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Tag: birthday

Gov Obi clocks 50, declines to celebrate

Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi who clocked 50 on Thursday says he does not have the intention of rolling out drums today to mark the birthday.

He told newsmen in Akwa after the state executive council meeting that he will prefer to attend lecturers in honour rather than indulging in wasteful spending.

Obi said he stopped the executive members from making his birthday an issue because according to him, most of his Commissioners knew his views about unguarded celebration.

“I mean the business of governing a State is a serious one to start discussing birthday celebration when a serious State business of how to provide dividends of democracy to over 5 million Anambrarians are discussed, ” he said.

He said he would prefer attending lectures, where issues of governance and state’s welfare will be discussed, but not where people will eat and drink and probably forget themselves.

“Everybody knows my position on celebrations not to talk about now when the mood of the country is that of despondency due to unemployment, lack of infrastructure, threats of strike, among others.

As Nigeria is today, we do not need to celebrate because that will be insensitivity to the plight of our people. Rather, what the mood of the time calls for those in authority to think of how to tackle the issue of minimum wage and reduce the tension in the land. It is about time we told ourselves the truth,” he said.

Pressed on to reveal any significant thing he did to mark the birthday, he said, “if you insist, I reached out to most clergy men in the country with request for more prayers for peace and progress in our country and for God to touch the hearts of our leaders, including myself, to take decisions that will benefit the greater number of the people.”

Governor Obi said his birthday gift to the people of Anambra was in form of promise to them that he would continue to take their welfare as priority.

“I assure you that with the commissioning of Udoka Water Scheme, the other 17 water schemes in different towns will be commissioned by December. I assure you that we will build more roads. We have attracted the second biggest brewery in the world to Anambra, we shall attract more of such companies. I assure you that we shall continue to improve on all sectors. This is my birthday gift,” Obi said.

July 18, 2013
Ekiti First Lady clocks 50 without fanfare

The likeable First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, joined the league of golden age on Tuesday without pomp or ceremony. The kind-hearted wife of Governor Kayode Fayemi shelved many programmes that had been lined up to celebrate her 50th birthday.

Those who should know told Celeb Watch that the postponement had to do with the passing on of the former deputy governor of the state, Mrs Funmi Olayinka, on April 6, 2013. An insider said the First Lady’s 50th birthday shindig had been shifted to October. She only had a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel in Ado-Ekiti.

Born in Liverpool, England on June 11, 1963, Erelu Fayemi is a product of both Nigerian and UK universities. She has acquired professional experience as a gender activist, social change crusader and journalist.

June 15, 2013
Joko Oni hits 60

One of the pillars of high society, Joko Oni, will clock 60 in the next couple of days. But you would hardly notice it because of the sophisticated nature of the boss of Gold Rush whose life is guided by the philosophy that only good deeds last.

With a smile that hardly vanishes from her lips, she enjoys a pretty physique that has improved with age. As usual, she would be all smiles as the high and mighty in the nation’s socio-political milieu gather in a few days to honour her. Little wonder preparations for the big day are in full throttle in her house.

With friends in high places, nothing short of a grand 60th birthday is expected.

June 15, 2013
Fayemi’s wife marks 50th birthday on low key

•Governor: Bisi is my pillar of support
•She’s a gift from God, says Bishop

Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of the Ekiti State governor, yesterday celebrated her 50th birthday low key.

A church service was held at the Government House Chapel in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

In attendance were Governor Kayode Fayemi; his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; House of Assembly Speaker Wale Omirin and the husband of the late former deputy governor, Lanre Olayinka, an architect .

Also present were the Provost of the State College of Education, Prof. Francesca Aladejana, top government officials and dignitaries from within and outside the state.

The governor said he owed his emergence as the state’s helmsman to his wife’s doggedness.

He said: “If she had not been faithful, committed and focused, I most certainly might not be standing before you today as the governor. My wife was the pillar in the fight to reclaim our mandate. At a time, I thought of opting out of the struggle, but she encouraged me to continue.”

Explaining that Mrs. Olayinka’s death was the reason for the low key celebration, Fayemi said: “My wife started planning for her 50th birthday over a decade ago. Last year, she reminded me that she would need the contact of an Ivorian musician she wanted to invite.

“When her friend, Mrs. Joyce Banda, became the Malawian President, she told me she knew who would give the keynote address at her birthday. But things went the way God wanted and we give all glory to Him.”

Erelu Fayemi thanked her late dad, Mr. Emanuel Akinola Adeleye, and her mother, Mrs. Emily Adeleye, for “the good upbringing and sound education” they gave her.

She said: “I remember my parents for the lasting values they instilled in me. I really have cause to thank God because since I was born, I have laughed more than I have cried and triumphed more than I have been challenged.”

Mrs. Fayemi thanked her husband, who she described as “a friend, fellow comrade, brother, mentor and role model”, for his love and support.

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, said the celebrant, who is the founder of the Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF), a non-governmental organisation, is a gift from God to the world.

He urged Nigerians to emulate her philanthropic gestures and use their God-given gifts to make positive impacts in the society.

The cleric condemned Nigeria’s poor leadership, saying it has caused many to flee abroad, where they are faced with embarrassing situations.

He said the humiliation suffered by Nigerians overseas was caused by the “irresponsible acquisition of wealth by leaders and their involvement in criminal acts”.

Bishop Ajakaye urged leaders to spread love and unity, rather than focusing on material acquisition.

He said: “Nigeria’s bad image is caused by the activities of our leaders, who are corrupt, and the involvement of some Nigerians in criminal activities. Nigeria is what we make it to be in the eyes of the international community.”

On the 20th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bishop Ajakaye said: “That was a dark time in the history of this nation. After the annulment of the election, Dr. and Mrs. Fayemi, who were expecting a baby, were seen protesting on the streets of London. “This shows how far a child of God can go to ensure justice in the society. Let us search our minds and answer this question in line with the explanation of the term ‘golden’. Is Erelu Fayemi not golden in nature and character? Personally, I believe she had been acting goldenly even before attaining the golden age of 50.”

June 12, 2013
Low key celebrations as Fayemi’s wife turns 50

Ekiti state governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi on Tuesday held low key celebrations to mark her fiftieth birthday.
The church service held at the Government House Chapel, Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state was attended by the celebrator’s husband, Governor Kayode Fayemi, his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, Speaker, Ekiti state Assembly, Dr. Wale Omirin and husband of the late former deputy governor, Architect Lanre Olayinka.
Others were the Provost of the State College of Education, Prof. Fransisca Aladejana, members of the state executive council including the commissioners and special advisers, body of permanent secretaries and other dignitaries from within and outside the state.
In his remarks at the church service, the governor attributed his eventual triumph and emergence as the state helmsman to his wife’s doggedness.

“If she had not been faithful, committed and focused, I most certainly, might not be standing before you today as the state governor,” Fayemi stated.
“My wife was the pillar in the fight to reclaim our mandate in Ekiti. At a time, I thought of opting out of the struggle, she encouraged me to continue,”
Giving the recent death of the former deputy as reason for the low key celebrations, Fayemi disclosed “my wife had started planning for the 50th birthday for over a decade ago. Even last year, she reminded me that she would need the contact of an Ivorien Musician who she would want to invite.
“When her friend, the Malawi President, Joyce Banda, became the president of the country, she told me she then knew who would give a keynote address at her birthday celebrations. But things went the way God wanted and we give all glory to Him”, Fayemi said.
In her tearful remark, Erelu Fayemi expressed gratitude to her late dad, Emanuel Akinola Adeleye and her mother, Emily Adeleye for “the good upbringing and sound education they gave me.”
Erelu said: “I remember my father, Emanuel Akinlola Adeleye and Emily Adeleye for the lasting values they instilled in me. I give continue to return every glory in my life to God. I my fifty years, I have laughed more than cried and triumphed more than challenged.”
She equally thanked her husband who she described as “a friend, fellow comrade , brother, mentor and role model”.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye, condemned Nigeria’s leadership which he said had caused many Nigerians to flee abroad where they faced embarrassments.

June 11, 2013
Memorable 40th birthday gifts

A forty year-old needs a memorable pleasant gift such that it will make memories last a lifetime.

The anniversary is one of the most cherished, but some people still find it difficult to buy the suitable gift.

To make the appropriate choice of gift, it is necessary to know the celebrator well enough to want to buy him/her a gift. How reserved is he/her, what is his/her favourite?, consider his/her profession, If he/she is an office person, a wonderful artwork or the person’s portrait will do, other items like cufflinks, packed shirt, perfumes, belts, wrist watches, ties, office jackets, handbags, gowns, ear rings and shoes will also be appreciated. The person’s favourite colour should be determined, especially when buying clothes; it will arouse the emotion of the individual.

To get good bargains and be sure of what you are buying, visit stores like St. Anns collection, Ikeja, QM Nail Lounge & Gift Factory, Lekki, Heng Li International Trading Company Limited, Alaba-Suru, Lawanson Shopping Complex, Surulere .

May 17, 2013
Ganiyu Olowu’s modest 40th birthday

GANIYU Olowu, public relations consultant of notable brands. journalist clocked 40 last week. Rather than roll out the drums to celebrate the milestone, the birthday boy used the opportunity to donate 70 mass communication and media-related text books to the department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, (MAPOLY) Abeokuta, Ogun State, his alma mater.

The birthday boy noted that turning 40 years old was symbolic and it provided opportunity to reflect on the past and project how to better serve God and be more useful to humanity.

Forty out of the 70 mass communication text books were symbolically donated to mark the 40th birthday, while the remaining 30 were to complement volumes of books in the popular mass communication training centre.

After the donation, Olowu and his friends were hosted by the Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Public Private Partnership, Dr. Tunde Sodade.

April 28, 2013
50 hearty cheers to a ‘disciplinarian’

Big banners at the entrance of the hall of the Lagos Country Club, with birthday messages for Alhaja Afusat Ibirogba, a cloth merchant, welcomed guests to the event. Alhaja Afusat, wife of Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Alhaji Lateef Ibirogba, was marking her 50th birthday.

Posh cars were parked in and outside the club. The cars showed their owners’ class.

The hall was filled.

Cloth merchants from within and outside the country came to rejoice with the celebrator.

Alhaji Bashir Adisa (Baba Gboin), the emcee, thrilled guests with jokes and songs. The band of Seyi Crown entertained the gathering.

Prayers were offered earlier for “long life and prosperity” for the celebrator and her family.

Wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola said the day was for merry making and thanksgiving to God Almighty.

She said attaining the golden age called for celebration and giving thanks to God.

Mrs Fashola also officiated the cutting of the cake.

Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule prayed God to grant the celebrator long life and prosperity. She described her as a discipline and contented woman.

“She and her husband have been very good friends; I have known them for quite long; they are good people and contented with what Allah gives them,” she said.

Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere.

He wished the celebrator more meritorious and prosperous years ahead.

Alhaji Ibirogba described his wife as a virtuous woman.

“Adesola is a role model to a lot of women. She is also a gift to me and avoids things that will smear her reputation,” he said.

He said the family had every reason to thank God for they have been enjoying their union.

“ Perhaps what is only left for me, my big boys and the entire Ibirogba family is to thank God for giving me a friend and wife. Adesola has been a source of joy to us since becoming part of the family,” he said.

To the birthday ‘girl’ the day was a reunion with friends she last saw in their school days.

Guests included Lagos State Commissioner for Culture, Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole; his Education counterpart, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Hakeem Kosoko; council chairmen — Hon Abiodun Mafe (Mosan Okunola); Hon Yussuf Shakiru Adisa (Ayobo-Ipaja); Hon Abdul Fatah Oyesanya (Ikosi Isheri); Hon Hakeem Bamgbala (Itire-Ikate) and Hon Taofeek Adaranijo (Orile-Agege).

Others were Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed; wife of Action Congress of Nigeria Lagos State Chapter Chairman Mrs Adetoun Ajomale; and actor Adebayo Salami (A.k.a Oga Bello), among others.

April 19, 2013
Celebrating ‘a man of character’

The atmosphere was serene. There was Country music in the background, as guests eagerly awaited the arrival of the man of the moment. Venue was the Oriental Restaurant, Victoria Island Lagos, where friends of Edo State Information and Orientation Commissioner Louis Odion organised a 40th birthday bash for him.

The atmosphere became charged when the Master of Ceremony (MC) announced his presence. Many rose to catch a glimpse of him.

Odion was dressed in a black Agbada. It was an evening of encomiums from those who know the birthday ‘boy’. The celebrator shed tears as accolades were showered on him.

A band, the Manifest, thrilled the audience. Upcoming comedian ATM ensured that there was no dull moment. The MC read the citation of the celebrator. The birthday cake was cut and a toast made to the celebrator.

Managing Director, Leadership Azubuike Ishiekwene’s accolades on Odion were moving.

Odion broke down in tears, when Ishiekwene told what he called the ‘unknown Odion story.”

He said Odion was a friend who sticks closer than a brother, a family man and an astute professional.

Narrating how the celebrator helped salvage his relationship with a mutual friend of theirs, Ishiekwene said Odion is endowed with wisdom that is above his age, adding:“he is a young man with the heart of a lion.”

As a family man, Ishiekwene said Odion carries a lot of responsibilities gracefully.

‘’When we hang out as friends, you never know the burden that each of us carries because the clothes that we wear cover a lot. The role that Louis plays in his own family is far beyond him but, he carries it with dignity. He is doing a lot and I keep praying that God will strengthen him and give him the resources to keep doing well,‘’ Ishiekwene said.

Former Health Secretary Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi described Odion as a man of character, adding that he needed no special notice to come and celebrate with him.

Adelusi-Adeluyi said: “The voice of Nigeria is wholesomely represented here and that is how it should be because we are honouring one of your own. We are honouring a young man who has a very good name, born in a good month and has attained a unique age.

‘’His name, Louis, has a very proud pedigree. In French, it is given to describe someone as a famous warrior. Odion is very dear to me and I cherish him a lot because he is a man of character and it is only a man of character that can be trusted. He has been a good ambassador for the journalism profession.”

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello said his relationship with Odion dated back to 1989 when the Sunday Concord was established and strong hands were needed for the political desk.

‘’We discovered that there was this man who has been writing and every time he writes, it gets published. So, we decided to look for him and discovered it was a young boy inside Concord. He was with the advert department. So, I met the advert manager and told her she has to let Louis join us and that was how it started.

‘’When our newspaper was shut down and other papers were wooing us to come, I was surprised that somebody like Odion who was still very young stayed with us. He was not willing to go while some others left until the paper was reopened. It was later shut within six months but Louis still stayed with us.

‘’So, we became very proud of him because we thought that someone like him should look for something else to do. Even when Abiola was in detention and things were very difficult for the paper, he stayed and we advised him to take up the offer with ThisDay,” Bello recalled.

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, described Odion as a young successful fellow who knows his onions, adding that he is gifted.

Ikuforiji said: ‘’If these elders can come here to celebrate with Louis, and I know I am not the only elderly person who has Louis as his friend. Even my own leader, the national leader of our great party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), is a friend to Louis and I am sure if not for his own very tight engagement, he would have personally been here with us.

‘’I do not know him at the professional level that the likes of Tunji Bello know him. But the much I know of Louis, I feel very grateful for the invitation that was extended to me to be here because truly, he is a man of character.

‘’The very day I met him, I knew he is a special breed. When you think of somebody like Louis, you will be happy that all hope is not lost. There is a generation coming that represents hope. Nigeria is in dire need of the help of ’men of the pen.”

Chairman, Edo State Internal Revenue Board Chief Oseni Elamah, also spoke glowingly about the celebrator. Odion, he said, conquered fear on the palace ground of the Oba of Benin, when he came out to make the threat to his life by a politician, a media issue, adding“and that was how he gained his freedom.

He described Odion as “Mr. Character and Integrity,” adding that he brought a professional touch into the Adams Oshiomhole administration with which they have been able to achieve many things.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotions, Odion said: ‘’I am honoured by such great love. I do not even know what to say but I can tell you that I was fortunate to have a great boss in Tunji Bello, who aside mentoring me, gave me the opportunity to go back to school while working.

‘’If he did not give me such an opportunity, I would not be here today. It is not just about talent because there are so many talented writers out there who have not excelled. So, I remain grateful to Tunji Bello and my other friends, who believed in me as a young man.”

Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba; Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Sam Omatseye; Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Gbenga Adefaye; Ekiti State governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Mojeed Jamiu; publisher, Global Excellence, Mayor Akinpelu; Special Adviser to Lagos governor, on Media and Publicity Hakeem Bello; General Manager, Mobil, Captain Victor Iriobe; Publisher, Encomium Kunle Bakare; Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kehinde Bamigbetan; Chairman, Bevista, Benny Obaze; Yomi Idowu; Ted Iwere; Omisore Abiodun and Ogbeni Goke Odeyinka were at the event.

April 12, 2013
A great man at 63

It was to be a birthday party but it turned out to be an evening of variety as the youths and children who gathered at the National Library in Yaba, Lagos Mainland, entertained guests with scinctilating performances. Members of the audience marvelled at the children’s sense of history following an educative cultural dance by a group, Footprints of Africa.

It was all to celebrate the 63rd birthday of former House of Representatives member, Olawale Oshun. The event was organised by a literary group, The Pen Society. It started with a competition between pupils from seven primary and secondary schools around Yaba on social media use and abuse.

After the interactive sessions, came the colourful display of rich cultural heritage by the young dancers who through their music and steps, educated the audience that life is a market place where different destinies meet as well as the need to be diligent and prudent.

The birthday cake was cut and books were donated to the best three participating schools. The dance group got cash gifts.

In attendance were Oshun’s wife, Anthonia, his brother, Oluwole and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stalwarts like Essien Omolola; Jimoh Kamal; Jide Jimoh; Bola Linda-John and Rauf Ayodeji, who all paid glowing tributes to the celebrator.

Others include poets, Uche Nwadinuju and Bob Eket and singer, Eda Otto staged brilliant performances to honour the icon.

Linda-John, who is the leader, Yaba, Local Council Development Area (LCDA) said Oshun means a lot to them. ‘‘Baba is our father, leader and mentor. He is everything to us. We really appreciate him and I am happy to be here to celebrate him. I have to cancel so many things to be here for Baba. I pray that God will keep him safe for us, be with him and when he is 70 years, we all shall be around to celebrate him in good health.”

Ayodeji, a former secretary of Yaba LCDA, described Oshun as a lover of children, adding that he is a good example of a people’s leader. He described the celebrator as a book lover; a writer who has public undisguised romance with books.

‘‘Baba, in spite of his numerous achievements, remains a humble man. He is shown us that a good political leader must be rooted with his people at the grassroots. He is always thinking of programmes that will enhance the wellbeing of his people.

‘‘He is a wonderful leader and that is why I am always happy to be associated with him.’’

Drama, poems and debates were held by the children to illustrate the misuse of social media by teenagers and the effects of such unguided use on the society.

A moved, Oshun said his generation has failed the youths.

He said: ‘‘When we were very young, the basic training we had was to respect our elders. If you respect your elders they will pray for you and bless you.

‘‘We have to change our society and values. We have failed our children. That is why they talk about uninspired youth. From the parents, political, economic, business, religious and traditional spheres, we have failed to show discipline for our children to pick and learn correct values so as to be inspired.

‘‘But, as children, you also have the responsibility to discipline and train yourselves because you all know what is wrong or right. So, it is both ways, we have the responsibility to lead you and show you the correct path but you also have to include self effort to be inspired.

‘‘You know that you can make a thing better; that is why you are talking about your love for Nigeria, the same Nigeria that has not inspired you.

‘‘I am elated that these children, many of whom do not know me or have not even heard my name came here today to honour me. They would have spent their time on something else, but they decided to come here to learn something.

‘‘The whole essence of the engagement is to challenge the children to be what they aspire to become. This to me is a kind of mentorship programme to make sure that our children are inspired to greater heights.”

Oshun who said God has been good to him, added that he had a good childhood, sound education and working life.

‘‘Having children around is creative. I love children so much, they have exceptional qualities. They grow to meet and surpass you. Today, I can tell you that I gained a lot from their discussions and interactions. Their thinking surpasses my generation and they are more superior in their arguments.’’

Asked why he has not written books for children, Oshun said: ‘‘you can only have a generation addressing its own issues. Let children write for themselves. All I can do is pray that you do not allow people who will lead you badly. You should be upright, say your minds and express your feelings at all times. I have written for my generation and so, I will allow you to address your generation.’’

Oshun advised the children to be prepared to go into politics after they must have attained their career status. He said that if they allow politics in the hands of bad people as his generation did, they will have dangerous people governing them. ‘‘By the time I went into politics, I could look people in the face because I could do without politics,’’ Oshun said.

March 29, 2013