The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • 40 years after

    40 years after

    The 1970-1974 set of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) held its Re-union and Worship Service in Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI and TIMOTHY OWOMOLADE report.

    They left Baptist Academy, Lagos, popularly known as Baptacad 40 years ago. Since 1974, many of them had not seen one another until penultimate Sunday’s event which brought them together. They came to celebrate the 40th year of leaving school. They shook hands, hugged and backslapped one another as they remembered  their days in school.

    Many donned white native clothes and uniformed navy blue caps with red and white stripes. Their wives wore choice traditional attires; some of the women used the same aso oke as ipele and gele.

    The reunion party and worship service of the 1970- 1974 set of the Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA) were full of fun.

    The service held at the Shepherd Hill Baptist Church in Obanikoro, Lagos; the reunion party held at Zen Gardens Chinese Restaurant, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The party featured the launch of a book titled: “Four decades after, a reflection on our years at Baptist Academy”. It also featured the launch of the school’s library project fund, among other activities.

    At the service, Rev Israel Kristilere urged the old boys to cultivate the habit of praying regularly, saying that is the only way to have your problems resolved.

    He read 2 Kings 1: 9-18, noting that God is needed to win the battles of life.

    During the thanksgiving, they danced from the church entrance to the altar and Rev Kristilere prayed for them.

    After the thanksgiving, the old boys went outside for photographs and moved to Zen Gardens Chinese Restaurant where the reunion party started with prayers by wife of one of the old boys, Mrs Bola Janikre, a lawyer. The Principal Consultant of Admos Consult, Mr Wale Adebiyi, anchored the event. The gathering observed a minute silence for their departed members.

    Chairman of BAOSA 70-74 set and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Publications Limited, Mr Lanre Idowu, in his welcome address said the gathering was to thank God for keeping them 40 years after leaving school and also to give back to the school.

    “We are here to reunite with ourselves, to keep in touch with one another and to help the school,” he said.

    Chairman of the event and General Manager, Lagos State Water Corporation, Mr Shayo Holloway, said the school was top class in the 70s, adding that everything must be done to restore its glory.

    Some of the old boys recounted their days in school. Pastor Segun Osunsan of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Province 22, recalled the years they used to jump into public buses to return home from school. He also spoke of the distances they walked to get home, not because their parents did not give them transport fare but because of the fun of walking with friends, buying pop corn and groundnuts which they ate on the way. He also recalled the big playing and agricultural fields in the school, lamenting that all is gone.

    The association’s Secretary and a Chartered Accountant in Facilitation and Thrilling Services Limited, Mr Olumide Ajomade, described their experience in school as good, adding that the school laid the foundation for what he is today.

    He lamented the state of the school, saying things are not as they left them. “This is why we are refurbishing the school library with about N1million and we will continue to do more for the school just as every graduating set tries to add their own quota for the development of the school,” he said.

    Chief Medical Director/Chief Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Arewa Specialist Hospital, Abuja, Dr Frank Fashina proposed the toasts.

    Mr Toyin Akinoso reviewed the book, which was edited by Idowu.

    BAOSA president and a wine merchant Chief Olatunde Onakoya, said their coming together was not only to wine and dine but to generate ideas, learn from one another and reason together on how the set can help the school.

    He said: “This is why we are equipping the library knowing that education requires concrete stakeholders including teachers and alumni as the government cannot do it alone.

    “Over the years, we have tried to meet regularly but we hope that with today’s gathering there would be a change.”

    He urged BAOSA members to come together, saying he hoped those at the gathering would make up their minds to do well for the school.  “I need someone to hand over to; someone that I am sure will take the association to greater heights,” he said.

    He also spoke on other things the association had done for the school, such as its involvement in the valedictory service and buying sport materials for the school and students during the inter-house sports. “We also engage in making food for the students on the school’s anniversary day and bringing alumni to talk to them to motivate them,” he said.

    He launched the book and other guests followed with thousands of naira.

    The cutting of the anniversary cake was directed by a chartered accountant and Chairman of SIAO, Mr Robert  Ade-Odiachi.

    Assorted foods, snacks, fruits and drinks were served.

    The event ended with a closing prayer by Mr Tony Egoegonwa, the Public Affairs Manager, Salpen Contracting Nigeria Limited.

  • ‘Jesus is calling me’

    ‘Jesus is calling me’

    The remains of Pa Samuel Adekunle Soyebo were interred at his Iperu Remo, Ogun State home town last Friday, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

    Few days before he died, he alerted his family he was ready to go that Jesus was calling him. The late Pa Samuel Adekunle Agbolade Soyebo’s widow Busola and daughter a Pastor Olubunmi Obadan were shocked by his statement. Four days after his premolition of death came true as he died peacefully in his Ibadan Oyo State home,  according to Pastor Obadan, in her tribute to him. Pastor Sopyebo’s remains were burried in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State last Friday. The funeral followed a wake keep at his Ibadan home the previous day. He was 72.

    Dignitaries thronged the ancient town as the road leading to the Kesington Adebutu Civic Centre on Ilishan Road, witnessed heavy human and vehicular traffic. Petty traders and road side hawkers made brisk business.

    Indigenes beheld the long line of exotic cars gliding into the town.

    Guests looked splendid in the traditional attires of Buba, Iro and Sokoto. Male children of the deceased wore chocolate aso oke agbada.  Pastor Obadan, the eldest child wore a light-yellow Buba with chocolate Aso Oke, Ipele and gele (headgear). She was with her husband, Pastor Godwin Obadan. The widow, was in blue lace Iro and Buba with a matching gele (headgear).

    Most family members arrived earlier in the town for the event.

    His remains were brought by pall bearers in aso oke amidst singing and dancing.

    After the service, his remains were taken for interment.

    The dust-to-dust rites were performed by his children and immediate family members after the casket was lowered into the grave.

    The train returned to the civic centre for the reception.

    Expressing joy on how her father passed on, Pastor Obadan said; “I had been in Ibadan to visit Dad. On the third day, I went to his bedroom, sat by his bed side to say I was returning to Lagos. He said in Yoruba, “Bunmi, Jesu npe mi ki n maa bo n’ ile. (Jesus is calling me home). I was shocked and said, “Daddy, are you sure of what you are saying or just wish to die?” He said he was sure of what he was saying that Jesus was calling him to take him home, and that angels were already around to take him.

    “I said, “ok. Jesus is calling you; but do you personally want to go?” He said, “Yes.” At first, I protested. But he said, “Bunmi, please, release me.” His next birthday was about a week away. I was worried, confused and, maybe, afraid. But I said, “Well, Dad, I can’t tell you not to heed the Master’s call’; you can answer the call of the Lord.” He was very glad and felt relieved. He expressed joy that I had released him. He prayed for me.

    “I called my mum and told her what was happening. Mum came and asked him if it was in his dream, that he saw Jesus. He said it was not a dream and that the Lord actually appeared to him and said He wanted him to come home. Of course, mummy rejected this. Then Daddy said in Yoruba,”E ma se soro bayii bi awon alaigbagbo ti ko ni ireti lehin iku”. That is, “Do not talk as people who are not born again and so have no hope of eternal life”. With this, mummy gave in. Daddy then prayed for his wife. He appreciated her love of about 50 years and encouraged her again not to sorrow as non-Christians, who have no hope of eternal life.”

    According to Pastor Obadan, the late Pa Soyebo prayed for his children before his departure. “He gave instructions on what we should do after his departure – that we should entertain his neighbours and friends in Ibadan, but bury his body in Iperu. He told me when he sleeps it may be his last – that he may not wake up. I hugged him and bade him good night. He did not go with the Lord that day. Four days later, July 30, he ate his meal and was on the chair in the living room, resting and just slept in the Lord. My mum said before he slept, he kept on talking of his new house. He was smiling and saying, “Ile mi titun, omi iye….” My new house, water of life….” It is with mixed feeling missing our dad, but I am the happiest woman on earth to have seen my dad going to heaven this way,” she said.

    Iperu-Remo is near Ode-Remo, the town of the late Oba Funsho Adeolu of the defunct Village Headmaster series on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network. It is one of the most populous towns in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

    The agrarian community, founded between the 13th and 14th centuries, became popular in the mid-19th Century when several small towns united to defend themselves during the inter-tribal wars, which ravaged Yoruba land. Iperu controlled the trade routes between the ports in the Niger Delta and the Yoruba mainland until the British occupied the area at the end of the 19th Century.

    The town with its underlay deposits of limestone used in cement production is a home for Agricultural products such as cocoa and kola nuts, which formed the mainstay of the defunct Western Region economy. The town is reputed as one of the largest kola nut collecting centers in the country.

  • Sweet 16 at 40

    Sweet 16 at 40

    It was double celebration for the Chief Executive Officer of Midas Parties, Mrs Oluwakemi Alfonso, who turned 40 last Saturday, and launched Midals Play House in Magodo, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    It was an afternoon to cherish. Friends and family members came to share in the joy of Mrs Oluwakemi Alfonso, Chief Executive Officer of Midas Parties, who turned 40 last Saturday. She also launched Midas Play House for Children in Magodo, Lagos.

    Mrs Alfonso looked radiant in a red net skirt and blouse lined with gold. She clutched a gold purse, wore a gold sandal and gold beads on her neck. Her pair of glasses complemented her beauty.

    She hardly sat down as she moved round, attending to her guests and making them comfortable.

    The ceremony started with prayer by Mrs Joke Akinrinde. The duo of Muna Emmanuel and Kachy-Onyeah Biclonwu anchored the event.

    Chairs, on carpet grass inside the compound were set around tables under a canopy. The chairs were covered in white while the tables in red. The waiters moved round taking guests’ orders for food and drinks.

    The masters of ceremony (MC) introduced the celebrator and called on some people to talk about her.

    Her father who is a columnist with The Nation, Dr Femi Orebe said his daughter is his darling and pride. He described her as a wonderful, trust worthy, hardworking, responsible and decent girl.

    “She never gave us any problem right from child hood till date and I thank God for her life” he said.

    Her mother in-law, Mrs Oluremi Akinola-Aguda, a retired lawyer, described her as a precious daughter.

    Mrs Mabel Adedayo, a businesswoman described the celebrator as a good friend.

    Dr Olusegun Akinwotu said Mrs Alfonso is a pioneer who makes her environment lively.

    A friend, Ronke Adeniyi described her as a strong and friendly woman, a source of inspiration who never gives up.

    “Oluwakemi is someone that encourages you and puts you back on track whenever you are down”, she said.

    Her husband, Kunle, a Creative Director, 141 Worldwide Limited described her as a wonderful wife and mother. “You have made me a better person, you have always been there for me and i am glad to have you as a wife”. They sealed it up with hugs and kisses.

    After the effusive remarks, she cut her white cake which was decorated with gold dots. She posed for photographs with her husband, family members and friends.

    The celebrator said she is excited, happy and grateful to God for her birthday and the launch of Midas house which is a sub company of Midals Parties. “For me, 40 is the new 16 and I feel fulfilled as a woman and mother”.

    She said Midas Parties is a company that is into outdoor events for children and birthday parties and related ceremonies.

    “Unfortunately in Nigeria you don’t find a lot of places like this, where children can come, play and have fun.  There is no place where parents can drop their children knowing that they are in safe hands.

    “I have always been into children right from when I was young even before I married my husband and had my own children. I have always been into helping aunties baby sit their children, I just love children because they are special gifts from God and there is so much to learn from them.

    “Personally, I go everywhere with my children wherever am going if they can’t come in with me they sit in the car with the nanny and the driver because it is not always safe to leave them at home, so to have a place I know I can drop my children and know that they are fine is a thing of joy for me,” she said.

  • How to Manage Difficult Conversations (2)

    Welcome to the month of September. I pray that the month will deliver to you your great expectations and desires for the year 2014. If you have achieved the goals you set at the beginning of the year, congratulations, but don’t stop trying to do more. If you have not done too well, you should review your written goals and commit to them. If you have not done anything about the goals you wrote in January, or you didn’t even write any, don’t be discouraged, a lot can still be achieved in four months. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “if you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward”. Perhaps you don’t think you are making as much progress as you would have wanted but the question is, “are you still where you were in January?” If the answer is no, then you have something to be grateful for. Just make sure you keep moving.

    Last week, we discussed about having difficult conversations. When conversations are over-charged with emotions, they mostly become difficult to manage. Sometimes you dread having some discussions and you wish you can avoid them. However, avoiding difficult but necessary conversations can be misleading, unfair, affect other people’s productivity and efficiency, and it can also kill morale. If we hate to have difficult conversations, yet we must have them, how then can we make them less awkward and more effective? Here are a few suggestions:

    • Prepare yourself psychologically: we cannot overemphasize the need for you to be confident when having this kind of conversation. You need to prepare your mind ahead. It is very important for you to take charge of the conversation otherwise you will find yourself on the defensive. Even if you are about to confess that you made an error or you are answering for a poor business decision, you should be in control. One of the major ways to do this is to state that you are aware of your error, claim responsibility and explain what you are already doing or hope to do to remedy the problem. What you have done is to play the judge in your own case, which most people won’t do. However, this works better if you come clean before your error is discovered or if you have not spent all the time defending your action until you realise that there is no escape route.

    • Don’t make it personal: this is particularly important if you are performing an official assignment. Do you remember our little story from last week’s article? Mr. Charles had to break the news of termination of employment to Mr. Smart, who was a company driver in his late 50s, with an ailing wife and nine children. There are two extremes to breaking the news: one person may do so without any consideration at all, after all, it is another person’s job that is being lost, while another individual may have too much sympathy. The best approach is to find a balanced position. While you must deliver the message because you have been instructed to, you can still show that you care. Nevertheless, you must detach your emotion from the conversation so that you don’t take on unnecessary emotional burden. See your office (i.e. Chief Personnel Officer) as the one to deliver the message and not your person (Mr. Charles); that way, you will separate your personal emotion from your job responsibilities.

    • Drop hints: one thing you should try to avoid when having a difficult conversation is sudden outpouring of emotions. When you break unpleasant news suddenly, that is exactly what you will get. So, attempt to drop hints so that the other party can start to figure out the direction of the conversation before you conclude. You can do so by asking subtle questions that can lead to your conclusion. As the individual responds to the questions, he or she will also be trying to think ahead of the discussing. That will at least make the realization gradual. You may also send a message (i.e. email, SMS) with a subtle suggestion of what the discussion will be about. The main aim is to avoid sudden reactions.

    • Don’t prevent reactions: while it is a good idea to avoid sudden outpouring of emotions, we cannot prevent the expression of emotions altogether. When it is sudden, it tends to be excessive, but there is no way a difficult conversation will not be emotional. Never attempt to prevent the other person from speaking or expressing his/her emotions. While that is exactly what you were dreading in the first place, it is still safer that those emotions are expressed rather than bottled in. What you should do is that after you have stated your point, wait patiently until the other person has finished venting his/her anger. If you don’t interrupt, perhaps he/she will soon become exhausted and calm down for you to give further explanation. When the conversation involves your personal relationship with people, it is advisable that you try to rebuild the relationship if you can. Consequently, wait for a while for the emotions to calm, and then go for a follow-up conversation.

    Since every conversation is unique in itself, you may have better ideas of how to deal with difficult conversation. Please send me a message so that we can also explore your ideas and learn from them. Have a great weekend.

  • ‘He’s the finest’

    ‘He’s the finest’

    Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was agog last Saturday for the wedding of the Secretary-General, African Society for Professional Advancement in Washington, United States Abdul Rasheed Ajibade Abubakar and former Miss Zainab Olaide, reports AMIDU ARIJE.

    Exotic cars competed for space at the Emeritus Prof Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi Multi-purpose Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last Saturday. Itinerant drummers made brisk bisiness singing the praise of guests as they enter the hall. Beautifully-dressed female ushers welcomed guests with warmth.

    It was at the Nikkah of Zainab Olaide and Abdul Rasheed Ajibade.

    It was a joyful day for the families of the late Abdul Waheed Olaide Suberu and the late Sheikh Dhikrullah Aremu Abubakar as they gathered at the venue to witness their children’s union.

    The couple were the cynosure of all eyes. They were dressed in lace attires with matching pairs of shoes.

    The bride, Zainab was ful of smiles. She was the toast of the day.

    The groom, Abdul Rasheed, is the Imam of Luftil-Llahi International Prayer Group in Washington the United States (US) and Secretary General of African Society for Professional Advancement. His joy knew no bounds. He was busy taking pictures of his bride and himself during the ceremony.

    The Nikkah was presided over by Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello, who, in his sermon emphasised the importance of marriage in a man’s life. He said it is one of the basic principles of Islam which makes man responsible.

    He urged the couple to hold firm to Allah. The Islamic cleric said nikkah is the sunnah (practice) of Prophet Muhammad which all Muslims must follow.

    Sheikh Bello prayed for the success of the union and presented the couple with their marriage certificate.

    Zainab described the day as her happiest, adding that her hubby is the finest man she ever met.  She said he is religious, calm and understanding.

    “It is my happiest day, he is a religious very understanding man,” she said.

    The groom, a graduate of Public Policy, University of Baltimore, United States said it was his day of joy. He described his wife as beautiful and understanding.

  • Good women, better nation

    Good women, better nation

    The first anniversary of Good Women Society, Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State was celebrated with fanfare, writes AMAKA NZENWA

    A festival of thanksgiving it was – dancing, singing, drama, choreography and prayer were the highpoints of the ceremony.

    The first Good Women anniversary of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Restoration Parish, Akute, Ogun State was celebrated amid fanfare last Sunday.

    The parish was dedicated on February 2, 2013.

    Shouts of Halleluyah, Iye, Hossanah rented the air as the new ‘Neon Sign’ of the church, with the photograph of the founder, Archbishop Isaiah Akinadewo, was dedicated.

    The church was filled to capacity as members of the Good Women Society, decked in their blue and white attire, praised God for His mercies over their household, the church and the country.

    The drama presentation was educative as the audience was told that any woman who refuses to respect her husband will not have the favour of God. The choreography was also superbly presented and the special song, ‘Surely, Goodness and Mercy shall follow me’, was captivating.

    The event was presided over by Senior Superintendent Gabriel Akinadewo with the choristers rendering melodious songs.

    Highlight of the event was when Senior Superintendent Akinadewo declared the ‘seven prayers in seven minutes’ session with the members reading seven verses in the Bible and praying on them.

    Everybody was enraptured.

    Archbishop Akinadewo, in his goodwill message, urged the celebrators to shun vices associated with worldly women.

    To him, the virtues of good women in the Bible such as Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, must be emulated by all to have a good family, church and country.

    Some of the speakers were Mother-in-Israel Esther Akinadewo, Prophetess Olusesi, Rev. Bukola Sipeolu, Mother Kenny Joe-Sode and Senior Lady Leader Ajayi.

    They all dwelt on how a good woman will always be the crown of her husband.

    Ajayi said: “Once you have a good woman, you will have a good family and a good country. No matter what, you must stand by your husband. You must be patient and wait for God’s time the way Sarah waited for God’s time in Genesis 21:1″

    Joe-Sode urged the women to always behave like the Biblical Esther who saved her people from the wicked Haman. “Esther was a virtuous woman who was not selfish. She saved her people from the wicked Haman. There is a Haman in every family and with prayer, a woman can play a critical role to save her family. Once the family is saved, we will have a good church which translates to having a good country”.

    Mother-in-Israel Akinadewo, who thanked the women for sacrificing their time and resources to having a memorable anniversary, urged them to remain faithful and be kind always to neighbours.

  • ‘I will forever miss you’

    ‘I will forever miss you’

    The remains of former Chief Programme Officer, Federal Ministry of Health, the late Dr Ayotunde Akinpelumi, have been interred at his Mowe, Ogun State home. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    Everywhere became lively when the generator came on at 10:45am.

    The priests and choristers came in through an adjoining office. In no time, family members, friends and sympathisers filled the hall; some sat outside.

    It was the funeral of Dr Ayotunde Akinpelumi, former Chief Programme Officer, Federal Ministry of Health, at St Matthew Anglican Church in Ogunrun, Mowe, Ogun State, last Friday.

    Akinpelumi was a consultant to a malaria consortium, Support to National Malaria Programme (SuNMaP) in Abuja. He died at 58. He is survived by his widow, Omokehinde and three children, Omoniyi, Korede and Omobonike.

    The service began with a prayer by Canon Israel Adedapo, the Vicar of St Peters Church in Loburo, Ogun State. The congregation stood as Akinpelumi’s remains were wheeled into the church in a casket.

    Reading sentences from the programme, Canon Adedapo led the body into the church. The priests led the way, followed by the choristers and the casket and the family members.

    The priests, in white robes and purple mufflers took their seats on the stage; the choristers in red robes sat on the right side of the hall. The casket was placed on a stool and the family sat on the left side of the hall.

    The choristers led the singing of the hymn, “Jesus lives thy terrors now”. Canon Adedapo read Psalm 90 and Venerable John Sofoluwe read from Revelation 7: 9-17, after the rendition of the hymn, “O God of Bethel”.

    In his sermon, Canon Adedapo described the late Akinpelumi as an easy going man, a generous giver and a father to many.

    He told the congregation that death is not a respecter of persons, class or tribe. Death is inevitable and it would come at some point, he said.

    He urged them to examine themselves, asking: “Where will you spend your eternity, heaven or hell?”

    “One day is coming when people will gather like this to mourn you, what will be said of you?” the cleric asked.

    “Many of you are afraid of shaking people because of the fear of Ebola virus. Before now, it was the fear of HIV/AIDS. Then, Lassa fever and now it is Ebola; very soon, Ebola will fade off and another will come to instil fear in you; stop living in fear because it is not only Ebola that kills. Live a life to please God so that, at the end of time, you will be in eternity,” he said.

    After the sermon, prayers were said for the deceased and his family. The widow and her children led the congregation to give thanks.

    The service ended with the recession hymn: “On the resurrection morning.”

    The Badeji Group pall bearers carried the brown casket around the hall before taking it to the graveside where Canon Adedapo prayed for the repose of Akinpelumi soul. He led the widow and her children to perform the dust-to-dust rites. The faces of the widow and her children were swollen from weeping; they tried to withhold the tears from running down their cheeks.

    Omokehinde described her husband as a soul mate and friend, a father, a source of encouragement, a firm, strict and principled man.

    She said he was an epitome of simplicity, humility and truth who served humanity.

    Recalling how he fought to earn his Masters amid difficulties, she said he was a silent achiever and an organised person.

    “Hearing your demise left me speechless and devastated. Your death has taught me to live everyday as though it is the last and I will forever miss you and you will remain evergreen in my heart,” she said.

    Korede relived the experience of going to the market and cooking together with his dad in Abuja, saying, the memories will forever remain in his heart.

    He said: “I am amazed at the high level of doggedness, dignity and commitment you exhibited while you were alive. I am forever grateful for the affectionate kisses on my fore head, the love and care, even the chastisement and the rebuke.

    Korede described his father as a jovial man who expressed his love to all equally.

    “You added to my success; you were a man that will always extend a hand to those you are not expecting returns from. I will miss your words of advice, the times we spent together watching football and moving into long discussions” he said.

    Omobonike said: “Aside being a father, dad was also a teacher; he was someone that led by example; he lived a life filled with core values, he corrected in love and laid down good legacy for us the children to follow.”

    A professor of Paediatrics and Director, Centre for International Education, University of Ilorin, Olugbenga Mokuolu, said the late Dr Akinpelumi was an adorable personality.

    Mokuolu said: “One thing that strikes you when you are around him is that he has a very simple disposition; he makes very complex task to look simple. I can’t remember when last I saw him frown, he relates well with everyone around and he lived a quality life,” he said.

    Country Director to SuNMaP Dr Kolawole Maxwell described Akinpelumi’s death as “great loss’ to the company.

    “He is one of the very committed and dedicated people we have in the company. He was loved by all; he was kind” and accepted everyone to himself.

    A secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Fatima Adebanjo, described the late Akinpelumi, as a nice and kind-hearted man, who derived pleasure in making them happy.

    Programme Director, SuNMaP Dr Folake Olayinka said the deceased was a professional to the core. She said he was always ready to bring out the best from every task he was given.

    “He had worked with so many international organisations and contributed well to this country in the area of health, specifically on malaria,” she said.

  • Call to ‘higher service’

    Call to ‘higher service’

    The Nigerian institute of Management (NIM) has conferred its highest professional award of fellow on 27 persons. The ceremony climaxed activities marking this year’s edition of its Fellows and Spouses Day Luncheon , reports NNEKA NWANERI

    Tt is a tradition that has kept the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) going. Yearly, the Institute confers its highest professional membership on selected people. This year, 48 persons were chosen as fellows, making them eligible to use the suffix, FNIM, after their names. The Institute, which has 200,000 members, instituted the award in 1963.

    Twenty seven of fellows were honoured last Thursday at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre in Lagos during the NIM Award, Fellows and Spouses Day Luncheon. The remaining 21 will be honoured in Warri, Delta State, during its conference between September 21 and 23.

    The Shell Hall throbbed with activities. It was decorated in the NIM colours of blue and red. Before long, more tables and chairs were brought in to accommodate those standing behind the hall.

    Everybody stood for the rendition of the National Anthem. The NIM Code of Conduct was read by its President and Chairman of Council, Dr Nelson Uwaga. It was followed by his welcome address, in which he highlighted the Institute’s activities since his assumption of office eight months ago.

    “Fellow’s upgrade is not a destination or an end in itself. I, therefore, implore the recipients not to be contented with just adding the designation, FNIM, to their names but to see it as a call to higher service to the Institute, the management profession and the nation. From this day forward, each of you is required to devote more of your time, talent, treasure and thinking to the service of the Institute and mankind,” Dr Uwaga said.

    In a lecture titled: “Random Thoughts on NIM and its Fellows,” a former Director of Tower Aluminium Plc, Mr Akinbayo Adenubi urged the awardees to always wear their lapel pin, because it opened doors for a lot of other fellows in the past.

    Another fellow, Chief Tonye Korubo-Owiye, spoke of how the awardees were selected.

    Chairman of the Awards Committee Mrs Pat Anabor called out those conferred with awards.

    The trio of Chief Timothy Adebutu; Mrs Georgina Hollist and Mrs Funmilayo Green, who are septuagenerians were conferred with Life Membership.

    Four others comprising two individuals and two firms got corporate awards. They are: Mrs Rabi Sodangi, who got the Chris Abebe Award; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Tuyo Award; Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mobolaji Bank, Anthony Award and Zenith Bank, Management Excellence Award.

    The Fellows are: Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere; former Governor of Rivers State Sir Celestine Omehia;  Special Adviser on Technical Matters to Akwa Ibom State Governor Etido Iyang;  Chairman of Danvady Group of Companies Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong; Commodore Adesoji Babalola;  former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor in Charge of Corporate Services,  Suleiman Barau; Imo State Commissioner for Finance Chike Okafor; Deputy Managing Director, Domestic Bank of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Apollos Ikpobe; Mrs Esther Obijoye of Professional Women’s Advisory Board of the American Biographical Institute;  Maj Gen Salihu Uba; Publisher Pharmanews, Ifeanyi Atueyi; Ahmed Zaria; Chukwuemeka Eleh; Muiz Oseni; Alhaji Mohammed Dukku; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner  for Information and Communication  Aniekan Umanah; Alhaji Rasak Oyetola; Ahmed Yusuf; Obong Inuaeyen; Mohammed Musa; Chief Godwin Obasuyi; Gabbidon Meheux; Mokikan Femi and Ifiok Umunna.

  • Farewell to honest man

    Farewell to honest man

    The funeral of Chief Oluwole Olatunde Sowande has been held in Lagos reports AMAKA NZENWA.

    Many betrayed emotions as the body was brought into the church. They dabbed their eyes with handkerchiefs as the pall bearers brought in the casket amid the singing of the hymn: “Jesus lives! thy terrors now”.

    It was the funeral service for Chief Oluwole Olatunde Sowande, who died on August 7. He was 85.

    The event held at Bishop Irunsewe Kale Memorial Anglican Church (BIKMAC) at Olowora Olawaiye, Omole Phase II, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The service began with prayer by Rev Gbenga Onayemi. The choir rendered the procession hymn as the officiating ministers filed in.

    In his sermon, Rev Onayemi urged the congregation to fear God and always remember death.

    He urged the bereaved children to take after their father. He described the late Sowande as God fearing,  honest and trust worthy.

    ‘‘Papa was a man of integrity, he was honest and truthful; he lived a good life and was very active in the church. We all should learn from papa’s life,’’ he said.

    During thanksgiving, family members and guests danced to the altar in celebration.

    After the service, the body was moved to Ebony Cemetery at Atan, Yaba, Lagos Mainland for interment.

    Reception followed at Vicsum Private School, Berger.

    The reception was anchored by Elebude Alara of Radio Lagos.

    The women wore purple lace; men were in white with purple caps to match.

    The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, was among the eminent guests at the occasion.

    A son, Tunde, described his father as a good man with a heart of giving.

    “He had a good and giving heart and helped those around him. He thought us the value of family and showed us nothing but love and loyalty,” he said.

    In his condolence letter to the family, Oba Gbadebo said the late Sowande led a good family life and left a good legacy.

    “When the deceased led the Sowande family on a homage to me on Tuesday July 26, he looked quite healthy and no one could have the premonition that the end was near. It is, however, gladdening to note that he led the family well and left an enduring legacy,” the letter reads.

  • Pomp as APC chieftain’s son weds

    Pomp as APC chieftain’s son weds

    It was a grand expression of affection when a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos, Bashorun Tajudeen Jaiyesimi, was joined by well-wishers in celebration of his son’s wedlock last Saturday. DADA ALADELOKUN was there.

    It was probably the busiest day at the sprawling premises of the Federal College of Education (Techical), Akoka, Lagos Mainland in recent times. Automobiles competed for space as all manners of traditional drummers welcomed people with enthralling songs.

    With exemplary politeness, sturdy bouncers assisted by neatly dressed ushers welcome guests donning their best into the institution’s New Multipurpose Hall, venue of the swell outing.

    It was an exquisite wedding reception last Saturday. By 4pm, the tastefully decorated commodious hall had been filled by the guests. At the centre of it was Folayemi, chubby-cheeked son of Ikorodu, Lagos-born prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bashorun Tajudeen Adio Jaiyesimi, who tied the nuptial knot with his delectable Delta-born lover, Mercy Adegor.

    The Minority Whip of the Senate and governorship aspirant in the state, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS), who chaired the occasion, was already there with his wife, Aderonke and a good number of APC loyalists about two hours before the arrival of his hosts.

    Long before the new couple’s majestic entry into the hall amid songs from their excited friends after their traditional engagement, Faith Music Band led by Ayo Ajekigbe had turned the outing into a carnival with pulsating beats. He thrilled the gathering with evergreen numbers from the reservoirs of Juju music legends Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Ade.

    The couple’s family members appeared to have anxiously expected that moment of joy. Looking radiant in their blue head gears and caps, they rose to rejoice with their own.

    The bride’s parents, Deacon Godwin Adegor and Mrs Bethel Adegor could not hide their joy. So were Jaiyesimi and Folayemi’s mother, Abimbola, a successful business woman, who moved round, exchanged pleasantries with guests and dance with them.

    It was applause all the way as Solomon, with his trademark joviality, advised the couple to imbibe and actualise all necessary ingredients of a productive wedlock.

    “Live together as friends and strive to guard your oneness jealously and I trust, you will be happy you did,” the senator said.

    After the usual ritual of cake cutting and toast, the couple, who donned their best bib and tucker, stepped onto the dance floor for what seemed a terpsichorean contest that spurred a prolonged rain of mint naira notes. The Adegors, the Jaiyesimis, their friends and well-wishers were not left out.

    That the couple and their parents are well loved came to the fore when it was time for gifts presentation. The bride’s kinsmen from Jesse in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State gleefully partook with showers of prayers on the couple.

    Asked about her impression about the day, the bride, Mercy, said: “This is a special day that I have long wished to come to pass. God is faithful to have blessed me with my ideal friend in Folayemi.”

    Folayemi, a fast-rising marketer, described the outing as a rare milestone in his life. “Mercy stands for God’s mercifulness towards me. So, having this grand opportunity to live the rest of my life with her is a thing of eternal joy,” he said.

    Their parents were unsparing in words of gratitude to God for the success of their children’s wedlock as they beseeched Him to guide them aright in everlasting conjugal bliss.

    As the usual photograph session went on, other guests, including gate crashers were treated to sumptuous meals and assorted drinks by some caterers who were stationed outside the hall.