s Rolls Royce pulled over behind it. The car was decorated with gold fabric, and there the bride sat until she was called in.

    The couple were led into the hall one after the other amid subtle Islamic songs and drum beats. Adeoye was clad in a blue suede Indian-like attire. The bride was called in afterwards. She too wore a blue Indian dress.  Later the couple changed to green coloured native dresses.

    The couple sat on separate white chairs on an elevated platform which background was decorated with hand-made paper roses. Those at the far end could see the proceedings clearly.

    The Imam of Lagos State College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Mallam Mutohir Adams, said the opening prayer before the President of the Supreme Council for Sharia, Sheik Imam Olajuwon, read from the Holy Quran.

    Though there were leagues of imams present, the preaching was delegated to the Chief Imam of the Lagos State House of Assembly, AbdulAkeem AbdulLateef.

    Imam AbdulWahab Omisore and parents of the couple were asked to witness the union.

    “Be patient Sekeenah; be humble; observe fasting, it has a lot of benefits and most of all, be very chaste.” Imam AbdulLateef said.

    After declaring them man and wife, the couple signed their marriage certificate.

    After a photograph sessions, the couple changed into a reception dress. Evangelist Ebenezer Obey dished out tunes that kept guests shaking their feet as they wined and dined to exotic drinks and meals. All the while, the lawmaker and the groom’s parents Alhaji AbdulWahab Adebisi-Adebayo went about attending to guests.

    The bride, a graduate of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, told The Nation how she met her beau a year ago at the General Hospital, Lagos where they began their internship on the same day.

    “He was so formal and very professional in his duties…that I liked. Though I noticed that he took particular interest in me when during rounds he would check to know if am fine. Sometimes when I am attending to a patient, he would come around to help me. One day, he walked up to me and asked to see me after work for something important.

    “He spoke to me about happiness, joy and peace. He spoke so well that I was taken aback and I loved the fact that he was confident. He knew what he wanted and began a formal relationship. With time, I began appreciating his person.

    “He was very sensitive and had the things I had been looking for in a man. I also wanted a God-fearing man and I fell in love with his zeal for being responsible. His love for family is second to none and he is also very romantic and I am content and happy that each time, I thank God that we made it.” Sekeenah said.

    In attendance were: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his wife Mayowa; former Accountant General of Lagos Akiinwunmi Ambode; former Commissioner for Health Dr Leke Pitan;  Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire; Commissioner For Transportation Lagos State Hon Kayode Opeifa;  Chairman Amuwo Odofin Comrade Ayodele Adewale.

    Others were: Chief Olusegun Abraham; Human Resources Manager Nigerian Breweries PLc Mr Niyi Alabi; Chairperson Kosofo local Government Mrs Mosunmola Sofola; Vice Chairman Lagos west APC Chief Funsho Ologunde; Felix Fagbouhungbe (SAN); Senator Gbenga Ashafa and the treasurer Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Lagos State Branch Fred Oduwole.

  • Speak out that Idea!

    Most great thinkers and successful persons in the world, both past and present, have, at one time or the other, associated their successes to good ideas. Several books have been published on this valuable seed called idea and how it can be capitalized upon for great achievements. We cannot over emphasize the fact that good ideas rule the world. When ideas become a passion, they consume the proponent so that he or she becomes unstoppable. Victor Hugo said, “An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.” Great ideas cannot be restricted; they find their ways around every obstacle. According to Benazir Bhutto, “You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea.” Not only are good ideas characteristically bigger than their proponents, they also mostly outlive them. In this respect, John F. Kennedy said, “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on. Ideas have endurance without death.”

    As valuable as ideas are, however, we will be making a big mistake to think that they are all it takes to succeed. Ideas don’t fulfil themselves, they must be put to use, and the first step of this is expression. What are ideas without expressions? Have you ever seen an army commander who instructs his troupe with his mind? No matter how skillful or tactful he is, he must issue clear commands, either by speech or by gesture, for the soldiers to act. Can a teacher teach a class without words, gestures, or other technical aids? Unless the subject matter is “silence,” the students would receive nothing. Likewise, ideas are nothing unless they are expressed.

    People cannot get into our minds or read our thoughts; hence, they cannot access our brilliant ideas unless we express them. Lois Wyse said, “The only people in the world who can change things are those who can sell ideas.” In whatever endeavour we are engaged in, our ideas will be no good if we cannot convince the necessary stakeholders of their authenticity.  If we don’t know how to present our ideas, they may die in our minds.

    Some people spend their entire lives merely brooding over some ideas because they believe the ideas are not good enough to be shared. According to Brian G. Jett, “We think good ideas to death, when we should be acting them to life.” I am of the opinion that we don’t know the value of our ideas until we share them.  Have you ever had the experience, probably when you were in school, that your teacher asked a question, to which you knew the answer, but you were afraid to be wrong, so, someone else spoke exactly what you had in mind and was correct? How did you feel? Whether in the same scenario or a similar but more complex one, the effect is usually the same. Though you tried to console yourself that it wasn’t really a big deal, deep down, you felt a sense of loss. That is what happens when we don’t share the valuable ideas we have; we lose them to other thinkers. Some other people believe that no one can be trusted, so they hoard their ideas. While the ideas are safe in their minds, neither they nor any other person benefit from that.

    Ideas get bigger when they are shared effectively. George Bernard Shaw said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.”

    Having established that ideas are invaluable, and that they are of no use when we keep them to ourselves, the next question is, “How do we share our ideas?” There are several ways to share our ideas; in fact, there are many more ways than we can talk about here. But I can assure you that one of the major and most effective ways is through speaking. Of course, you may write a proposal, but you are most probably going to need to make an oral presentation of it at some points. Some people write winning proposals but are screened out only because of their inability to come across convincingly in their oral presentations. When a business proposal is particularly brilliant, and the presenter is particularly poor, the assessor naturally concludes that the idea is stolen. Think about this: why is it that we hear some people accuse some popular musicians of stealing their songs, yet it’s not a hit when the supposed owners perform it? Why does a student explain a course to another and the latter passes while the former fails? The answer is simple- some people are good at getting ideas, some are good at expressing them, and some are good in both. “But is this fair?” You may ask. Well, that may be a discussion for another day. In the mean time, know that you can learn to express your ideas effectively and win your audience to your line of thinking. Organize your thoughts, support it with facts, create the context in which it can work, and be passionate as you speak. You are closer to achieving your dreams than you know.

  • Life begins at 70

    Life begins at 70

    A journalist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mathew Adewunmi Shoyebo, has turned 70. He celebrated his entry into the septuagenarian club with praise and thanksgiving in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

    For Matthew Adewunmi Shoyebo, attaining the biblical age of three scores and ten, last Saturday, was a reason to thank God and celebrate His goodness.

    His children, grand children and political associates in the All Progressives Congress (APC) rolled out the drums for what they described as a milestone in the life of a man of many parts.

    To them, the Sickle Cell Centre auditorium, Idi-Araba in Surulere, Lagos, was the place to be that Saturday. Everyone who mattered to him stood to be counted at the event.

    It began with a service led by the Daystar Centre and Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Mount Zion Parish, Surulere, whose choirs led the song ministrations as well as the praise and worship session.

    The Area Pastor of the church, Olumide Salako, offered the opening prayer after which the celebrator’s wife, Beatrice, took the first Bible reading from Romans 12:1-5.

    A special hymn, “For my sake, and the Gospel, Go”, was sung for the celebrator. A brief sermon was given by the representative of the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Pastor Bolu Oluyomi, who spoke on the reasons Shoyebo, an engineer, was being celebrated.

    Pastor Oluyomi came in company of Pastors Tunde Adisa and Victor Akinyemi. One after the other, the pastors offered prayers for the family before the choir gave a special song. In between the worship session was a thanksgiving, where the celebrator led his family and other guests to drop their offerings in a basket at the altar.

    After the recessional hymn, “To God be the Glory”, the hall was re-arranged for the reception. The occasion also served as a platform to showcase their style.

    The Empire Band supplied music, singing praises of guests as they entered the well-decorated hall.

    The reception was chaired by Otunba Adeleke Adesina.

    Adesina described the celebrator as a man of many parts and a great family man. Others also took turns to give testimonials on Shoyebo.

    There were many other APC chieftains in the gathering, who came to celebrate with one of their own and added glamour and excitement of the occasion. One of them, Hon Segun Olakunle, proposed the toast, praying the celebrator should witness many more years.

    Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr Tunji Adegboyega who officiated the cutting of the cake, described Shoyebo as a devout Christian and family man. He demanded that the three-layered simple cake be cut on the last count of JESUS on the spell of the last letter of JESUS.

    His children were the first to join him in the cutting of the cake. The birthday ‘boy’, who The Nation learnt is his grandchildren’s best friend exchanged hi-fives with them.

    Shoyebo’s joy could not be contained as he told of how God has been good to him. He thanked other APC supporters for the love shown him and admonished all to been in communion with God to give their lives a meaning.

    His wife, Beatrice, said it’s been wonderful being married to him for 40years, and has learnt from him to be confident in God and stand for the truth at all times.

    ‘Daddy Sho’, a name his first daughter calls him, is God-fearing; wife-adoring; children-caring and people-loving.

    Shoyebo began his career in the Nigerian Railway Corporation Ebute Meta from 1966-1970. He is also the author/publisher of Wanted: Genuine and Patriotic Politicians in 2003. Shoyebo was appointed member, Lagos State Drainage and Sanitation Board in 2005 and was the Chairman of the People Public Review of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

    In attendance were APC National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire; former Ag Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University Prof Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello; Hon Funmilayo Tejuosho; former Special Assistant to Governor Tinubu Hon Layi Olawale; Professor Tunde Samuel, who represented former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Chief Abel Shoyebo.

  • Farewell to a Lagos socialite

    Farewell to a Lagos socialite

    The funeral of a Lagos socialite, Alhaji Raimi Atanda Balogun, the father of the former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly cum ex-chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, has been held at the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat, report TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO and IBRAHIM ADAM

    Lagosians woke up on Friday, September 12, to find shops of meat sellers empty. Those who were not aware of the announcements by the Lagos State Butchers Association, declaring the day as a free day, were disappointed as they could not buy meat.

    Asking what was amiss? Some traders replied: “Today is the funeral of former Treasurer and ex-Board of Trustee member of the Lagos State Butchers Association, Alhaji Raimi Atanda Balogun. The butchers association declared today work free to enable its members attend the funeral.”

    True to their words, the expansive open field inside the Oshodi Isolo Local Government Secretariat was agog as thousands of meat sellers converged.

    Led by their chairman and patron, Alhaji Bamidele Kazeem and Alhaji Sulaiman Afuwape, they joined the deceased’s family members, friends and associates in the fidau of Balogun.

    The late Balogun, a Lagos socialite and father of the former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly cum ex-chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Hon Afeez Ipesa-Balogun, died on June 7 at 84.

    A philanthropist and successful businessman,  he was also one of the founding fathers of Oshodi where he breathed his last.

    He was a one-time major supplier of fresh meat to some reputable hotels in Lagos, such as the Federal Palace Hotel, Ikoyi Hotel (now Southern Sun Hotel), Lagos Airport Hotels and Eko Hotel (now Eko Hotel and Suites).

    The atmosphere at the ceremony was carnival-like. There was heavy human and vehicular traffic on the roads leading to the council secretariat.

    Guests arrived in twos and threes. Many dressed in mixed purple and lemon Aso Ebi. The women used purple headgears with ipele, while the men wore lemon-gold caps.

    The ambience was conducive as guests sat under the giant canopies with white chairs arranged around the tables with blue and green overlays, and flower vases in the middle.

    Khalifa Abdul Azeez Abdullah and Alhaji Adul Rahman Alariya, both decked in gold and cream lace, anchored the event.

    Abdullah gave the opening prayer and recited some verses of the Quran. Several portions were recited before the sermon.

    Imam Muhammad Saheed Olusan in his sermon made reference to Quran 7 vs 135. He described the deceased as a man who lived his life as a Muslim.

    “Everyone of you should make use of your present position to serve Allah. The deceased spent his entire life as a Muslim; that is why we are here, today. Be up and doing wherever you find yourself,” he said.

    The cleric enjoined the children of the deceased to emulate their dad’s legacies.

    “Alhaji Raimi Atanda Balogun has left a lot of responsibilities for you all; it is now left to you to measure up,” he said.

    Chief Imam of Awwalu Central Mosque, Sheikh AbdulWasiu AbdulAzeez Adepoju, in his goodwill message, said all should remember their last days. He said every human will account for his deeds on the Day of Judgement.

    Special prayers were offered for the deceased, his family members and relatives before the gathering adjourned for Jumat Service.

    On reconvening, each of the children of the deceased had a tent.

    King of Fuji Music Alhaji Wasiu Anifowoshe popularly called K1 De Ultimate entertained the gathering.

    According to Ipesa-Balogun, his father’s death created a vacuum which would be difficult to fill.

    He prayed Allah to grant him paradise.

    A member of the House of Representatives, Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, described the late Alhaji Balogun as a successful businessman and religious, too.

    Akinderu-Fatai, chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance, said the deceased’s way of life is a lesson to mankind.

    Among the personalities at the ceremony include wife of Olofa of Offa Olori Mistura Gbadamosi; Prince Elusanmi Eludoyin; Iyaloja-General of Lagos Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure.

  • ‘My mum paid the ultimate price’

    ‘My mum paid the ultimate price’

    Funeral services featuring a Night of Tributes and Requiem Mass have been held for Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, the doctor who risked her life to stop the Ebola virus patient Patrick Sawyer from spreading the disease, in Lagos and Accra, Ghana. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA and OLATUNDE ODEBIYI report.

    She gave her life for her country.  Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh’s heroic deed echoed at her funeral in Lagos and Accra, Ghana last week. People eulogised her for stopping the late Liberian-American Patrick Sawyer from spreading the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which he brought into the country on July 20. He died on July 25 at the First Consultants Hospital in Obalende, Lagos, where the late Dr Adadevoh rebuffed entreaties from the Liberian government and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discharge him in order to attend an ECOWAS meeting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. She also physically stopped the late Sawyer who wanted to force his way out.

    The late Sawyer infected her with Ebola. Following that encounter.

    “The circumstance around her death is a symbol of what our lives should be. Even in death, the story of her life still continues to touch the people. The late Dr Adadevoh will always be remembered for the sacrifice she made to save a life. Even though she is gone, she will continue to live in our hearts; her dedication and passion to assist the sick and the needy were beyond measure,” said Rev Father Paul Ijasan of the Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, Lagos, who delivered the sermon at the Night of Tributes last Thursday at the Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The Harbour Point was packed full of family members, friends, and associates of the late Dr Adadevoh and top officials of the Federal and Lagos State governments. All were pensive as Rev Ijasan spoke. “She was a woman of distinguished courage, notable qualities and a selfless giver,” he said, urging Nigerians to learn from her life.

    The funeral was held simultaneously in Lagos and Accra, Ghana, the late Dr Adadevoh’s ancestral home. It started with a Night of Tributes and climaxed on Friday with a Requiem Mass. In Lagos, the mass was held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.

    The late Dr Adadevoh had a rich pedigree.

    Her paternal grandfather, an Anlo from Anyako in Ghana and a worker with the United Africa Company (UAC), was transferred from the Gold Coast as Ghana was then known to Lagos in the early 1940s. He married the daughter of Herbert Macaulay, the late Nigerian nationalist. The union produced many children, including Prof Babatunde Kwaku Adadevoh, a renowned Harvard University-trained physician and a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who was Ameyo’s father. Ameyo’s mother, Deborah Regina Mcintosh, was a niece of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. The late Dr Adadevoh married Afolabi Emmanuel Cardoso and had a son, Bankole. She died on August 19. She was 57.

    Many arrived at the Harbour Point, looking sober. On arrival, some ushers applied sanitisers to their hands; the others gave them a clip with the late Dr Adadevoh’s image.

    They quietly took their seats.

    Many came in black outfits. The officiating priests wore white robe; the choristers were in blue robe with red collars. Members of the Queens School Old Girls Association from Ede (Osun State) and Ibadan (Oyo) came in uniformed white and blue outfits. Some of them wore blue suit and skirts; others were in white native with blue head gears and ipele.

    The widower, Afolabi, wore black Buba and Sokoto, his son and some of his cousins were in uniformed black native attires.

    It was a night of songs, prayers and talk about the deceased.

    The choir led the gathering to sing the hymn, “I need thee every hour”, “My times are in thy hand”, “Jerusalem my happy home” and “Abide with me”, among others. Rev Ijasan said the songs were borne out of the sacrifice the deceased made to save the country at the cost of her life.

    The late Ameyo’s widower and son led others to the Holy Cross Cathedral on Lagos Island for the mass last Friday. In Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama led mourners to the Christ the King Parish at Kanda in Accra.

    The venues were filled as sympathisers from all walks of life came to pay their last respects to the deceased.

    The widower and his son wore white Agbada; the priests wore white robes and the choristers wore red robes with white collars. Most of the guests were in black.

    Rev Father Anthony Nwosu of the Holy Cross Cathedral urged them to learn from the deceased’s life, describing her as a woman who gave her life for the benefit of others.

    Father Nwosu and Rt Rev Monsignor Benard Okoduwa of the same church prayed for the deceased and her family.

    Former Vice President Dr Alex Ekwueme, who spoke after the service, urged Nigerians to emulate her virtues.

    Ekwueme said: “She gave her life for Nigeria because if she had not insisted, the late Sawyer would have infected many Nigerians in Calabar and other places he was planning to go. We should all be very grateful to her.”

    Minister of Health Prof Chukwu Onyebuchi described her as a courageous, responsible woman and a lover of salvation.

    “She was a brave Nigerian heroine and somebody we must all learn from. As we mourn her today, we must take note that her death was to save lives and we must also give the best to our professions,” he said.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Chief Medical Director Prof Akin Osibogun, who were her mates in UNILAG, testified to her commitment to work.

    Her sister-in-law, Mrs Abimbola Cardoso said she was a friend, a family person and a mother.

    Tears rolled down her eyes as she said: “I loved Ameyo and I still love her. She brought me into the Cardoso family and was with me all through her life time. She had special relationship with everybody, on one-on-one basis. She was an angel, a wonderful person and a good sister.”

    There was a song rendition from members of the Queen’s School Old Girls Association in honour of their departed colleague.

    After the service, guests moved to the front row to greet the widower and his son. There was human traffic as sympathisers queue to shake, hug and comfort them.

    The choir led the singing of the hymn: “I surrender all” and “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine”.

    The offering and Holy Communion were taken, followed by thanksgiving. Guests filed out row by row to give thanks, greet the widower, his son and other family members.

    The service ended with a recessional hymn: “Hark! hark, my soul”.

    Guests moved to the main entrance of the church where notebooks were placed on white tables for tributes. The tables were placed under white decorations with cream and green flowers.  Bankole was there all through and other family members cheered him up.

    Pastor Paul Nyana, a friend of the deceased, said she was an angel.

    “I spoke to her a few days after Sawyer was admitted and she said she did not touch him neither did she go into his room but, when the diagnosis was made and Sawyer was like going to run away or leave the hospital, she personally stood in between Nigeria, the spread of Ebola and this fellow. She laid down her life; she was a doctor who was so concerned about her patients she made sure that they lived in her life time and she died that we all may not die but live,” he said.

    The Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of The Guardian, Dr Alexander Thomopuolos, described the late Dr Adadevoh as a sister who had a high calling.  “She could go from Victoria Island to see a patient in a far place. She had the interest of patients and people at heart,” he said.

    He said more of the late Dr Adadevoh were needed in the health sector.

    A family friend, Dr Yemi Johnson, of the First Cardiologists Hospital, said she was her good friend from childhood, adding that she was always energetic, treating all her patients like family members.

    “She was a wonderful person; her death is a tragic loss, and at the same time a lot of good has come from it. We have learnt how to live, and improve health care in Nigeria, “he said.

    The National President of Queen’s School Old Girls Association, Dr Adetoun Agbe-Davies, spoke of the late Dr Adadevoh’s dedication to work and her professionalism. The late Dr Adadevoh, she said, was caring and loving, adding that serving others is something we all need to emulate from her.

    “To her classmates, she was brilliant. At work, she was dedicated and I enjoyed working with her when she worked with me during her national service.

    “She is somebody that lights up anywhere she is and everywhere is lively,” she said.

    In a tribute, Bankole said his mum paid the ultimate price to contain the spread of Ebola in Nigeria.

    He wrote: “My Mum paid the ultimate price to contain the spread of EVD in Nigeria and as the accolades grow louder; my heart swells with equal measure of great pride and great pain. Still, we are a praying family and as we say farewell,our hearts are at peace in the belief that all events occur with the consent of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

    “Thank you for your many tributes and compassionate words of comfort. The calls from the Nigerian public, for a lasting tribute to mark her professional commitment leave me inspired and grateful that my dearest mum was given this opportunity to serve her country.”

    An uncle of the late Dr Adadevoh and an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Prof Sydney Kobla Adadevoh, said: “The late Dr Adadevoh put herself at risk and became a victim of the disease she was trying to prevent from spreading. She served for more than three decades, doing what she loved best – serving humanity.

    “By identifying Mr Sawyer as a victim of the EVD , Ameyo prevented a national catastrophe, left a permanent mark on society and made solid her legacy as a courageous and patriotic heroine,” he said.

    Prof David Williams of Harvard School of Public Health, United States, who sent his tributes through Miss Irene Fowler, said: “… Nigerians will one day reflect on the heroism and sacrifice she made in keeping Sawyer quarantined. She sacrificed her life to protect Nigeria from Ebola. Physicians around the world pay tributes to Adadevoh. I lend my voice to the long list.”

    The church service in Ghana was attended by some medical practitioners, ministers, traditional rulers and other sympathisers.

    In his homily, Rev Father Andrew Campbell, Parish Priest of the Christ The King Catholic Church, said the late Dr Adadevoh “was an extremely dedicated, compassionate, and God-fearing individual and was a diligent doctor, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend, who committed her life to serving humanity.”