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Tag: diligent

  • Be diligent and upright, VC tells union leaders

    Be diligent and upright, VC tells union leaders

    Lagos State University (LASU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun has urged the Students’ Union Government (SUG) leaders to channel their activities towards improving students’ welfare. The VC told them not to underrate their capabilities in achieving great feats in the school, noting that unionism offered students’ leaders enormous potentials.

    Fagbohun spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of the union executive members elected recently. The VC said the essence of serving as union leaders was to learn the art of leadership that could help them with become good leaders in future.

    He advised the students’ leaders to be diligent and upright in the discharge of their duties, noting that their activities in the union would be part of their curriculum vitae that could shape their future engagement in leadership. He told them not to allow their studies to suffer during the period of their leadership.

    Prof Fagbohun said: “If you have come to study for a five year course, don’t waste your time to use five and a half. At a certain age, you must be out there pushing the frontiers of your career. And as a leader, you must be able to confront and solve matters. There is nothing that dialogue will not resolve.”

    Speaking to the union leaders, Dean, Students’ Affairs (DSA), Dr Oluwafemi Obayori, advised them to see politics as a value that would make their lives better.

    He said: “You must convince the students who elected you that you can independently run your union. You must be ready to resolve issues from with superior point of view.”.

    President of the judicial arm of the union, Nofisat Kadri, swore in the union leaders, who promised to discharge their duties and loyal to the union constitution.

    President of the union, Kappo Olawale Samuel, in his acceptance speech, said: “Our tenure is ready to capitalise and consolidate the gains of the previous leaderships. We will work with the management to end indecent dressing on the campus and also give educational and social awareness, which will guarantee discipline among the students.”

  • A ‘diligent’ teacher bows out at 60

    A ‘diligent’ teacher bows out at 60

    Mr Ajayi Ayokunle, who has just turned 60, has retired from teaching after 35 years of meritorious service, reports MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE. 

    It was a moment to give gratitude to God. A day colleagues, council workers and associates of Mr. Ajayi Ayokunle bade him farewell at a colourful ceremony, after spending 35 years in the service of the Lagos State government.

    The event took place at the council hall of the Oshodi Local Government Area, Lagos State.

    Beaming with smiles, the retired teacher acknowledged cheers from guests, who came to felicitate with him. Dressed in a black suit on the high table with his wife, Mojisola, one could see fulfillment on his face. He wouldn’t have wished for a better outing.

    Guests sat in circles, responding rhythmically to the music coming from the loud speakers. Intermittently, the master of ceremony would interrupt the music to announce the presence of guests as they entered the hall.

    The event began with a prayer from one of the Pastors in attendance. It was followed by opening remarks by a close associate.

    The man of the moment was ushered onto the dance floor, amid traditional Ekiti songs rendered by a group. Ayokunle danced to the rhythm in such a skilful way and he was greeted with standing ovation.  Ayokunle challenged Ekiti indigenes who are cut off from culture to retrace their steps.

    As the event progressed, the profile of the erudite teacher was read.

    The profile said Ayokunle started his career as an auxiliary teacher in 1975-1976 at the Community Primary School, Are Ekiti. He later served as a clerk at the Student Account Section, Bursary Department, Obafemi Awolowo University in 1976.

    He had a stint with Briscoe Motors, Apapa; New Era Girls Secondary School, Surulere and AUD Grammar School, Apapa.

    He was transferred to Ajao Estate Grammar School, Oshodi/Isolo before he was redeployed to another department as an Investigating Officer.

    With the creation of Education District in Lagos State, he was moved to the Inspectorate Department where he served and retired as Deputy Director on  September 23.

    In a chat, Ayokunle said he would remain grateful to God for enabling him to serve his fatherland as a teacher.

    He said: “Teachers build the society; they build leaders and give those they taught a direction to follow. I give the glory to the Almighty God to witness this event.

    “I will miss the spirit of camaraderie, the togetherness we often shared as colleagues. But I must say, we are still going to be in touch, we are still going to see one another either in private capacity or in public places.”

    He prayed for long life, saying over 90 per cent of his objectives have been fulfilled whilst he was a teacher.

    ‘’I thank God I have my own accommodation; I give glory to God so I don’t have anything to worry about.” He advised his colleagues left behind to be hardworking. “I want them to work as expected of them,” he added.

    His wife described him as a gentleman who is caring and loving.

    “He likes people around him, a very jovial person and warm. Now, that he has retired I am full of praise to the Almighty because he will always be around for the family.

    “Those things we could not do in his active service days, the retirement will now afford us the opportunities to look at them.”

    His friend, Ajakaye Olusola, described him as a committed public servant who gave his best to humanity. “We grew up together in Ado-Ekiti, so I have known him for a long time.

    ‘’Much as I know him, when he joined the teaching profession, he grew through the ranks and had his promotion regularly. He passed through the body of knowledge as a professional. He was at the college of education; he went to university and did other teaching courses.

    ‘’He is a diligent person and very committed; he did everything to impart knowledge to those who passed through him. Obviously, his colleagues and students alike will miss him. He has produced great minds who are now occupying key positions in the society. There was never a dull moment for him. He is a man of integrity,’’ he said.

    Another colleague, with whom Ayokunle started work the same day, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, described the ex-teacher as a good listener and adviser.

    He said: “I know him far back in 1980 when we were at the College of Education. He has been a very good friend. Ever since, we have been together. He is a very understanding person. He is humble and diligent.

    ‘’He assists people to resolve their problems immediately. When I am troubled, he knows. He will call me immediately and assist me to get over the challenge. I have worked on his pieces of advice and they have been very rewarding. He is a very punctual person when it comes to his duty.

    ‘’The students, who passed through him before he moved to the office, have good stories to tell about him. We started our teaching career the same year that was in 1984 after our service year. I thank God we retired the same year, just that my own retirement came in May and his in September,’’ he added.

    Ayokunle later changed to a flowing white Agbada and cap to match when it was time to be formally pulled out of service. He was ushered into a black Honda CRV, which was laced with flowery ribbons. His colleagues pulled the ribbons as the car moved, to signify his formal exit from service.

    He later returned to the hall to cut the cake to mark his 60th birthday and got lots of gifts from his friends and well-wishers.

  • Rewarding diligent public servant

    The Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Lagos State chapter, held its yearly public lecture/awards last Thursday at the Agip Hall Muson Centre in Onikan on Lagos Island OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

    The Lagos State chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Awarded some people last Thursday for service to the public.

    The event took place at the Agip Hall of the Muson Centre in Onikan in Lagos Island.

    Four individuals were rewarded for professionalism.

    Many of the guests came into the hall in formal outfits. The hall was decorated in blue and white with lights.

    The acoustic hall had red cushion chairs in rows.

    The event was graced by professionals and other well wishers.

    It started with the National Anthem after which guests were introduced.

    The awardees weare the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of J.K. Randle and co (Chartered Accountants), Bashorun Jaiye Kehinde Randle, who got the Recognition award. Others are Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Toyin Ayinde; Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area Olajide Jimoh and Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Kamal Bayewu.

    According to the Chairman, APBN Lagos State chapter, Aare Adewale Adeyemi, the awardees’ achievements are worthy of emulation.

    “The award is a challenge for them to sit up and do better than they have done before; it is not for them to go to sleep. Professionals should do their best, be focused, determined, exhibit their skills and competence and make sure they have the right input to develop the nation,” Adeyemi said.

    He noted that APBN is an umbrella body of all other registered professional bodies in Nigeria having about 24 professional groups as members.

    “Professionals cover all areas of human endeavour from banking, law, medicine and architecture, so, we have a part to play in the progressive development of the society. We should be included in the national conference that is coming up with the view to alerting the policy makers to necessary development and sustenance in the society”.

    He noted that if professionals were given the opportunity to do what they have to do, there would be faster development.

    The guest speaker, Dr Nwauju Ogbunkae, spoke on the role of professionals in nation building.

    He said professionals could contribute to nation building by suggesting practical solutions to national issues.

    He urged professionals to take up responsibilities and play their role in the development of the society.

    On the honour bestowed on him, Bashorun Randle said the award was fantastic.

    He said he felt elated because the beauty of being a professional is that you always want those coming behind you to surpass you and excel.

    Bayewu described the award as a reward for hard work.

    “The award tells us to do more than what we have been doing.

    “Professionals are relevant in nation building because there is no sector in the economy you won’t see professionals. If you have acquired those skills, you must implement them to influence policies in the economy,” Bayewu said.

    Ayinde added that every good nation is built on some kind of expertise and the expertise is offered by professionals.

    “Professionals should have integrity, excellence and character,” Ayinde said.

    “If everybody did what they were supposed to do right, we would have a better nation. The reason for our problem in this nation is that we have lo st our values of hard work and integrity,” he said.

    On the award, Ayinde said he felt more challenged than happy because every award given means that a standard has been set for you, below which you must not go.

    “I must never go below what I have done and I must aspire to do better,” he said.

  • Honour for a ‘diligent’ man

    ARCO Petrochemical Engineering Plc held a dinner on Thursday last week in Lagos to honour the President, Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) International and Chairman, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Sir Egbert Imomoh, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    SIR Egbert Imomoh has entered the Guinness Book of Records as the first black and African to become the President, Society of Petroleum Engineers International.

    “His future was predicted by the headmaster of Immaculate Conception High School, Enugu, because he was studious and intelligent. The prophecy has come to pass. He has made us proud nationally and internationally by erasing the negative perception the world has about Nigeria,” said former Minister of Petroleum Chief Don Etiebet, who has been a friend and colleague of Imomoh since their primary school days.

    Last Thursday, his colleagues gathered at the Sky Restaurant, on the topmost floor of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, to felicitate with him.

    As guests stepped out of the elevator, they were greeted by a waiter, who handed them a glass of wine during the cocktail before the dinner.

    The hall was conducive. While they drank and chatted, old friends caught up recent happenings.

    The view was stunning. The Atlantic Ocean was seen through a glass. The scenery was enchanting and guests were relaxed.

    Saxophonist Yemi Sax played scintillating tunes.

    Two hours after cocktail, guests were ushered into the restaurant, where the tables were already set for dinner. It was segmented by shiny crystal decorations.

    Frank Edoho of Who Wants to be a Millionaire anchored the ceremony.

    Hon Uduimo Itsueli prayed to the kick start the event.

    Chief Executive Officer of ARCO Petrochemicals Alfred Okoigun, in a welcome address, said the honour for Sir Egbert was well-deserved, adding that being the second Nigerian to become Deputy Director of Shell Exploration after Mr Godwin Omene earned him the name ‘Mr Shell’.

    He added that it took Imomoh six months to agree to the dinner date. He thanked him for excelling in the global arena and making the country proud.

    A similar dinner was hosted last year by ARCO for former minister of Power Prof Barth Nnaji and Dr Henrietta Ugwu, in London, for excelling in science and technology.

    “He has distinguished himself in the true sense of it, considering what the world thinks of Nigerians. He has exhibited his nationalism and changed the industry to be of world class through his intellectualism”, Okoigun said.

    He appealed to Sir Egbert to come back after his tenure to help develop the country.

    Every speaker poured encomiums on Sir Egbert. He was in the spotlight.

    To Ademola Adeyemi – Bero, Sir Egbert is a friend, confidante and a living example.

    One of Sir Egbert’s sisters, Mrs Gloria Aiyegbusi relieved how they lost their father at a tender age and were educated by an illiterate mother.

    “All I can say is that with God, all things are possible,” she said.

    Sir Egbert was short of words to respond to all that was said about him. He said though he studied Mechanical Engineering for his first degree, he has never practised. With stories to illustrate, he told his friends and associates of how he renews his passport every 18 months because he travels often.

    “People now call me VIPP- meaning Visa in Previous Passports. I have gone to places I never dreamt of and met people I never thought I will meet. I have no home; I sleep in hotels and aeroplanes. All I do is seek good and do what is right,” he said.

    Giving an insight into what he hopes to do when he retires in October, he said: “I will rest and enjoy my life with my wife and children who are scattered all over the world.”

    Sir Egbert was born in 1945. He hails from Agenebode in Edo State. He attended St Patrick and St Theresa Primary Schools, in Zaria, Kaduna State. He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 1968 and he bagged a Doctorate Degree of Science from the University of Port Harcourt in 2012.

    He is a Knight of the Order of the Knights of St Mulumba.

    At the event were: Managing Director of Ecobank, Jubril Aku; Chairman of Channels TV, John Momoh; The Nation Editorial Board Chairman, Mr Sam Omatseye; Chairman ICMG Securities Ltd, Michael Osime; Rev Anthony Fadairo of Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Lekki; Chairman, Sovereign Trust Insurance Ltd, Ephraim Faloughi.

    Also present were some students.

  • Men diligent in their jobs

    Men diligent in their jobs

    EVERTHING about the event was well planned. From the cameramen on the red carpet to the exotic design of the exquisite hall, everything was in shipshape. The setting inside the hall was breath-taking. It met the taste of the calibre of guests.

    At the event were finest of the political class and the captains of industry.

    A newspaper was honouring two men who have excelled in their fields.

    Step in Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers State Governor, who isVanguard Personality of the Year winner; and Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Access Bank Group Managing Director, runner-up.

    They were the cynosure of all eyes last Saturday at the Expo Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Amaechi was accompanied by his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr Kayode Fayemi. The night took off on a musical note with a performance by Team Quba.

    Shortly after, Aig-Imoukhuede arrived with his wife and children.

    Holy Mallam and Gordons, comedians who emceed the event, were in their element, dishing out ribcracking jokes.

    Many guests made fashion statements with their resource control hats.

    Timi Dakolo set the hall rolling with the recitation of the national anthem. The anthem was on when House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the principal guest, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, arrived. Gen Babangida chaired the occasion.

    Vanguard Publisher, Sir Sam Amuka-Pemu, while delivering the welcome address, extolled Gen Babangida.

    According to him, it was just a phone call that got the gap-toothed General to chair the function.

    Amuka-Pemu also thanked Tambuwal who he described as Peoples’ Speaker. He beckoned on the General Manager and Editor -in- Chief of Vanguard, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, to make a more formal welcome address on behalf of the company.

    In his speech, Babaginda showered encomiums on Amuka-Pemu who he described as “my good friend, in-law and compatriot.”

    The former military president said: “Looking back at those good old days like a series of snapshots in an album, with different phases and faces in our journey through life, one cannot but thank God for the successes we have recorded in our various undertakings, I make bold to say that Uncle Sam is that, uncommon Nigerian who understands the nexus between media and power, and the value and virtue of good friendship. I deeply cherish this association.

    “Despite the fact that one of my Military Administrators briefly suspended Vanguard in 1990, it did not strain my relationship with Uncle Sam. We have trudged on like two great Nigerians who understand the dynamics of political power and the vanity of human nature.”

    Babangida congratulated Amaechi and Aig-Imoukhuede.

    “To me, the two gentlemen represent the normative order of a new generation leadership orientation that is anchored on love for country, service delivery and patriotism. In fact, given their humanity, there is nothing extra-ordinary about their creation but there is something extra-ordinary about their leadership emanations. For example, Governor Amaechi is not just a Governor in whom I am well pleased, but one that has been able to make a bold impression about promise and performance in a Nigerian political space that is grappling with challenges of development and good governance,” he said.

    His speech drew a standing ovation.

    Afterwards, Dakolo, winner of the maiden edition of Nigerian Idol thrilled the gathering.

    Tambuwal presented the runner-up award to Aig-Imoukhuede who came on the stage with his family.

    He dedicated the award to his wife.

    According to Aig-Imoukhuede, there are only two banks in Nigeria that are older than Vanguard, First Bank and UBA.

    “All the great deeds you ascribe to bankers, Uncle Sam has surpassed; for Vanguard to have outlived most of the banks, underlined the vision, capacity and tenacity of the leadership of Vanguard Media Limited,” he said.

    Yemi Sax performed for a while before IBB as Babangida is fondly called mounted the podium again to present Personality of the Year award to Governor Amaechi. IBB, Tambuwal, Amaechi, Aig-Imoukhuede and Amuka-Pemu took a group photograph before Governor Amaechi gave his acceptance speech.

    Amaechi dressed in the regalia of the Ikwere, people of Rivers State, dedicated the award to the team working with him and the people of Rivers State.

    The governor said he felt the absence of his wife, given the fact that Mrs. Aig-Imoukhuede was present.

    Amaechi, who came with a strong delegation from Rivers State said he paid little attention to awards in the past because he thought he was doing his job.

    Omawumi was later invited to the stage to entertain the gathering.

     

  • ‘Be diligent and honest’

    ‘Be diligent and honest’

    No fewer than 5,176 students admitted into the degree programmes of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka took the oath of matriculation in a ceremony held at the Faculty of Social Science (FSS) auditorium. Also, 2,482 were admitted for Diploma and sandwich programmes.

    The oath was administered by the Registrar, Mr Udjo Ejiro.

    In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi, congratulated the freshers for successfully scaling through the screening hurdle. He told the students that they were lucky to be admitted out 49, 000 applicants that applied to the institution.

    He therefore enjoined the freshers to be diligent and honest in their academic pursuit, urging them to obey the rules and regulations of the school and desist from vices inimical to the peace on campus.

    Gloria Ogona, a fresh student of Medical Biochemistry, said: “Having been admitted into the university of my dream, I will try my best to graduate with good result.”

    The ceremony took place simultaneously in the three campuses of the university.