The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Celebrations

  • Thoughts on Armed Forces Day Celebrations

    Thoughts on Armed Forces Day Celebrations

    Several nations of the world hold an annual Armed Forces Day Celebrations in honour of their military. Nigeria is not left out. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations in Nigeria is an annual event organized to honour members of the armed forces who fought in the first and second world wars. It is also an event to honour those who served or are still serving in various peace support operations worldwide as well as those who fought in the Nigerian Civil War.

    The day is therefore to celebrate both the dead and the living heroes including all those who suffered various deprivations as a result of wars. The day was formerly marked on November 11 of every year to coincide with the Remembrance Day popularly known as “POPPY DAY” or “11 – 11” for the first and second world wars veterans in all commonwealth countries. However in Nigeria, in view of some significant historical events, notably the surrender of Biafran troops to the federal troops on January 15, 1970, it is celebrated on January 15 every year.

    From thence, military personnel including the army, the navy, the air force and the Nigerian legion converge in different centres across the federation to celebrate the day and give honour to the fallen and living heroes who hazarded and continue to hazard their lives for the territorial integrity of the nation and for peace to reign worldwide. The event is held at the federal, state and local levels where either serving military officers reside or where living ex-service men occupy.

    Several events including release of pigeons to symbolize peace, placing of wreaths, playing of the last post, Remembrance Day Parade, firing of 21 gun salute and others characterize this memorable day. The military officers are usually attired in diverse colours typical of their fields, be it navy, air force, army and the ex-service men. The event also witnesses religious services in both mosques and churches nationwide.

    Looking at the historical background of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, it is obvious that it is purely a military affair, since they are primarily saddled with safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation.

    However, the present internal security challenges on different theaters for almost a decade now has, without mincing words, stretched the military beyond its limits and expectations as is evident that the military alone could no longer handle the situation especially in the North-east where the Boko Haram held sway for some time.

    This had led to a lot of alignment of forces, contributions, supports and collaboration from various security agencies to fight the series of insurgencies that have been confronting the nation. The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for instance, has been known to participate in both peace keeping and peace support operations all over the world while to a lesser extent the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Security (DSS) have all contributed personnel on peace support operations in UNMIL in Liberia, UNAMID in Darfur and the UNMIS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan), during which lives were even lost.

    I also wish to add that a lot of officers and men of the various security agencies that formed the Joint Task Force (JTF) to combat the Boko Haram insurgency have lost their lives in the process of performing military operations outside their statutory duties; just like the military is now fully involved in the internal security operations to secure the lives and properties of citizens in this country which is primarily the function of the Police. This synergy and collaboration is needed particularly at a time like this when the capacity of the armed forces is stretched thin. This is where the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) which has contributed significantly to the fight against terrorism and lost many of their men deserves a special place in the annual celebrations.

    It is observed that Nigeria as a sovereign nation, considering her unique historical events and challenges changed her own Remembrance Day Celebration from November, 11 to January 15 of every year and also the form or scope of the celebrations to suit her own purpose and the dictate of the situation till date.

    In as much as the essence of the Remembrance Day Celebrations is to honour officers and men either dead or living who served in various peace support operations worldwide, including those who fought in the world wars and the Nigeria Civil War; it is highly recommended that the scope of the celebrations be expanded to take care of the new security developments in the country especially those figting in the Boko-Haram war among other insurgencies ravaging the country. It is good and morally right that the leadership of the various security agencies other than the military and the police that have contributed to the achievement of international, regional and national peace especially in Nigeria where its corporate existence has and is still being threatened, be made to lay wreaths during the Remembrance Day Celebrations in honour of their own service heroes too.

    The organizing committee of the event can schedule and incorporate the sequence of laying of wreaths by the concerned service chiefs in their programme for the day.

    “What is good for the goose is good for the gander”

  • Peaceful celebrations in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Yola, Gombe

    The Eid-El-Fitr festivities were celebrated peacefully in most states of the Northeast, as security was tightened in Borno and Yobe – the two states worst hit by the activities of insurgents.

    Reports by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that vehicular movements were restricted in the two states for certain period, to avert any ugly incident, especially during the congregation prayers.

    Borno Police Command had announced total ban on vehicular movement during the prayer time, resulting in the closure of most roads in the metropolis.

    Security personnel were also deployed to prayer grounds to screen worshippers thoroughly at the entrance.

    Some worshippers interviewed hailed the security agents for their efforts in ensuring security at the prayer grounds.

    The police had deployed 2,000 personnel across the state to ensure adequate security during the celebrations.

    In Yobe, the congregation prayers were conducted peacefully, just as a 12-hour restriction on vehicular movements was also enforced across the state.

    Armed security men and vigilante groups were placed at strategic locations to keep vigil on movement of people to the prayer grounds.

    In the past, cases of suicide bombing were experienced at prayers grounds in Damaturu, especially during the peak of Boko Haram insurgency.

    Some Muslim faithful in Damaturu expressed gratitude to God for the peace enjoyed in the state throughout the one month Fasting period.

    In his Sallah message, the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, urged the people to use the period to pray for the country and improved health for President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We should also, as good citizens, more than ever before, and be prepared to work and act together in our resolve for the attainment of a happier and more prosperous future for our State and indeed our great country, Nigeria,” he said.

    The situation was also the same in Adamawa, another state that had grappled with the menace of Boko Haram insurgents.

    NAN reports that no ugly incident was recorded across the state, just as rainfall forced a shift in the venue of the congregation prayers, from open prayer ground, to Yola Central Mosque.

    The rainfall also affected the staging of durbar at the palace of the Lamido of Adamawa, usually associated with  such celebrations.

    Receiving members of various groups and associations who paid him Sallah homage, Gov. Muhammadu Bindow said reports reaching him from security agencies indicated that the celebration was hitch-free across the state.

    Bindow urged the people to remain law-abiding and continue to support government at all levels.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to urge our people to participate actively in the ongoing update of voters register because reports reaching me showed that participation is not encouraging,” the governor said.

    In Gombe, celebrations went on peacefully, but it was not business as usual for commercial vehicle operators, who lamented the dearth of passengers.

    Speaking with NAN in  Gombe, Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Malam Ibrahim Bala, said the situation at the various park in the state was worrisome.

    Bala, who attributed the problem to the economic hardship in the country, said the motorists were ready to reduce fares if they would get passengers.

    Muslims in Jos enjoyed a peaceful Eid-el Fitr celebration yesterday, with security tightened in some parts of the Plateau capital.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited some strategic areas in the city, observed that more security personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of worshipers and fun-seekers at recreation centres.

    The Chief Imam of Dutse Central Mosque in Jigawa, Sheikh Sani Birninkudu has advised Muslims to desist from making  divisive comments capable of creating hate and disharmony among people.

    Birninkudu stated this in a sermon to mark Eid-el Fitr prayers in Dutse yesterday.

    The cleric advised Muslims to fear God, reminding them that they would be held accountable for their deeds in the hereafter.

  • Noble Sisters’ Fellowship holds fifth anniversary celebrations

    Noble Sisters’ Fellowship (NSF) of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church will hold its fifth anniversary celebration tomorrow from 10am at the church’s auditorium in Surulere, Lagos.

    NSF is the women’s wing of Deliverance and Healing Ministry Nigeria and international.

    According to the programme’s coordinator Sister Ogochukwu Ekejiuba, guest speaker Mrs Hilda Nwanekwu and other anointed women of God are expected to minister at the event.

    The programme will feature messages on healing deliverance, intercessory prayer, women empowerment drama, D.H.U Zonal Sisters’ performances among others.

    NSF was established on May 10, 2012 by Evangelist Frank Anunibe.

  • Lagos at 50: UK celebrations gather momentum

    Lagos at 50: UK celebrations gather momentum

    Preparatory  to the celebrations of 50 years of Lagos State creation on May 29, Nigerians in the Diaspora have shown great interest in participating in the great event. For instance, Nigerians living in the United Kingdom (UK) have began preparations to celebrate the Golden Jubilee anniversary of Lagos State at 50.

    The world-class celebration; Lagos at 50 London Carnival and Recognition Dinner is a two-day event  that will celebrate individuals and corporate organisations in Lagos and in the Diaspora who have made contributions to the development of Lagos culturally and economically.

    This first-of-its-kind event will bring together Lagosians who have different success stories to share in a colourful and relaxed environment.

    Scheduled to hold at the popular Hyde Park and the prestigious Cumberland Hotel in August, Lagos at 50 London Carnival and Recognition Dinner is bound to revitalise the bond and rekindle the flame and passion for a prosperous Lagos in the minds of Lagosians in the Diaspora.

    The event, which is powered by InstinctWave, a full spectrum publishing, B2B event management, business and media solutions company, in conjunction with the present administration of Lagos State.

    There will be exclusive showcase of investment opportunities that Lagos State offers to European investors in key sectors, while the special recognition dinner will celebrate individuals and corporate brands that have excelled in the vibrant business climate of Lagos.

    Lagosians in the Diaspora will engage with Lagos State Governor and senior government executives to share the vision of the state. Other side attractions include colourful display of culture, music and various cultural mingling.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InstintWave, United Kingdom, Mr Akin Naphtal, the company has, over the years, with its understanding of local and global environment and the needed competitive edge, brought to life premium events in the UK and Africa.

    “We will create a remarkable event that will linger in the memories of Lagosians for years to come. This is a special time for Lagosians in the Diaspora and London is the best place to do this. We all know that there are many Nigerians and, especially Lagosians in London.”

    He added that Lagos and London have many things in common, hence the reason for situating the celebrations in London.

    London is the multi-cultural melting point in Europe. It is the European gateway. Like Lagos, it is a city of dreams, possibilities and endless adventure. The population of Nigerians in London is the highest in any city abroad. For decades, Nigerians are easily at home in London. Also, Lagosians in Europe can easily connect to London and be part of the event.

    “Brands interested in sponsorship can visit our website www.lagos@50ukcarnival for more enquiries, he added.

  • Okon and Baba Lekki in rowdy Easter celebrations

    There are more matters for an April morning—— to misappropriate the great bard of Stratford Upon Avon. William Shakespeare himself was no stranger to poaching, having been once famously accused of poaching deer from a government Reservation. There were rumours that the supreme deity of dramatic literature poached other things as well. But that is not before the board, as they say in the arcane lingo of bureaucratic mischief.

    With Okon, it is one trouble per day. A  week to Easter, snooper stumbled on the mad boy with Baba Lekki in festive mood surrounded by several kegs of fresh palm wine. The duo were already the worse for drunken wear. Snooper tiptoed away to avoid unnecessary commotion, but the mad boy was having none of that.

    “Oga come join us now. Man no be wood, even Tiger Wood sef no be wood”, the mad boy hollered and winked at his accomplice.

    “Okon, what is all this nonsense”, snooper charged.

    “Oga no be nonsense. Na pammy now and you know say na Palm Sunday”, the wicked boy sneered.

    “So, where did you get all this palm wine from when you are not a tapper?”

    “Ha oga dat one easy. As dem militant dey chase police for Majidun bush, gbuam, gbuam na him palm wine man come pick race na him I come take wine for protected custody”, the mad boy snorted. Sensing that the Okon may also take his master into protective custody, snooper held rapid conversation with his legs.

    A week later on Easter day, the mad boy had dramatically raised the stakes. As he was approaching the kitchen, snooper saw Okon and Baba Lekki scrambling away with Okon’s mouth swollen in gluttony.

    “Okon, what is that in your mouth?” snooper called out.

    “The boy him get menu-gitis”, Baba Lekki crowed.

    “I am not talking to you stupid old man”, snooper screamed. By this time snooper had reached the kitchen only to find the place littered with egg shells. By which time, Okon had also recovered the initiative.

    “Oga na poached egg for Easter. Abi no be so dem dey do for England?” the crazy boy snorted.

    “I hope this is not from my kitchen” snooper shouted.

    “If he be poached egg where him go come from?” Okon demanded.

    “Poached egg is poached egg, abi you no go school?” Baba Lekki sniggered as he dragged Okon out into the street singing and dancing. Happy Easter to you all.

  • Celebrations, as last episode of Hotel Majestic premieres

    Celebrations, as last episode of Hotel Majestic premieres

    Only big events take place at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. The premiere of Hotel Majestic was no less a pomp, as celebrities and socialites joined the cast and crew of the critically acclaimed telenovella to celebrate the final episode.

    Hosted by ace compere and television host, Ebuka Uchendu, the event featured stellar performances from artistes and comedians, including rave-of-the-moment Y.C, Harrysong, Funnybone and Kenny Black. The gathering also provided an avenue for fans of the show to celebrate up close with their favourite cast members, even as Africa Magic, the continent’s leading provider of premium African entertainment content, promised more for its viewers.

    Some of the faces spotted at the event include Patrick Doyle, Sadiq Daba, Ivie Okujaye, Tina Mba, Linda Ejiofor, Wole Ojo, Ibukun Ukeje, Kemi lala Akindoju, Franklin Lenoard, Olamide Akintobi, Shade Ladipo, Vixen Ikwerre, Zainab Balogun, Funke Bucknor Obruthe among others.

    “Tonight, we celebrate the success of Hotel Majestic. We recognise that this level of success would be unachievable without the incredible support that our viewers across Africa and indeed the rest of the world have shown and we want to thank everyone who partook in the show’s success. The cast and crew have been phenomenal, even as Hotel Majestic officially provided a platform for many new exciting talents to shine,” said the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu.

    Hotel Majestic has been lauded by fans across Africa for its fresh storyline, exciting blend of established and new talents, and stellar production.

    “We are excited to announce that for those viewers who missed out on all the excitement of Hotel Majestic, the show will be rebroadcast soon on Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153). But the excitement on Africa Magic does not end there as this January we are also premiering Jikulumessu, an exciting Angolan series. In everything, the Africa Magic channels will continue being the home of the best entertainment for Africa by Africans,” Mba-Uzoukwu added.

  • Celebrations, as Item elects new ruler

    After four years without a king, the people of Item recently elected a new traditional ruler,  the Okpi of Item, in the person of HRM, Eze Silas Okeofia Igwe, reports Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke in  Umuahia.

    Saturday, August 8, 2015, will for a long time remain memorable in the minds of the people of Item, as the ancient town of Apuanu Item installed a new Okpi in the person of HRM, Eze Silas Okeofia Igwe.

    For four years since the last Okpi, HRM Eze Kingsley Agwu joined his ancestors, the people of Item have been without a traditional head, despite having several other autonomous traditional rulers.

    The president general of Item Development Association, Bishop Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, while addressing the mammoth crowd said it was most exciting that the Okpi eventually emerged without rancour and acrimony.

    Speaking, the Grand Patron of Item Development Association, Professor Joe Irukwu, SAN said he had to attend the ceremony because he believed that Okpi remains a cultural and traditional symbol of unity for the people of Item.

    In its presentation, the Obu Ano Item led by Prince Okenwa Ichie, rendered the history of Item, among other historical imperatives of the people, saying that the people of Item originally lived at a place called Potopo. Potopo lies between Ohafia in Abia State and Biakpan in the present Cross River State. It is interesting to note that there is still a place called Item near Igbo Ekwurekeu in the old Afikpo Division, but now in present Cross River State, due to boundary adjustments in 1976.

    The name suggests that the people of this area had something to do with Item people, who either inhabited that place or whose memory and name that town is designed to commemorate. There are traces of dialectal, customary, traditional and cultural similarities in the lives of these people with their Afikpo neighbours, Edda, Nkporo, Item, Alayi and Ozuitem.

    For some reasons, the people of Item in a mass exodus left Potopo fighting some hostile communities and held animals on their way. They first settled at Ozuzuike Item, later shortened to Ozuitem, and having failed to find Akom  raw materials for construction of domestic and war implements, continued their journey.

    However, some members of the group opted to settle at Ozuitem because they could no longer continue on the journey to find a better place, while the rest continued their movement through EBE and OFFIAKA and discovered “AKOM” at Mgbeleukwu and from there, they drove away the original inhabitants of Item and occupied the place.

    Item clan is geographically bounded on the north by Ugwueke clan in Abia State and Akeze in Ebonyi State; on the south by Igbere and Abairiba; on the east by Nkporo and west by Alayi.

    Item is the largest and most populous clan in Bende Local Government Area and it is made up of four (4) ancestral villages, namely Apuanu, Okoko, Amaokwe and Ameke.

    As a result of expiation of farming activities and hunting expeditions, some members of the four (4) ancestral villages established new settlements, which later metamorphosed into five villages namely Akanu, Okagwe, Umuakpa, Okai and Amaekpu and today, Item clan is made up of nine (9) villages with Apuanu as the traditional head.

    The Okpi stool

    The Okpi Stool is an ancient, sacred, foremost or highest traditional institution in Item. The Okpi is the father of Item people. The Okpi is the Paramount Ruler of Item and Clan Head of Item. The Okpi Stool is non-religious and non-political; rather he is the father of all religious and political bodies. Okpi of Item is the head of the executive, legislature and judiciary in Item traditional system of government.

    Item traditional system of government

    Before the advent of the colonial government, Item people had a stable traditional government. Okpi was and still is the father of Item and the pinnacle of the whole genealogy. In Item generally as in most neighbouring communities like Abam, Abiriba and Ututu, the Otosi or Ofo Eze is the system of supreme authority of rulership.

    It would be extremely difficult to describe or explain the influence and importance of the Otosi in the life of Item people. All authorities in the community derive legitimacy from the Otosi or Ofo Eze, hence traditional rulership in Item is hereditary.

    The kindred’s with royal and priestly responsibilities are those that brought Otosi to Item from Potopo. The Otosi or Ofo Eze remains the most important symbol of authority in Item.

    The Otosi or Ofo Eze is a very powerful swagger always left in the authority of traditional Ruling and Royal Kindreds. The Otosi was and remains a source of strength succour, bond of unity, as well as political and religious union, hence you hear the slogan “ITEM BU ULORANI” [Item is one house]. Little wonder, all important cultural festivals in Item, such as Igwa Nmam, Ita Achicha, Iwa Ama and Iri Ndi are celebrated on same day in Item Clan.

    The following are the ancestral royal and ruling kindred in Item: Ndi Okorocha Apuanu Item, Umuafiaji Okoko Item, Ekwo Amaokwe Item and Umuovum Ameke Item. In the olden days, these four royal kindred constitute the Abu Ano Item  Item King Makers and their heads were the heads of the four original villages in Item.

    They were assisting the Okpi of Item, who doubled as the chairman of Obu Ano Item in performing the executive, legislative and judicial functions. In these four villages, they are second in command to the traditional village heads, otherwise known as “AGBA EZE” in Apuanu Item, the Agba Eze is Ndu Ihize, in Okoko Item- Umuogbe Okoko Item in Amaokwe Item  Amafor Amaokwe Item, in Ameke Item Ndi Elekwa/Ugwuapu/Amaoba.

    As farmsteads expanded and increased both in population and socio-economic activities, they were given village status. They include Okagwe, Umuakpa, Akanu, Okai and Amaekpu Item. In other to have efficient and effective government in Item, the heads of the five new villages were admitted into the Council of Chief and Elders, still under the chairmanship of Okpi of Item no matter the venue of their meeting.

    They perform the executive functions in their various villages but were not vested with the sceptre of Otosi or Ofo Eze. Nonetheless, it must be noted that in these five villages only the kith and kin of heads and second in command were the heads, hence it is convenient and appropriate to incorporate them into the supreme council of Obu Ano Item  Item King-Makers.

    No wonder, the colonial government after a careful study opined that Item had a stable traditional government similar to the system in England and congratulated as well as encouraged Item people on their orderly system of government.

    Method of selection and installation of Okpi of Item

    Whenever there is a vacancy usually by the demise of the ruling Okpi, the Stool of Okpi Item devolves on the next senior man in Ndi Okorocha Royal Kindred, except where he objects to taking the office for a reason. Immediately after the death of the ruling Okpi and before new one takes office, the son of the deceased Okpi or a minor a regent from his family is appointed by the king-makers to act as Okpi, until the new Okpi is selected and installed in accordance with age-long tradition of Item.

  • Triple celebrations for Owo monarch

    Triple celebrations for Owo monarch

    The Olowo of Owo, Oba David Victor Folagbade Olateru Olagbegi III (CFR), will be 74 years old tomorrow. He was given the certificate/ letter of his appointment as the  Chancellor of  the University of Jos, last Friday. One of his children, Prince Leke, is getting married this weekend. The monarch spoke about the triple joy with Taiwo Abiodun. 

    For the past one week  the ancient town, Owo in Ondo  state has been agog as it has been receiving visitors, and this week starting from tomorrow  again, the palace will be feasting  and hosting visitors. Reason?  Tomorrow, Oba David Folagbade Olateru  Olagbegi III  (CFR) will  clock 74 years old. The monarch was  born on June 26, 1941.

    Last  Friday, the palace received over 50 top management  Staff  from the University of Jos,  who came  to officially present the monarchwith a letter of his appointment as the Chancellor of the University.

    The monarch was among the Chancellors appointed by the immediate past President  Goodluck Ebele  Jonathan as one Chancellors of Federal Nigerian Universities.

    Decked in his white flowing  apparel (agbada), and dangling  on his  hand, legs and neck are beads meant for a royal status with his red cap to match, the monarch  was presented the official letter from the University by the Pro Chancellor , Dr Dan Etiebet, and assisted by  the Vice Chancellor Professor Hayward Babale Mafuyai.

    The  Monarch thanked the top management staff on the appointment and promised to do his best in making the university be ranked among the best in the country .

    On his birthday, the monarch said it would a low key , “I would like it to be a low key “, he said.

    The Olowo of Owo who could not do without celebrating his birthday in the Redeemed Christian Church of God  ‘Jesus Palace Parish’ in the Palace compound said he would be going to the  Palace Church for thanksgiving , he said “ though I want it low key but I will go to Jesus Palace Chapel to thank God for sparing my life till this moment .“

    Quoting  from the Holy Bible he said God has been merciful and kind to him,  adding that:  “I thank everybody for their prayer and love for Owo kingdom and for my humble self. We should endeavor to continue to love ourselves, be  prayerful and be positive”. He also extend his greetings to Muslim brothers who are observing the Ramadan fast to remain steadfast and do the will of Allah”.

    Before the monarch  was the Holy Bible  on his table where he quoted conspicuously from without using his eye glasses .

    At 74,  Olateru Olagbegi III does not use glasses  while he does not walk with the aid of walking stick except the royal beaded walking stick for occasions.

    According to him,  it is part of gift God  gave me. “I don’t use medical recommended glasses to read. God gave me good health and I thank him. There  will always be challenges but the important thing is to put  your trust in God, the bible says you should  not put your trust in Man but in Him  (God). Holy Bible contains the words of God .You cannot do without the words of  God. He is the King of kings, the saviour, omnipotent and omniscience and no one can be compared with Him,” he said.

    When reminded of the Bible passage that says a man  has fulfilled God’s given age at 70 , the royal father did not agree and said “It depends on where you are reading in the Bible. I think it is David in Psalm 70, but if you read another area in the Bible God says He wants us to live up to  180  while another passage says if  a person does not  live up to 100 years that means that person is accursed ,So those who want to  claim 70 can  claim 70, and for those who will claim 80 or 180  should but ,there are some people who live more than 100 , some don’t live up to 70, very few people live up to  120″.

    When asked about the speculation in town of the monarch living up to 100 years, the monarch said “there is nothing God cannot do, I claim it in Jesus’ name.  I pray to be up to that. Since I was young I knew its only God  that does not disappoint. He has not disappointed me in life, God is my refuge, companion and my father , He does not leave me. I put my trust in Him and when  you trust Him , He will supply all your needs.

    “In the book of Isaiah , it says if one is not up to 100 that means the person is accursed and yet in the  book of Genesis  Chapter 6 verse 3 says “and The Lord said my spirit shall  not always strive with man , for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.”

    On his  name, David  and Victor that are synonymous with the Biblical David , he said “I was given ‘David’ by my parents. I tried my best but I can’t compare myself with the a biblical David‘, he  declared with humility.

    In the book of Isaiah, it says if one is not 100 that means the person is accursed and yet in the  book of Genesis  Chapter 6 verse 3 says “and The Lord said my spirit shall  not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years”. Another passage in the Bible of Isaiah,  says if a man is not  up to 100  it means he is accursed.

    On lawn tennis which has been the family trade mark , the monarch says he has long played it “ I am supposed to be playing it.  I have not played it for some time .You know as one is getting old  the bone is growing weaker.But as per my daily activities, I wake up in the morning and pray, in the afternoon I pray, in the night I pray.God says we should pray without ceasing .Prayer is the key”.

  • Celebrations as COSON clocks 5

    Celebrations as COSON clocks 5

    It was a night to remember at the fifth edition of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) awards event held on Wednesday May 20 May at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja. The gathering of the cream of the creative industry in Nigeria cuts across age, generation and gender. It had in attendance, musicians like Tuface Idibia, Ras Kimono, and Kenny St. Brown, veterans like Chris Ajilo and Edi Lawani; actors like Patrick Doyle, Jennifer Eliogwu and lots more. It started a little behind schedule, and opened with a rendition of the National Anthem by a trio of ladies, including popular musician Azeezat Allen.

    COSON, it was said, was registered by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in May 2011, as the sole collector of royalties on all music and video recordings made in Nigeria, and to remit same to the creators of such works. The management made bold to say that COSON has disbursed millions of Naira to copyright holders in Nigeria.

    In the words of the Society’s chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, “They told us that nobody would pay a shilling, to play or use people’s songs. Today, the story is different, in the face of all odds, and against all naysayers, COSON has achieved its vision of ensuring that content creators reap the fruit of their labour. Today, the song has become “Let the music pay”, and this has become the mantra of the body. This gathering of like-minded creative minds celebrates the importance of unity in the industry, and as Sunny Neji once put it, “Together the music industry stands, apart we fall.”

    This year had some eminent Nigerian performers, technocrats, and professionals inducted into the COSON Hall of Fame. They include,  Innocent “Tuface” Idibia, Mac Emakpora, Professor Egerton Uvieghara, Sunny Raymond Neji, Patrick Harry Doyle, Emmanuel Ntia, Kenny St. Best, Christopher Abiodun Ajilo, Segun Awosanya, Toju Ejueyitchie, and Eddie Lawani. Others are Patricia Oloruntoba, Ben Ofueze, Kazie Uko, Goke Akinboro, Justin Akpovi-Esade, Justin Ige, and  Nnamdi Agwunobi.

    Mr. Emeka Mba, Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was awarded the COSON Medal of Honor for what they described as his unwavering support and commitment to the cause of Nigerian copyright owners.

    A night of pure entertainment, with bands like the Energy band and Groove Control band, musicians like Tuface and Majek Fashek thrilled the audience with rendition of Majek Fashek’s “Holy Spirit”, and actress-turned-singer, Jennifer Eliogwu serenaded the audience with soulful tunes. Comedian MC Smart was also on ground to entertain the audience. There was also a sumptuous dinner, and as the night came to an end with the cutting of the cake, well wishers wished COSON many more happy years, and look forward to the next anniversary.

  • Season of celebrations

    As part of activities to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Jama-at-ul Islamiyya Society of Nigeria, the organisation installed a new Chief Imam and held merit award. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI and AMIDU ARIJE were there.

    This is a season of celebrations for the Jama-at-ul Islamiyya Society of Nigeria.

    It installed Alhaji Muhammed Babatunde Alfa Nla as the new Chief Imam, 20 years after the death of the former Imam at the society’s mosque in Ilupeju, Lagos.

    The society also marked its 90th anniversary with merit awards/ launch of Commemorative Brochure at the Open Ground of Lagos Television (LTV) in Lagos.

    Guests came in their numbers.

    Most of them were on white traditional attires and some of the women had uniformed white cape with blue design/writing of ‘Jama-at-ul Islamiya of Nigeria’.

    Some exchanged pleasantries and posed for photographs.

    The event began with the opening prayer by Imam Ismail Balaogun and Ustaz Abdul Hameed Hamzat recited Chapter 18:23 of the Holy Qur’an.

    Alhaji Gbagba said the occasion was designed to acknowledge the contributions of some outstanding personalities who are worthy of recognition.

    He told the awardees that the award was a call for further service and enjoined the guests to donate to the society’s projects.

    The Chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Nasirudeen Kekere-Ekun, appealed to everyone to contribute to the growth of the society.

    The Chairperson of the event, Alhaja Simbiat Agbalajobi, urged everyone to live a life worthy of emulation.

    The award session followed. The awardees were accompanied by friends who took photographs with them.

    They were awarded in recognition of their contributions to the growth of Islam.

    They included Prof Daud Noibi; Oba Abdul Ganiyu Adewale Adegbesan; Oba Isiaka Baloogun Oyero;; Alhaja Wosilat Bishi; Alhaja Nurat Suberu; Alhaja Muslimat Subaru; Alhaji Bisi Rodipe; Alhaja Serifat Amuola; Alhaji Abdul Fatai Mayungbe; Chief Rianat Oniru; Alhaji Abdul Fatai Ayeni; Alhaja Serifat Folawiyo; Alhaja Soliat Saka; Justice Sabitiu Goodluck; Dr Hakeem Olatunde Oseni, among others.

    Kereke-Ekun congratulated the awardees

    Alhaja Hairat Sodique gave the vote of thanks, followed by the closing prayer by the missioner of the society, Alhaji Kamaldeen Shuaib.

    At the installation of the new chief Imam of the society, clerics in large numbers were led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Ibrahim Garuba Akinola.

    Alhaji Alfa Nla, the fifth Chief Imam of the society, was the society’s Imam at the Kano State branch before his selection.

    The installation was conducted by the Baba Adini of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou. He prayed on the cap and the white cloth to be used for his decoration. Sheikh Akinola blessed the cap.

    President of the society, Alhaji Fasasi Gbagba, presented the staff of office to the new Chief Imam.

    The event was anchored by Alhaji Abdul Waheed Tella.

    Everybody at the occasion was excited. Pleasantries were exchanged and the event served as a meeting point for some who had not seen themselves in donkey years.

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was represented by Dr Wali Ipaye while Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole stood in for Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    Alhaji Gbagba thanked everyone for gracing the occasion. He also thanked Allah for sparing their lives to witness the 90th anniversary of the society.

    The occasion was chaired by business mogul Alhaji Muyibudeen Makanjuola. He was represented by his wife, Alhaja Lateefah.

    Former Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Lateefah Okunu was the chairperson and Alhaja Wonuola Folami was the mother of the day.

    Aregbesola thanked the society for inviting him as special guest.

    “It is a sign of the grace of Allah to have kept the society at 90; we should be thankful to Allah. You must not forget the founders of the society,” he said.

    He congratulated the new Chief Imam and wished him a successful tenure.

    The guest speaker, Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, spoke on the history of the society. He urged the society to keep the flag flying.

    Alhaja Okunu said she was grateful to Allah for the society’s intervention in her life at a time she needed it most.