The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Honour for ‘home girl’

    Honour for ‘home girl’

    The Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Oludegun Agbabiaka has conferred chieftaincy title on the Iyaloja General of Okota market, Chief Khadijat Oludegun-Kazeem, reports BODE MONOGBE

    It was her happy day. She beamed with smiles as people gathered to congratulate her. It was the day, a business woman, Chief Khadijat Oludegun-Kazeem  was rewarded for her commitment to community development and philanthropy. The Isolo community in Lagos stood still last Saturday for the Iyaloja General of Okota market, as she became the Majeobaje of Isolo Kingdom.

    Family members, community leaders, market associations, friends and well wishers were all there to add colour to the glamour to the event. Indeed, it was a gathering of the cream in market administration in Lagos State. The ceremony coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Osolo’s reign.

    The clement weather encouraged aided guests large out.

    The event kicked off with a visit to the palace of Osolo to pay the traditional homage before moving with her entourage to Ansar-Ud-deen Primary School, Isolo, venue of the coronation.

    The initial prayers were offered by the Osin of Isolo, Asiwaju of Isolo, Chief Jinadu Bello-Arowooye. He placed the Akoko (traditional) leaves on her head and decorated her neck and hands with the traditional beads.

    The Osolo, Oba Kabiru Oludegun Agbabiaka reeled out the qualities that singled her out such as her humble nature, rare native wisdom, acumen in human management, dexterity in market administration, closeness to the people, commitment to community development and philanthropy. He prayed for a successful and prosperous tenure and later decorated her with a beaded cap, a staff of office and certificate. As she was receiving her certificate, the venue erupted in praise songs for the king and the recipient. The lyrics appreciated the magnanimity of the king and the luck of the newly installed chief. She later led a procession home amid singing and drumming.

    At a reception, guests looked resplendent in their green and brown Ankara outfits. They sat in groups inside the tents savouring the joy of the moment. They relished in the sumptuous local and continental dishes as well as wines and assorted drinks served by Larus Burger Fast Foods. Music was supplied by Unique Sound Affair.

    One curious observation made was the bond of friendship between the new chief and her husband, Alhaji Adekunle Kazeem. They were always together.

    Alhaji Kazeem ensured guests were well entertained.

    He congratulated his wife for the honour.

    “I am the happiest man today. I thank the king and the council of chiefs for this honour,” he said.

    The Iyaloja General of Ikosi-Isheri, Alhaja Sherifatu Taiwo, described the honouree as a hard working woman.

    “She is our good daughter; she is exceptional in many ways. She will succeed, no doubt,” she said.

    The Babaloja General of Isolo, Alhaji Wahab Kosoko spoke glowingly of her good character saying the honour was well deserved.

    “I have worked with her at various levels, I found her capable. On account of her competence and honesty, we made her our treasurer. We thank our king for this honour,” he said.

    Her daughter, Mrs Kafilat Raji, thanked Allah for making the day successful.

    “My mother’s installation attests to the fact that there is reward in humility and hard work. Even as a market head, my mother would not force anybody to do anything. I am proud of her and I pray for success and long life in her new assignment,” Mrs Raji said.

  • ‘I’m moving forward’

    ‘I’m moving forward’

    The remains of Bishop Fred Louis Menkiti, who owned Radiance Schools Group, have been buried in his Onitsha, Anambra State country home. NNEKA NWANERI was there. 

    Mrs Ify Menkiti plucked a fresh red rose from a bouquet as the procession moved to her husband’s final resting place. With her head bowed, she held on to the rose deep in thought. With her were her five sons, who bore their father’s remains.

    It was the funeral of her husband of 51 years, Bishop Fred Louis Menkiti, who died on May 29. He was 85.

    Bishop Menkiti’s body was in a white casket. His sons lowered the casket into the grave, performed the dust-to-dust rite and their mother tossed in the rose.

    Mrs Menkiti reeled backwards, with her sons supporting her as she turned around and made for the house. She controlled herself throughout three-hour funeral service, though her eyes were damp.

    The story of the life of the late Bishop Menkiti owned Radiance Schools Group, were relived.

    Many eulogised him at his funeral last Friday in his Onitsha, Anambra State hometown.

    The service of songs and wake held in Lagos the previous week.

    He was laid in state in a room in his Onitsha home where many filed round his body to pay their last respects.

    Even in death, the late Bishop Menkiti looked good. He was in a suit, tie and pair of glasses. Some cried; others folded their arms and shook their heads.

    Four tents were erected in the compound. The wife and sons sat around his remains. Her daughters-in-law sat with them in uniformed white native attires, with purple headgears and beaded ear and neck accessories.

    The choir led guests in singing solemn hymns.

    The late Menkiti’s third son, Oge, took the first Bible reading from Thessalonians 4:13-18.

    The Overseer of Region V of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM), Pastor Lanre Adekunle, urged guests to learn from daily happenings. He said though he never met the late Bishop Menkiti, he was touched by stories of his good deeds.

    He prayed for the bereaved family, urging them to continue with their father’s legacy.

    The MFM choir rendered two special songs before the first son, Chris, spoke of his father.

    Chris said: “He was very athletic in his younger days and that explained why he was fit, even in his old age. After he graduated from the University of Ibadan (UI) in 1963, he married my mother and they began life in a room apartment where I (Chris) was born.

    “He was chairman of many companies including the Nigerian Paper Mill, West African Distillers Ltd, Tafawa Balewa Management Committee and also ANAMCO, Nigerian assemblers of Mercedes vehicles.

    “As an educationist, he had a vision to teach children core values so with the experience my dad had as an administrator and my mum as a teacher, they used their savings to set up Radiance Schools 25 years ago.

    “His catch phrase was – I am moving forward. So let’s thank God for his life and let’s carry on.”

     

  • Like father like son

    Like father like son

    Thirteen-one years ago, the late Otunba Gabriel Adenuga Taiwo was the charter president of the Rotary Club of Gbagada, Lagos. Last Sunday, his son, Prof Kayode Taiwo followed his footstep as the club’s 31st president, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    History was made last Sunday when the Rotary Club of Gbagada in Lagos invested the Deputy Director, Environment and Social Safeguards of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Prof Olukayode Taiwo, as its 31st president. Taiwo folowed the footstep of his father, the late Otunba Gabriel Adenuga Taiwo, who was president   31 years ago.

    His younger brother, Sola Adenuga-Taiwo will succeed him next year. Their mother, Lady Arinola Adenuga-Taiwo was a District Chairman of the old District 910.

    The event, which held in Ikeja, Lagos was well attended by Rotarians from across the state as well as many of its past presidents. They were not only there to felicitate with him, it was also an opportunity for the club to raise funds for its projects for the year.

    The grand project is the renovation of the science laboratory of a school in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, which has not been functional since 1995. It will cost N7 million.

    Prof Taiwo’s family members, well wishers and colleagues came to share in the joy of the day and show their solidarity.

    They were uniformly dressed in white agbada and yellow caps. The hall’s blue and yellow colours matched the chairs and table decorations. The brochure for the event spoke volumes not only about the club, but also about the personality of the man of the moment.

    Members’ spouses were not left out in the show of style and fashion.

    The President’s wife, Mrs Oladunni Taiwo, a head teacher and Director with Lagos State Ministry of Education, sat quietly beside her husband and smiled all through the proceedings.

    The Rotary Grace led by Mr Bunmi Oguntade served as the opening prayer.

    The out-going president, Tayo Adelaja, gave his valedictory remarks after which he presented awards to those who supported him while in office.

    Urging all to continue to support the new president and donate actively towards actualising the vision of the new regime which, he said, will go a long way in bringing smiles on the faces of the less privileged.

    Adelaja called his successor to the floor, took of the insignia of office from his neck and placed it on Prof Taiwo’s. This was followed by an applause and exchange of banters.  He hit the gong for the first time, calling the gathering to order.

    He thereafter inducted some members as Paul Harris fellows, having contributed more than $1000 to the club. He decorated them with lapel pins and presented them with plaques.

    The new president went on to induct his board members and give his acceptance speech in which he solicited help for his administration’s projects.

    He also went down memory lane and told of how meetings were held in their home when the club began and how he used to accompany his father to its weekly meetings. That was how he fell in love with what they do and became a member.

    Guest speaker and former Minister of State for Health Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi was at his best. He said if the Gbagada Club members had vision, the club would have been called the Rotary Club of the Adenuga-Taiwos. This, he said, would be because not only was Prof Taiwo’s  father the first president of the club, his younger brother, Sola Adenuga-Taiwo, will succeed him next year. His mother, Lady Arinola Adenuga-Taiwo was a District Chairman.

    Adelusi-Adeluyi urged the members not to stop doing well and strive to be on the side of the solution to the nation’s problems.  He prayed for them, quoting from Numbers 6:25.

    District Governor Dr Dele Balogun thanked the club for being the only one to have produced two past District Governors and one of the most proactive.

    The projects were launched by the Chairman on the occasion and Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, who said he had known Prof Taiwo for more than 43 years as a man who does not tolerate nonsense.

    The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba AbdulRasaq Adenugba, presented one of his subjects, the Oluomo of Ago Iwoye, Femi Bakare with an award. The monarch said it was no mistake that he made Bakare his Oluomo and has not regretted it for a moment. He prayed the president have many achievements before the end of his tenure.

    Other awardees were Prof Obafemi Ajibola and Mr Iyiola Adegboye.

    All eyes were riveted on a large projector at a strategic point in the hall where a documentary of what the Rotary does was being shpwn.   Also, past works and reasons for upcoming projects were showed.

    To raise funds, some items on display were auctioned and highest bidders went home with the products. Also, prizes were won from tickets sold by a bevy of well-dressed female ushers who led guests to their seats.

    President-elect and Chairman, Installation Committee, Olusola Adenuga-Taiwo, thanked all, and led them to the dance floor.

  • A retiree’s story

    A retiree’s story

    It was not only his birthday, but also the day he retired from service. Mr Olatunde Idowu Agoro clocked 60 on the day he retired as Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development after 35 years of service, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    For Mr Olatunde Idowu Agoro, former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development, it was time for stock-taking penultimate Thursday. He celebrated his retirement with praise and thanksgiving.

    A special thanksgiving and prayer session was held at the Lagos Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja, followed by a party to welcome him into the retirees club.

    Prayers were led by Imam Lukman Asunramu of the Ahmadiyya Movement of Nigeria, a group the celebrator is a member.

    The birthday boy looked different in his native wear. He was always in suit while in service but, this time, he wore a blue agbada with a cap to match. His wife sat beside him in the same attire. Members of the staff of the ministry in attendance were also in attractive attires.

    Many, who were privileged to have worked with him at various levels in the civil service, attested to his dedication to work. Many spoke and eulogised him, showering him with prayers.

    The first to speak was the Commissioner for Rural Development, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, who led all in praise songs for Agoro.

    He said every word said about the celebrator was true. He asked from  those in service: “How humble are you?

    “His humility made him to transverse to where he is today. Let us learn from him and his humanity and how he gave back to the society that made him by training the young staff the way they should go. We enjoy working with him, so let us learn from how he discharged his duties,” Ojelabi said.

    His counterpart in Agric and Cooperative Ministry, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, recalled when Agoro was a director in his ministry and how meticulous he was and the enduring legacies he bequeathed, which the ministry still enjoys have remained a reference point.

    “He did a lot while with us by initiating a lot of schemes we adopted and still use till date. We wouldn’t mind giving him a small parcel of land to farm on and practise all the theories he gave us,” Lawal said.

    Lagos State House of Assembly Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, Cooperative and Rural Development, Ibrahim Layode, described Agoro as a brother and friend from whom he gained great experience.

    “Since 2007 when I became chairman, I have worked with three Permanent Secretaries, I dare say he is the best,” Layode said.

    Thereafter, Agoro was presented with certificate of service. All, except the ‘birthday boy’ stood to sing “For he’s a Jolly good fellow”.

    Mr Tajudeen Atiko-Balogun, who represented the Lagos State Head of Service, said the gathering should be used for self assessment.

    Those on the high table moved to the floor to join the celebrator to cut two colourful cakes. Gigantic greeting cards were around the cake stand and those with gifts brought them forward.

    In response, Agoro thanked Allah for being gracious to him. He also described his journey in the civil service as a very long one, which he began in 1979 as an Agric Planning Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.

    “Excellence is the hallmark that I and my family stand for and that is why I like to leave a mark wherever I go. I want you all to know that there is always good reward for hard work.

    “All my life, I served this state in various capacities and I thank God for the diligent service rendered to my state,” he said.

    One of the younger brothers of the celebrator, Hon Taju Agoro, who was asked to give the vote of thanks, began with a long oriki which mesmerised the gathering. He ended the wordings with Alhamdulahi.

  • Farewell to a philanthropist

    Farewell to a philanthropist

    Family members, friends and associates gathered at the Ketu Central Mosque to bid the late Chief Imam of Ketu, Alhaji Yaqub Jimoh Balogun,  farewell. AMIDU ARIJE was there.

    It was a solemn moment. Guests sat quietly as the Muslim cleric led them in prayers.

    With their Quran and prayer beads, they prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Imam of Ketu, Alhaji Yaqub Jimoh Balogun. He died on August 4. He was  65.

    The virtues of the late Chief Imam were extolled. Many  described him as a philanthropist and humble man.

    The prayer was coordinated by Chief Imam Sulaiman Adesina. The whole of the Quran was recited.

    A sermon was delivered by the Chief Missioner of the League of Imams, Kosofe Zone, Abdulhameed Olawole.

    He urged all present to remember death and always work towards the hereafter. He enjoined them to be God-fearing, saying being Godly would make one work for the good of this world and the hereafter.

    Olawole described the late Balogun as a humble man. He urged his children to take after their father.

    After his sermon, the Quran recitation continued.

    Chief Imam of Alapere Central Mosque, Alhaji Yakub Jamiu, in paying tribute to the deceased, said the late Alhaji  Balogun was a humble man par excellence. He urged his children to emulate him.

    One of the deceased’s tenants, Mr Asobara George, said the late Alhaji Balogun was a God-fearing person who never discriminated.

    “He is a peaceful and God-fearing man, if every human being behaves like him, there will be no problem in the society,” he said.

    Alhaja Nimotalahi Fashola said the deceased was a devoted Muslim.

    Chairman, Ketu Youth Council, Rasaq Balogun, said: “We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous religious leader. It was an honour to know a spiritual father who had genuine love for his people and Ketu community”.

    Another youth of the community, Ariyo Oluwafemi, said Ketu had lost a rare gem.

    “We love him, he was a generous man and very humble,” he said.

    The son of the deceased, Adam Balogun, described his father as a generous and accommodating man. He would be greatly missed by the family.

    “He was a very honest and generous man; he was accommodating and a lover of everyone, irrespective of your inclinations; he didn’t criticise. We will miss him greatly,” he said.

    He said the family would build a mosque in honour of their late father and also set up a foundation.

    As the prayer session was rounded off, the Chief Imam of Jamuyatu Sudai Central Mosque, Alhaji Murtadah Adewunmi, delivered a brief sermon.

    Wife of the Chairman Ikosi Isheri Local Council Developement Area, Alhaja Kudirat Oyesanya, was among the guests at the occasion. The staff of office of the Alaketu of Ketu land Lagos was on ground to represent the Oba.

     

  • Remembering a beloved father

    Remembering a beloved father

    The one-year remembrance prayer for Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, father of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, was held at Surulere Secondary School last Tuesday, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    It looks like yesterday, but it has been one year since Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola lost his father Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola. Last Tuesday, the Fashola family gathered at the Surulere Secondary School on Ladipo Labinjo Crescent to mark the one year remembrance. Fashola and his wife Dame Emmanuella Abimbola were in their element, attending to guests.

    Alhaji Fashola, died on August 5, last year. He was 80.

    Officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) ensured free flow of traffic on Akerele and Bode Thomas streets linking Ladipo Labinjo Crescent.

    Security personnel directed guests to the venue and ensured that things were in order. Inside the expansive school premises, guests sat under a tastefully decorated giant canopy for the prayer session; the other canopies were reserved for the reception.

    Fashola sat in the front row facing the clerics. With him were his father’s widow, Mrs Cecilia Omolara Fashola, children and other family members.

    Members of the State Executive Council, members of the National and Lagos State House of Assembly, local government chairmen and royal fathers were represented.

    Prayers were offered by prominent Islamic clerics under the leadership of Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim  and Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou.

    The event was anchored by one of Fashola’s aides, Alhaji Shakiru AbdulGafar popularly called Mofesaye.

    The clerics took turns to pray for the late Fashola, his family, Lagos and Nigeria.

    The Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Chief Missioner, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, delivered a short sermon.

    He enjoined the gathering to always remember that death would come one day, followed by judgement.

    According to Ahmad, it should be the preoccupation of man to invest his resources in propagating the works of Allah because He is the one that has invested man with the good things of life, including sound health, intelligence and wealth.

    Sheikh Ibrahim enjoined the children to be united and continue with the legacy of their father.

    The first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, said the late Fashola was a nice man.

    Fashola described his father as a disciplinarian and a man of integrity, who lived an exemplary life. His father’s life, he added, taught everyone a lesson in contentment.

    The governor said his father’s life revolved around people, adding that he spent  time to build an extensive family including not just his relations, but also those whose life he impacted.

    “We are sad that he is not here; we are proud to hold on to the love and the values he lived by – being his brother’s keeper, being contented in whatever situation we may found ourselves and serving God and serving humanity,” Fashola said.

    Aladeshonyi of Noforija in Epe Oba Babatunde Onalaja described the late Fashola as a humble man.

    “He was very accommodating and loved his family dearly,” he said.

    Oba Onalaja enjoined the children to follow their father’s path. Mrs Fashola described her father-in-law as a peaceful man.

    “Daddy was a lovely man, gentle, kind and generous; when you are around him, you exprience peace. There is no problem you take to him that he didn’t take in his giant stride, advising you. After discussing it with him, the problem becomes solved.

    “He was a father to me; he was a father to all of us. He was always a reference point in the Fashola family, which is why we have so many people naming their child after him. We have a lot of Ademola in and outside our family,” she said.

    There was light music while the guests relished sumptuous meals and drinks.

  • A union of doctors

    A union of doctors

    Chinonye, daughter of Justice Shedrack Nwanosike, of the Abia State High Court and her beau, Stanley Emmanuel, have tied the nuptial knot at the Saint Michael’s Cathedral Church in Aba, Abia State. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

    Members of the Saint Michaels Cathedral Church in Aba, Abia State, will remember the wedding for a long time to come.

    Two optometrists – former Miss Chinonye Nwanosike and Stanley Emmanuel, were joined in holy matrimony in the church.

    The wedding brought many judges, magistrates and lawyers together.

    The atmosphere was serene. Guests trooped to the church to witness the solemnisation of like minds.

    The groom was in black suit with purple shirt; the wife looked glamorous in a sleeveless white flowing gown.

    The bride arrived the church in a black Spider Camry; the groom came in a red Spider Camry.

    The vicar, Ven. Dr. Polycarp Ibe, in his sermon, told the couple to be the eye and mouth of each other. He reminded them that marriage is for better for worse, adding that it should be seen as bitter and sweet just as some people call themselves honey.

    Dr Ibe told them to listen to each other and solve their problems together, urging them to be steadfast in prayers also. Prayer, he said, is the master key to every problem.

    After the church session, the train moved to Hotel De-La-Paix for the reception.

    Guests were gaily dressed. Traditional attires were the order of the day.

    Gaily dressed men and women led guests into the hall where they were served assorted wines and drinks.

    The one-man band played old tunes softly, but with a good, sharp rhythm.

    The couple cut the five-step white cake, decorated in wine and cream, with sparkling light, at the spelling of J-E-S-U-S.

    During the cake-cutting, Stanley held his wife tightly, provoking comments that he did not want her to run away.

    Stanley re-proposed to his wife in the presence of the guests, who applauded his gesture.

    The wife accepted and the husband lifted her and sealed it with kisses.

    She threw her bouquet to spinsters who struggled to catch the flowers.

    Chinonye and Stanley thrilled guests on the dance floor, with family members, guests and friends joining them.

    Chairman on the occasion Justice Kenneth Nwosu told the couple to see themselves as one and not allow those he described as “meddlesome interlopers” to wade into their affairs.

    He urged them to be prayerful, so God would be the third person in their union.

    The bride’s father, Justice Shedrack Nwanosike, and mother Nwanyioma expressed happiness on the success of the wedding.

    They claimed that they did not know when their daughter met her husband, praying to God to give them the understanding to know each other better.

    The groom’s mother, Mrs Ocheze Emmanuel, told The Nation that God has done what she had been praying for in her life.

    Stanley said it was a day he would never forget.

    Chinonye thanked God for making the wedding a success.

    At the occasion were Justice Ory Zikeora;  Justice Lilian Agbai; Justice Stella Ururuka-Onyesoh; Justice Amanze Chikwendu Chioma; Justice Levinus Nwabughiogu and  Justice Onyekachi Chijioke, among others.

  • Gathering of the faithful

    Gathering of the faithful

    Lagos State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), has held its 28th Family Day at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    It is an event to mark the end of Ramadan. The one for this year came up last Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) where members and friends of Lagos State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) gathered to celebrate its 28th Family Day.

    Each branch of the association had its tent. Among the branches were Mushin, Epe, Eti-Osa, Somolu, Alimoso, Amuwo-Odofin and Ikorodu. There was no uniform outfit for the occasion; the women and girls wore either traditional or Islamic attires. They made fashion statements with their colourful and stylish hijab.

    A few men were there.

    Guests enjoyed free medical tests from the mobile intensive care unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

    The high table was decorated in green and yellow.

    Banners of some corporate organisations, including Maggi, Honeywell and Stanbic IBTC Bank, were displayed at different locations. Entertainment Factory Limited directed by Patrick Oyadima played Islamic songs to the admiration of guests.

    The event kicked off with a short prayer by the Dawah group of FOMWAN. An Imam from Somolu Local Government Area, Alhaji Sulaimon Bayonle, said the opening prayers; he was assisted by Yaya Alimi.

    Alhaja Azeezat Modupe Adagun from Radio Lagos compered the event, which began with a reading from the Quran, done in form of a competition by children from the branches.

    FOMWAN Lagos State Amirah Dr Sariyu Ashiru said the group is the umbrella body for Muslim women and youths.

    She urged women to manage their family well, saying they are the pillars of the family and determine the family’s success.

    President, Amuwo-Odofin Muslim Community Alhaji Waliu Ajigbotoluwa, who chaired the occasion, hailed FOMWAN for its impact on the state’s development.

    Chief Imam, Gbagada Muslim Community Alhaji Abdus-Salami Ibrahim, who was the guest speaker, said the role of a woman in ensuring national security was vital. The woman, he said, has the responsibility of taking care of children.

    He said: “It is the duty of mothers to train their children and it is the way a child is brought up that will determine the attitudes that will become of him when he grows. If your child is well trained, he or she will be relevant to the community but if not, they will be part of those contributing to insecurity in the nation.

    “The way you train your child reflects on national security because people who grow up with godly attitudes will not get themselves involved in any criminal acts”.

    Alhaji Ibrahim urged parents not to engage in things that they do not want their children to emulate.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, his wife Abimbola and Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, among others, donated towards FOWAN projects.

    Fashola, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the government would continue to partner with the association to develop the state.

    She urged grandmothers to give their grandchildren good training as they did to their children.

    “You are still alive for that purpose, therefore, ensure you bring your grandchildren up in the way of the Lord,” she said.

    There was a march past by students of Arabic Nursery and Primary School and youth organisations and FOMWAN branches.

    The celebration cake was cut after the chant of Alhamdulillahi three times.

     

  • A royal funeral

    A royal funeral

    The remains of Princess Emily Morolake Oluwayemi Adefila, elder sister of former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, have been buried in Ilofa in Kwara State, reports ADEKUNLE JIMOH

    The was a princess and she got a funeral befitting royalty. The late Princess Emily Morolake Oluwayemi Adefila was the elder sister of former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and daughter of the late Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Moses Oyinlola.

    The Adefilas gave their matriarch a befitting funeral about two weeks ago.

    The venue of the commendation service was filled with the cream of the society.

    The Cathedral Church of St Peter at Ilofa in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State was filled. Family members and guests, including captains of industry, academics, business tycoons, government officials and traditional rulers were seated as early as 10am.

    The event, which began with songs by the church choristers, was followed by reading from the scripture, prayers for the deceased and goodwill messages.

    Her remains were brought into the church amidst singing and dancing by the pallbearers around 10am.

    The Bishop of Ekiti Kwara Diocese, Rt Revd Andrew Olusola Ajayi, led the officiating ministers.

    Rt Revd Ajayi urged the gathering to always prepare for a glorious home call, reminding them that death is inevitable.

    “Man has but a short time to live in a world full of misery,” he said.

    The widower, Prof Sam Adefila, in a tribute, described his late wife as an absolute loving and caring partner who, wholesomely, practicalised the Yoruba culture with deserving respect.

    Her remains were moved from the church to the Adefila’s home for interment at 1:30pm.

    Prof Adefila, his children and relations performed the dust-to-dust rite after the casket was lowered into the grave.

    The train moved to Ilofa Grammar School Playing Ground, where guests were treated to a lavish reception

    Paying glowing tribute to his sister, Prince Oyinlola said she was ever ready to part with her last kobo to put smiles on people’s faces.

    Her son, Akin, said his mother touched lives and would be remembered for uniting the family, her steadfastness and fervent prayers.

    He wrote in his tribute: “Thank you for always being there for me; your desire to be patient, kind and loving, were special beyond words; I know you are my miracle, unmatched and unrivalled. A master of purpose, a warrior of love; your prayers sustained me, a reminder of God’s shield over us, a reminder that we have not been left alone to journey this earth.”

    The Alofa of Ilofa, Oba Samuel Dada, said the Adefilas had contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the community and deserved commendation.

    He described the deceased as a mother in a thousand, who showed interest in the community’s wellbeing.

    Former Kwara State Governor Senator Bukola Saraki, moved by the show of affection by the community, promised to complete the plastering and tiling of the church.

    The late Princess Adefila had her secondary education at St Monica’s College, Kabba in present day Kogi State, as one of the pioneer students and Queens School, Ilorin.

    She attended Ahmadu Bello University and the International Institute for Aerial Survey and Earth Sciences in Ensechede, Netherlands where she got her first postgraduate diploma. She began working at the Institute for Agricultural Research, Ahmadu Bello University in 1977.

    Dignitaries at the event include former Governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni; former-military administrator of Bauchi and Osun states Col Theophilus Bamigboye; President, National Academy of Engineering Prof. A.F. Ogunye; Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo, represented by Landmark University Pro-Chancellor, Pastor Yemi Nathaniel while the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ola-Rotimi Ajayi was represented by Prof Tunde Bello; the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Oladele Ibitoye, the Owalobo of Obbo Ile, Oba Rufus Adebayo, among others.

  • Mr Loyalty is 50

    Mr Loyalty is 50

    The Imo community in Texas, United States, has hosted Deputy Governor Prince Ezeakonobi Madumere on his 50th birthday, writes NNEKA NWANERI.

    As Prince Eze Madumere entered the arena, the gathering started chanting  “Mr. Humility”, “Mr. Loyalty”, “the master strategist” and so on.

    It was a gathering of Imolites in God’s own country to celebrate the 50th birthday of the number two citizen of their state.

    The event took place at the home of Chief Obinna Abuachi. Members of the Great Owerri Congress and their friends were there in large number.

    After exchanging pleasantries with his kinsmen, Madumere took his seat.

    The Igbo tradition was on display. The ritual of welcoming a visitor with kolanut was observed. In Igboland, kolanut enjoys a pride of place and no ceremony is complete without it.

    Presentation of kolanut has remained one tradition that has withstood the heat and alterations that came with colonisation, westernisation and civilisation.

    He was declared the leader of Imolites in Diaspora,  his excellent representation of Imo Community in Diaspora in the Rochas Okorocha Administration.

    The event turned into a rally of sorts as people took turns to speak on the Okorocha administration.

    Madumere is a worthy son giving the way he has comported himself in office, first as Chief of Staff and now as deputy governor. He described Owelle Okorocha and Madumere as transformers.

    Ugochukwu Dike described the Okorocha administration as the greatest thing happened to Imo State, saying Imolites in Diaspora were happy with the development.

    “Today, we are witnessing change in all facets of our dear state. Security challenges that used to be our worries are almost a thing of the past. As a son of Ideato nation, I stand to say that our deputy governor is a brother to us all by his kind gestures and humility to the cause of our people in diaspora,” he said.

    Chief Ralph Obijiofor also known as Big Fish, from Anambra State, drummed support for Okorocha’s re-election. He louded the governor’s philanthropic gestures and free education to the indigent under his Rochas Foundation Colleges.

    A lawyer, Okey Dike, called for support for Okorocha’s administration. He thanked Madumere for his gesture to Ndi Imo in Diaspora. Imolites in Diaspora, he said, have got more recognition under Okorocha’s administration than any other government.

    Chief Marcon Nlemigbo, former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also called for support for Madumere for remaining himself even in power.

    Madumere enumerated the giant strides of the Okorocha administration. He called for support for an administration that has transformed Imo State in less than three years. According to him, this is a proof that the state is on its way to realise  the dreams of its founding fathers. Pounded yam with Onugbu, Egusi, Ofe akwukwu was served for dinner

    Prince Madumere is the third child of Eze Henry Anoruo Madumere of Ezi Achi Mbier.