The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Accolades

  • Between Obi Mikel and Lionel Messi who deserves more accolades

    Former Super Eagles Captain John Obi Mikel and current La Albiceleste of Argentina Captain Lionel Messi have indeed come a long way and indeed deserve accolades

    That both players have in the course of the game left their footsteps on the sand of football history is to put it mildly.

    Both players locked horns in quest for honours at the FIFA Under 20 World cup in Netherlands 14 years ago, gingered their teams all the way to the final with Lionel Messi running away with the Golden boot after scoring two penalties against Nigeria and Argentina emerging champions.

    Nigeria’s only goal on that occasion was scored by in the 53rd minute by Chinedu Ogbuke.

    Mikel who only few days ago sealed a two year contract with Turkish premier league side Trabzonspor, the fifth club of his over 15 years football career and Messi who has been described as a one club man haven spent his close to 16 years soccer career with Barcelona all the way, have indeed seen it all. The two Olympians have played the game at its highest levels and boast mouthwatering awards and titles including the most cherished Champions league titles.

    Although five time Ballon d Or winner Messi could be said to parade more awards the exploits of Mikel cannot be waved off Prompting some soccer fans to ask the question between Mikel and Messi who is the greatest or better still who is a more complete player.

    Messi celebrates after scoring for Barcelona

    Those for the Argentine captain point to his numerous awards and titles as well as his over 420 goals for the Catalonians while those who point to the direction of Mikel point highlight the  fact that he has played for five different clubs namely  Lyn, Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough and now Trabzonspor.

    Ability to fit into new clubs and still deliver supporters of the Nigerian say is the hallmark of greatness.

    Messi as far as they are concerned is great and has continued to do a great job for Barcelona but Mikel stands out with his ability to rise to the occasion not just for one club but in different clubs.

    Blending with new teammates with every move to a new club is not a walk in the park and players who are able to do that a school of thought insists certainly deserve accolades.

  • NB gets accolades on LIPFEST sponsorship

    Nigerian Breweries Plc has been applauded for sponsoring the fourth edition of the Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFEST), which attracted Nigerian and foreign poets, writers and artists from 15 countries across the world.

    The commendation was showered on the foremost brewing company at the LIPFEST Wide Awake Concert, where renowned poets showcased their talents on contemporary issues and moral values at the Muson Centre on November 3, 2018.

    Niyi Osundare, a Professor of English at the University of New Orleans, United States, expressed his delight for the sponsorship of LIPFEST by Nigerian Breweries, stating that it has helped to nurture poetic talent in young Nigerians and stimulate interest in others.

    He said through the sponsorship, the company has paved the way for poets to express their views on social and political issues affecting the citizenry and has drawn moral and ethical values that should be upheld.

    According to Prof. Osundare, the art of poetry helps to change human perception on social ills plaguing the society, and how corrective measures could be adopted.

    Julian Heun, a poet from Berlin, Germany, who felt honoured to be at LIPFEST, affirmed that a gathering of poets demonstrated that Nigeria has lots of intellectual potential that could compete with others in the world. He said every poetic performance or expression inspires people to do things better and provokes societal interest.

    Heun applauded Nigerian Breweries for promoting talent and for bringing poets together through LIPFEST.

    Graciano Enwerem, a poet from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said poets from Nigeria often travel to other parts of the world, telling the African stories outside the continent, but that LIPFEST has turned the situation around by bringing foreigners to participate in Nigeria and share the African experience.

    Logan February, also a Nigerian poet, who performed the poem, I Want to be a Butterfly, said his message is about strengthening the minds of those that are depressed, and that they could get away from it like a butterfly that flies from one place to another.

    “LIPFEST is a place where you come in contact with poets with great ideas and also broaden your mind. I commend Nigerian Breweries for the great ideas behind sponsoring an intellectual initiative like this,” he said.

    IFounder/Director, Lagos International Poetry Festival, Mr Efe Paul Azino, explained that LIPFEST, with the theme: Wide Awake, has attracted 40 guests, which consist of writers, poets and artists from across the world, to share ideas and connect people to humanity.

    He said writers have the ability to influence society, by showing a better way of living and also inspiring young ones interested in the art.

    “The most important thing about people who want to be poets is to see writers they see and admire, especially at the global level. In the past four years, LIPFEST has had 24 workshops and over 250 guests that have amazed the audiences through poetry,” Azino recalled.

    During the opening ceremony, Nigerian Breweries Plc Managing Director, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, said the sponsorship of LIPFEST since its inception in 2015 is in line with the company’s philosophy of “Winning with Nigeria”.

    “Through this, we believe we can help to contribute to the breeding of young, emerging talent, engender conversations on critical issues and create a shared performance space for poets across the country and the world,” he said.

  • Accolades for Seplat as 2,725 enjoy free eye surgeries

    Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc., operators of the NPDC/SEPLAT joint venture, has concluded the 7th edition of its annual Eye Can See CSR programme.

    The programme took place at the Oba of Benin’s Palace. It witnessed a large turn out from within and outside the city who showed up to have their eyes checked, obtain prescription glasses or get operated upon to remove vision impairing cataracts.

    On hand to receive the SEPLAT delegation and encourage the residents of the ancient city to come out in their numbers and benefit from the uncommon gesture by SEPLAT were chiefs led by Chief S.O. Obamwonyi. The Esere of Benin Kingdom who represented the Oba of Benin.

    The SEPLAT team was led by the CEO, Mr. Austin Avuru. Also in attendance were key government officials, health sector personnel and other dignitaries who joined in the activities.

    Welcoming the company and dignitaries to the palace, Chief Obamwonyi thanked SEPLAT for supporting and enhancing the physical and mental wellbeing of the members of their host communities and pledged his kingdom’s support to the company and its initiatives.

    Speaking on the initiative,  Avuru said the project is part of the company’s yearly Corporate Social Investment programmes and its objective is to make quality health care accessible to people in Delta and Edo states, particularly the company’s host and impact communities.

    He said: “Members of our host communities are important stakeholders in our mutual enterprise and it is important to support and enhance their health and economic circumstances. That is the reason for this programme, which is in its seventh year and we hope to continue to support and prosecute such sustainable initiatives.”

    Members of the community, who received sundry treatment and those whose sights were restored following surgery, gave glowing testimonials.

    The Eye Can See programme, a key component of SEPLAT’s Corporate Social Investment, is a health focused community engagement which concentrates on bringing free, qualitative and comprehensive eye care to members of its host communities. Over 57,000 patients have benefitted from the programme, which started in 2012 and which has since dispensed 26,855 reading glasses and successfully performed 2,725 eye surgeries.

    This year’s edition ran from June 5 to July 4.

     

     

  • Why I should be given accolades – Ali Baba

    Comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, who is more popularly known as Ali Baba has said people should give him accolades as he has paid his dues.

    Dismissing the issue of some people saying he does not have an idea what they are passing through, he wrote. “These days, no one wants to know I was thrown out of 1004, just after Network News and went from there to live at the bar beach for nearly a year. Or squatted in #YabaTech for 1 semester. Or with Uncle Philip Efoguah, for nearly 2 Christmases.

    “And trekked from NTA Ahmadu Bello Way to Palmgrove depending… Or squatted with the present DG of SON. Osita, for nearly a year. Or with Abigail and Dr Pama in Ketu for some time. Or that I came to Lagos in 1990 with just a suitcase of books and 2 pairs of jeans and 2 brogues. With 2 shirts, 3 polo tshirts and 2 coats. Or that the only hope to survival then was God and @giantajaloko… Naaaaa… all people see now is Ali Baba is flaunting. Na your flaunting? Did you also say “chai Ali Baba has suffered” noooooo. Because the story you know is the good times one. So you think that’s all it is.

    On his meal method back then, “I laugh when some people come on my timeline and say, I talk because I don’t know what people are going through. You see that 0-1-0 code, or 0-0-1, or 0-0-0, 0-0-1, 0-0-0, 1-0-0… was a routine. Meanwhile it was not Ramadan. Let’s not compare notes. I’m a Notary Public when it comes to hard knocks. So when you see me now… give me some accolades”.

    After acquiring a degree from the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma in 1990, Ali Baba relocated to Lagos having discovered his comic talent in his third year in university. He had planned to return to Ekpoma to read Law but that was not to be, since he discovered he could make more money from making people laugh than defending them.

  • Accolades for varsity’s outgoing principal officers

    The management of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai (IBBUL), on Wednesday, inaugurated three acting principal officers. But the guests used the colorful event to shower encomiums on the outgoing staff. ABDULSALAM MAHMUD reports.

    The Governing Council of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai, in Niger State, has since announced the appointment of three principal officers in acting capacity.

    But at their inauguration, held at the conference room of the Senate Chambers Wednesday last week, it was a harvest of praises, and commendations for their predecessors.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the trio of Mallam Samaila Muhammad, Mall. Muhammad Dalhatu Suleiman, and Alhaji Muhammad Bashir, recently bowed out as the Registrar, Bursar and Librarian, after completing their two-term tenure of four years each.

    At the handing-over, the university management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, saluted their foresight, vision and courage.  He described their achievements in office as unrivalled.

    He said: “The entire university community, most especially the management board, will deeply miss your cerebral trio. It is incontestable that the working relationship we had enjoyed with you was greatly cordial. We are particularly excited that you offered exemplary services. Kudos for completing your various tenures without been found wanting in dishonourable conducts.”

    Maiturare assured that the cherished legacies of hard work, commitment to duty, selflessness, accountability, transparency, discipline and distaste for compromising best global practices, which they bequeathed, would be sustained.

    “The story of IBBUL will not be complete without a mention of the invaluable contributions of these consummate public servants, and inestimable assets”, he said.

    In their separate responses, the outgoing officers, charged their successors to be visionary, incorruptible, resilient and broad-minded to utilize the beneficial ideas of their subordinate workers.

    They thanked the State Government for the opportunity to contribute their quota towards the growth of the institution, while praising the VC for providing a conducive working environment for all workers.

    Those to replace them in the interim are: Alhaji Musa Ango Abdullahi (Ag Registrar), Mallam Abdul Garba (Ag Bursar), and Dr Abubakar Usman (Ag Librarian).

    Responding on behalf of the new appointees, Abdullahi praised the outstanding contributions of their predecessors towards the university’s growth.

    He said: “our iconic and high-flying predecessors, indeed were the poster boys of the university’s Senate during their time as Principal officers. Their intellectual contributions were so priceless, and insightful. Their meritorious services have put IBBUL on the pedestal of greatness”.

    “They were in a class of their own in terms of foresight, hard work and commitment to the noble ideals of an academic institution designed for learning, research and moulding of sound characters”.

    Another event was organised by the Bursary Department for the out-going Bursar.

    At the event, the Deputy Bursar, Alhaji Hussain Shuaibu lauded the “sterling leadership qualities, tenacity of purpose and formidable strength of character” possessed by their outgoing unit Head, Mallam Muhammad Suleiman.

    CAMPUSLIFE learnt that some members of staff, and a representative of United Bank of Africa (UBA), Lapai branch, equally paid glowing tributes to the former Bursar.

  • Accolades for Tiwa Savage’s ‘Malo’

    Accolades for Tiwa Savage’s ‘Malo’

    If the compliments she has been receiving are anything to go by, then Music diva, Tiwa Savage is wrapping up the year on a high note. This is coming weeks after the release of her recent song ‘Malo’, a collaborative effort with superstar, Wizkid.

    The mother of one was applauded by a top celebrity, Omoni Oboli, for her good effort, describing the song as one that can hold its own internationally.

    She posted on her Instagram page; “My girl @tiwasavage, so proud of you. Guys have you watched her #Malo video? I was just crying like…why so hot and beautiful though? That video is what MTV VMA’s are made of! Can stand anywhere internationally! If you see how I’m prouding! You blew it out of the ball pack with this one baby.”

    With this feat, the fans of the songstress, have been posting comments on the quality of the song and its visual.

    e_fasae stated; “I watched that video like 5 times yesterday while I was working. I had to stop before my boss sees me.”

    For abosemen, “Tiwa has worked extremely hard all year long. ‘Malo’ with the hottest star boy on earth is the icing on the cake. Their combination Na fire…”

    And ehizenek also posted; “Feels such melody has been long overdue, with the lyrics we hear every day. I am also not an expert. I think the reason the song resonates is probably because for the first time in a long time, we get to listen to music in which there is actual melody, harmony and thankfully no screaming. The song washes over you like a cool summer breeze.”

  • More accolades for 93 Days

    More accolades for 93 Days

    Long after leaving the cinemas, Nollywood flick, 93 Days has continued to receive accolades even as it has just been selected to show at the prestigious American Film Institute.
    This is coming on the heels of the movie bagging the highest nominations at the soon-to-be-held Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards where it topped the list with 13 nominations.
    In one of her interviews co-producer of the movie, Bolanle Austen-Peters said, “We did the Ebola movie because we wanted to add value. We told a story that needed to be told. I felt that if we did not tell that story, foreigners, as usual, could come and tell of the brave and courageous people who fought against the Ebola virus to save all of us. For me it was very important that the story was documented for posterity.”
    The movie got endorsement from two respected personalities, Hollywood actor, Danny Glover and Nigeria’s most famous blogger, Linda Ikeji.
    Speaking on the movie, Glover said that 93 Days symbolises the spirit of the Nigerian people and the vibrancy of the industry.
    “From the moment we had the script, we knew we had something special. Steve (Gukas) wanted me to do a cameo role. After reading the script, I realised I need to do more than that,” he adds.
    Also speaking, super blogger, Linda Ikeji said the movie is the only Nollywood movie she has gone to the cinema to see.
    A movie directed and co-produced by Steve Gukas, 93 Days is a production of three entertainment companies: Native FilmWorks, Michel Angelo Production and Bolanle Austen-Peters Production.
    It stars Bimbo Akintola, Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor, Danny Glover, Gideon Okeke, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Somkhele Idhalama, Tim Reid, Sola Oyebade, Charles Etubiebi, and Seun Kentebe.

  • Accolades for Cross River elder statesman at book launch

    Accolades for Cross River elder statesman at book launch

    It was a torrent of accolades for Cross River State elder statesmanChief Linus Okom during the public presentation of his biography in Calabar.

    Okom, from Bekwarra Local Government Area, one of the founding fathers of the state, was described as a colossus whose legacies are too much to be compressed in one book by a legal luminary and one time member of the Caretaker Committee of Bekwara Local Government, Mr Sunny Odey.

    The book titled, ADA BEKWARA: Biography of Chief Linus Okom was written by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Monica Okom.

    According to Odey, Chief Okom, popularly known as Ada Bekwara, is incontestably one of the most outstanding politicians ever from the state.

    Odey said Chief Okom has bestridden the politics of the state for close to four decades working with the likes of Chief I. I. Murphy, Chief Michael Ogon, Dr. Joseph Wayas, Dr. Okoi Arikpo, Chief Eyo Uyo among others.

    Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, also described Okom as one of the foremost elder statesmen, whose wealth of experience is still needed to move the state forward.

    Ayade, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Godwin Ettah, expressed delight at the biography and enjoined everyone to read to understand the history of the state, which his life symbolizes.

    He congratulated the author, Dr. Monica Okom for her literary prowess and enjoined her to mentor other younger women.

    According to Dr Monica Okom, she was motivated to write the book because of the love showered on her by her husband.

    Dr. Okom narrated her journey of love in the arm of her loving husband, saying he encouraged her to further her education up to PhD level.

    The book, she said, tells a story of the impact of the Chief Linus Okom on the development of Cross River state especially in the creation of the state, as well as the leading role he played in the acceptance of Bekwara language as one of the languages translated in news in the state broadcast station, among other things.

    The celebrant, ADA BEKWARA, Chief Linus Okom who expressed gratitude to his wife for compiling his activities into a book said he derives a lot of fulfillment for being a part of those who fought and succeeded in the creation of Cross River state.

    In his contribution, the Chief Executive Officer of PROFILES AND BIOGRAPHIES, publishers of the book, Mr. Kammonke Abam emphasized the need for Cross Riverians who have played critical roles in the development of the state and the country to document their stories for the benefit of the society.

    The event was witnessed by dignitaries including the former Chairman of the Peo

  • Accolades as Okorocha presents scorecard

    Accolades as Okorocha presents scorecard

    It was indeed a night of chest thumping and back patting as Imo State Commissioners and selected government appointees, filed out to present the scorecard of their various ministries and agencies to mark Governor Rochas Okorocha’s five years in Office.

    The ovations were thunderous as the charged crowd hailed the Governor for the almost endless list of verifiable and people oriented projects.

    Looking at the faces of the dignitaries that sat at the front roll in the crowded auditorium, one could not miss the cloak of shock that is intermittently eased by flashes of smile as they watched the documentaries of the five-year achievements of the Rochas Okorocha’s administration.

    The audience at the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC), majority of them visitors, may have been wondering if the projects they were watching on the large screen were actually executed in Imo State, giving its meager resources.

    Much to the admiration of the crowd, the commissioners of the various ministries and other government appointees took turn to render the scorecard of their ministries and parastatals, which were backed by motion pictures of the projects.

    Apart from merely showcasing the projects, the commissioners and the appointees went step further to educate the audience on the benefits of these projects and the business opportunities therein.

    From the education sector to the health sector, judiciary, infrastructure, power, security, rural development, agriculture, trade and commerce, women and youth development, job creation, the number and quality of projects presented, showed that the Okorocha’s administration, five years after, has delivered on its campaign promise of rescuing the state.

    Another interesting side to the well attended event was the competition among the commissioners, who were struggling to beat each other to the prizes to be won.

    The governor had announced that the commissioner or government appointee that will emerge as the overall best in terms of performance and number of projects executed will go home with ten million naira and a plot of land in the state capital, the second person will get five million and a plot of land also in the state capital, while the third person will get a plot.

    So it was reminiscent of a school debate as the commissioners and appointees fought to impress on the audience, especially the members of the panel why their Ministries should be chosen as the best.

    Some of them did very well to convince the panelists, while others managed to showcase the achievements of their Ministries within the allowed time of ten minutes.

    Opening the presentation, the current Chief of Staff and former Commissioner for Lands, Planning and Urban Development, Chief Uche Nwosu, reeled out numerous projects executed through his office to include, the Odenigbo Lodge, which serves as the Presidential Lodge for visiting VIPs, the Imo Treasury House, the Imo International Convention Centre, the renovation of the moribund Imo Concorde Hotel and the construction of a befitting Government House.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. Emma Ibediro, presented before the perplexed audience, rural road projects that were unprecedented in the history of the state.

    According to him, the Rescue Mission Administration in the last five years have constructed not less than 35 kilometer roads in each of the 27 Local Government Areas.

    He prided that the road revolution have opened the economies of the rural communities by attracting investors, especially in the agricultural sector.

    Another milestone achievement recorded within the time under review according to Ibediro, was the building of 27 brand new General Hospitals in each of the Council Areas.

    The list was endless as the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Getrude Oduka, presented 305 schools built by the Okorocha’s administration in the last five years.

    Not only that, the Rescue Mission Administration on inauguration, according to her, introduced the first ever free education programme from primary to tertiary institution, a development she said has impacted positively on the number of Imo indigenes enrolling in schools annually.

  • Accolades as Oyo LG boss bags PhD

    Joy is n the air for a former State Secretary of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State,
    The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke, and other well wishers have been congratulating the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Ibadan North West Local Government Area of the state, Hon. Wasiu Olatubosun, as he bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mass Communication at the weekend.
    The Council boss who obtained the degree from Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, served as the Chairman, Contact and Mobilization Committee of the Abiola Ajimobi Campaign Organization during the last governorship election in the state.
    At the convocation ground at the weekend, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, hailed Olatubosun, saying he showed the capacity to excel in whatever he lays his hands on. The monarch, who was represented by the Osi Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, said: “We are very proud of him. Despite the tight schedule he has, he still found time to go through this course. It s marvelous. We are proud of him. I wish him more successes. I pray he becomes a professor.”

    Also eulogizing the politician for obtaining the highest degree while serving in a political office and mobilizing the grassroots political machinery, the Oyo APC boss, Oke, said Olatubosun deserves commendation for his new feat.