The Nation Newspaper

Tag: agog

  • Ondo agog for the Ademuleguns

    To the cultured and pleasant ambience of Ondo metropolis this last Friday for the final burial rites of Madam Juliana Ejiola Ademulegun, nee Awosika and relic of the late Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun, a military top notch who was assassinated during the first military putsch on January 15, 1966,  and beloved father of the media mogul, Kole, among other outstanding children.

    Snooper always finds Ondo city deeply fascinating and its people highly civilized with a hint of aristocratic swashbuckling. With their imperial carriage and lordly disposition, one often wonders how they arrived at that strategic corner piece of Yorubaland and where they came from. Something simply does not add up. With Ondo royal blood running deep in his own veins through his paternal grandmother, yours sincerely should know.

    This cool rainy Friday, it was as if the entire town poured out of its ancient redoubts to honour its most illustrious military son and one of its most distinguished families. It has been a good month for Ondo town. First, another illustrious son of the town, Gani Fawehinmi, famously described by this columnist as the legal Spartacus, was being posthumously decorated by the federal authorities for his noble and heroic stirring at the behest of a great nation stricken and brutalised by military rule. Now as if by some divinely ordained circuitous closure, the people of Ondo were saying goodbye to the wife of the highly regarded military chieftain fifty two years after he was murdered in bed.

    As it was to be expected, the atmosphere was exultant and triumphant. If only the dead can look back. Right from the church through the reception, it was clear that the Ademulegun children had cultivated the cream of the society. It was a glittering spectacle, shorn of the pomposity and pride of prevailing power. This was the old Yoruba High Society putting up a spectacle while quietly and calmly putting everyone in their place. The Yoruba people surely know how to put people in their place.

    The ancient crooner, King Sunny Ade, did not disappoint with his electrifying guitar and masterful footwork. You begin to wonder when age and accumulated physical overdraft will slow down this Ondo prince  but it is obvious that the septuagenarian lad is not for turning yet as he capered and cantered to his own infectious lyrics.

    Snooper found himself in a vantage position to observe the high and mighty of the society, courtesy of his former Higher School Certificate student at Federal Government College, Kaduna in the mid-seventies, Gbenga Ademulegun. How art the young grown!!! Gbenga has since gone on to higher things including executive directorships of two major banks. It has been a show-stopper and moveable feast from Ondo. It is good to be good.

     

  • MINNA AGOG FOR ‘FASHION FUSSION’

    MINNA AGOG FOR ‘FASHION FUSSION’

    IT was a gathering of the best of fashion designers, make-up artists and beauty experts in the City of Minna, Niger State, last weekend, when they came together for the first ever fashion week in the state.

    Tagged Fashion Fussion, the event drew participants from Minna metropolis and its environs.

    The participants showcased African and English outfits made by them, handmade beaded jewelries, customized bags and various type of make-up.

    There were fashion exhibitions, make-up exhibitions, photography exhibitions and accessories exhibitions.

    At the end of the exhibitions, awards were given to the participants with outstanding designs.

    In the Designers Category, Body Armor came tops. The Make-Up category had Touch of Grace coming top while in the Photography category, Studio 91 emerged winner.

    The Judges of the event commended the participants for their creativity urging them to keep it up.

    In the words of the convener of Fashion Fussion, Mr. Ejeh Ezube, the fashion week was held to show the people in the state that they are outstanding designers and fashion experts.

  • Uyo agog for Udom

    Jubilant youths, women and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thronged the streets of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on to celebrate the emergence of Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the governor-elect.

    The crowd, which matched from Uyo Township Stadium, Ibom Plaza to the Millennium Globe at Wellington Bassey Way end was received by Governor Godswill Akpabio and the governor-elect, with other PDP executives, who joined the crowd to celebrate the victory.

    Governor Akpabio, who was driven in an open van with the Governor-elect, acknowledged cheers from the crowd who waved at him along the streets.

    Addressing the gathering, Governor Akpabio, who was accompanied by the wife, Ekaette, said it was not a day of speeches, but a day of celebration. He said he would be handing over to a competent, man who would drive progress to the door steps of the people.

    He described the road walk as the people’s way of showing greater support for the PDP and the emergence of Mr. Emmanuel as Governor-elect.

    The governor lauded the people for supporting continuity and transformation and assured that Akwa Ibom State can never be the same again with the emergence of Mr. Emmanuel, a seasoned banker.

    The governor thanked the State Executive Council members, the PDP state exco, the campaign team and the generality of Akwa Ibom people for the massive support given his administration and by extension the victory of Emmanuel at the poll.

    He said he has laid the foundation for the transformation of the state in the last eight years and expressed the hope that the incoming administration of Mr. Emmanuel will consolidate on the gains.

    The Governor-elect said would ensure continuity, wealth creation for the people, noting that his vision would be to collaborate with the stakeholders to bring in development without relying on the government at the centre and thank the youths for standing by the divine mandate which was the slogan for his campaign.

    He assured the people that he would never be cowed by what he called satanic propaganda but would rather secure the future and employment of the youths.

    He also stated that his vision would be built on surpassing and sustaining superior performance, while building bridges of unity across the state.

  • Daura agog for Buhari

    There was palpable enthusiasm and excitement in Daura, hometown of Muhammadu Buhari, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and other parts of Katsina State yesterday. While many in Katsina, the state capital, were busy carrying on with their legitimate activities without any molestation, some residents gathered in groups dancing and jubilating over what some of them described as “impending victory” of Buhari in today’s general election.

    One hotel worker around Yahaya Madaki Way (off CBN) in Katsina, who begged not to be named, said he is confident that voters in the state will troop out en masse to show their love for Buhari, adding that this will help in “assuaging the battered feelings of people over the loss of political power” arising from the death of Umar Yar’Adua, an indigene of the state, after a protracted terminal illness in 2010.

    According to Sheu, a businessman who came to withdraw money through ATM at the Diamond Bank beside the Goodluck Jonathan campaign headquarters on IBB Way, the state will never turn its back against one of its best. “We have always demonstrated our unflinching support for Buhari and nothing has changed. He is our own hero. If he contests ten times, we are ready for him,” he enthused. And right beside him at the same bank was Hajia Ummi, who cut in that this reporter should be not be asking who Katsina people will vote for – hinting that the former head of state, not any other candidate, will get the votes of the state.

    Apart from the excitement swirling in the air in the state capital, it was a spectacle to behold as many residents took to the dancing floor in all the communities along the well-paved road leading to Daura, gyrating to the local music wafting from numerous loud speakers they mounted by the road sides. The general’s hometown is about one hour drive from the state capital.

    Sabo, a commercial driver who took this reporter round Buhari’s place of birth yesterday, said many communities have been agog for more than seven days after realizing that elections will no longer be shifted again. Emphasizing that “tomorrow (today) is a day we have all been waiting for,” the driver said the news of the last postponement saddened the residents but they remained undaunted. One of the revelers in Daura, who simply identified himself as Abu, declared that “Buhari is our next president, Insha Allah. We cannot wait.” Many around him chorused the same line, saying they are tired of bad governance foisted on the nation President Jonathan, who is seeking reelection on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). And when reminded that election has not held yet, they retorted: “We know, but we are winning, insha Allah.”

    By the time this reporter left the former head of state’s residence at about 5pm yesterday, Buhari was yet to return to his hometown. According to one of the plain-clothed security men attached to his house, the APC presidential hopeful would arrive anytime later in the day. Friends and associates of the retired general thronged his residence awaiting his arrival, even children milled around the gate of the modest house.

    Although there were sprinkles of security agents – soldiers or anti-riot policemen – in some places in the state capital, their presence was not heavy enough to intimidate residents. They were also not conducting any search as such, as many of there were seen seated under any available trees not too far from the mounted road blocks. Unlike in other states like Niger and Kaduna where there were numerous checkpoints manned by stern-looking soldiers, there were no traffic snarls anywhere as everybody was in high spirits ahead of today’s polls. All over the state, campaign posters and billboards of the APC candidates – ranging from presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial and other seats – flood the streets. If elections are won and lost due to campaign souvenirs alone, it may be a good guess to say today belongs to the APC candidates. Unlike candidates on the platform of the PDP who seemed to avoid the popular practice of pairing their campaign posters with the pictures of their presidential candidate, pictures of APC candidates in the state were seen side-by-side with Buhari’s in all the major streets in the various communities visited. Instead, pictures of PDP candidates were paired with that of the outgoing Governor Shema.

  • Ibadan agog for Olubadan’s centenary birthday

    Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is agog for the centenary birthday celebration of the Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1.

    The monarch turns 100 today.

    The week-long celebration was organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

    It begins today with a service at the famous St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo.

    President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Abiola Ajimobi are among eminent Nigerians expected at the service.

    After the service, Baales, Mogajis and the 11 local government chairmen in Ibadan will pay homage to the monarch.

    Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South District) and former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu have felicitated with the Olubadan.

    In a statement by his media aide, Olawale Sadare, Lanlehin described the monarch as “the greatest living hero of contemporary Africa”.

    Lanlehin, who is the Ekarun Bamofin of Ibadanland, said: “This generation is, indeed, blessed with a legendary monarch in Oba Odulana, who has made indelible marks in many spheres of life as an upright individual and a courageous team player. It is on world record that Oba Odulana is a brave man, who fought gallantly as a soldier to restore global peace during the Second World War.

    “It is pertinent to re-emphasise that our Kabiyesi is a brilliant one, who impacted and still impacts knowledge on both old and young minds. He is a selfless man who served in politics to uplift the society; a blessed one who nurtured a generation of great minds and the revered one who leads a nation of warriors with success stories all the way.”

    Lanlehin lauded the Olubadan’s decision to confer the chieftaincy title of Aare Akogun of Ibadanland on Senate President David Mark as part of activities marking his Centenary birthday celebration.

    He said: “The Senate President deserves such honour, being a friend of Ibadan and a patriot.”

    Kalu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, described Oba Odulana as “one of the few monarchs that command respect in the country”.

    He said the Olubadan achieved this by jealously guarding the respect his revered throne deserves.

    Kalu said the Olubadan should be commended for not engaging in partisan politics, “which could compromise his integrity and ability to speak up in the face of injustices and wrongs”.

    He wished Oba Odulana many more years and good health in upholding Ibadan tradition and providing quality leadership to his people.

  • Osogbo agog for Aregbesola, APC

    The curtain has been drawn on this year’s Osun Osogbo festival, but the memories will surely linger on. Not a few will easily forget a scene, which showed the people’s love not only for the goddess but also their governor, writes Evelyn Osagie.

    IT was that time of the year when the town was alive with activities marking the cultural reunion with its ancestors and its goddess: Osun Olomo yoyo .The votary maid, the Arugba, had long passed and the people had wished away their sorrow and pains.

    People (indigenes and visitors) shuttled between the Ataoja’s palace and the Osun Grove, kegs in hand. Some engaged themselves in diverse cultural and business activities. Others watched the spectacles across the streets from corners, the frontage of their homes, balconies and rooftops.

    At a point, a jolly pandemonium broke out. And the swarm of activities seemed to came to a halt. People stood still, stretching their necks to have a better view as chains of vehicles rode by.

    Mothers strapped their babies tightly on their backs as if ready for a marathon race. Some gave orders to their young ones or sales persons to man their wares as if they were embarking on a long journey. Others untied their scarfs and retied them on their waists like one ready for combat. Even the men and youth were drawn in by the spectacle.

    And as the chains of vehicles rode by, they followed them with their eyes and all sorts of comments of uncertainty in Yoruba.

    Some said: “It is not true.”

    Others said: “Thought they said he would not come.”

    Some, others asked: “Is he really the one?”

    But it was the children that saw him first. And then, they screamed Oranmiyan!

    Some like doubting Thomases, pressed against one another to have a better view. Some ran up the rooftops and balconies. And when they were convinced, then, came the shouts: Oranmiyan! Gomino wa (our governor)! Symbol! Aregbe! APC! Change! As they shouted, they waved two fingers in the air.

    And there he was, seated inside a white air-conditioned Coastal bus with members of his Executive Council (Exco). His exco members were dressed in blue-background adire material and caps to match. But the man of the moment, Governor of the state of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola was decked in white agbada, Yoruba traditional dress and black and white cap to match.

    As his people screamed, he raised two fingers in the air. The action appeared to warm up their hearts; then came the chorus Oranmiyan! Symbol! Aregbe! APC! Change! And this time, it was with more agility. Nobody heard what he said as he raised his two fingers; none cared. And they did not also care that their shouts were not synchronised. As he passed by, the people screamed the more Oranmiyan! Symbol! Aregbe! APC! Change!

    Mothers joined other women to raise their scarfs in one hand and two fingers on the other and scream Oranmiyan! Symbol! Aregbe! APC! Change! This continued till he got to the grove.

    Children ran alongside the vehicles, not minding that they were being pushed aside by adults.

    It was time to hail their hero, Oranmiyan, who is giving them a new lease of life and showing them what it means to truly enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Many of the kids had never dreamt of owning an Ipad, but what appeared as a wishful dream is now brought to life by the administration through its Opom Imo project.

    And as the town re-established their commitments to their goddess, they prayed for the progress of the state and their governor.

    Tourists watched in awe. And if the spectacle outside the Osun Grove was captivating, nothing prepared them for that which was to come inside the grove, packed with tourists and Osun faithful from across the globe. He was received with a thunderous cry of Oranmiyan! Symbol! Aregbe! APC! Change!

    Moved by the people’s reception, the governor said: “Mo ki yin o. (I greet you all.)”

    A tourist said: “One can see why the people are so moved by the man. The man is deeply connected with his people.”

    And as if listening to the tourist’s comment, Aregbesola sang: “Oduani mi (I am of a descendant of Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race).”

    And the people responded: “To kan to kan! (With all of our hearts).”

    After the national anthem, the state’s anthem.

    After that, the governor said: “Osun lo supa! (Osun stands out)” “Osun le tete (Osun stands out).”

    To the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun (Larooye II), he said: “Ki Ade pelóri, kibatapel’ese,” (which is the usual obeisance to kings in the Southwest).

    While congratulating the Ataoja and the people for keeping alive the age-long tradition, the governor restated his commitment to the promotion of culture and tourism, adding: “The state government is equally unreservedly committed to heightening the economic aspects of these social affairs.”

    While urging the people not to relent in their appreciation and value of their culture and tradition, Aregbesola noted that culture and religion should not be used as a tool of oppression and division.

    Aregbesola said: “We seek to harness the prosperity of cultural tourism for sustainable development. With development in tourism, we want to massively boost private and public revenue generation in arts and craft, tours guide, transportation services, hospitality services,and entertainment venues like amusement parks and theatres. This development will result in increase in revenue generation, which will, in turn, significantly improve the standard of living of our people…We will not rest on our oars in ensuring that the ancient cities in the state are made suitable for habitation and investment.”

    Oba Olanipekun praised the government for investing in “the infrastructural renewal and investments geared towards increasing the revenue of the state and the lives of the people”.

    He said: “Osogbo, for years, has laid prostrate, desolate, in sheer abandonment, a wild expanse of uninhabited wasteland, long forsaken by the people and the leaders; today, the city is wearing a new look, with the on-going roads construction all over the city, which is the furtherance of the very existence of our state government under the leadership of Ogbeni Aregbesola… It is pertinent to mention and appreciate the good work embarked upon by this administration among which are resuscitating of the old airstrip into a runway of 2.4 kilometres at Ido Osun, construction of roads leading to the grove, stadium theatre-like permanent pavilion, and encouraging the full participation of guests outside the state through the provision of free rail transportation from Lagos through Abeokuta to Ibadan and back to Lagos and so on.”

    The governor was seen off the grove with shouts of Oranmiyan! Symbol! Aregbe! APC! Change!

    And the parties continued in bars, and homes across the ancient the town.

  • Lagos agog for Tinubu’s mum’s 40th day prayer

    The Blue Roof, Lagos Television in Agidingbi, Ikeja in Lagos yesterday witnessed a carnival-like atmosphere. Politicians, market men and women and other personalities gathered for the 40th day Fidau for the late Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji, the mother of former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The event, held amid tight security, was attended by dignitaries like the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, wives of Southwest governors- Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola (Osun), Mrs. Bisi Fayemi (Ekiti), Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun (Ogun) and Mrs. Florence Ajimobi (Oyo) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Other personalities included the Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas; Mr. Yakub Balogun, a House of Representatives member; the Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale; local government chairmen in Lagos, among others.

    The late Alhaja Mogaji’s huge portrait, which adorned major highways in the state, was hung in strategic points at the venue.

    Although her son Asiwaju Tinubu was absent, the venue was filled up with beautifully-dressed guests.

    Market women added a unique touch to the gathering. They made a statement with their chocolate head gears on white iro and buba.

    The Chief Imam of Nawar–Ul-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abdul Mojeed with other Muslim clerics, urged the Muslim faithful to imbibe the leadership qualities of the late Alhaja Mogaji.

    He said although death is an inevitable end for humans, the good deeds of individuals when they were alive would linger on.

    The cleric said Alhaja Mogaji spent her life in the service of Almighty Allah and mankind.

    He urged leaders to think about the hereafter, adding that only those, who devote their lives to the service of mankind and Allah will reap the reward of their sojourn on earth.

    Mojeed said if the late market leader had devoted her life to acquiring treasures for selfish reasons, she wouldn’t have been loved and missed by those she left behind.

    He enjoined Nigerians to shun violence and vices that tend to cause rancour among people, adding that the fear of God remains the best way of preventing the young from growing up to become a problem in the society.

    The cleric prayed that Allah should guide those leading the nation, adding that it is only leaders with conscience that would lead the country aright.

  • Glo Soccer Academy Eviction: Makurdi Northbank agog for Obonogwu

    Glo Soccer Academy Eviction: Makurdi Northbank agog for Obonogwu

    The Northbank area of Makurdi, Benue State came alive last week as the latest evictee from the Glo Soccer Academy, Anthony Obonogwu was treated to a vivacious reception by his community who celebrated his exposure to international training at the Academy in grand style.

    The visibly elated leader of the Idoma clan in the area, Chief Joseph Odaudu, who also chaired the reception, set the ball rolling with his speech which centred on the importance of having a boy from the area in the Glo Soccer Academy.

    “It s a thing of joy for this community to be represented at the Glo Soccer Academy. Although Anthony did not win, we are quite happy and delighted that one of ours was among the thirty three boys that were selected among thousands of youths in West Africa.’’

    He expressed the gratitude of his people to Globacom for not only setting up the academy, but also training Anthony and bringing him back home safely.

    Chief Odaudu commended Globacom for its activities and efforts over the years geared towards developing sports and particularly football in Nigeria. He described Globacom as the pillar of Sports in Nigeria.

    On his part, Anthony Obonogwu thanked the management of Globacom for the trainings he received from the combination of local and international coaches at the academy. He is optimistic that his participation at the academy will assist him greatly in his football career.

    In his brief Speech at the occasion, Glo Business Director for Benue State, Mr AbdulWahid Popoola said that Glo Soccer Academy was established to discover young talents, teach and groom them to become world-class footballers who can compete with their contemporaries anywhere in the world.

    He commended Anthony for being a good ambassador of his community during his stay at the Academy.