Category: Society

Making recourse to the popular parlance that kindness is like snow that beautifies and brings to life everything it covers.

 For construction giant, politician and socialite, Otunba Hakeem Alobo-Bakare, he seems to be an embodiment of meekness and kindness. 

His gentle mien belies his remarkable strides in life. This is obviously evident in his graceful gait which is copiously devoid of any form of arrogance, despite his status and impeccable achievement in life. Many whose paths have crossed his have continued to appreciate his gesture and have received thunderous accolades many times.

 The Lagos State-born businessman also typifies a soul who enjoys abundant luck and the grace of God. It is no exaggeration to say that his life epitomizes tenacity of purpose, particularly when you consider his intimidating profile in his chosen profession.

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 To many of his friends and admirers, the maverick construction giant is known as a chronic goal-getter who has always been driven, even as a young man, to better the systemic structures, standards and styles of living in his society. As he grows older, the tall and hunk politician has never lost steam in his quest through his dynamic focus on the construction profession, humanitarianism and philanthropy.

For this and many more, the Otunba- Bobajiro of Jogaland is being admired and loved by his friends, admirers and close associates. It is, therefore not surprising that whenever his birthday approaches, many see this as an opportunity to extend their appreciation towards his love and magnanimity. Last week was another opportunity for such encomiums, applause and compliments, expected from far and wide as he celebrated his 65th birthday with no fanfare.

 So on Sunday, June 11, instead of calling praise singers and hosting a big birthday soiree with enough to eat and drink, Alobo-Bakare celebrated it with the downtrodden and the poor.

 Those close to him said his heart is full of compassion and he is a sympathetic listener who shows extreme concern for the plight of the downtrodden.

It is no gainsaying that Otunba Runsewe, the DG National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) has always come out with creativity and innovation that has perpetually placed Nigeria’s culture among the best in the world . 

 It was that he has conceived and set to launch a new innovative idea of an E-library and viewing experience centre that will capture Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage history and link it up to about 150 countries across the world.

 The e-library that will be launched before the end of June will be situated at Nigeria’s new Culture House in Abuja. The E-library/ viewing centre platform, one of the positive fall out of Runsewe’s engagements in China, will be strategically deployed to harness basic information, history and tradition of Nigeria’s cultural tourism heritage and showcase them to global tourism community, cultural heritage experts and students of cultural studies all over the world which will equip the rest of the world needed information to globalize our cultural heritage.

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 Fielding questions from journalists in Beijing, China after a visit to the Great Wall of China, a notable heritage tourism site, Runsewe disclosed that; the E-library/ view centre is a new platform that was used to market natural resources and Heritage sites during the COVID-19 pandemic is now being deployed by other countries to market their tourism and heritage opportunities to the world.

 According to Runsewe, who is also the President of World Craft Council (WCC), Africa region “The beauty is that once Nigeria keys into the E-library/ view Centre, we’re going to be connected to over 150 countries in the world, which will change the way the world sees Nigeria, including the wrong things they read about us which is not correct.”

 He added that the platform will also serve as an avenue to tell Nigeria’s story by Nigerians, explaining further that Nigeria will use the opportunity to tell the world what we’re doing, and what is happening and share our history, cultural heritage and our icons which will generate positive discussions and interests about our country.

If you know Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, you would be conversant with the fact that all his life, he is never known to do things in half measure. Hence, it was no surprise that he excelled in everything he has ventured into in private business and also as an astute politician.

 The former Lagos West Senator and now Ogun West senator at the 10th Senate Assembly is one of the first politicians, who broke the record as the first and only senator who has represented different states’ senatorial districts at the senate.

 Apart from that, he also played a pivotal role in the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the President of the senate which puts him at the cynosure of all eyes.

 He is one of the few senators who people are watching out for as a poster boy that would shine like a star as he is a well-grounded grassroots politician who has always delivered the dividend of democracy to those he has represented.

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 The Aremo of Yewa Land is known as a promise keeper, little wonder the people of Ogun West are more confident that he will deliver on all he has promised them and even surpass their expectations.

 After his inauguration as a member of the 10th Senate, his victory soiree was believed to be one of the best among the whole member of NASS inaugurated on June 13. The event, planned by his lovely wife, was about one of the most glamorous with allure, panache and sartorial elegance. It was a gathering of friends and family who came to share in his pot full of joy.

 Present at the event were Governor Dapo Abiodun, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Olu of Ilaro Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olota of Otta Oba Abdulkabir Obalanlege and a host of other royal fathers.

Time flies just like a wave of the hand. Exactly two years ago, Nigeria was thrown into a state of disbelief as the world-renowned televangelist and senior Prophet of Synagogue Church of All Nations SCOAN, Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua bid this sinful world farewell a few days to his 58th birthday.

 The whole world caught the frenzy as his death became speculation with many not believing such a great man of God would be visited by the dreaded grim reaper.

 A mammoth crowd thronged the SCOAN headquarters as many wanted to confirm the authenticity of the story.

 Those he had impacted their lives most especially, the vulnerable were at the church premises crying profusely as they still believed it was a mere rumour that the man of God will wake to prove them wrong.

 Like the popular saying, death is inevitable for all humans, TB Joshua had returned to his creator amidst a blaze of glory.

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 His funeral was like that of a president as viewers across the world stayed tuned online and world leaders sent emissaries and condolence letters to the family. Indeed, the man of God as he is popularly called came, saw and conquered.

 In celebrating the posthumous 60th birthday of the late Ondo state born prophet, on June 12 was celebrated to the high heaven with a service at the Arena of Liberty, Ikotun where the service was filled up to the brim with family, friends and well-wishers from across the world to celebrate the two years of his shocking demise and his 60th posthumous birthday.

 The well-attended service availed the leadership of the church to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that evil does not prevail over the ministry.

Deuteronomy 20:4 says; “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

 This verse currently captures the mood of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate on his historic victory. As the leader and Senate President, the situations and controversy woven around his emergence cannot be forgotten in a hurry especially with the stiff competition from Senator Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari.

 Despite being gracious in victory, Akpabio faced stiff opposition from some members who believed that the party leadership was not fair in their decision to back his candidature. Those who stood against Akpabio’s candidacy fell off like a pack of badly arranged cards with the help of party loyalists and other critical stakeholders who believed in his leadership skills and his ability to turn things around like he did as Governor of Akwa-Ibom state and Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.

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 While some members were angry that he left the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in a controversial manner, some believed the role he played in exposing some shady dealings at the senate committee briefing while he was minister of Niger Delta was a yardstick for him to be punished and also an avenue for them to take their own pound of flesh. Despite all odds, he was able to swim against the tides despite the turbulence aimed at sinking his ship.

 While his enemies were busy plotting to oust him and snatch victory from him, Akpabio was busy engaging all critical stakeholders and getting the solid backing of influential senators.

 Akpabio, according to many, is a misunderstood personality due to the numerous controversies hovering around him but one thing many don’t know is that he has a heart of gold and is always quick to forgive those that wrong him.

 He is never vindictive and has also promised to work with his fellow senators even those who voted against his candidature. Despite the rigorous nature of his campaign, he will ensure that all members are carried along and also given an opportunity to express themselves. A source disclosed that Akpabio as senate president is going to right many wrongs and shame those waiting to see him fail. In his wisdom, he is going to ensure that the general notion about him as a rigid person will be changed as he is ready to ensure the 10th senate surpasses the record of other senate.

If cheerful giving and acts of philanthropy were to be a competition, Zaynab Otiti-Obanor would have a mastery of it. She is one of the most compassionate women who believe in the philosophy that to change the world is to first change our thought towards giving, and it has to be a collective movement.

 Over the years, she has been guided by this principle which has led her to the numerous charity work that has been carried out by her in and outside of the country. The ravishing beauty believes that regardless of where you are in life, there is something you can offer without having a fat pocket. The act of generosity must first start from our willingness to develop a kind spirit. This is what led to the founding of her Queen Zaynab Foundation years ago.

 We gathered that the foundation has recorded tremendous success since it was launched. She has tried in her own little way to set women in rural communities up in small businesses, the foundation has also given scholarships to kids from primary to tertiary levels, given aid to urgent needs of families, rendered medical care to a few communities in need,  not only that she has done what many other NGOs haven’t done, by building solar powered systems to generate clean and safe water for many rural communities in Nigeria.

Read Also: Celebrating a legacy of philanthropy, service to humanity

The erstwhile Queen of Ife is also a global personality with a keen interest in rural development and social entrepreneurship, This has inspired most of her investments and work in her recent contributions to the urban development of rural areas. While participating in the August 2017, UNGA week, she was awarded as ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ by ‘Kechies Project,’ an organization that concentrates on the girl child education that she has fiercely contributed towards.

 The city of New Jersey, US, alongside the senate committee, also presented her with an award acknowledging her contributions to the betterment of Africa as well as bringing awareness to problems that plague women and children such as poverty, economic strife and illiteracy.

 In her quest for development and peace, she founded the ‘Arab African Economic Development Initiative’ (AAEDI) to promote and improve cultural and international relations between Arab countries in the Middle East and Africa. So far, 34 countries across both continents have become partners of the organization, pledging their support along with their relevant ministries in their various governments.

For entrepreneur, Emmanuel Alonge, living a selfless life and being committed to sharing his resources with people has helped him to become a better person in life.

From entertainment to real estate and other industries where Alonge has played over the years, his mantra has always been about adding value to lives and making efforts to support the people.

According to the the man who is largely loved for his love and passion for the entertainment and showbiz industry, no life is a waste and no life is more important than the other, we just have to show equal and mutual love to all.

Alonge who has thrived in real estate, hospitality and entertainment noted that one of the biggest lessons for him is that wealth creation without human capacity and development is a mere jamboree that is not sustainable.

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Alonge who is also a philanthropist said his passion for welfarism was borne out of his conviction that providing necessary support for people, particularly in the entertainment sector is something he has remained committed to.

For me, my joy rests in seeing that people are happy and fruitfully engaged in what makes them happy. If we don’t get it right, many will go astray and becoming a menace” he added

Alonge maintained that he not just been involved in helping people, be has been committed to using all his interests including entertainment and hospitality businesses to change and transform lives.

In his words, “I look at our society and I realise that it would have been a lot better and beneficial if people could show more love and kindness to the man next door.”

Ngarannam: ‘The Homecoming’ documentary focused on restoration of displaced Nigerians back to their communities, has been unveiled by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The film, directed by Nigerian award-winning filmmaker, Joel ‘Kachi Benson was recently screened at a private event held by the UNDP at the Alliance Française in Lagos, Nigeria.

Resident Representative for UNDP Nigeria, Mohamed Yahya, shared: “Ngrarannam offers us an opportunity to rethink our work and how we can leverage Nigerian talent and homegrown ideas to address the challenges of displacement and other development issues. Through this film, we are telling a powerful story of people who are normally not visible in a dignified manner. Nagarannam: The Homecoming is about people who are rising above their circumstances and willing to collectively be part of a journey that shifts the trajectory of their future – it is the unbeatable power of people when they are part of something that is meaningful.”

Yahya further added, “We are grateful to the Borno State government and our partners for their unwavering support. Without the generosity of our donors we would not have been able to undertake the rebuilding a community of this scale and significance in such a short time. The story of Ngarannam as depicted in the film gives people hope that they too can be part of solutions that prioritizes their needs and ambitions. – We now have a proof of concept that provides us with the blueprint to scale up and replicate the same work in other affected regions”.

In his words, Professor Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno state said, “Borno has gone through a lot of internal and external turmoil over the last decade. The only way to prevent the next generation from joining the extremists is to make sure that many villages are stabilised, allowing people to return and use their agricultural lands, which will allow them to earn their living. That is why, I’m glad UNDP has joined hands with us in giving the next generation renewed hope, and by helping us to reach others to continue to support more work like this.”The film provides an insight based on a first hand account into the lives of a community that suffered displacement as a result of the Boko Haram conflict.

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The documentary shines light on the story of hopefulness by Ngannaram, a community in Northeast Nigeria, that was once lost in despair when they were forcefully removed from their homes following a devastating attack by Boko Haram.

The film provides an insight based on a first hand account into the lives of a community that suffered displacement as a result of the Boko Haram conflict.

The film also highlights the visionary and innovative approach of the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) – a groundbreaking program which aims to restore lives with dignity, and bring a sense of normalcy back to people facing conflict. Ngannaram: The Homecoming is centered around three residents of the Ngarannam village – Amina, Falmata, and Hassan.

The documentary chronicles a touching story of struggle, loss and fear as it follows their journey right from the very first 2015 insurgency attack on their village that launched their world into disarray, to the 2022 intervention program engineered by UNDP.

The donors who made the rebuilding project a reality include the Federal Government of Nigeria, Borno State Government, The European Union , Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Chinua Foundation marked the 2023 Children’s Day celebration with a weekend-full event, comprising of a digital skill acquisition seminar for mothers of children with special needs, a radio talk show on mental health awareness for special mother and the grand finale of a three-week long online competition, themed “Why My Child is So Special.”

The digital skill acquisition program, which took place on Thursday, May 25 in partnership with Wevvo Foundation, was facilitated by Damilola Anwo-Ade, Managing Partner, Sprout Digital. During the event, the mothers were encouraged to see endless opportunities in the special motherhood journey, citing career examples and tips compatible with stay-at-home breadwinners.

In alignment with the mental health awareness month of May, performing artist and founder Chinua Foundation, J’odie was hosted at Nigeria Info 99.3FM, Lagos, to give a talk on the mental health awareness of special needs mothers.

The three-day event came to a climax on May 27, with the grand finale of the competition, “Why My Child is So Special.”

 According to J’odie, the purpose of the competition was to encourage parents to identify and share the positives of having children living with special needs, and consequently cultivating a positive mindset towards special needs parenting.

Fumbi Ajayi emerged the winner while the top ten mothers were rewarded with cash prizes. The mothers, who participated in the competition expressed gratitude for lending their voices in reducing cultural stigma associated with diagnoses, such as cerebral palsy and autism.

Since 2008, when King Daniel Isong aka Kingmodel launched his Dreams Model international agency, it has been progress upon progress.

He recently organised the 14th edition of his modeling show and awards ceremony, Dreams Model awards.

The show had several attendees and awardees expressing gratitude to Kingmodel and his agency.

Speaking on the success of the show and awards ceremony, Kingmodel said, “The successes of our shows and award ceremony is just an example for others to follow. Never look at your start, keep pushing on your talents till you get to your final destination.”

Kingmodel, who is also a writer and filmmaker, has produced two seasons of a TV show, ‘Agatha of Jezebel Country.’

An indigene of Akwa Ibom, Kingmodel has trained more than 250 models, artists, actors, and dancers, many of whom are outside the shores of the country.