The Nation Newspaper

Tag: dinner

  • Dinner for promotion

    (The Furanization of Nigeria)

    To Abolujopon, a shanty town on the outskirts of Ebute-Manuwa, for a lively but disorderly interactive session with a group calling itself Movement Against Internal Recolonization Of Nigeria. It was on the propriety or otherwise of General Buhari hosting the Acting Chief Justice of the federation to Ramadan fastbreak.

    Like everything else, the issue of state dinner with serving justices has polarized the entire nation down the line.   When the matter broke, yours sincerely decided to add a satirical addendum, deploying Wole Soyinka’s famous early homage to stomach infrastructure titled Salutation to the Guts. But after the Supreme Court evacuated the entire Zamfara ruling class from its lofty perch sending the entire APC machinery into a tailspin, yours sincerely changed the gloss to Salutation to Supreme Guts.

    When the matter first broke, Okon had laughed it to scorn, dismissing the whole brouhaha as a mere storm in a tea cup. Snooper had thought that Okon was hinting at a historic, record-breaking tea drinking affair in London involving a notable Nigerian ruler. Up till this moment nobody is sure whether the whole thing was an early window on fake news or a masterpiece of pure mischief.

    But it turned out that water must find its own level and Okon’s imagination remained at the level of Secondary School mischief.

    “Oga, dis matter dey remind man of dem book we dey read for School Cert. Him title be Dinner for Promotion”, the mad boy scoffed.

    But Baba Lekki, the old legal contrarian, was having none of that nonsense this hazy, dewy morning at Abolujopon. He had dusted up his legal notebooks and historic records of state dinners in adverse circumstances. For his opening citation, the old codger relied on Justice Conrad IdowuTaylor’s famous recusal of himself from a state dinner on the grounds that he was about to play host to the same state in a pending suit. The old man had hardly finished when a crusty middle-aged crank, an absconded finalist at Holborn Inn, exploded.

    “The law is an ass and so is the last speaker. It is the prerogative of the state to invite anybody to dinner. Period”, the crank thundered. The thunderous applause almost brought the whole roof down.  Okon was flustered by this sharp-tongued deflation of his hero.

    Haba, yeye Railway Line lawyer. Wetin Baba come do now? I don tell una say na dinner for promotion. Dem man promote him man and he come giam better mala food. So wetin concern Orile Agege lawyer for dat?” the crazy boy screamed.

    “Okon, na poverty drive Yoruba drummer go Sabo”, one man grunted.

    “In fact, which kind food dem come chop sef? Dem mala no dey chop wuruwuru Yoruba food”, one man from Auchi demanded.

    “Na fura de nunu”, the first man answered.

    “Ha. Ha, no be dat dem Owu man dey call furanization of Nigeria?” a crazy man from a nearby mental home who had been infiltrated into the crowd by security people screamed and started attacking everybody in sight.

  • Chamber holds dinner, inducts president

    The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), has concluded plans to hold the 2018 Annual Dinner Dance. The annual dinner, which holds today, will be accompanied by the inauguration of the 18th President of the Chamber.

    The chamber’s Communication Executive, Ebuka Ugochukwu, said the annual event will present members and guests the opportunity to interact in a relaxed environment, while networking and discussing initiatives to further encourage cross border trade and investments.

    Ugochukwu said the evening will also witness the inauguration of the 18th President of the Chamber, Oluwatoyin Akomolafe.

    According to him, Akomolafe was NACC Deputy President, prior to his election as President. He is also Chairman, Index Brook Limited and has devoted his career to nurturing of Index Brook into a group of companies, operating in different countries, providing consultancy services, project management and engineering services to major oil and gas firms in the industry and across the world.

    These firms, according to him, include Index Brook Nigeria, Index Brook Guyana, Canyon Offshore Mozambique, Pasedena Exploration and Production, Index Brook Angola and Index Brook Ghana.

    Akomolafe is also an active member of societies, social clubs, and professional associations. He is equally a member of Christian Friends Society; Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church; the Metropolitan Club; Regents Park Club, London; West Lake Country Club, Houston; Negotiation and Conflict Management Group, among others.

    The NACC, he recalled, is the first and oldest bilateral chamber of commerce in Nigeria and for more than 58 years, the chamber has grown into a dynamic organisation.

    According to him, NACC stands as a pillar of the relationship between the United States (US) and Nigeria, serving as an important catalyst in bringing together people and ideals to strengthen bilateral and commercial relations between Nigeria and the US.

     

  • Policewoman, two others die after dinner

    A female police officer and two members of her family in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, died yesterday, following a dinner they had the previous night.

    The police officer, identified as Mary Samuel, living in a rented apartment at Oloosaoko Compound, Oja-Oba area of the town, was said to have died from food poisoning.

    Investigation showed that a baby’s continued cries from the apartment attracted neighbours, who out of curiosity discovered the bodies on the floor.

    The cause of their death could not be ascertained last night.

    A resident, who preferred anonymity, said they woke up in the middle of the night and heard the persistent cries of a baby from the apartment.

    According to her, the baby and another woman in the apartment were the survivors.

    Read also: Yellow fever alert in Ondo

    She said: “When the cries of the baby became persistent, I tried to investigate what was going on and on getting to the apartment, I knocked several times without an answer. Then I peeped through the window and saw the woman on a chair.

    “I raised the alarm and with the help of other people, we tried to force open the door and found Mary on the chair almost naked with a torchlight in her hand.

    “We alerted the police. They brought out three bodies, including that of Mary. But her sister, who was still alive, was taken to hospital. The baby is alright. She is in safe custody of a good Samaritan in the neighbourhood.”

    The bodies have been deposited at the mortuary of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, (LAUTECH), Osogbo.

    The eyewitness said Police Commissioner Mr. Fimihan Adeoye had earlier visited the scene.

     

     

     

     

     

  • AFSSCo96 plans reunion dinner for 26th Dec

    AFSSCo96 plans reunion dinner for 26th Dec

    Come 26th Dec, there will be a Reunion Dinner Event for Air Force Secondary School Class Of 1996 members, sponsors and partners.  
    The history making dinner event will be hosting members of the alumni from all walks of lives, home and abroad. The venue is The Four Points by Sheraton in Lagos.
    There will be a pre-event cocktail, photo-ops, signature wall singing, members will be taken on a walk down memory lane to a photo collage of throwback pictures and Seasons greetings messages from fellow classmates.
    The dinner will also be playing host to some of the alumni’s patrons and icons who imparted positively in the lives of the members while they studied at the school. These people will be honoured for the impacts and dedication to service.
    During the event, members will get to reunite with each other and be entertained by a live band, comedy, games, awards and an AFSSCO96 video documentary.
    The event will be MC’d by MC Bash and the DJ will be DJ Yinks.
    However, members who are unable to attend will have the opportunity to be part of the event via online viewing access via all AFSSCO96 social media accounts
    Kerry Ajuyah is the Vice President for AFSSCO96. He told The Nation newspaper that the dinner event is a great opportunity for networking, laughing, dancing, reconnecting with old friends and catching up on old times.
    For questions about the event, Ajuyah said Adeola Odebode nee Adeshina can be contacted at 08032303530 for more information about AFSSCO96 and visits can made to the webpage.
    The reunion dinner is supported by Turkish Airlines, Infinix, Cool FM, MTV and The Sun Newspaper.

  • Obiano, Umeadi for NBA Law Week, dinner

    Governor Willie Obiano and Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, are among dignitaries expected at the Second Biennial  Law Week and Bar  Dinner of the Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA) Anaocha branch holding between October 26 and 29.

    The theme of the law week  to be chaired by Justice Peter Umeadi is: “Law as an instrument of sustainable change in the 21st Century”.

    Bayelsa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. KemasuodeWodu will be the keynote speaker at the lecture that will hold at White Castle Hotel, Neni in Anaocha.

    Other expected dignitaries, according to NBA Chairman, Mr. Basil Aguigwo, include: Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu; President of the NBA, Mr. A. B. Mahmoud (SAN); the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Anali Chude; former NBA president, Okey Wali ( SAN);  former NBA General Secretary, Chief Arthur Obi Okafor ( SAN);  Pan African Lawyers Union (  PALU) ( West Africa ) Vice President and leader of Anaocha Bar, Chief Emeka JP Obegolu and Governor, Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) Mr. Arthur Elvis Chukwu.

     

  • UNIJOS Alumni to hold reunion, dinner

    The University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) will hold its Mega Reunion and Dinner on September 28 at Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    Expected at the event are Speaker, House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, with 20 National Assembly lawmakers.

    Also to attend are four alumni governors; Simon Lalong (Plateau), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Muhammed Abubakar (Bauchi).

    The dinner is organised to bring Josites together to discuss issues to attract infrastructure to the university.

    Aso a Josite, Vice Chancellor Sebastian Maimako is attending for the first time, having assumed office in June 2016.

    Members who have distinguished themselves will receive awards, while Josites serving in public and private sectors will be recognised.

    Highpoint of the dinner is the unveiling of a 3D presentation of the alumni  multi-purpose centre.

    Other prominent alumni attending the reunion are ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation Anyim Pius Anyim; ex-Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro, Usani U. Usani, minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Solomon Dalung, Youths & Sports Development minister; and Prof. Claudius Daramola, minister of state, Niger Delta.

    Besides comedian Stanley Chibunna aka Funnybone, other A list acts will thrill the audience.

  • A dinner for PF chief

    A dinner for PF chief

    The Prison Fellowship International held a dinner to welcome its International President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Lofaro at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. Funds were raised for the association’s programmes, reports NNEKA NWANERI

    Though it was meant to be a dinner for the visiting International President of the  Prison Fellowship of Nigeria Frank Lofaro, it turned out to be a fund raiser for prisons’ inmates.

    The event, which held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, was way off the normal merry making in many ways. Noticeable was the aura around the hall. People, instead of being in a relaxed mood looked too business minded. Not only this, their dresses depicted a business dinner outfit rather than the normal get-together. Lofaro was visiting the country for the first time. Perhaps it was because it was a working visit that made the host not to take cognisance of making the event elaborate.

    Lafaro was not alone. He was in company of other directors of the association. They were also joined by some executives and members of the country’s chapter of the body, who came to welcome their ‘August’ visitors.

    Ace flutist, Tee Mac, set the tune of the event with a rendition of the National Anthem with his flute, thus kicking off the event.

    President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Dr Rotimi Oladele, spoke on the need to care for prisoners, saying it should be the priority of every society that desires for peace and progress.

    Oladele, who is the Communication Director of PF Nigeria, said the group was established to stop or reduce the number of people who go to prisons, adding that the body ensures that by the time the inmates are released, they would have become better people than they were before imprisonment.

    “We are here to refine their mindset and get them back on track,” he said. He called on all to assist them by donating generously to PFN’s programmes.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees, PFN, Mrs Dorcas Din, who welcomed the executives of the global body to the country, listed the objectives of the organisation, which include teaching inmates societal values and some trades, in order to be useful to themselves and the society when they are discharged.

    PF Nigeria Executive Director, Mr Benson Iwuagwu, said there was the need to remove the stigma often associated with ex-convicts.

    There were testimonies from some ex-convicts. One of them said she learnt fashion designing during her incaceration.

    Comptroller-General of Prisons, who was represented by his deputy, Chuks Afujue, disclosed that the prisons are congested.

    He called for care and nurture for ex-convicts for them not to go astray.

    Afujue lauded the PFN’s initiative,  calling for support for the association.

  • NFF CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER IN STYLE

    IT was an evening of fun on Wednesday 6th April, 2016 at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Oniru estate, Victoria Island, Lagos as New Nigeria Foundation (NNF) marked its 15th anniversary in grand style.

    The event comprised of dinner and talk on national issues with the theme; ‘Building a New Nigeria that works’.

    Dr. Pascal Dozie (CON), Chairman Board of New Nigeria Foundation in his speech, noted that Nigerians have to be optimistic and leave all worries behind.

    “The journey so far has not been encouraging. Some may doubt those who have been beneficiaries of what has happened. Though some efforts have been made and some progress achieved, but there are still more problems to be solved including issues with energy, education, infrastructure, poverty, youth employment. We have become used to fuel scarcity, interrupted power and other economic issues, but we have to be optimistic as a patriotic Nigerians, he said.

    The event was spiced up with activities by an energetic dancing group, who entertained the audience with a mind blowing performance. The excitement was further heightened when a Masquerade turned up for the corporate dinner. He caused a shock and stir with his stunts dance style as guess watched in amazement.

    Award was by presented to the speaker of the night, Prof. Akin Oyebode by Prof. (Mrs) Grace Alele Williams.

    In attendance were notable personalities ranging from academic professors, business icons and art enthusiasts like Mr. Yanju Adegbite (MC of the event), Professor Obafemi Ajibola, Professor Akin Oyebode among others.

    New Nigeria Foundation (NNF) started in November 2000. A Non-Governmental Organization aims to promote sustainable community development initiatives through public-private partnerships. NFF mobilizes resources from international development and UN agencies, Nigeria private and public institution, federal and state governments and other sources that may be available to undertake development activities.

  • Agbakoba to chair Eastern Bar dinner

    Agbakoba to chair Eastern Bar dinner

    A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) will on Friday chair a  dinner  organised by the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) in honour of Justice Walter Onnoghen of the Supreme Court.

    The dinner, to be hosted by Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, is part of the programmes commemorating the maiden meeting of EBF’s new leadership, which holds on Saturday at the Tinapa Hotel and Resorts.

    EBF chairmanship Effiong  Ekong was elected at the Sir Louis Mbanefo Bar Centre, Onisha Anambra State in June and was inaugurated the same day.

    He succeeded Mr. Ogbonna O. Igwenyi.

    Other members of the new executives are:  Arthur Chukwu (Vice-Chairman), Basil Aguigwo (Secretary), Emeka Anosike (Financial Secretary), Promise Iwezor- (Rivers Representative) and Charles Azubuike (Abia State Representative).

    Imo, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States representatives in the governing council will be presented at the Calabar meeting on Saturday.

    Chairman of the Organising Committee Mr. Mba Ukweni said: “Every arrangement is  concluded and we are putting finishing touches to make sure that we have a very successful  dinner and meeting. Baring one or two confirmations, which we will make early this week, I can say that we are done with the  preparations.”

     

     

  • MTN Foundation holds 10th anniversary dinner

    MTN Foundation holds 10th anniversary dinner

    MTN Foundation (MTNF), on Tuesday, September 15, treated guests to an evening of music, stage performance, fun, laughter and celebration as it celebrated its 10th year anniversary.

    The event, themed A Decade of Impact… New Hopes, Possibilities, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko, Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    On ground to spice up the activities were some MUSON Music Scholars, beneficiaries of MTNF Programme, who opened the stage by entertaining the audience with a brilliant performance. The plays ended when a parent invited his family and friends to rejoice with him after one of his children told him that MTNF has awarded her a scholarship to study in a tertiary institution.

    Vintage Band also thrilled the audience with good music, followed by MTN project Fame Season Winner 7, Geoffrey Oji, who electrified the audience that was wowed at his performance.

    In his welcome address, the Chairman, MTNF, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi (OFR), began saying that September 15, is a special date in the world as it is also a date MTNF is going into a new decade of making impact in people’s lives.

    MTNF, he said, is now going into a new decade that will make it unparalleled. He thanked MTNF stakeholders for their immense support.

    In his goodwill message, the Chairman, MTN Nigeria (MTNN), Dr. Pascal Dozie (CON), said that in the past 10 years, what MTNF has achieved is overwhelming.

    “Those of you who are interested in statistics, if you try and look at the contribution of this organisation to the growth of domestic product of this country, I am sure you will see that the company, just one company is making a contribution of about 4 to 5 percent to the growth of domestic product of this country,” he said.

    A 155-page voluminous MTNF Commemorative View Book titled The Y’ellow Impact, was launched. Also unveiled was a 20-minute documentary video also titled The Y’ellow Impact, was beamed to guests.