The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • Showcasing the beauty of Islam

    Showcasing the beauty of Islam

    An Islamic shop, Baytuzzeenah owned by a former banker, Hajia Saidat Otiti, has re-opened its Lekki branch on another street. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was at the ceremony.

    Lekki residents have got a new neighbour, coming in last Sunday with 13 years of exquisite taste such as one-stop Islamic shop is back for good.

    But, Baytuzzeenah is not that new in Lekki. It was there all the while until it took a break because of the Lekki-Epe Expressway’s and its massive traffic.

    The shop stocks trendy wares, uncommon decors, specially-made phones with multiple Islamic applications, including audio and video lectures, An-Nashid (rhymes) and many more.

    Many Muslims shelved some of their programmes to attend the opening of the ‘returnee’ branch.

    On Saturday, the Mufti (Grand Sheikh) of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i led others to pray for a successful outing.

    By the time The Nation got there, Baytuzzeenah Chief Executive Officer Hajia Saidat Otiti and some of her workers were hanging some of the wares, espcially clothings on their stands. The place had barely been opened when people started trickling in, in ones, twos and threes. In no time, the shop was filled up.

    A cheerful Hajia Otiti took time to attend to their needs. Christian customers were not left out.

    Alhaja Teslimat Akinwande, former Tutor-General, Education District VI in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, came all the way from Ogba in Ikeja with a friend.

    “What are you doing here Ma?” The Nation asked her.

    “I am here because of the interest I have in the owner of the shop and the products. Our relationship dates back 20 years,” Alhaja Akinwande said.

    She went on: “Baytuzzeenah has really exposed people to the knowledge of Islam and serve several purposes with varieties of goods, especially for people who do not visit common markets to shop for their wares; Baytuzzeenah has filled that space due to its quality taste.”

    Ambassador Hamzat Ahmadu described  the shop’s return to Lekki as good.

    He said he attends Baytuzzeenah’s functions because he is sure to get books to read.

    “Whatever book you want, you will get it here. It is a good decision to have an outlet in Lekki. I like reading, so coming to buy books here is something I treasure,” Ambassador Ahmadu said.

    Ms Khadijah Ilavbare, a lawyer, she discovered the place through a friend while looking for quality Islamic books on diverse subjects.

    “Since then, I have been shopping with Baytuzzeenah for over nine years now. When you talk about authentic materials, this outlet is the right place,” she said.

    Ms Ilavbare described Hajia Otiti as a focused business-minded person, who always strives to achieve her goals.

    Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Terminal Public Relations Officer Mrs Shakirat AbdulMajeed described the shop as a place to get quality Islamic materials. “Anything you buy here is original,” she said.

    Hajia Otiti described Lekki “as a major hub of our clientele”.

    “We have our target markets here, so we decided to come back,” she said.

    She said the outlet objective is to showcase the beauty of Islam.

    The former banker said Baytuzzeenah offers modesty with style.

    “Baytuzzeenah is set up to cater for a niche market and it promotes Islamic culture,” Hajia Otiti said.

     

  • A simple format

    Of all the types of speech presentations, impromptu speech is perhaps the most believable. The reason is not farfetched; listeners believe the speaker speaks from the heart instead of delivering a premeditated speech. If, for instance, you are given several months notice to deliver a speech on President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged ambition to contest during the 2015 election, you will have enough time to think of all the right words to speak. One of the things you may also do is to assess the nature of your audience. If you don’t fancy the idea of the President contesting, but a government official will be present at the event, you may think of several diplomatic ways of presenting your views. However, if you were not informed of the presentation, you may actually express you real view (or at least something close to it).

    For this reason, audience finds it easier to relate with impromptu speeches in terms of credibility than some other types of speeches. Think about it, why is it that at press conferences by government officials or other dignitaries, journalists still ask questions after the individuals have delivered the speech? First, the speech delivered was premeditated so the journalists need some heartfelt responses, second, there are areas of concern that were not covered in the speech, and third, there is need for further clarification on some issues raised. In most cases similar to the one we have here, people tend to benefit more from the question and answer session than the initial speech presentation. During question and answer sessions, people get the answers the desire, which are usually beyond what the speaker are prepared to share.

    Last week, we examined a few elements of impromptu speech. We said that it is immediate, it is brief and it is based on the current situation or event. We also said that you are called to deliver the speech because of your experience or personality. Consequently, it should be presented from your personal point of view, though it should focus on other people rather than yourself.

    This week, we shall examine a simple format you can adopt anytime you are called upon to deliver an impromptu speech:

    • Introduction: since the entire speech should not last more than a few minutes, your introduction is not expected to be an extensive one. Nevertheless, it should be catchy enough to capture your audience’s attention. A brilliant way to start your speech is to acknowledge the distinguished people present and appreciate the privilege given to you to contribute to the important subject. You may also begin by referring to the invaluable contributions that have been made before you. While you don’t have a lot of time, it is still fashionable to refer to one or two memorable contributions that others have made for your audience to know that you are not engaging in flattery.

    • State your point: remember that you don’t have a long time to speak, so, suspense may not be the best idea at this time. Considering that public speaking is an art, I believe you can adapt your speech to any situation or be creative whichever way you like. Nevertheless, I suggest you state your position straight on. Let the audience know what side of the discussion you belong to.

    • Justify your position: why do you feel the way you do? That is your next assignment. Your justification is perhaps more important than your position. This is because the credibility or soundness of your position will be judged by the reasons you give. For instance, lets assume you are asked at your organization’s board meeting if the company should fire some staff in view of emerging economic realities. If you say yes and you are asked why, you can’t simply say, “Well I don’t know. I just kind of think the company is too crowed.” People will lose respect for you because you are putting others’ jobs on line without any sensible justification.

    • Illustrate your point: don’t waste time at all, give a practical example that will drive home your point. While there is no time for any lengthy story, you may just call their attention to something around them that supports your line of reasoning. If you can bring the illustration close to them, you are likely to get their attention. The more familiar your illustration is, the more likely you are to win your audience.

    • Restate your point: make sure that your listeners don’t stray from your line of argument. Remind them of your position again. This time, they should understand it better because you have already provided your justification.

    • Conclude with appreciation: end your speech by thanking whoever invited you to talk for the opportunity to make a contribution. You should also thank your audience for listening and seeing your point.

     

  • ‘She is a disciplinarian’

    ‘She is a disciplinarian’

    Mrs Ayinke Ibidunni Odulana, sister of the late retired Auditor-General of the Federation, Alhaji Yekini Ahmed, has joined the nonagenarian club. She celebrated her 90th birthday at Nana’s Arena Events Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    Though her parents were devout Muslims and brought her up in the Islamic faith, she became a  Christian when she married her late husband, Nathaniel Tanimowo Odulana. She is a strong member of the St John’s Church, Ofada in Mushin, the popular Lagos suburb, where she holds the title of Iya-ijo. She often visited the Island Club with her husband when he was alive.

    So, when she turned 90, Muslims and Christians celebrated Mrs Ayinke Ibidunni Odulana, sister of the late retired Auditor-General of the Federation, Alhaji Yekini Ahmed.

    The street leading to Nana’s Arena Event Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, was filled with exotic cars.

    Mrs Odunana’s children and some of their spouses were in white native attire with red head gear and cap. Guests wore dresses of their choice.

    The hall was tastefully decorated in red and white; the tables and chairs were wrapped in gold and red fabrics.

    The three-step birthday cake was placed on a stand on the right side of the hall beside the celebrator’s seat. She looked gorgeous in a pink dress with a white head gear and beads. She had a silver purse in her right hand. Her younger sister, Alhaja Adunni Adeyinka, was with her throughout.

    Many came at intervals to exchange pleasantries with her.

    The birthday was like an old school show; it began with prayers by Rev Olamilekan Ogbonyomi of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Akowonjo, a Lagos suburb.

    The popular birthday song, “Happy birthday to you” was rendered by guests. The Master of Ceremony, Oluwatosin Bakare a.k.a Aboki Jesu, was the compere.

    Chairman on the occasion, Mr Fred Ohwahwa, Mrs Odulana’s son-in-law, said her life is worth celebrating because it was a rare one in a country where life expectancy is 47.

    He described her as someone who does what is right.

    “She will say white is white and black is black. She is a nice person, a mother indeed and I am very happy for her today,” he said.

    Sir K Infinity, the life band, sang the celebrator’s favourite song, “Kokoma music’ (an old school song) and a minstrel, Mr Ayanmo Olasunkunmi, praised the birthday ‘girl’with chants in Yoruba.

    Thespian family theatre and productions did a cultural presentation of songs and dance.

    A documentary on the testimony of the life of the celebrator from her family members and friends was shown. Guests watched with keen interest, discussing in hushed tones as the documentary ran. At the end, they clapped and thanked God for her life. The celebrator was joined by her family members and other guests to cut the cake.

    Her children took turns to dance with her, with other guests joining.

    Mrs Odulana described the day as her happiest, saying: “I am very happy and I give all the glory to God for keeping me alive, healthy and sound. I am so excited that I am alive to see my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am full of joy and the greatest thing is that my children are taking good care of me in my old age,” she said.

    Bodurin Odulana, her step-son, thanked God for her life, saying: “She is someone that will always stand for the truth, she will never follow you in the wrong way and she relates with people a lot; both the young and the old, she is a lover of people. She will always be there to settle all issues; I pray that God will continue to keep and give her long life, good health and prosperity.”

    Alhaja Adeyinka described her sister as loving but strict.

    She urged other mothers to take “good care” of their children, saying that the children will take care of them when they are old.

    The celebrator’s first child, Adebayo Pitan, said his mum is always there, caring and ready to give.

    Her first daughter, Mrs Abimbola Oduwole, said her mum is a disciplinarian.

    “When I was small, mummy would not allow me to go out, if she sends you on errand, you stay longer than you should, talk or stand beside a guy. If you do, she sees you, you will get the reprimand of your life. If you are feeling cold, you can’t tell her because she will say you are pregnant. She is a disciplinarian to the core that I used to think she was not my mother, but when I got married, I began to appreciate her training and call her a good mother,” she said.

    Her grandson, Wale Pitan, said: “You dare not go against whatever she tells you and this is why we are all very conscious whenever she is around. Besides that, she is humble, jovial and you can never be bored when you are with grandma because she will sing and talk about her background, and she will make you laugh.”

  • Celebrating 70 years of achievement

    Celebrating 70 years of achievement

    The Twelve Brethren Society of the African Church Cathedral Salem in Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland, has celebrated its 70th anniversary at the church auditorium. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was a day to remember; a day of thanksgiving, jubilation and celebration at the African Church Cathedral Salem in Ebute Metta, Lagos Mainland.

    A society in the church, Twelve Brethren, ended its 70th anniversary activities with a thanksgiving service that day.

    Guests filled the venue in various traditional outfits with women displaying different styles of head gears. They all looked gorgeous.

    Members of the society were in white traditional attires. The men wore light brown with white straps and caps made with Aso Oke. The women used the same Aso Oke as head gear and Ipele.

    The society clocked 70 on January 2. The anniversary celebration started with an interactive party with the society’s honorary officers, led by its Grand Patron, Dr. Ore Falomo. It was rounded off with a thanksgiving in the church auditorium.

    The thanksgiving began around 10am with a processional hymn, Baba Ade o.

    A session of praise and worship, led by the choir followed. Guests clapped, danced and sang along with the choir.

    Rt Revd Julius Abbe, from the African Church Cathedral Bethel of the Lagos Central Diocese, gave the sermon.

    The cleric dwelt on service to humanity. He urged members of the society to continue with their selfless service.

    “They should work together as one to achieve greater heights and spread the gospel of God,” he said. Donations followed.

    The Chairman of the society, Mr Adelere Adetimirin, said the donations were for the completion of the church’s chancel windows and its beautification.

    A fundraiser was held for the bus and auditorium projects of the church.

    Guests donated generously.

    A foundation, Twelve Brethren Society foundation, was also set up. The goal of the foundation is to cater for the education of the children of any dead cleric and the less privileged children in the church.

    The Chairman, 70th Anniversary Planning Committee and Vice Chairman of the society, Mr Olutoyin Odeseye, said the society’s goal is to assist the church to grow.

    He said the society also works in harmony with others to spread the gospel.

    “We stand for the unity of the Church, integrity and winning of souls to God’s Kingdom,” he said.

    The thanksgiving ended with a recessional hymn, Lo kede Ayo Na Fun Gbogbo Aye.

    The anniversary train moved to the Angelia Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, where guests were treated to sumptuous meals and chilled drinks. They danced to gospel music supplied by Bunkol-Lake Versatile Band led by Lekan Ojo.

  • ‘She is my dream woman’

    ‘She is my dream woman’

    They met at the Abia State University in Uturu (ABSU). Today, Pastor Onuoha Chukwu and Dr Ijeoma, an optician, have become one following their wedding in Lagos, reports. NNEKA NWANERI.

    She flaunted her ring for all to see. Decked in a white flowing wedding gown with a veil over her head, she stood and held tight to her man. The groom was also in a white suit, a pair of white trousers and a pair of white glossy shoes.

    Dr Ijeoma Ukumuneh was full of joy. To her, getting married to Pastor Onuoha Chukwu was fulfilling; it is a dream come true.

    For the couple, the journey began at the Abia State University in Uturu (ABSU). Standing before a crowd of well-wishers, family members and friends, they looked confidently  pronounced man and wife.

    Venue was the Pink Hall, Gbaja Shopping Mall in Surulere, Lagos Mainland. Chukwu, as the story goes, proposed to Dr Ukumuneh in a Fast Food restaurant. She was shocked at first by his proposal, but she became convinced later that he would not renege on his promise to take care of her.

    Pastor Iyke Iboko of Showers of Grace Christian Centre joined them together.

    She was led into the hall with processional hymn, “Praise to the Lord” by her father Emmanuel Nkumuneh, who walked her down the aisle and handed her to the waiting groom.

    The declaration of consent was done after a sermon by Pastor Iboko. He referred to the Bible; quoting from Proverbs 24:3-5 and Genesis 2:16-24, where God commanded man to leave his parents and cling to his wife.

    Pastor Iboko implored the couple to see marriage as God’s idea of fixing a nation.  He urged them to seek understanding, knowledge and information, which he described as secrets to a successful union.

    The couple, together with the cleric, their maid and best man, received the communion.

    As they stepped aside to sign the marriage register, the Living Spring Choir sprung into action, rendering nice songs to entertain the gathering.

    Beaming with smile, the groom said his marriage to Ijeoma is a dream come true. God, he said, made him a promise and has fulfilled it. He described his wife as a go-getter with a lot of untapped treasure.

    “I knew she would be my wife because when I told God I wanted to settle down, He gave me specific instructions which I obeyed,” he said.

    The best man, Prince Obioma Ihesinlo, who is the Worship Director of the church where the wedding held, said he has known the groom since their school days.

    Chukwu, he said, graduated in Economics while his wife read Optometry at ABSU. He said he (Ihesinlo) was the music director of their Christian fellowship.

    He told their love story. “The couple began their relationship less than a year ago. Chuks told me he had a conviction about the bride and I encouraged him to take the bold step and approach her, which he did and it turned out positive. All the while, they were both serving in the same church at different units, but they never discovered themselves until the day the pastor preached and made a comment saying these exact words:  “Your grace is in your place and God cannot give you something outside your environment”.

    “So, probably inspired by the message and some other reasons, the groom started praying to God to open his eye, and then the dream and picture of sister Ij (Ijeoma) appeared to him and he took the bold step. But at his birthday last year, we all mocked Chuks, asking him when he will get married? It is surprising that his wife was also among those who teased him,” Ihesinlo said.

    Their courtship, he said, changed Chukwu’s life. “His (Chuks) life has been so refined and he is more organised and he acts more responsibly,” he said.

  • Fanfare as market leader is installed

    Fanfare as market leader is installed

    President-General, Association of Market Men and Women in Nigeria Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo has installed Alhaja Basirat Balogun as the Iyaloja-General of Lagos Mainland at the council secretariat in Oyingbo, last Thursday, writes TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    After acting for over 20 years as Iyaloja-General of Lagos Mainland and Oyingbo Alhaja Basirat Abeni Balogun was inaugurated as the substantive market leader last Thursday.

    Her inauguration followed a court verdict.

    Despite being to court, the parties returned as friends as they put aside their differences to rally round Alhaja Balogun during her installation.

    Though the installation should have been done at the Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa, Ikeja headquarters of the Association of Market Men and Women in Nigeria,  it was held at the Lagos Mainland Local Government Secretariat to honour Alhaja Balogun and the council boss, Mr Oladele Adekanye for their steadfastness.

    An elated Alhaja Balogun could not hide her joy seeing the calibre of those who  came to share in her joy.

    The arrival of President-General, Association of Market Men and Women in Nigeria Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo was greeted with fanfare.

    Wife of Lagos Mainland Local Government chairman Mrs Anike Adekanye led some band boys to welcome Mrs Tinubu-Ojo. The duo danced for close to 10 minutes before heading into hall.

    The one-hour ceremony was punctured, at intervals with political  songs.

    After the opening prayer by the Chief Imam of Lagos Mainland, Alhaji Sabitu Lawal, the Babaloja General of Lagos, Alhaji Wasiu Balogun, gave a brief remark.

    Alhaji Balogun urged Alhaja Balogun to be fair to all.

    Adekanye congratulated Alhaja Balogun for her perseverance, sincerity and patience.

    Adekanye, popularly called Lado, urged the market leader to continue to mak justice her watchword.

    “She is a very straight forward woman; I want her to keep up the attributes that have endeared her to the marketers and political class,” he said.

    Mrs Tinubu-Ojo described Alhaja Balogun as a good woman and a faithful person.

    “Her character brought us here; this installation was supposed to hold at our headquarters in Alausa. I pray God continue to bless you,” she said.

    She called on the traders to remain together.

    With the assistance of Alhaji Balogun, Chief Alade Pedro, Adekanye and wife Anike, Mrs Tinubu-Ojo decorated Alhaja Balogun with the regalia of office.

    She also decorated other officials of the market.

    The hall erupted in jubilation, singing and dancing.

    There was an exchange of gifts between the council boss and the new market leaders.

    Alhaja Balogun promised to continue with policies aimed at elevating the traders and supporting the council’s activities.

    The closing prayer was said by the Lagos Mainland chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Akin Odebo.

    The gathering moved to the Railway Recreation Club for the reception.

  • ‘What Allah has joined together …’

    ‘What Allah has joined together …’

    The open field of the Ejigbo Primary School, in Lagos was filled with family members and friends of Aminat Oseni and Amidu Arije when they got married last Saturday. ABISAYO AWOLEYE reports.

    AFTER months of courtship, Amidu Adeniyi Arije and his lovebird, Aminat Oluwatoyin Oseni, tied the nuptial knot in Lagos last Saturday.

    Guests came from far and wide to share in their joy. They looked elegant in choice outfits including the colourful Ankara fabric chosen for the occasion and other attires.

    The Nikkah between Aminat, daughter of the late Mr Trimisiyu Omotayo Oseni and Amidu, son of a politician and businessman, Alhaji Rabiu Abiodun Arije, was held at the Ejigbo Primary School, in Lagos.

    The bride, Aminat, a graduate of Economics and Social Studies from Adeniran, Ogunsanya College of Education, in Ijanikin, a Lagos suburb, and Amidu, the assistant secretary of Ariori Ijaye Community Development Association, were the cynosure of all eyes.

    Aminat was all smiles; she looked beautiful in a cream Arabian outfit, socks and a pair of black shoe to match. Arije was charming in Agbada of the colour and a fitting cap.

    Tents were erected on the school field and decorated in gold and chocolate. Some Islamic clerics occupied one of the tents. To their right were men, and women on the left.

    The event began with a prayer and recitation from the Quran by Sulaimon Quadri. Mallam Luqman Gawata preached. He said time was crucial in the life of every man. This time that the two families have come together, he said, was a time of thanksgiving.

    He read from chapter 36, verse 36 of the Quran, saying marriage is a must in Islam.

    “There is a big difference between the married and the unmarried. If you choose to stay unmarried you are a potential criminal and acting against what the Quran says because you will be messing around, therefore, it is better to be married.

    “A man should be happy when he sees his wife and the woman should be happy when she sees her husband. He must protect his wife  at all times”.

    One of those called to advice the couple, Ustaz Taheed Oladapo, urged them to be patient, with each other because patience solves all problems.

    He told the husband that it was his responsibility to provide for his wife. To the wife, he said; “You must be contented and ensure that you arrange the house for your husband always”.

    With smiles, Aminat said the day was special to her.  She described her husband as a nice, caring, loving and understanding man, who knows how to handle a woman.

    Arije, a graduate of Mass Communication from the Ogun State Polythecinc, said of his wife: “She is very calm, understanding and intelligent”.

    Alhaji Arije said his son is a man he can recommend to anybody to marry.

    He enjoined the couple to see each other as one,.

    The bride’s mother, Alhaja Alimot Muyideen, thanked God. She prayed the union will last. She said that marriage is a life long journey and prayed that God will bless them.

    “Once you are married take your eyes away from other men or women. Whenever you have misunderstanding, you should call each other and talk about it, and should always remember the first day you met and let the love continue to be stronger,” she said.

    The Adele of Wasimi Okuta, Imeko-Afo Local Government in Ogun State, Chief Alabi Adetunji, told the couple that the day marked the beginning of a new life which they should guard jealously.

  • Honour for achievers

    Honour for achievers

    The maiden edition of the Leadership Award for African Achievers 2014 (LAFAA) has been held in Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    IT was an evening to remember. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, his Osun State counter part Rauf Aregbesola and Dr Benson Enikuomehin,  former Ondo State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),  were among the awardees, who stood tall at the maiden edition of the Leadership Awards for African Achievers (LAFAA).

    As they stepped onto the podium with their admirers to receive the awards, guests, looking resplendent in different attires, hailed them.

    The Balmoral Hall in Oregun, Ikeja, venue of the event, was well lit.

    The award, the first of its kind, was organised by the Celebrity Magazine International. No fewer than 30 people got awards and certificates.

    Sky Music life band led by Francis Akingbemi entertained guests.

    The event also featured performances from various artistes including Lafiaji Fanty Association, Lagos Island; Ozzy Bosco wonder kid and his crew; Okoro African Cultural Dancers and a physically challenged singer, Sky Francis.

    The magazine’s editor-in-chief and LAFAA President, in his welcome address, said the awards were to honour selfless compatriots across the continent, who, despite the challenges, often associate with Africa and its people. The awardees, he said, have excelled and performed exceptionally in their chosen fields and it is hoped that the little effort will motivate and inspire others to strive for greatness.

    Not long after his speech, the award session followed. The awardees were called one after the other amid cheers by the guests.

    Aregbesola bagged the Outstanding Governor of the Year award. He was represented by his Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Dr Adeleke Ipaye; Fashola got the Outstanding Government Personality of the Year. He was represented by his Director for Special Duties, Mr Kunle Oseni, while Enikuomehin recieved the Outstanding Performance in Infrastructural Development in the Southwest.

    Others honoured were Gen Gbian Robert who was recognised for his outstanding contribution to good governance and democracy in Nigeria; Chairman, Agege Local Government Alhaji Jubreel AbdulKareem; Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Mr Rowland Ofulure, represented by his General Manager, Mr Samuel Okmkeome, got the Outstanding Aviation Personality award. Lafiaji-Fanty association was also honoured for its extraordinary performance.

    Responding, Aregbesola thanked the organisers for the award, noting that the award was to encourage his administration to do more.

    Fashola said the award has set the pace for people in the state to do more in whatever position they find themselves.

    To Dr Enikuomehin, the award is a thing of joy.

    “You will be remembered by what you do whether positively or negatively,” he said, urging public servants to be positive minded and impact well on others.

    Alhaji AbdulKareem promised to do more to uplift the society.

    Gen Robert described the award as beautiful and a source of motivation.

    He dedicated the award to the citizens of Benin and Africa at large.

  • From Abu Dhabi with love

    From Abu Dhabi with love

    An Abu Dhabi-based Network Security Administrator, AbdulWasiu Ademola Orenaike, got married to Nusaybah, daughter of Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i,  at Igbogbo, Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos, last May 24. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports

    It was a unique event. The rustic Igbogbo community in Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos, played host to dignitaries from different parts of the country.

    It was as if they were in a race on who will get to the venue first.

    As early as 9am, the Wharf road leading to the venue was jampacked with vehicles.

    Men in Congress Guard (CG) green uniform, a security outfit of The Muslim Congress (TMC), stood at strategic locations, from Ogolonto Bus Stop to the venue. Besides ensuring smooth traffic, they also directed the guests.

    The expansive Regal Hall was tastefully decorated with colourful satin materials.

    Big canopies were mounted outside for those who could not find space inside the hall.

    It was all for Nusaybah, daughter of Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i, and her beau, AbdulWasiu Ademola Orenaike, an Abu Dhabi-based Network Security Administrator.

    The Aqdun Nikah had been talk of the town since the announcement of the date a few months ago.

    The wedding gave a true picture of Islam.

    The Boko (Western Education) intellectuals as usual interacted freely with renowned Islamic scholars. Boko, according to all at the gathering, is HALAL (allowed) and not HARAM (forbidden).

    Handsome AbdulWasiu appeared in flowing agbada, a pair of eye glasses, a befitting cap and a matching pair of shoes.

    His better half, Nusaybah Adedasola, a University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate, wore a flowing Arabian outfit – Jelbaab with hijab and a pair of shoes.

    Shortly after the opening prayer and recitation of the Quran, the guest speaker, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf, took the gathering through the rudiments of marriage in Islam.

    Yusuf, UNILAG’s Acting Head of Actuarial Science Department, called on parents, particularly, fathers to take the education of their children seriously, especially the girl-child, who must be supported.

    According to him, it is an erroneous belief that Muslims don’t value female children education.

    “As far as knowledge acquisition is concerned, Islam does not discriminate between the male and female.  They are both entitled and obligated to take education very seriously. Not only sending your daughters to school, you must also be concerned about their marriages. Who do they marry? It is part of your duty to ensure that they are married to a believer; they are married to a God-fearing person and husband of good character.  Prophet Muhammad said, when a man who you do not doubt his religious sincerity and character, comes seeking the hand of your daughter in marriage, support it, else, there will be mischief and confusion in the society. So, that is the message for Muslim parents to take girl-child education as primary goal,” he said.

    He enjoined the couple to always remember why they came into the relationship “because there will be turbulence, there will be disagreements, there will be quarrelling. In fact, if we all understand the essence of coming together today, that it is for Allah. If the marriage is for Allah, it will last but if not for Allah, it won’t last because you allow other considerations to overwhelm you and there will be disharmony in the household.  Neither the husband nor the wife is perfect.”

    He warned them never to think about separation each time there is a misunderstanding.

    “You will see things you don’t like in your wife the same way she will see it in you, too. So, what do we do? A Yoruba adage says: ‘the tongue and the teeth do fight’ but they have to live together otherwise, you will be talking of separation. And when you talk of separation, you are adding more to the social malady,” he said.

    The Nikah was handled by Ustadh Bilal Shittu. Ustadh Shittu declared the lovebirds man and wife having fulfilled the rites of Nikah including the Mahr.

    AbdulWasiu paid One thousand Riyal (Arabian currency), as gift to Nusaybah.

    Afterwards, there were goodwill messages and prayers for the couple.

    Among the personalities that spoke at the session were Mudir, Markaz Salam, Sheikh Ramadan Moshood Jubril; professor of Inter Religious Dialogue Prof Murtadoh Bidmos; Sheikh Thaoban Adam; Chief Imam of Lekki Sheikh Ridwanullahi Jamiu; Sheikh AbdulMajeed AbdulFatah.

    Sheikh Moshood congratulated the couple for having a humble father like Sheikh Shafi’i.

    The humble nature of the bride’s father, he said, was responsible for the crowd at the Nikah. He prayed for the couple to enjoy marital bliss.

    The Ogun Waterside-born AbdulWasiu, who works with an ICT company, Smart World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, said the journey to the Saturday May 23 Nikah started about six months ago.

    “There wasn’t any kind of physical meeting but there was conversation through phone calls, there was conversation through the social media; whatsApp and Viber, etc,” he said.

    He described Nusaybah as an intelligent and God-fearing person.

    Nusaybah described her husband as a cool headed man, humble and disciplined.

    Guests were treated to sumptuous meals and choice drinks.

     

  • ‘She is my dream woman’

    ‘She is my dream woman’

    They met at the Abia State University in Uturu (ABSU). Today, Pastor Onuoha Chukwu and Dr Ijeoma, an optician, have become one following their wedding in Lagos, reports. NNEKA NWANERI.

    The flaunted her ring for all to see. Decked in a white flowing wedding gown with a veil over her head, she stood and held tight to her man. The groom was also in a white suit, a pair of white trousers and a pair of white glossy shoes.

    Dr Ijeoma Ukumuneh was full of joy. To her, getting married to Pastor Onuoha Chukwu was fulfilling; it is a dream come true.

    For the couple, the journey began at the Abia State University in Uturu (ABSU). Standing before a crowd of well-wishers, family members and friends, they looked confidently  pronounced man and wife.

    Venue was the Pink Hall, Gbaja Shopping Mall in Surulere, Lagos Mainland. Chukwu, as the story goes, proposed to Dr Ukumuneh in a Fast Food restaurant. She was shocked at first by his proposal, but she became convinced later that he would not renege on his promise to take care of her.

    Pastor Iyke Iboko of Showers of Grace Christian Centre joined them together.

    She was led into the hall with processional hymn, “Praise to the Lord” by her father Emmanuel Nkumuneh, who walked her down the aisle and handed her to the waiting groom.

    The declaration of consent was done after a sermon by Pastor Iboko. He referred to the Bible; quoting from Proverbs 24:3-5 and Genesis 2:16-24, where God commanded man to leave his parents and cling to his wife.

    Pastor Iboko implored the couple to see marriage as God’s idea of fixing a nation.  He urged them to seek understanding, knowledge and information, which he described as secrets to a successful union.

    The couple, together with the cleric, their maid and best man, received the communion.

    As they stepped aside to sign the marriage register, the Living Spring Choir sprung into action, rendering nice songs to entertain the gathering.

    Beaming with smile, the groom said his marriage to Ijeoma is a dream come true. God, he said, made him a promise and has fulfilled it. He described his wife as a go-getter with a lot of untapped treasure.

    “I knew she would be my wife because when I told God I wanted to settle down, He gave me specific instructions which I obeyed,” he said.

    The best man, Prince Obioma Ihesinlo, who is the Worship Director of the church where the wedding held, said he has known the groom since their school days.

    Chukwu, he said, graduated in Economics while his wife read Optometry at ABSU. He said he (Ihesinlo) was the music director of their Christian fellowship.

    He told their love story. “The couple began their relationship less than a year ago. Chuks told me he had a conviction about the bride and I encouraged him to take the bold step and approach her, which he did and it turned out positive. All the while, they were both serving in the same church at different units, but they never discovered themselves until the day the pastor preached and made a comment saying these exact words:  “Your grace is in your place and God cannot give you something outside your environment”.

    “So, probably inspired by the message and some other reasons, the groom started praying to God to open his eye, and then the dream and picture of sister Ij (Ijeoma) appeared to him and he took the bold step. But at his birthday last year, we all mocked Chuks, asking him when he will get married? It is surprising that his wife was also among those who teased him,” Ihesinlo said.

    Their courtship, he said, changed Chukwu’s life. “His (Chuks) life has been so refined and he is more organised and he acts more responsibly,” he said.