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Tag: bow

  • Nostalgia as Kasimu Yero takes a bow at 70

    Nostalgia as Kasimu Yero takes a bow at 70

    Oond memories of television dramas of yesteryear have emerged, following the death of foremost Northern Nigerian actor, Kasimu Yero who is dead.

    The veteran actor, according to his eldest son, Mansur Kasimu Yero, died at his residence in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, on Sunday after a protracted illness. He was 70.

    Since the news broke on Sunday, Nigerian filmmakers, and art enthusiasts who are familiar with the deceased heydays have been immersed in discussions regarding the impact of the actor on stage and television, while others have been sending tributes on social media.

    Yero is well noted for his role as ‘Uncle Gaga’ in the ’80s sitcom, ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’, and TV series, ‘Magana Jari Ce’, a TV series by Abubakar Imam.

    ‘’Magana Jari Ce…I remember this, oh my heart!’’, lamented filmmaker Justin Morgan. ‘’He was also a great story teller, alongside Bala Miller, who I recently met…this is our heritage, personified! This man is iconic; his poise, classy disposition was everything!’’ He said.

    For another filmmaker, Uzodinma Okpechi, Yero was ‘’Confident in his abilities even when it was evident that he was in pain.  He delivered. He delivered well,’’ he declared.

    Recalling that ‘Magana Jari Ce’ was adapted from a book of the same title, Kabat Esosa said: ‘’I grew up in Kano watching him on such great series like ‘Magana Jari CE’ which incidentally was part of our literature texts in school those days. He was indeed a colossus. Non like him. May his soul rest in Peace.’’

    In his tribute to the deceased, Northern Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Sani Muazu said, ‘’ I had the pleasure of working with Kasimu Yero on several projects but none brought recognition and rekindled interest in our work like a radio drama we did more than 10 years ago, KARAMBANA – A DAWO LAFIYA, where I featured him as a fun seeking truck driver that had a close shave with HIV.’’

    According to Muazu, ‘’No actor of Northern extraction measures up to Kasimu Yero. None had the versatility to have lasted like him. None established a cross-generational cult following like him.’’

    Continuing, Muazu said, ‘’Kasimu had played serious roles like Uncle Gaga so seriously, just the way he played comic roles like ‘Karambana’ so humorously. He was simply an actors’ actor with a capacity to hold diverse roles in TV series like ‘Magana Jari Ce’ and its English equivalent ‘Wisdom Is An Asset’, keeping these gigs on the front burner for as long as they ran.’’

    He noted that the deceased worked till the last few days of his life doing what he loves doing. ‘’…and doing it well until the stage curtain dropped on him today in a life drama in which the Almighty is the Director. The end. We mourn him. He was loved and will be missed by all his fans and the industry,’’ said Muazu.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has expressed his condolences to the friends and family of  Yero.

    In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, the minister described the late Yero as an iconic actor who, along with other thespians like Samanja, laid the foundation for Kannywood.

  • Bayelsa’s no-nonsense judge takes a bow

    Bayelsa’s no-nonsense judge takes a bow

    A High Court judge in Bayelsa State, Justice Margaret Akpomiemie, has retired. Akpomiemie was outstanding at the bench. As a rare female justice, she was firm, dedicated and known for some landmark judgments.

    As part of her last assignments for Bayelsa, she was given an appointment to head the the Judicial Commission of Enquiry established by Dickson to investigate persons behind the violence that marred the last governorship election in the state. The judge submitted her report to Dickson shortly before retirement.

    Little wonder, high personalities led by Governor Seriake Dickson, the governor’s cabinet members, notable persons in the judiciary, friends and families, converged recently to celebrate the end of her meritorious service as a judge.

    As part of activities marking her retirement from service, a book titled, “Selected Judgements of Justice Margaret Akpomiemie, was presented to the public at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

    All the speakers poured encomiums on the retired judge. Dickson, who is also a lawyer, described Akpomiemie as a thorough, firm and impartial Judge, whose contributions to the state Judiciary added value in the administration of justice.

    Dickson went down memory lane to narrate his encounter as a police a prosecutor with the retiring judge in old Rivers State. He said she gave her best in the discharge of her duties, which has earned her many accolades.

    The governor said that Akpomiemie exhibited exemplary qualities required of a judge, particularly in her fearless delivery of judgments bordering on criminal cases. He commended Akpomiemie for investing in the education of her children and called on society to emulate her example. Dickson said that education remains the bedrock of society.

    Congratulating Akpomiemie on her 20 years of successful career in the judiciary, Dickson wished her God’s protection and good health in her future endeavours.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Retired Justice Francis Tabai of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, acknowledged the enormity of the task before a trial judge. He described the dispensation of justice at the High Court level as more demanding and critical adding that an error in judgement may not be corrected at the appellate level.

    Describing Akpomiemie as a distinguished jurist, Justice Tabai expressed appreciation to Dickson for his support to the judiciary and stressed the need for the appointment of more judges.

    In her key note address, Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kate Abiri, said Akpomiemie was known for her no-nonsense attitude and humility, lamenting that her retirement had created a vacuum in the state judiciary.

    In her remarks, Akpomiemie described her time in the judiciary as a fulfilling moment of her life and thanked persons who supported her through the years in the dispensation of justice for their encouragement.

    According to her decision to put some her landmark judgements in book form was informed by her desire to give back to a system that, gave the opportunity to showcase and practice what she loved.

    In their separate goodwill messages, Justice Lucky Boufini and Barrister Sunny Adolor, described Justice Akpomiemie as an amiable and calm woman, even in the face of provocation.

    The 441-page book was reviewed by Deputy Director General of the Nigeria Law School, Yenagoa Campus, Prof. Festus Emiri. Highpoints of the event were the unveiling and lunching of the book as well as the cutting of Justice Akpomiemie’s 65th birthday cake.

     

  • Ideye happy with Olympiacos bow

    Ideye happy with Olympiacos bow

    New Olympiacos signing Brown Ideye took to twitter to express his happiness over his debut in the Greece Super League at the weekend.

    The 26-year-old played 90 minutes in Olympiakos 3-1 win against 14th placed Platanias. The Nigerian did not score but had a great game which prompted manager Marco Silva to leave him on for the full duration of the match.

    The Greek Champions did not struggle for goals as Jimmy Durmaz, Alejandro Dominguez, and Arthur Masuaku gave them a three goals lead while before Yaya Banana grabbed a late consolation for the away side.

    ‘So happy about my debut last night with Olympiacos. Looking forward to the next game,’ he posted on his twitter handle @Officialideye.

    Olympiacos have a 100% record so far as they have won all their matches so far this season.

  • A jurist’s wife takes final bow

    A jurist’s wife takes final bow

    The remains of Mrs Theresa Abiodun Oluwole, wife of the late Justice T. A. Oluwole of the Ondo State High Court,  were interred last Friday at the Catholic Church Cemetery in Akure, the Ondo State capital, reports LEKE AKEREDOLU.

    Despite the heavy rainfall, prominent men and women from across the country made their way to  St. John Bosco Catholic Church,  Ijapo Estate, Akure to bid Mrs Oluwole a final farewell.

    A nurse, Mrs Oluwole was married to a former Ondo State High Court Judge, the late Justice T.A. Oluwole. She died at 75.

    One of her daughters is the wife to the lawmaker, representing Epe federal constituency in Lagos State, Hon. Lanre Mukaila Odubote and the other, to Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN).

    The funeral began with a Christian wake last Thursday at her residence in Ijapo Estate in Akure, followed by interment at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Ijapo.

    Her remains were brought to the church premises before the stipulated 10am by the pall bearers, who made a dramatic entry into the church, bearing the golden framed casket. A brigade, the Bell, followed.

    Before long, the church was filled with sympathisers; canopies were erected outside and around the church premises to accommodate more.

    Prominent among attendees were Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Judge(CJ) of the state, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Kola Ademujimi; the State Attorney-General, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN)and House of Representatives lawmaker, Hon. Adegboyega Adedipe.

    In his sermon, Revd Fidelis Olokunboro, described the late Oluwole as a woman who was dedicated to God and church activities.

    He said: “She is always giving godly advice and will be greatly missed. She has written her name with a golden pen in this church; she nursed her children on the right path of life and she was prominent in the church and in the society at large”.

    The cleric addressed the saying: “those who died are at their loss” stressing that it is only those who lived evil lives that would die and be forgotten.

    “The late Mrs Oluwole will not be forgotten because she had devoted her time to God. While she was sick, she would always put a call across to ask if she owed the church.”

    Guests moved to the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade Ground at Ondo State House of Assembly, Igbatoro road, for a reception.

    The arena was decorated with red, yellow, cream and green colours.

    Gospel artiste Yinka Ayefele was on stage to entertain guests.

    More personalities trouped in to grace the occasion. They include: Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Hon. Dr. Bode Tawak, former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu’s in-law, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, Hon. Akin Miniru, members of Redeemed Church Faith City, Ojodu, Lagos, Bukola Adetula, Bro. Olu Onafowora, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Hon. Dauda Bakare, Gbenga Elegbeleye, Hon. Ebenezer Alabi and others.

    Odubote described the late Mrs Oluwole as the best mother-in-law in the world. He was grateful that she accepted him to marry her daughter at a time when destiny had dealt a blow on him.

    Another son-in-law, Adedipe said the late Oluwole was his confidant and adviser. Adedipe, a lawyer, described her as a deeply religious person, focused and dependable person; generous and frank to a fault.

    Step-brother of the deceased and publisher of Marketing Edge magazine, Mr John Ajayi said the late Mrs Oluwole was the eldest in the family and a woman they would all miss.

    The late Oluwole’s only son, Tolulope, described his mother as honest and trustworthy.

    Another daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Funmilayo Oladapo-Ojo, said her late mother was a philanthropist who  adopted some children.

    “It was when we started growing up that I was able to identify those who are my blood sisters and we still remain one. You can’t leave the house without doing the house work. You must know how to cook, clean the house and other domestic work either you are a male or female,” she added.

  • Bow ties

    Bow ties

    THE modes of knotting ties are altering every season. The most classic tie of the moment and which was the rage at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held fortnight ago is the bow tie.

    Most men of all ages have to wear a tie at some point in their lives and many men wear them daily to work in business clothes. Ties affix a stroke of good grooming and sophistication to men in suits.

    Here are some tips to help you get that good, classy and fashionable look with a bow tie.

    When in search of ties, go for ties made of silk or polyester because the best ties are made from them. Make sure your ties are not dirty and that they are well knotted.

    Always put up your ties when you are not wearing them. This will keep wrinkles at bay. Make sure that the colour of your suit blends with that of your tie.

  • Obanikoro and the bow of shame

    Viewed from both the moral and constitutional standpoints, the recent clearing of Senator Musliu Obanikoro, the former Minister of State for Defence, for another ministerial appointment by the Senate, amidst protests from the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers connotes the depth of depravity and desperation by the administration of President Jonathan. One that a public affairs analyst has aptly described as ‘jackboot democracy.’

    Perhaps, only that would shed more light on a sordid political aberration that has a minority number of Senators mouth ‘ayes’ after a majority had staged a walk out in protest. The way and manner the Senate President, David Mark, ruled against the objection raised by a Senator who pointed out the reversal of a previous court ruling in the face of a pending case on the controversial Ekitigate, it was obvious the PDP lawmakers were acting out a script by the presidency. They wanted Obanikoro given a leeway at all costs. Even the counsel offered by Senator Ganiyu Solomon that the issue be deferred until the grey areas had been ironed out, was jettisoned by Senator Mark, apparently to foist his preference and, of course, that of his party on all. This is a most unfortunate dimension to politics in Nigeria, more so in an election period.

    The worrisome aspect of the political melodrama paints the ruling PDP as a party only too willing to ram its dictatorial tendencies down the already aching throat of long-suffering Nigerians. For, if Obanikoro, representing Lagos State, has been accused of influencing the voting process in Ekiti State that swung it in favour of his party, what guarantee is there that President Jonathan is not out to use him for another sinister, hatchet job during the forthcoming elections?

    Beyond the desperation of the PDP to win the March 28 and April 11, 2015 general elections, Nigerians should be more concerned because of the culture of impunity which has pervaded our political landscape for years and worsened since the assumption of office of President Jonathan in 2010. One would recall, with a sense of collective shame, how the erstwhile head of the Pension Board accused of having embezzled billions in naira of pensioners’ hard-earned terminal benefits was hurriedly granted a court waiver to pay a paltry sum and go home a free man! That was until Nigerians felt outraged and stated so.

    It has been a similar sad commentary on our description of the simple word ‘corruption’ that one Stella Oduah, then as the Aviation Minister accused of over invoicing of the purchase of two cars was allowed to stay put in office for months until public outcry was loud and compelling enough to reach Mister President in Aso Rock. So far, the other greasy allegation against the jet-setting current Minster of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Allison-Madueke, for squandering billions of our common resources globe-trotting, has suffered a drowning effect. This may not be too surprising for a country where its number one citizen does not equate stealing with corruption!

    But while the public angst against Obaniokoro is not yet about attempting to milk the national till dry, his speedy clearance by the Senate for a ministerial appointment, while the Ekitigate electoral scam is still in court, smacks of the twin evils of corruption and impunity. These two, we must admit, have collectively undermined the strengthening and sustenance of democratic institutions in Nigeria since the PDP’s stranglehold on the nation’s political jugular for some 16 years. Anyone, no matter how highly placed, who cannot understand those terms may have to consult his dictionary, if he has any.

    Not too surprisingly, the Lagos State chapter of the APC has described the confirmation of Musiliu Obanikoro as a minister by the Senate, despite damaging implications in a rigging scandal in Ekiti, as ‘a show of shame’. The concern of the opposition party is that this recent event further drags the image of Nigeria and the Senate in the mud.

    What also baffles close watchers of the country’s polity is the refusal on the part of President Jonathan to set up a committee to investigate the weighty allegations against Obanikoro.

    In all of the unfolding political soap opera, it is morally reprehensible that a ministerial nominee is forced on the country under shady circumstances. The import of this is that Nigerians who are interested in free, fair and credible elections, the mass media, independent election observers, as well as the human rights community must be at eternal vigilance.

     

    •By Idowu Ajanaku

  • Iheanacho shines as Man City bow to Liverpool

    Iheanacho shines as Man City bow to Liverpool

    • Ex-Eaglets’ star scores in penalty shoot out

    Red hot Nigerian teenage sensation, Kelechi Iheanacho, crowned a memorable outing for Manchester City at the pre-season’s International Champions Cup in Pittsburg by scoring in the penalty shoot outs as the Citizens lost to their English Premier League rivals, Liverpool 5-3.

    The keenly contested game was dragged into the lottery of penalty kicks after both teams played out to a 2-2 draw.

    In the ensuing spot kicks, established Manchester City super stars like Aleksander Kolorov, Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas all missed from the spot, it was only Iheanacho who converted his kick for his City’s consolation goal.

    Apart from the penalty kick he converted, the Flying Eagles star also had a hand in City’s second goal in the 67th minute when his low shot hit Jovetic’s legs on its way towards goal and the Montenegro international finished the move off comfortably. Last Sunday, the MVP of the last FIFA U-17 World Cup in the UAE banged his second consecutive goal for the club in their 5-1 rout of AC Milan.

    The talented forward had earlier scored his first goal on his debut for Manchester City against MLS side Sporting Kansas City in a club friendly.

    Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini has already paid tributes to Iheanacho, adding that he would love to keep him at the club.

    Iheanacho faces a battle to remain at City, with the club fighting to secure a work permit for him as he is still 17 and a foreigner.

    There were initial fears that Iheanacho might find it difficult to break into a star-studded Manchester City team, but with starts like this, he could be forcing his way into Pellegrini’s plans.

  • ‘Take a bow and go’

    ‘Take a bow and go’

    Members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) have visited the National Assembly to learn more about parliamentary process and governance. TOLULOPE OGUNLEYE (HND II Computer Science) reports.

     

     

    Members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) have visited the National Assembly to acquaint themselves with the legislative process.

    Led by the president, Olanrewaju Balogun, and Speaker Kehinde Olofintuyi, the students witnessed the plenary of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    A few months ago, the students had embarked on a similar visit to the Lagos State House of Assembly and the legislative chamber of Kosofe Local Government Area.

    For the journey, the students converged on Aluta Mansion, the union building on the Ikorodu campus, about 5am, where a bus was waiting for them. For more than 10 hours, the students were on the road, chanting various solidarity songs as they approached the seat of power. At 8pm, they checked into their hotel rooms in Abuja to prepare for the next day’s activities.

    At 9:45 am on Wednesday, the students were received in the assembly complex by Mr Adedeji Alabi, the security officer in charge of educational excursion, who welcomed them on behalf of the Clerk of the National Assembly.

    Alabi told the students to conduct themselves well as they moved into the Senate chamber. At exactly 10:48 a.m., the procession of the Senate President David Mark moved into the chamber.

    The Chief Whip of the chamber cautioned the floor members against engaging in discussions that were not part of the day’s proceedings. Afterwards, a senator moved a motion to begin the proceeding; Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Lagos East, seconded the motion.

    The legislative business started when Mark read letters from President Goodluck Jonathan on different issues to members. He recognised the presence of the students, who were dressed in their ceremonial regalia. The union members stood up and took a bow.

    As debates were going on in the Red Chamber, the union members were led to the Green Chamber to witness the proceeding in the lower house. They were recognised by the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    After the plenary Senator Ashafa in company of Senator Olusola Adeyeye, Osun Central, met with the students in Room 1 of the assembly complex. Ashafa praised the students’ advising them not to lose focus on their goals. He also warned them against companies that could jeopardise their academic pursuit.

    Senator Adeyeye, deputy chairman of Senate Committee on Education, said he abandoned his engagement to attend to the students because he felt obligated given his position in the senate. He said the future of the country would be determined by the actions of today’s generation of students, saying education remained the compass to chart Nigeria’s course to a prosperous future.

    The Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejokun, who received the students in his conference room, described their visit as central of their development.

    Member representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, appreciated the courage of the students saying he was assured the future of Nigeria is safe “with the set of people I am looking at here”.

    Other federal lawmakers from the Southwest that received the students included Hon. Hakeem Muniru, Hon. Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, and Hon. Lasun Yusuf.

    On what informed the visit Kehinde, told CAMPUSLIFE: “Increasing students’ knowledge in governance matter has been my dream since I was sworn in as the Speaker. And this is what we have witnessed here today.”

    Kamoru Saka, the mace bearer of the union, said he acquired knowledge on how to properly discharge his function to the Students’ Representative Council (SRC). He said he believed the short story told by Senator Adeyeye would make an impact on his life.