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Tag: disciplinarian

  • Farewell to a disciplinarian

    Farewell to a disciplinarian

     The remains of late Pa Adeshina Adegboyega, a retired manager of the former Barclays Bank DCO  (now Union Bank Plc),were interred at Atan Cemetery in Yaba, Lagos,last Friday after a funeral service at Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Mafoluku-Oja, Oshodi, Lagos.OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    We were contemplating daddy’s 80th birthday, he said he did not want his 80th birthday celebrated but 82nd; apparently he was deceiving us, he knew he was going to die. Daddy died seven days to his 80th birthday during an illness”.

    Those were the words of the first child of a retired manager of Union Bank Plc, Gabriel Adeshina Adegboyega, Mr Tunji Adegboyega, the Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation newspaper when his father was interred at Atan Cemetry in Yaba, Lagos, after a funeral service at Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Mafoluku-Oja, Lagos, last Saturday.

    The late Adegboyega was also a Special Apostle in Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilasamaja – Mushin, Lagos.

    His son, Mr Adegboyega went on; “In April, daddy came to my house, for the first time in about six years (although we were going to his house and also talking with him on phone). He said God told him to come and pray for me. The sickness that led to his death was the second time in his 80 years. I thought he was going to survive, but when the doctor told me it was 50/50, I knew my father was going to die.

    “Daddy was a strong man, honest and highly diligent. He believed so much in transparency, discipline and accountability; his death is a painful and great loss to us all,” he said.

    The funeral rites began last Thursday with service of songs at his residence, 31, Makinde Street, Mafoluku-Oja and wake last Friday at Mafoluku Senior Grammar School, Mafoluku-Oja, Lagos.

    It was all a gathering of family members, friends and colleagues  to celebrate the life of the great disciplinarian.

    The wife of the deceased, Mrs Bola Adegboyega, was comforted by family members. She wore blue native attire with navy blue headgear while the children and grand children of the deceased were on uniformed turquoise native with gold headgear or caps at the funeral service. Guests wore choice native attires. They sat under tents, on chairs set around tables with gold overlays.

    In a sermon, Most Senior Apostle Shadrack Dansu described the deceased as a honest and tolerant person whom he had known for over 30 years. He advised the children to follow the footsteps of their father.

    The cleric who said the deceased lived to serve others, called on the political leaders to give selfless service,  forget  party, religious or ethnic affiliations and promote unity.

    He noted that Nigeria has some of the best mineral resources, and therefore called on the leaders to manage the resources for the good of all.

    “Corruption is what has killed Nigeria; our bad politicians have turned Nigeria to where we are today and there must be a change in this new administration,” he said.

    After the service, some family members and clerics moved to Atan Cemetery where the late Adegboyega was buried.

    At the grave side, Senior Apostle Olusesi Sowande told the gathering that what would be said of them at death is  the ultimate, noting that contentment and service to God should be their ultimate goal.

    He added that noting is crucial at death, advising the gathering to rely on God and change their ways because they will go back to the grave with nothing.

    He urged the children of the deceased to learn from the good life their father lived.

    The white casket which contained the late Adegboyega’s remains was lowered into the grave around 1:13 pm; his wife covered her face with the programme of the event as she cried and wiped her tears with handkerchief. She and the children performed the dust-to-dust rite.

    The ceremony continued at the same venue  with a reception, where guests wined and dined even as they spoke glowingly about the life of the deceased. Sunny Lekins and his live band was on the band stand dishing out music to guests’ delight.

    The widow said she would  never forget her husband, describing his death as a painful loss. She said he lived a good life, had a good heart and left a good legacy for others to emulate.

    The deceased’s first daughter, a retired Chief Nursing Officer in Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs Ayoade Ogundele, said her father was wonderful, loving and a disciplinarian. She thanked God for the discipline he bestowed on her, saying it has helped her in life.

    “Daddy trained us in the way of the Lord, he was a lover of education and ensured that all his children are trained,” she said.

    The younger brother to the deceased, Managing Director, C.S.S. Bookshops  Limited, Mr Dotun Adegboyega, said his brother was a man of integrity; he was straight forward, honest, kind-hearted and always called a spade a spade.

    Another son, Emmanuel Adegboyega, described his father as great, honourable and a disciplinarian, adding that he was a man of integrity who would not take nonsense from anybody.

    “Daddy gave us no chance to misbehave and he would always correct us whenever we did something wrong. He was a good shepherd, a devout Christian; I will follow his foot prints because he invested so much in my life,” he said.

    Most Senior Apostle David Showunmi described him as a brother who answered whenever he was called on and was always interested in solving the problems of others.

    Most Senior Apostle Julius Ogungbemi described the deceased as a good man who lived a good life. He urged others to emulate the life of the deceased, saying the deceased left a whole lot of legacy behind for others to follow.

    Dignitaries at the occasion included former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Managing Director of The Nation Newspaper, Mr Victor Ifijeh; Executive Director (Finance and Administration) Mr Ade Odunewu; Chairman, Editorial Board, Mr Sam Omatseye; General Editor, Mr Adekunle Ade-Adeleye; General Manager, Corporate Services, Mr Soji Omotunde; Editorial Page Editor, Mr Sanya Oni; editorial board members Olakunle Abimbola, Femi Macaulay and his wife; Mr Steve Osuji; Mr Segun Ayobolu, Editor-at-Large and Mr Waheed Odusile, President, Nigeria Union of Journalists.

    Also in attendance were: Asiwaju of Awori Land, Senator Ayo Otegbola; Chairman, CSS Bookshops Ltd/Bookshop House Ltd, Ven Segun Agbetuyi; former Chairman of Spring Bank and Ogboye of Oke Ona, Chief Eddy Amosu; Omogbadero of Owu, Prince Laja Omofade; Director, Sterling Publishers PVT, India Vikas Ghai; Archbishop, Ibadan Province of The African Church, J.O.O Abbe; ThisDay Deputy Managing Director Kayode Komolafe as well as Olumuyiwa Aduroja, SAN, also graced the occasion.

    Others included The Nation Admin. and Personnel Manager Mrs Folake Adeoye and her husband; Executive Secretary, Newspaper Proprietors Association of  Nigeria, Mr Feyi Smith; barristers Gabriel Amalu, Paschal Madu as well as members of Ivory League and their wives.

    The late Special Apostle Adegboyega is survived by: Most Mother-in-Israel Bolatito Adegboyega (wife), Mr Tunji Adegboyega, Mrs Ayoade Ogundele, Mrs Mubo Ebohon, Mr Seun Adegboyega, Mr Tunde Adegboyega, Mr Tobi Adegboyega and Miss Yemisi Adegboyega.

  • Farewell to a disciplinarian

    Farewell to a disciplinarian

    An outing and thanksgiving service was held last Saturday for the late Prince Michael Aderibigbe Adesanya at The Apostolic Church, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos.

    The late Adesanya died on May 8.  He was 73.

    His children accorded him a befitting burial in Ijebu-Mushin, Ogun State where his remains were interred on July 10.

    Last Saturday in Lagos, the children extolled their father’s virtues, gathering many of their friends and associates to celebrate the life of a man they described as a disciplinarian.

    The compact church comprised many top military brass both serving and retired. They were led by former Chief of Army Staff Lt -Gen Azubike Ihejirika. Others were directors and coordinators of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from across the country.

    The service was officiated by the Ikosi District Pastor of the church, Elijah Famurewa

    In a tribute, the widow, Adenike, recalled how they began their journey in December 1971, chronicling their ups and downs.

    First daughter of the deceased and wife to the Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Bamidele Olawumi, Adejoke, said as a child, she thought her father did not love them, but as she grew older, she realised it was his way of ensuring that his children did not go astray.

    A son of the deceased, Adejuwon, said though his father’s body was full of activity and strength, his soul was gentle, endearing him to many.

  • Farewell to a ‘disciplinarian’

    The retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr Adelaja Omofade, has buried his mother, Mrs Beatrice Omofade. A lying-in-state and commendation service was held at the African Church Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos. IBRAHIM ADAM reports.

    It was a celebration of a life well spent at the African Church Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    Family members, friends and other guests arrived at the church early. Many came in exotic cars.

    It was the lying-in-state and commendation service for the late Mrs Beatrice Omofade, mother of the retired Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Dr Adelaja Omofade.

    She died on September 3.

    She was 94.

    Guests appeared in beautiful choice traditional attires. The grandchildren of the deceased and their spouses wore uniformed brown and gold lace with befitting gold caps and head gears. Some women made fashion with white lace and blue head gears with Ipele to match.

    They converged on the church hall where the commendation service was held.

    The church hall was decorated in blue and white colours with lights hung on the ceiling.

    The remains of Mrs Omofade were brought into the church in a black Mercedes Benz car.

    Broadway Funeral pall bearers dressed in white dry lace and Agbada danced with the casket at the entrance of the church before taking it in. The scenario attracted commuters and passersby.

    Commencing the service, the Provost of the Church, Ven. Sam Akin Bamiselu, led other ministers dressed in white robe into the church as the remains of the deceased were moved to the altar. The children, grand and great grand children followed.

    Ven. Bamiselu led the gathering to sing the hymn, ‘Lae lodo Oluwa’ and Bishop Suru Afolabi (rtd) took the Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 15: 35-49.

    The church choir afterwards sang the hymn, ‘Okan are ile kan mbe’.

    In his sermon, Ven. Bamiselu said death will come to all men but noted that there is life after death.

    “Death would come to everyone.                 Whether you are rich, poor, sick or healthy, you will die. With this, we would learn to live our lives and decide on where to go after death,” he said.

    Ven. Bamiselu said at death, there is no mercy and therefore urged the gathering to believe that there is God.

    “Whatever you want to do on earth, do it well because you will be judged by what you do,” he said.

    He prayed for the deceased and her children.

    The service continued with praise, worship and offering.

    It ended with a recessional hymn ‘A o pade, leti odo.’

    Dr Omofade described his mother as a strict disciplinarian, lover of children and a willing and cheerful giver.

    Decked in mint green attire with gold cap, he said he will miss his mother for her love, care, passion and prayer.

    One of the deceased grandsons, Adegoke Omofade, described the deceased as a disciplinarian, wonderful and an affectionate woman.

    Among dignitaries present at the event were the former Lagos State Head of Service, Dr Olufemi Lewis; Mr Dele Oshodi and Chief Gbolahan Owolabi.

     

  • ‘She is a disciplinarian’

    ‘She is a disciplinarian’

    Mrs Ayinke Ibidunni Odulana, sister of the late retired Auditor-General of the Federation, Alhaji Yekini Ahmed, has joined the nonagenarian club. She celebrated her 90th birthday at Nana’s Arena Events Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    Though her parents were devout Muslims and brought her up in the Islamic faith, she became a  Christian when she married her late husband, Nathaniel Tanimowo Odulana. She is a strong member of the St John’s Church, Ofada in Mushin, the popular Lagos suburb, where she holds the title of Iya-ijo. She often visited the Island Club with her husband when he was alive.

    So, when she turned 90, Muslims and Christians celebrated Mrs Ayinke Ibidunni Odulana, sister of the late retired Auditor-General of the Federation, Alhaji Yekini Ahmed.

    The street leading to Nana’s Arena Event Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, was filled with exotic cars.

    Mrs Odunana’s children and some of their spouses were in white native attire with red head gear and cap. Guests wore dresses of their choice.

    The hall was tastefully decorated in red and white; the tables and chairs were wrapped in gold and red fabrics.

    The three-step birthday cake was placed on a stand on the right side of the hall beside the celebrator’s seat. She looked gorgeous in a pink dress with a white head gear and beads. She had a silver purse in her right hand. Her younger sister, Alhaja Adunni Adeyinka, was with her throughout.

    Many came at intervals to exchange pleasantries with her.

    The birthday was like an old school show; it began with prayers by Rev Olamilekan Ogbonyomi of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Akowonjo, a Lagos suburb.

    The popular birthday song, “Happy birthday to you” was rendered by guests. The Master of Ceremony, Oluwatosin Bakare a.k.a Aboki Jesu, was the compere.

    Chairman on the occasion, Mr Fred Ohwahwa, Mrs Odulana’s son-in-law, said her life is worth celebrating because it was a rare one in a country where life expectancy is 47.

    He described her as someone who does what is right.

    “She will say white is white and black is black. She is a nice person, a mother indeed and I am very happy for her today,” he said.

    Sir K Infinity, the life band, sang the celebrator’s favourite song, “Kokoma music’ (an old school song) and a minstrel, Mr Ayanmo Olasunkunmi, praised the birthday ‘girl’with chants in Yoruba.

    Thespian family theatre and productions did a cultural presentation of songs and dance.

    A documentary on the testimony of the life of the celebrator from her family members and friends was shown. Guests watched with keen interest, discussing in hushed tones as the documentary ran. At the end, they clapped and thanked God for her life. The celebrator was joined by her family members and other guests to cut the cake.

    Her children took turns to dance with her, with other guests joining.

    Mrs Odulana described the day as her happiest, saying: “I am very happy and I give all the glory to God for keeping me alive, healthy and sound. I am so excited that I am alive to see my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I am full of joy and the greatest thing is that my children are taking good care of me in my old age,” she said.

    Bodurin Odulana, her step-son, thanked God for her life, saying: “She is someone that will always stand for the truth, she will never follow you in the wrong way and she relates with people a lot; both the young and the old, she is a lover of people. She will always be there to settle all issues; I pray that God will continue to keep and give her long life, good health and prosperity.”

    Alhaja Adeyinka described her sister as loving but strict.

    She urged other mothers to take “good care” of their children, saying that the children will take care of them when they are old.

    The celebrator’s first child, Adebayo Pitan, said his mum is always there, caring and ready to give.

    Her first daughter, Mrs Abimbola Oduwole, said her mum is a disciplinarian.

    “When I was small, mummy would not allow me to go out, if she sends you on errand, you stay longer than you should, talk or stand beside a guy. If you do, she sees you, you will get the reprimand of your life. If you are feeling cold, you can’t tell her because she will say you are pregnant. She is a disciplinarian to the core that I used to think she was not my mother, but when I got married, I began to appreciate her training and call her a good mother,” she said.

    Her grandson, Wale Pitan, said: “You dare not go against whatever she tells you and this is why we are all very conscious whenever she is around. Besides that, she is humble, jovial and you can never be bored when you are with grandma because she will sing and talk about her background, and she will make you laugh.”

  • Farewell to a disciplinarian

    Farewell to a disciplinarian

    The remains of former Business Times Editor, Pa Godfrey Jesuorobo Bamawo were interred last Friday after a funeral service  at the All Saints’ Anglican Church in Yaba Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE reports.

    His  children remember him as a disciplinarian. He was strict but loving. He lived by the scripture spare the rod and spoil the child. So, he did not spare the rod so that his children will not become spoilt. That is the kind of father the late Pa Godfrey Jesuorobo Bamawo  was.

    The remains of Bamawo, a former editor of the defunct Business Times, was interred in Lagos last Fridayafter a funeral service at the All Saints Anglican Church   in Yaba. He was the father of Stella Bamawo of The Nation.

    The funeral service began a few minutes to 11am; with the priests led by Rev. Olusegun Oloju receiving the body from the pallbearers at the church entrance.

    The  hymn, “Jesus lives”, was taken. It was followed with the reading of Thessalonians 4: 13-18 from the Bible.

    The sermon centred on the life of the late Pa Bamawo. Rev. Oloju urged the gathering to fear God and be prayerful.

    The service ended with the withdrawal hymn, “I am a stranger here”. Pallbearers took the casket out of the church amid songs.

    After a short prayer, the Bamawo’s family moved to the Atan Cemetery.

    At the cemetery, the hymn, “Sleep on beloved, sleep and take thy rest” was taken. The body was lowered into the grave about 1:30pm.

    The train moved to the Viginis Event Centre, Yaba  for the reception.

    The hall was beautifully decorated. The Sunny Jay Music Int’l dished out melodious songs to the admiration of all.

    There was never a dull moment. The Bamawo’s and their guests celebrated the late Bamawo’s life.

    The children took turns to dance with their guests.

    The widow, Mrs Yetunde Bamawo, said she would miss the care and love of  her husband. The vacuum he left, she said, “is too big for me to fill”.

    “He was a very strict but also very kind man. I will miss him because, if the children misbehaved, he would scold them, but now I am the only one to correct them,” she said.

    The first daughter, Mrs Isabel Odusoga, described her father as an accomplished man.

    “He lived a fulfilled life. The last time I met him he asked me if I wanted soft drink, I said ‘yes’, he told me to buy it for him; after I bought it, he sipped it and said to me ‘God bless you my daughter’,” she said.

    Stella Bamawo, said her father meant the world to her. Mrs Funmilayo Ekundayo was also full of praises for  their father.

    “He was a very good man though a disciplinarian, but it was all the best for us. Today we are happy that he gave us the best training any child could ask of a parent. I will miss a true friend, teacher and confidante,” she said.

    Mr Benbella Bamawo, of  the Dangote Group, said the memory of his father remains evergreen. The last son, Osayande Bamawo, a Biochemist said his father’s memory would forever be etched in his heart.

    “It is so hard for me to describe him, but he is a very loving, caring and understanding father,” Benbella said.

  • 50 hearty cheers to a ‘disciplinarian’

    50 hearty cheers to a ‘disciplinarian’

    Big banners at the entrance of the hall of the Lagos Country Club, with birthday messages for Alhaja Afusat Ibirogba, a cloth merchant, welcomed guests to the event. Alhaja Afusat, wife of Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Alhaji Lateef Ibirogba, was marking her 50th birthday.

    Posh cars were parked in and outside the club. The cars showed their owners’ class.

    The hall was filled.

    Cloth merchants from within and outside the country came to rejoice with the celebrator.

    Alhaji Bashir Adisa (Baba Gboin), the emcee, thrilled guests with jokes and songs. The band of Seyi Crown entertained the gathering.

    Prayers were offered earlier for “long life and prosperity” for the celebrator and her family.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola said the day was for merry making and thanksgiving to God Almighty.

    She said attaining the golden age called for celebration and giving thanks to God.

    Mrs Fashola also officiated the cutting of the cake.

    Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule prayed God to grant the celebrator long life and prosperity. She described her as a discipline and contented woman.

    “She and her husband have been very good friends; I have known them for quite long; they are good people and contented with what Allah gives them,” she said.

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere.

    He wished the celebrator more meritorious and prosperous years ahead.

    Alhaji Ibirogba described his wife as a virtuous woman.

    “Adesola is a role model to a lot of women. She is also a gift to me and avoids things that will smear her reputation,” he said.

    He said the family had every reason to thank God for they have been enjoying their union.

    “ Perhaps what is only left for me, my big boys and the entire Ibirogba family is to thank God for giving me a friend and wife. Adesola has been a source of joy to us since becoming part of the family,” he said.

    To the birthday ‘girl’ the day was a reunion with friends she last saw in their school days.

    Guests included Lagos State Commissioner for Culture, Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole; his Education counterpart, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Hakeem Kosoko; council chairmen — Hon Abiodun Mafe (Mosan Okunola); Hon Yussuf Shakiru Adisa (Ayobo-Ipaja); Hon Abdul Fatah Oyesanya (Ikosi Isheri); Hon Hakeem Bamgbala (Itire-Ikate) and Hon Taofeek Adaranijo (Orile-Agege).

    Others were Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed; wife of Action Congress of Nigeria Lagos State Chapter Chairman Mrs Adetoun Ajomale; and actor Adebayo Salami (A.k.a Oga Bello), among others.