The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Celebrating

  • Celebrating a worthy matriarch at 80

    Celebrating a worthy matriarch at 80

    Love, they say, is blind; this explains why a then 23-year-old Scottish woman, Pamela Holderness, left all the glamour and majesty of her developed, rich country and family nearly six decades ago to join her heartthrob and husband, Otonti Nduka, now Professor Emeritus  in a then local, undeveloped Elegbam, village of Rivers State.

    The lovebirds met and fell in love in a ball dance when Prof. Nduka was studying in the United Kingdom (UK). In 1958, young Pamela later joined him in his hometown in today Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

    It was learnt that as a young husband, Nduka left the UK shortly after his studies to prepare for the arrival of his young wife who was already heavy with their first baby.

    Although she might have been taken aback by the strange environment and living without electricity and other modern facilities, the dutiful wife remained undaunted, determined to brave the situation and stood with her husband. It was said that she never expressed regret decision choice to get married in Africa and to reside in a small local village.

    According to the story, it did not take much time former miss Holderness dropped the European in her, for her new environment. She adopted the lifestyle, culture, language and food of her new home and forged ahead.

    Recalling those days, her husband said like every other young family in Africa and Nigeria in particular, given the extended family system, the family initially was faced with financial difficulties. He said his wife’s resolve to remain with the family in the village until there came a breakthrough was unshaken.

    It was therefore no surprise that Mrs Nduka’s 80th birthday at the family’s Government Reserved Area (GRA) residence in Port Harcourt, recently provided an avenue for her husband, children, in-laws, family members and associates to reminisce  on her 57-year sojourn in Africa and Nduka Family in particular. It was a time for them to pour out deep heart felt accolades, expression of love thanks to the ‘white-wife’ of no regrets.

    For her husband Prof. Oto, as he is fondly called, she is his wife of inestimable value; her children say she is a the biblical virtuous woman, her in-laws (Ndukas) say she is a gift to their family, a uniting force, bridge-builder while her husband’s associates described her as a mother in Isreal.

    “When we came things were very rough, that is the bottom line. Coming to Nigeria and especially having children to begin with; and of course my parents and siblings, having to take care of them. So the challenges were great, but with her help, understanding, we surmounted the difficulty”, Prof Nduka reflected.

    “The children grew up and so on. In fact we had five children, we lost one. My son is abroad, unfortunately he couldn’t come but it was a joy to have a family and my bigger family also supported us, we are together.”

    Using their marriage as a case study, Prof. offered piece of advice to intending and young couples: “My advice to young couples is that the most important thing about marriage is love and understanding between husband and wife through thick and thin, you are together; that has kept us going.”

    For family members, friends and colleagues of Prof Nduka, Pam, as she is fondly called, has become a pillar and a builder, despite being a foreigner.

    Describing her, as a mother, Professor Nsirim Nduka, brother-in-law to the celebrant said, “Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been a classic and a reference love story but ended in tragedy. Oto and Pam’s love story has been a similar classic but has lived on for over 56 years of your 80 years.”

    For Mrs Elizabeth Enebiga, Prof’s younger sister, the love and care she received from her brother and his wife Pamela in her college days remains evergreen in her heart.  “She indeed is a gift to the family. When my brother was going to Enugu for clearance I was sleeping with her in Catering Rest House.

    “She was already married to my brother when my brother was training me in college. Their visits to me in school used to raise questions among my colleagues. They used to wonder how she was allowing my brother to continue to train me, and even pay my school fees before school re-opens.”

    The chairman of the occasion, Prof Turner Timinipre Isoun, former Minister of Science and Technology, who is a close friend of the family, congratulated the celebrant and prayed for longer life for her and her husband.

    Prof. Isoun described age as a liberator, arguing that only the strong lives up to 80 years. “To be old means you have to be strong.”

    The Dean of Niger Wives (Association of white women married in Nigeria), Mrs. Judith Nwanodi, extolled her virtues, recalling how Pam helped her speak Ikwerre fluently and has been an example to other Niger Wives.

    The couple has four surviving children, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and medical doctor.

  • Fayemi: Celebrating change agent at 50

    Fayemi: Celebrating change agent at 50

    Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi is 50 today. His Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, pays tribute to a simple boss.

    it was a warm afternoon at the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa, sometime in March 2013. Dr Kayode Fayemi and I were returning to Lagos after receiving the Samsung Award for Best State Government in ICT Education at an impressive ceremony in Cape Town. Mr Governor, as he is fondly called, had sought to spend some time at the business class lounge of the South African Airline, and because we were engrossed in a discussion, together with another official of the administration, Muyiwa Ogunmilade, he had urged me to come along.

    After going through my boarding pass and discovering that I was billed to fly the economy class, the female SAA official politely stopped me from entering the lounge.   JKF’s attempt to convince her to allow me in order for us to conclude our discussion was met with a straight face by the official. The waitress however said I could be allowed in if the Governor and Ogunmilade could present their gold cards. Pronto, they both brought out their gold cards. Having confirmed the cards the official was about giving another condition when the activist in JKF came out. He politely asked that his card be returned to him and told the officials that he would rather take a walk around the airport with me rather than being denied my company at the lounge. I made a futile protest against his decision to abandon the lounge because of me, knowing he needed to catch some rest. Alas, it was too late. “No, Yinka, it isn’t worth it. What is the big deal about the lounge? Don’t worry, let’s just take a walk around before boarding time:” Thus we left the lounge and spent about  half an hour buying books at a particular books store at the airport and the remaining time was spent strolling around before boarding time.

    That South African experience was, for me, perhaps the most humbling experience I have had as an adult. It was a lesson in simplicity and leadership taught in the simplest manner imaginable. It also typifies the experiences of many who have come in contact with Dr Fayemi whether in the classroom, newsroom, lecture room, political rallies, in the trenches or in the hallowed chambers of the Ekiti State Executive Council where he presided over the affairs of the state, together with his carefully selected team for four impactful years.

    Fayemi in and out of office believes in two things- service and justice. He believes life is worthless without service- service to mankind.  On justice, Fayemi is a firm believer in that timeless Latin legal phrase: Fiat justitia ruat caelum  (Let justice be done though the heavens fall). He remains today one of the few  Nigerian politicians that have really  tested the country’s legal system in the bid to determine some knotty issues. It is no longer news how he fought from one court to another for three and a half years to retrieve his mandate which he eventually got via the declaration of the Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin on October 15, 2010. It is also on record that his administration lost some cases in the state courts and that put paid to some actions of the government including the conduct of the local government election which the Peoples Democratic Party stopped through an injunction from the state high court in January 2012.

    JKF believes that political participation as well as seeking elective office should be motivated by service. He believes that commitment to service and its delivery remains the vital tonic that energises and motivates a public office holder to forge ahead and remain focused even in the midst of competing and conflicting interests. He believes that service does not end with the completion of one’s tenure in office. To him, service continues for as long as one still has his breath. He was recently asked how he has been coping with life after service during a lecture he delivered at the Afenifere Renewal Group annual lecture in Abeokuta,Ogun State  last month. His response: “I am still in service. My idea of service does not end with occupying an executive position. Even attending party meetings, executing some assignments on behalf of my party,  or town’s union amount to service.”

    Many believe that JKF’s headship of the hugely successful national convention and presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December last year and his current assignment as the head of Policy, Research and Strategy Directorate of the party’s presidential campaign have kept him even busier than his former assignment as governor of Ekiti State. Perhaps what they do not know is that such excellent organisational touch he brought to bear on the APC convention- regarded as the best organised in the country’s history- is simply the JKF signature that distinguishes his four year tenure in Ekiti and makes it a reference point in developmental circle. He believes that when a leader provides the right leadership, the followers would embrace excellence and make it an habit.

    For those who have followed his trajectory right from his students activism days through pro democracy agitation and the current political participation, JKF is guided by the social democratic principle of lifting the weak and vulnerable in the society. His four years stint as governor of Ekiti State witnessed a sincere and consistent effort at banishing poverty and sickness. This was because he knows too well that a poor society is a sick and sickly one. His genuine concern  include how  transactional politics can be replaced with transformational leadership. How institutions of state can be strengthened in order to ensure effective service delivery. Whereas  his critics would readily fault these ideas, describing them as lacking in immediate political gains. Yet, JKF earns their respect for his commitment to these ideals.

    His penchant for development and insatiable desire to get the government to provide for the weak and vulnerable in the society led to some policies including the social security scheme which pays 5,000 monthly stipends to elderly indigent citizens above 65 years; free and compulsory primary and secondary education; computer per child initiative in the public secondary schools; comprehensive renovation of all public schools and hospitals; free health for the physically challenged, children under five, pregnant women and elderly citizens among others. The need to spread development across the nooks and crannies of the state also led to the introduction of five kilometres road project implemented yearly in all the council areas. And when you add this to the structured empowerment programmes for the youths and women, you have a government that had something for everybody under the JKF administration.

    As Fayemi attains the golden age today, it is obvious that the energy and wisdom to run even a more impactful race in the second half of the century are bubbling in him like an hyper-active volcano.

    Born on February 9, 1965 into the family of the late Chief and Mrs. Francis Falade Fayemi. A native of Isan-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, he had his elementary education in Ibadan before attending Christ’s School, Ado- Ekiti for his secondary education between 1975 and 1980.

    John Kayode Fayemi received his first degree in History from the University of Lagos in 1985, a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), in 1987 and a doctorate in War Studies from the King’s College, University of London, England in 1993, specializing in civilian-military relations and defence planning.

    Prior to joining partisan politics, Dr Fayemi  was the pioneer Director  Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). He was a Georgetown University Leadership Fellow in 2000 and a Senior Visiting Fellow in African Studies, North Western University, Evanston, USA in 2004. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan and was on the Adjunct Faculty of the African Centre for Strategic Studies, National Defence University, USA, between 2001 and 2005.  He was a member of the Governing Board of the Open Society Justice Institute, New York and African Security Sector Network.

    Fayemi has written and lectured extensively on governance and democratization.  He is also a recipient of several awards, fellowships and grants including the Ford Foundation grant on  Special Initiative on Africa and the Macarthur Foundation research grant. His tenure as Governor of Ekiti State witnessed many reforms and earned the state a number of first positions in the areas of   education, agriculture, health, rural development and social empowerment. This was attested to by local and international organisations leading to special recognitions including: Leadership Newspaper’s Governor of the year award, 2012; the Zik’s Prize in Leadership (Good Governance) Award in 2013; Champion Newspapers Governor of the Year award in 2014.

    Even with what some might consider as his foibles, there is no doubt that in JKF the researcher, the teacher, the activist, administrator and strategist come together with all the ideas that can help us change the way we think and act about leadership, scholarship, political tolerance, social justice and human capital development.

    From the four corners of the country and beyond come fifty gbosas for this innovator,  democrat and change agent- above all, an Omoluabi – as he joins the golden club today.

  • Celebrating US-Cuba’s new start

    SIR: Not many people saw it coming yet it did. In fact, not many would think this day will ever come but it did and that in itself is a sign that nations in conflict could resolve issues through diplomacy. President Barack Obama, after months of furtive negotiations with the Cuban government, announced a number of sweeping changes that would kick-start economic, political and diplomatic relations with Cuba. The announcement formed part of Obama’s post-2008 election policy shifts where a “new start” in relations was promised between the two countries.

    President Obama had in 2011 relaxed some travel restrictions but the implementation remained stalled so long as Alan P. Gross, a US government contractor arrested in 2009 and sentenced to 15 years in a Cuban prison was still held. The role played by the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis in the negotiations is remarkable. In fact, he helped to encourage the talks through written letters to both countries’ president and even hosted a meeting at the Vatican in October to finalise the deal. Both presidents even went as far as talking for the first time in over 50 years on the phone for more than 45 minutes to formally seal the deal.

    As a step forward, Cuba released Mr. Gross (released separately on humanitarian grounds because he was, according to officials, not technically part of the release deal) and the US in return freed three imprisoned Cuban spies caught in 1998. Part of the deal will see the US easing restrictions on remittances, travel and banking. Cuba will follow up by allowing more internet access and releasing 53 Cubans identified as political prisoners by the US. Also, Cuba will be removed from the US terrorist list which will pave the way for a much deeper bilateral cooperation in the area of counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism among other related security issues. The most important highlight of this new policy is the resumption of diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies in Havana and Washington respectively.

    The new start in is a right step in the right direction. Now is the time to kick-start a viable process that will end the 54 years of political debacle that has divided families and wounded lives. This is not only victory for Latin America but also Cuba and the US. This is victory for American foreign policy and international peace. Despite growing dissatisfaction with this policy shift among the Republican dominated Congress and a number of Latin American states, it is hoped common sense will prevail. The new start is certainly a win-win situation for both countries; a laudable initiative and a very important opportunity for the US to change the world’s perception about its foreign policy decisions. The cold war has ended and so should the sanctions and embargo on Cuba.

     

    • Raheem Oluwafunminiyi,

     Lagos

  • Celebrating Seni Adetu

    Celebrating Seni Adetu

    It is no longer news that the erst while MD/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc will be moving on to another role effective January 1, a role to be announced closer to that time. Today, we want to celebrate this enigmatic business leader who has made a remarkable impact on not just the Nigerian business landscape, but across Africa in general. It would be recalled that this gentlemen, who has had a distinguished career of nearly 30 years working for multinational companies such as John Holt, Coca-Cola and Guinness (Diageo) first had his general management experience in 2001, when he was heading all of West Africa (excluding Nigeria) for Coca-Cola based in Accra, Ghana. He later joined Guinness Ghana as the first African MD/CEO in the nearly 40 year’s history of the company. In that period, he led the company to becoming the best company in the entire Diageo (Guinness) International in 2008 and was subsequently promoted to run the East African Breweries Plc as Group Managing Director/CEO in 2009 where he further blossomed to the extent he was runner up ForbesBusiness Leader of the Year in East Africa.

    Since taking over the mantle at Guinness Nigeria, where he became the first Nigeria in almost 20 years as Managing Director, whilst the company has had a tough period relating to soft topline as a result of down-trading into value segment for a company with a largely premium portfolio, Seni Adetu has led the company creditably and seems to be bowing out when the ovation is loudest. Under his watch, he has completely re-shaped the portfolio to make the company much more competitive.

    Unlike in the period prior to his assumption of office, the company now competes strongly in the value segment with its Dubic and a repositioned Satzenbrau.

    Furthermore, he led the renovation of core brands such as Guinness and Harp, which are now both looking so much trendier and complemented by such powerful campaigns as Made of Black.

    He also justifiably prides himself in the quality of the innovation he has put into the Nigerian market. Aside from the relatively successful Snapp he launched a couple of years ago, perhaps by far the most market-defining innovation ofthe decade is the recently launched Orijin brand – which comes as Orijin Bitters and Orijin ready to drink. These brands are said to be flying and are well adored by the adult Nigerian consumers – male and female -huge credit to him for the execution of this innovation.

    As a football loving executive, his support – personal and company-wise, for the Super Eagles is well demonstrated. It was he who led the corporate world through Guinness, in providing support for the national team in the run-in to the 2013 African Nations Cup (which the Super Eagles won) and the 2014 World Cup with Guinness as the official beverage. But none of these achievements is surprising considering that he has always been a career-marketer, having once being the Marketing Director for Coca-Cola in Nigeria.

    Beyond his commercial astuteness, Seni Adetu is very passionate about people that work for him. It is no wonder that within weeks of his assumption of office a couple of years ago, his first instinct was to bring together all GN staff at an all-staff conference where he spelt out his vision for the company and his personal purpose in life. Since then he has proceeded in engaging key talent into Guinness Nigeria Plc atvarious levels and across functions in the organisation. But anyone that listens to Seni would know very quickly that he believes, as he says, in the “tripod” of People, Performance and Reputation. To that extent, he has always said that under his watch there must be no single case bothering on integrity or reputation.

    In a phone chat yesterday he said, “I am so grateful to God that by the time I am done, we would be celebrating a Nigerian who has led a multi-national company absolutely intact. We have not had any issues that could negatively affect the reputation of the company and I humbly believe this is largely due to the “tone from the top” and the focus we have on ensuring we are always clean as it relates to controls, compliance and ethics.”

    Today, we celebrate the man of integrity who has done Nigeria proud and who is poised for even greater heights.

  • Wike criticises Amaechi for celebrating verdict

    Wike criticises Amaechi for celebrating verdict

    Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Nyesom Wike has criticised Governor Rotimi Amaechi for celebrating the Supreme Court judgment that brought him to power while allegedly “crippling” the state’s judiciary.

    His Special Assistant (Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, said in a statement that the former minister of State for Education spoke at Abonema last Saturday at a rally where he addressed would-be PDP delegates from the four local councils of Akuku Toro, Asari Toro, Degema and Bonny.

    The aspirant said for a man, who benefited from the judiciary, it was unfortunate that the governor allegedly locked up the courts to deny the less-privileged indigenes access to justice.

    Wike regretted that instead of presenting his party’s candidate, the governor was busy campaigning for himself.

    He also wondered why Amaechi was losing sleep over PDP candidate.

    The aspirant said: “Amaechi is happy with the Supreme Court judgemetn that brought him to power but he has crippled the judiciary. Amaechi is siphoning Rivers money. But he will lose the presidential and governorship elections.

    “Amaechi is spending on PDP governorship aspirants because he cannot present a candidate of APC. I will win the PDP primary by the support of PDP members and will go ahead to win the governorship election.”

    Responding, an Ijaw leader, Chief Precious Elegema, said it’s no coincidence that Wike was visiting the Ijaws to promote his governorship candidacy.

    He thanked the aspirant for proposing to choose his deputy from the Ijaw.

    Elegema said though the Ijaw were interested in becoming the state’s governor, but at the moment, they fully support Wike.

    He added that Rivers State was at a moment of decision, hence the need to support a strong candidate who would liberate the state.

    Former commissioner, Chief David Briggs, stressed that the Kalabari people were working with Wike for future reasons, adding that the people have entered a contract with the former minister for the state’s development.

    King Hope Dan Obusenga, a traditional leader of Oceania in Akuku Toro, said even before Wike started his aspiration, he had started his developmental projects in the area, touching the lives of the people.

    He stressed that Wike stopped Amaechi’s impunity in the area, by ensuring that soldiers were posted to maintain peace.

    According to him, if Wike as a minister could promote peace in the area, he would promote infrastructural development. He donated N10 million to the Wike campaign funds.

     

  • Celebrating ‘Mr Export’

    A reception was held last Wednesday at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, for Obiora Edwin Madu, a.k.a Mr Export, for his Order of Merit Award for National Productivity. NNEKA NWANERI was there. 

    For Obiora Madu, the Chief Facilitator of Multimix Academy, it was another beautiful feather to his cap as he was  honoured  with the National Prductivity Order of Merit Award  by President Gooduck Jonathan on August, 21 in Abuja.  It was in recognition of his contributions to the development of the country.

    Last Wednesday, friends hosted him to a banquet to celebrate the achievement of the man they popularly call Mr Export.

    They comprised those in the private and public sectors who have interacted  with him over the years. Some were from the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UAC Foods, Nigerian Breweries, Dangote Group, Consolidated Breweries, Heritage Bank and many others.

    Also present were members and priests of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Isolo, where Madu serves in many committees.

    To entertain guests were students of the Bethesa Home for the Blind, Surulere, who not only provided a comic relief and jokes to the guests, but also rendered special songs for the man of the day, who has been their benefactor for many years. They wore uniformed attires in national colours — green-white-green.

    After their performance, Madu solicited  for help on their behalf. He said: “They are my special friends; so, please, let us find a way to assist them.”

    It was the Independence Day, so guests were in no hurry to go. There was music; there was food and there were drinks. Everyone was casually dressed; they were relaxed.

    The man of the day moved with graceful steps as he was called to cut the cake for his wedding’s silver jubilee anniversary, which was also marked on that day.

    His wife was in a happy mood. She wore  a long purple dinner gown.

    Pictures of the Madu family were on display through a projector. His friends on the same table teased him: saying there has been a lot of changes in him compared to how he looked in his wedding pictures. This attracted  laughter.

    Encomiums  poured for Madu. First was from his daughter, Oluchi. She sent a note which was read by another member of the family, Oluchi Madu.

    She mentioned many interesting things about her father . She also said she and her siblings were never told the right from wrong, but were shown from his daily exemplary life.

    Madu’s Head of Business Carol Onuoha described him as a passionate coach and a disciplinarian who believes in human capital development and ensures that people add value to their lives.

    President of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alhaji Remi Bello said the honour came rather late for Madu, having impacted on the lives of many.

    Responding, Madu said he has been associating with Bethesa since three years, and was excited with their performance. He said he only wanted the best for them.

    On the award, he said:“I feel on top of the world and it’s wonderful to be celebrated in my lifetime. As I have now been put on the spotlight, I will try to be more proactive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

    Glasses were clicked as Mr Boniface Kalu gave a toast, describing Madu as a noble gentleman. after this, the merrymaking continued.

  • Celebrating an achiever

    Celebrating an achiever

    As part of activities marking his 70th birthday, the University of Lagos held a Festschrift to honour its one-time Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olayide Abass, a distinguished professor of Computer Science, at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, Akoka, Lagos, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    He was the Vice-Chairman of the Waterloo Caucus in the University of Lagos (Unilag), an influential group that caters for the interest of its members.

    The caucus power transcends the political activities of the citadel of learning – It sometimes dictates who gets what, and those who dared the group in the past met their waterloo.

    On Tuesday, some members of the group led by respected Professor of Chemical Engineering Ayodele Francis Ogunye, joined the Prof Rahamon Bello-led management of the institution to honour him.

    He is Mojeed Olayide Abass, a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science and one-time Unilag Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

    A Festschrift was organised by Unilag to honour Prof Abass for his scholarly contribution to the growth of the institution.

    Festschrift, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary originated from German language, from fest – celebration, and Schrift – writing. First used in 1898, it is a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar.

    Abass became the fourth retired Unilag scholar to be honoured with the book entitled: Olayide Abass: On the dynamics of an Evolving Knowledge Society.

    The Afe Babalola Auditorium was the place to be for those that matter in the institution.

    The celebrator came in with his delectable wife of 41 years, Jolaade Titiloye (nee Oyetunde), a princess from Oyefi Ruling House in Ede, Osun State.

    Prof Abass, also a native of Ede, is one of the progenies of Adekilekun dynasty in the popular Ile Imole (Household of Islam), situated at Olusokun Ward in Ede North Local Government.

    He shone in a black suit, a white shirt, red tie, eye glasses and matching pair of shoes. His wife was decked in traditional iro and buba bright peach lace with butter-coloured headgear, necklace and rings dangling on her ears and fingers.

    The event, anchored by Dr Aderonke Samuel featured a welcome address by Unilag Vice-Chancellor Prof Rahamon Bello before former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Chief Oladele Sanusi who chaired the occasion gave his remarks.

    Prof Bello, who first met Prof Abass in 1978 when the latter visited University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada on a Research Fellowship in the company Prof Ogunye and former Unilag VC Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe – all alumni of the University of Waterloo and members of the Waterloo Caucus, described him as a great strategist.

    “He is a realist, simple but sophisticated in all facets of life, a strategist with wide experience and exposure and a compendium of knowledge on contemporary issues, including history particularly Yoruba mythology,” he said.

    Under Prof Abass’ leadership as the  national president of the Unilag Alumni Association, Prof Bello said the association mobilised bigwigs to chart the course of retaining the university’s name and saw to the completion of the iconic ‘Jubilee House’ now housing the headquarters of the alumni association.

    “Baba Tayo, as we call him, paid his dues to the extended family like a typical Yoruba man… I count myself extremely lucky to have come across the personality in Prof Abass. I have learnt from him and keep learning… all I can wish for him is good health and peace of mind to enjoy this stage of his life,” the Unilag VC said.

    Prof Ogunye, who presented the rationale for Festschrifts, described Abass as a fearless friend in need and indeed.

    “He is a dependable ally,” he said.

    The duo first met in 1969 at the University of Waterloo. Their paths crossed again at Unilag. Ogunye said: “We had been close allies and friends since this reunion. We went into the university politics but Layide was a member of the dreaded society, The Speaker Society, comprising the likes of Ebenezer Babatope, Akin Oyebode and a fearless group that exposed the ills of the society at large.”

    Prof Ogunye told the gathering how Prof Abass defied the school authority during the Kwaku Adadevoh-led administration crisis to give evidence against the school in support of him in the court.

    “The news went out like wild fire that Layide had gone to give evidence against the university in my favour and that his career in the university was in jeopardy. They forgot that Layide got his PhD in Computing Science from University of Waterloo, adjudged the best in computing science in North America. Shortly afterwards, Layide was appointed associate professor and later professor. He later became the Dean of his faculty and a deputy vice-chancellor of the university,” Prof Ogunye recalled.

    Prof Ibidapo-Obe, who reviewed the book in a chat with The Nation, said, Waterloo Caucus is a rallying point of a group that insists on doing the right things and supports members and associates to move up in their careers.

    During the presentation of the book by the founder of the Adeleke University, Ede, Dr Deji Adeleke described Prof Abass as a dynamic icon.

    Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ibikunle Tijani, Dr Adeleke said Prof Abass humility is worth emulating.

    He hailed the celebrator for producing many scholars who are now doing well in various tertiary institutions.

    Prof Ralph Akinfeleye from the Department of Mass Communication, who threw up the Waterloo Caucus issues during his brief  comedy-like remarks, congratulated Prof Abass for excellent service to Unilag.

    “He is everything Unilag; his talking is Unilag; his eating is Unilag; his drinking is Unilag; his sleeping is Unilag. I wish him long life and prosperity,” Prof Akinfeleye said in a chat with The Nation.

    One of the celebrator’s students, Dr Mumuni Amadu whose PhD thesis was supervised by Prof Abass, described him as hardworking and a good person.”

    He urged people to emulate  his honesty.

    The Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Lawal, thanked Prof Abass for making him who he is today.

    “I give him credit for everything I achieve today,” he said.

    The celebration continued outside the auditorium with snacks and choice drinks. There was light music as well.

  • Celebrating the virgins of our time

    Celebrating the virgins of our time

    Recently, young men and women gathered to celebrate chastity and purity. They are young people who have kept themselves away from the moral decadence in Nigeria by remaining virgins. ADEJO  DAVID who witnessed the event reports

    It was not the kind of crowd one would expect at such an otherwise solemn event. Earlier that morning, the heavens had opened up and poured torrential rain which had threatened to disrupt the event. But as the intensity of the rain increase so was the number of “virgins” drawn from schools, churches, mosques who had come for the second anniversary celebration of Virgin and Purity, organized by Virgin Pride Network (VPN) in Ikeja Lagos.

    The virgins were immaculately dressed in pink and white while the hall was also symbolically decorated in pink and white.  The concept, Virgin and Purity was the brainchild of Nkechi Odebiyi who is also the President of Virgin Pride Network. According to her, it was an initiative that seeks to celebrate young people who imbibe purity and chastity in a world that is fast losing its meaning.

    In Nigeria, it is no longer in fashion for young people to keep their virginity until the day of marriage. According to socio-behavioral scientists, media influence is a major factor in moral decadence in the country.

    Available statistics also revealed that the number of women getting married as virgins have decreased in the last 20 years in Nigeria, while religious organizations in the country no longer make it mandatory for brides to remain virgins until marriage.

    “There is no doubt there is a low level of moral uprightness in the country at this time, the infusion of foreign culture into the country, the influence of the media and Hollywood movies are the major factors that contributed to moral decadence in the country, people no longer see sex as sacred or holy and something to wait for, they see it  now as a social thing to be enjoyed anytime,” a clergy, Adegboyega Adeyemi said.

    Adeyemi also blamed corruption for the moral decadence in the country saying leaders who exhibited corrupt behavior have lost the moral rights to lead the country and this has impacted negatively on the youths.

    However, another clergy, Dare Adeolu of Christ the Redeemers’ Mission, Abule Egba on the outskirts of Lagos said the level of moral depravity in the country is attributed to the work of the devil. “If you see the level of moral decadence and how the youth no longer see the things of God as sacred, you will know this is more than the work of Hollywood, it is the devil. That is why we can only counter this through praying and spiritual warfare.”

    Odebiyi agreed that the level of moral depravity in the country has to be reined in and therefore set up the VPN to rewards youths who have kept the sacred vows. “This organisation was set up to know the mind of God for us regarding sexuality. We need to know what God expected from us, His desire for us is for a woman to remain a virgin and undefiled until she is married. Our idea is going back to the creation of human beings the way God made it to be,” Odebiyi said.

    That was the essence of the celebration of virgins in Lagos. To show to the world there are still those who will chose to remain pure even with the moral decadence in the country and to educate the virgins on the ways to remain so in the face of temptations.

    Tunde Odebiyi, who was the father of the day admonished the girls to remain pure in the face of the strongest temptation.  But one of the facilitators Ihuoma Onyearuga gave the youths an expert plan. She said the girls should maintain their status by using common sense. This include being careful of the places they go, the kind of friends they keep, the kind of movies they watch and the kind of fun they have. If they do this, Onyearuga assured they would maintain their status as virgins till marriage.

    The virgins also had their say. Oluwafunmilayo Demehin, a 21-year old undergraduate of the University of Lagos said being a virgin has helped her to be confident about contracting diseases or getting unwanted pregnancy. She said her parents have been helpful but ultimately it was the fear of God that has kept her.

    A medical doctor, Theresa Ekwere counseled parents not to allow their children stay indoors with male friends, families and strangers while saying children should be given sex education early in life.

    The virgins also carpeted the law against rapists and pedophiles. Odebiyi said the law is not strong enough and that her organisation may in the future sponsor a stronger legislation against sexual offences. The highlight of the event however was when Odebiyi promised the virgins a special gift if they remained a virgin till their wedding day. And the gift will be given to them on their wedding day if she was invited.

  • Celebrating the geniuses in our midst

    Celebrating the geniuses in our midst

    It was time to celebrate excellence among Yoruba of south west Nigeria recently as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission honoured two exceptional young talents in Ibadan. BISI OLADELE was there.

    Are you a genius? If yes, a red carpet honour is awaiting you at the Development Agenda for Western Nigerian Commission (DAWN).

    DAWN, which is the coordinating body for regional integration of Southwestern Nigeria, has commenced a programme of honour and support for genius graduates of Yoruba extraction.

    The programme was flagged off by according recognition and honoring two geniuses of Yoruba origin who just graduated from the University of Lagos at unbelievable ages.

    Tagged “Talent Repository,” the project, which typifies hall of fame, would see the Yoruba man and woman who distinguish themselves in their career well celebrated and encouraged with necessary support to enhance human capital development of the region.

    Dr. Mariam Raji, 21, and Dr. Hallowed Olaoluwa, 24, were the first to be inducted into the commission’s Talent Repository at its 10th Floor, Cocoa House, Ibadan office recently.

    While Dr. Mariam Raji emerged the youngest graduating medical student at age 21 for the 2012/13 academic session at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Hallowed Oluwadara Olaoluwa emerged the youngest PhD holder in Africa having graduated with the highest degree at the age of 23 years.

    Olaoluwa started his PhD at the age of 21 in March 2011 and completed his thesis at the age of 23 in 2013 but he graduated in January, 2014 at the age of 24. His PhD thesis was adjudged the best in Engineering and Science having made a cumulative grade point average of 5.0. By the feat, Dr. Olaoluwa became the youngest PhD holder in Africa.

    Dr. Raji, daughter of a civil servant, was eight years old when she lost her father. She finished her primary education aged seven before she proceeded to Vanguard Secondary School, Epe, Lagos State, where she graduated at the age of 14. She immediately gained admission to study Medicine at the UNILAG, graduated at 20, but did her convocation at age 21.

    The Director General (DG) of the commission, Mr Dipo Famakinwa explained that the project was aimed at ensuring that individuals with rare and development-prone competencies and capabilities are celebrated, positively mentored and aided to effectively maximize their endowments to the development of the region, the country and the world at large.

    “The Southwest Region has always been a reservoir of high fliers and DAWN Commission deems it critical to develop an organized growth mechanism for the region’s exceptional human capital. He said.

    Famakinwa further explained that the project was part of a deliberate measure towards achieving this goal, adding that it would help tackle the challenge of ‘brain drain’ in the country.

    He said: “ DAWN Commission has instituted actions targeted at harnessing individuals with highest indices of excellence in academics, sports, creativity, arts, design, social work etc. with the objective of celebrating them, setting standards and benchmarks which will eventually cascade into the socio-economic enhancement of the region.”

    The DG expressed dissatisfaction at the rate of brain drain, and the celebration of mediocrity, which he said, has affected the human capital base of the nation. He said the project would help identify, encourage and monitor emerging talents and “rare brains” in the region.

    Famakinwa further stated that the project would help state governments in the region maximize the rare giftedness of some of the indigene, pointing out that phenomena such as those exhibited by the two scholars should not go unnoticed because what they have done is truly remarkable. He stressed that celebrating them helps sustain values in the Southwest region as a place where merit and competence are the yardsticks for success.

    Prof Rotimi Tayo, who applauded this remarkable initiative launched by DAWN, specifically praised the commission’s strategy at guaranteeing that maximum gains are made from the brains God has given the Southwest region.

    Another academic who attended the programme, Prof. Ademola Ariyo, noted that the best brains are most likely to leave the country except institutions create conducive and supportive environment for them. He therefore, charged DAWN commission to ensure that sense of responsibility and ownership be built into the emerging rare talents by instituting a structure that celebrates, rewards, manages and develops talented individuals in the region.

    At the programme were the Group Managing Director (GMD), Odu’a Investments Limited, Mr Adewale Raji; Dr. Bayonile Ademodi; Dr. Tunde Adegbola and members of the DAWN Commission team.

    The commission also recently celebrated the award-winning author of ‘Sahara Testaments,’ Mr Tade Ipadeola and also concluded the DAWN Games 2014, hosted by Lagos State.

    Budding sporting talents from secondary schools around the region were identified. According to its Communication Specialist, Mr. Adetayo Adeleke-Adedoyin,  the commission was already working to organize appropriate management processes “to ensure that these talents are developed into world standards by celebrating them, exposing them, monitoring them both in their social and academic endeavors. Education is so crucial as it plays a key role in development of both cognitive and physical abilities, as does mentoring, among other things. The framework will offer an opportunity for a diverse group of individuals to develop their natural God-given potentials into development commodities that would benefit the region and by extension, the global community.”

    The commission had earlier held a strategy retreat sponsored by the Lagos State Government. The retreat, according to a statement by Adeleke-Adedoyin, was aimed at defining “a sustainable economic competitiveness value agenda for the Southwest region” during which the need to build a huge human capital base for the region was highlighted

  • Imoke: Celebrating gentleman-governor at 53

    Today is no doubt unique. Unique in the sense that it is an important date which occurs only once in a calendar year in the life of a man (I used the term man, generically to include woman). Today is equally one of those rare occasions many in political offices would spare no effort to roll out the drums for having notched half a century and three years.

    In a clime where life expectancy is lamentably put at 47 years, no one can begrudge someone occupying such an exalted office of governor from throwing a bash or better still make some noise at 53 years.

    But for Governor Liyel Imoke, even as he clocks 53 today, he would rather have none of it as it is usually not one of his pastimes. He considers it frivolous. And so for him, today will pass just like yesterday or any other day.

    Nevertheless, at 53, his life flips at your face like an open book with illuminating chapters you never get tired of perusing.

    Born 53 years today to late Dr. Samuel Imoke, in July 10, 1961, there is an element of freshness about him at just 53 years, freshness of spirit, freshness of ideas, freshness of vision and mission about him as a person, as a leader and statesman.

    For a leader who has hit a purple patch and made a glittering success of life at a very young age in both private and public capacity, is life itself not worth celebrating at 53? Not a few will respond in affirmative that it calls for popping of champagne and rendition of speeches.

    But for His Excellency, the task of offering responsive leadership is too demanding to bask in birthday frivolities. So, if today, as unique as it ought to be in the life of His Excellency, comes to pass as uneventful, it is deliberate and only goes to define his personage as a gentle, calm, reticent and self-effacing leader and statesman.

    While many hanker after leadership, and inordinately crave that too, Imoke has overtime exemplified and redefined what a true leader ought to be.

    In his case, while he did not set out to be a leader, but rather became one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent, he has demonstrated the confidence to stand for what he believes in, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.

    Everything considered, Imoke is not your everyday leader who abrasively foists himself or throws himself in your face. He is the kind that God in His compassion, thrusts on the people to make a difference, create an impact, leave an indelible mark and remains etched in their memories years after he has gone.

    For me, His Excellency is one I regard as a servant leader, one who is not concerned about his own success, but who sacrifices himself completely for the success of others. Imoke is a servant leader who does not write people off when they fail to acquit themselves or square up to expectations, rather one who comes alongside them and assists them grow into their potentials.

    He no doubt learnt the story of his people before he threw his hat into the ring in 2007 to drastically transform them. As a servant leader, his administrative style is not to coerce his people to change; but to carefully assist them to change from the well-worn siege that government only existed for those in government.

    Determined to make a difference and bring about a change in the lives of his people, he has continued to strive to bequeath a legacy that will inspire generations after him to honestly live and not just exist.

    As he turns 53 today, so much is being said about him by a vast concourse of lieutenants, aides, associates alike. There is a consensus of opinion that His Excellency is a perfect gentleman to the core, an amiable leader with an infectious humility. Many across a broad spectrum often speak of his charm and an overdose of his humility with envy.

    This trait is so telling that it is often difficult in several of his official and private outings to distinguish him from his aides. Instances abound where the government with his team have experienced delayed flights. On such unpleasant situations, you will find His Excellency engaged in warm and informal conversations with his aides to the point that you are likely to take them as contemporaries.

    As a team player, Senator Imoke seriously frowns on the personalization of governance or leadership. He is one rare leader who goes out of his way to shore up the self-esteem of his staff.

    His philosophy is anchored on the belief that if people believe in themselves, it is amazing what they can accomplish. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader. This philosophy has been the galvanizing tonic in the success of his administration this past seven years.

    A deeply cerebral and reticent leader and an administrator, he believes that there is much to gain by listening than talking. It is this attribute that equally characterises his lack of “noise” surrounding so many of achievements in office these seven years.

    At a time when it is most fashionable in government to advertise every little token like filling of potholes, commissioning of sewing machines and motorcycles as poverty palliatives, Imoke, despite the numerous capital projects scattered across the state, has gone about infrastructural development with the least noise necessary.

    In governance, he has continued to point the way forward and raising the bar, challenging leaders of all levels of government on what a difference vision, creativity, focus and persistence can make.

    His style is very firm, but not rigid, inclusive and accommodating, but still demands sacrifice and commitment from all. His style is consultative and open, yet very decisive. His humanity is unquestionable, even as he seeks to the entrenchment of tough and enduring policies for posterity.

    It is exactly this style of leadership that Cross River State people needed at the time he became governor in 2007. Despite the obvious despair, hopelessness and daunting challenges then, Imoke demonstrated strong convictions and unusual courage as well as an enterprising spirit. This has been the main reason for his effectiveness.

    As an astute manager of resources, Imoke sees plenty, even in the face of paucity. It this rare determination to make the most out of nothing, that he has ensured Cross River State is growing in leaps and bounds and raising the bar for others. That Cross River has become a developmental template and a reference point for most of the states today is due largely to Imoke’s conscientiousness and forthrightness.

    Governor Imoke has transposed his calm persona on the system by entrenching such core values of trust, selflessness, integrity and passion for the people and effectively earning their confidence and abiding followership.

    He has re-defined the concept of leadership and effective governance by re-orientating the mindset of the political class to see politics as a call to service.

    As he clocks 53 today, a lot can still be learnt from his example. A retelling of countless stories from his life in private and public service offers generous inspirational material to draw from.

    We can felicitate with him by reflecting on a man who labours in the face of nothing to change his state and then try to live up to his standards.

    Happy birthday Your Excellency!

    • Obogo is Personal Assistant to Imoke on Research and Documentation