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Tag: encomiums

  • Encomiums as Avuru, oil & gas man, turns 60

    It was a gathering of who-is-who in the oil and gas industry in Lagos when the Chief Executive Officer, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, Austin Avuru turned 60.

    The industry players poured encomiums on a man who has spent 38 of his 60 years on earth working to maximise value creation from Nigeria’s greatest asset, oil and gas, having trained as a geologist.

    Avuru is a key player in the oil and gas industry. He started his career with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1980, holding several positions, including well-site geologist, production seismologist and reservoir enginer during his twelve years in the company. He left the NNPC in 1992 to become a technical manager/Deputy Chief Operating Officer of a start-up business, Allied Energy Resources in Nigeria, a pioneer deepwater operator. This step triggered his entrepreneurship skills and helped to launch a growing business empire.

    Buoyed by his huge appetite for value creation, in 2002, Austin assembled an array of industry professionals to form Platform Petroleum Limited and subsequently held the role of managing director. In response to the divestment programme by the international oil companies (IOCs), Austin’s team at Platform worked with Shebah Exploration and Production Company to form Seplat in 2009.

    Subsequently, Seplat acquired 45 per cent interest in three oil blocks from Shell Nigeria, Total and Agip. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a little known minnow producing 18,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2010 to a major Nigerian Independent dually listed on the Lagos and London Exchanges with operated production of over 70,000 bpd crude oil and 280 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of gas.

    A geologist/Petroleum Engineer and an alumnus of OPM 41 at the Harvard Business School, Austin is an accomplished industry writer and a resource professional for major national and international conferences. Co-author of “Nigerian Petroleum Business, A Handbook” and author of “Politics, Economics and the Nigerian Petroleum Industry,” he won the 2013 Ernest Young Entrepreneur of the year award in the Master Category for Nigeria and the West African sub-region

    The lecture for his birthday entitled: ’60 years later: Preparing for a Nigeria without oil,’ drew critical and knowledge-based contributions on how the country can effectively shift from dependence on oil for its survival. Avuru said the market is grossly underserved.  We have to create a future without oil because that’s where the future is, even if there is still oil, the future and prosperity of this nation has to be without oil, the market in Nigeria is grossly underserved.

    The Commissioner for Information, Delta State, who representedd the governor, Patrick Ukah, said: “I would like to congratulate Mr. Austin Avuru on his birthday. He is an illustrious son of Delta State and we are happy that he is a Deltan because he has impacted a lot on Deltans and not only on Deltans but also the country, individually and with the company that he has worked for. We have been in great partnership with him, so it’s a great thing celebrating with him.

    “But on the topic of the lecture, it is a clarion call to those in the private sector, that they must show interest in politics, they must learn to remove their minds from what they feel is dirty in politics, but  look at what they have to offer Nigerians. I think that is what is said here today. People like us came from the corporate world, and we are trying to do our own based on what we got from the private sector. The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, is another example. He came from the private sector, and there are many like that who have succeeded in politics. There are a lot of discipline coming from the private sector that comes to bear on politics.

    “There are signs Nigeria would be a better place, the bottom line from what I take here is that Austin has prepared our minds for life after 60, to prepare the minds of those in the corporate world. So what we are saying to everybody is that we all should show interest in the governance of this nation that is the only way we can give the good governance that we look for. We pray that God will give him strength to enable him to do more for this country.”

    Platform Petroleum Limited Chairman, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, said: “There’s always life after oil, the point we are making is that we overemphasise oil, and we are beginning to have a sense that oil will solve all problems and that’s so untrue. On top of that fact, oil is becoming a curse. If we have oil we will be able to do other things. We have to create the awareness that as a nation we have to take a very critical decision about our future. Once we realisse that we have a common future, we begin to emphasise hard work, emphasise merit, and begin to reward merit. We have been fighting corruption but we are not rewarding merit, when we begin to reward merit, then it becomes a choice for the people. When they see there is reward for good work, people can begin to be very conscious of what they do. It’s an awakening for all of us.

    “For me, what Avuru has done speaks for him, not just his accomplishments, he is a brilliant person, over and above all others his humanity. He is able to put in place structure that will help people to grow to empower people, he is silent eloquent – for all of us to gather here and see, he has built institutions that will help people.”

    Seplat Plc Chairman, Dr. Ambrose B. C. Orjiako, said: “The first thing is to say a big happy birthday to Mr Austine; congratulations to him, and I wish him many more years of fulfilled life, that is my wish to him and I ask God to bless him with many more years.  Seplat as an organisation, we don’t always project, but at all times we say that the future is bright for this company, given the very strong foundation and fundamental conditions of Seplat. We can only look ahead and know that the future is very bright for the company,

    “All the commitments we made to produce gas, we already have market for that, which is part of the reasons there is growth in our gas treatment. There is increasing demand, there is good pricing, the environment for this gas abound, Nigerian environment remains good for gas supply. The industry and agriculture, therefore, there is a very strong market now and the future is even looking better.

    “The take home is very simple – Austin is a man of many attributes. He is a very sound oil and gas man, therefore, many captains from the industry were here to honour him, and he is also a philanthropist, given the diversified life he is supporting. He is also a very strong political analyst, many people may not know him, he is also a strong believer in what Nigeria becomes going forward.

    For Rev Fr. Matthew Kukah: “Austin is among the oil magnets. It’s my honour to be among these people. Post Oil Withdrawal Syndrome, I think the first question to ask is: ‘What did we do when we had oil?’ That’s what we should be talking about. Nigeria without oil, the question we need to ask is what we did when Nigeria had oil.

    “It is a question we must all try and answer before we ask what our country might be without oil, and again we have to return to the scene of crime, all the stories about oil in Nigeria, the Oloibiri where oil was first discovered and ask ourselves were did we go wrong?

    “Today as a country, we cannot feed ourselves. We are a country that cannot provide education for our children, today we have become a country that cannot generate and distribute electricity for the citizenry, today we have become a country that cannot provide railway line, we have no national airline, we have no medical facilities, and all of these came when we had oil. We are being at war with one another because oil led us to war, and we are still gathering the consequences of that war.

    “So, thinking forward on how our country will be, over and above material resources, we have to show commitment to the rules of the game. We substituted democracy with military rule. No country can survive without the rules of engagement.’’

  • Encomiums as Ada prince, Dele Ajayi, is interred

    The remains of an industrialist and community leader, Prince Dele Ajayi, were interred on Friday at Ada in Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State.

    The late Ajayi got encomiums for his philanthropy and love for his family and humanity.

    First Baptist Church at Ada venue of the funeral and thanksgiving service was filled to capacity with family, relations, friends and associates from all walks of life.

    Dignitaries at the event included the first National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Osun State governor, Chief Adebisi Akande, a bosom friend of the deceased and foremost industrialist, Tunde Ponle, Gboyega Awolomo (SAN), the Chief of Staff to Osun State governor and a governorship aspirant on the platform of APC, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

    The House of Representatives member representing Ilesa East and West federal constituency, Ajibola Famurewa, and a host of others also attended the service.

    The President of Free Baptist Conference in Osun State, Rev. Paul Kolawole, described the late Ajayi as a general who served his generation with passion, commitment and resources.

    He likened him to King David in the Bible, who he said served people “gloriously and selflessly without an eye service to please man”,  despite his conditions and weakness.

    The cleric urged children of the deceased to strive to do more than their father and patriarch in the service of God.

    He referred to the late Ajayi’s construction of schools and residential buildings for the church, saying the deceased’s friend, Prince Tunde Ponle, too did well by building a church in Ada.

    Kolawole berated politicians hiding under the shadow of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to be relevant, saying it was a shame they that they had not committed themselves to the service of the people.

    He said: “It is a shame that we are yet to find a replacement for Awolowo, after many years he departed from us. Till today, Awolowo is a reference point while many politicians still use his name before they can be relevant. What a shame! Awolowo is relevant because he served his generation very well.”

     

  • Aregbesola @ 61: Citizens shower encomiums on governor

    The Mufasir il-lmam of Osogboland, Alhaji Maroof Ishola, has admonished  governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to  place the welfare of the people above their personal interest in their bid to succeed the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Ishola gave the admonition while delivering a sermon at the special prayer session organised to mark the 61st birthday celebration of the governor.

    Imam Ishola implored the contenders to see continuity as sacrosanct rather than personal interest, saying they (aspirants) should be very careful not to allow Osun slip out of the hands of the progressives. While calling for cooperation and love among  party members,  the cleric stressed that care should be taken not to allow the good job the outgoing administration of Aregbesola has done to be destroyed by those who don’t know the extent of sacrifices the governor has made.

    He held that the only way the Aregbesola legacies can be sustained and built upon is to allow peace to reign and support whoever emerges as the party’s flag-bearer.

    “You should all remember that Aregbesola has done so much for the people of the state and the party members, hence the need for whoever is seeking the coveted seat not to allow carelessness and ambition to destroy the good legacies that had been built by the present administration”, the cleric stressed.

    In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urged all governorship aspirants under the APC to remember that all that has a beginning must have an end as the expiration of his second term in office is near.He called on the contestants to remember that the move of the APC to rule over Osun has never been about the position of office but on the need to rescue the masses out of the drought which was visible in almost all the sectors as at then.

    “So the fact is that my coming into office was not about the affluence or power attached to the office, it was not about personal ambition to be called a governor,  it was about the genuine need to rescue our state from the shackles of retrogression which we met on ground.This is what I want my  party members to have at heart, you should not put your personal ambition ahead of the love for this state.

    Meanwhile, the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Senator Babajide Omoworare has joined other well wishers to celebrate . The Senator congratulated the Governor for attaining another year in his journey through life under God’s infinite mercy and guidance, describing him as a symbol of good governance and exemplary leadership which is phenomenal and significant for development of humanity and democracy.

    Omoworare went further to pray that God will continue to guide the governor in his divinely given assignment to uplift the state and give him sufficient wisdom and grace for greater heights and success. “Mr. Governor sir, our own symbol of good governance and leadership, I join millions of your family and friends to felicitate with you on this day of yours, wishing you many more years of celebration,” the Senator said.

     

  • Encomiums as Korode presents book

    Encomiums as Korode presents book

    The General Leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere District in Lagos, Prophet Funsho Korode, was overwhelmed with a stream of encomiums as a biography on his professional and spiritual voyage was presented at the Eko FM Marquee, Agindingbi.

    The book captioned Prophet Funsho Korode: The Glorious Narrative of A Quintessential Seraph drew the attention of former Ogun State Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun and the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesha, Oba Michael Ajayi among other dignitaries.

    Adesegun, who was the special guest of honour, described Korode as one of the few whose service to God is not centred on pecuniary gains or obsession for a leadership office.

    He observed that the life and content of Korode’s character epitomises godly values essential for enhancing the Cherubim and Seraphim frontiers.

    ‘’After the departure of the uncommon General leader, G. O. Fakeye, I said to myself that now we are going to see the real story about churches in Nigeria. Because there are some churches when their leaders depart, it is on the pages of newspapers like the primaries of we politicians. But surprising and smoothly a new leader emerged. I see you as what a prophet of God should be. You do all things not for the purpose of money making, not for foreign exchange or anyone to eulogise you but to honour your God and that is why I am so happy to be with you today. From what we have seen today, prophets prophesy for the sake of making money.” he said.

    On his part, Oba Ajayi described his spiritual rise as one preordained by God to elevate the church to another dimension of anointing.

    He emphasised the need for people to reflect on lives and times of remarkable leaders through study of their biographies, noting the harbour relevant lessons for future decisions.

    He said: “The reason why young people should read biographies, memoirs and diaries is because they provide the most valuable lessons in life. Every life has a beginning, middle and an end and how one has lived one’s life should be of great interest to those who are still at the beginning. As Christians, aside from the spirituality of the Bible, the Bible remains our primary source of biographical stories. Who can forget the lives of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Paul, and the life of God on earth, Jesus Christ? Looking at someone, such as Baba Korode, you can say he is a man of God stepping into the shoes that God has anointed for him to take this ministry to another height which is what has happened today.”

    The book’s foreword was written by the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University,  Prof Folorunsho Dapo Asaju.

    Reviewing the 10-chapter compendium  Prof Wole Atere, said the book captures the transition of the prophet from an Anglican Christian dynasty to Cherubim and Seraphim setting following a contact with Prophet G.O. Fakeye.

    He added that both had a father son relationship, stating that: “He was born into a Christian Dynasty, who were forebears of true practice of Christianity and were prominently attached to the Christian Missionary Society in the olden days. He came from a background that is linked to Anglican Church. His Zaria’s experience brought him in contact with giants of Cherubim and Seraphim, such as Pa Gabriel Fakeye and Prophet Ayelusi whom he met through his brother. His primary days were an opportunity for training in leadership, seminars, choir ministrations and prophetic deals. As part of his tutelage SFK occupied some positions as elder, a member of the ecclesiastical council and Choir master for 40 years.”

     

  • Lagos Chief Imam Ibrahim buries amidst encomiums

    Lagos Chief Imam Ibrahim buries amidst encomiums

    •Idumota traders shut markets in Sheikh Ibrahim’s honour

    Various markets in Idumota, Lagos Island were deserted yesterday as the remains of Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim (Gana V), who died on Sunday afternoon, were buried.

    The Janazah (funeral prayer) was led by Chief Mufasir (Head of Islamic scholars) of Lagos, Sheikh Tijani Gbajabiamila.

    Five other Islamic scholars including Ansar-Ud-Deen National Missioner, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, took turns to lead another Janazah.

    Sheikh Ibrahim was buried within the mosque’s premises where his predecessors were laid shortly after the Dhur prayer amidst outpouring of eulogies.

    The traders, The Nation learnt, closed their shops in honour of the late Chief Imam, who many described as epitome of good character.

    The usual terrific traffic gridlock within Idumota axis and environs disappeared as transporters operated partial service. Fewer of their buses were seen in operation.

    Policemen mounted road block few metres to the Lagos Central Mosque, denying people who don’t have business around the mosque’s premises access.

    Dignitaries and prominent Islamic scholars and members of the Lagos Muslim Community thronged the central mosque in large number.

    A large crowd followed open wood casket with the remains of Sheikh Ibrahim from his house to the mosque.

    Security operatives had a hectic time in controlling the crowd.

    To Bashorun of Lagos and Vice-Chairman Lagos Central Mosque Executive Council Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy, the crowd was expected going by the personality of the late Chief Imam.

    “He was a pleasant personality, very dedicated and always rendering assistance to the people. You will think that he was extremely rich which is not true but he was extremely rich in contentment; as he collects, he gives not minding spending all he has to assist the people. He was loved by many. He lived a fulfilled life,” Alhaji Macfoy said.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain Prince Tajudeen Olusi said the late Chief Imam was a dedicated Muslim.

    “He came from an Islamic family; his father was a former Chief Imam of Lagos. Today, Nigerians are battling with ethnic agitations, and here was a man who built bridges with various ethnic groups. He lived in peace with everybody. The nation will miss him dearly,” Prince Olusi said.

    President, Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi, described Sheikh Ibrahim as a good leader, father to all and highly dedicated to the course of Islam and development of Lagos state.

    An elderstateman Senator HAB Fasinro said Sheikh Ibrahim surprised many who didn’t expect him to hold sway after his installation as the 9th Chief Imam of Lagos.

    “He was devoted to unity of the ummah and progress of the nation,” he said.

    Deputy President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and President-General, Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola described him as a reliable leader and worked for peaceful co-existence among the Muslims and non-Muslims.

    “We have lost a good person; we have lost a great leader in the Islamic world. I pray Allah be with the family and the ummah he left behind,” he said.

    President of The Companion and MUSWEN Central Working Committee member, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, described the late Chief Imam as an embodiment of humility.

    “He was very passionate about Islam and unity of the ummah. Despite his health challenges, he honoured the invitation of Aiyepe Muslim Community, Ijebu, Ogun State to decorated the community Chief Imam with turban. He does not turned down invitation irrespective of the person’s personality or organisation concerned. We’ll miss him dearly,” Oyefeso said.

    A member of the Lagos community, Alhaji Hakeem Fahm, a United States- based IT expert said the Chief Imam’s demise has created a vacuum too big to be filled.

    He described the deceased as a scholar who was versed in the knowledge of Qur’an.

    He tasked the mosque committee to be meticulous in the selection of a new Chief Imam by ensuring that the next Chief Imam is person of impeccable characters and attributes with vast knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence.

    Sheikh Ahmad said the deceased was a man of peace who tried to bring everybody together.

    “He was in the forefront of promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. We would miss him,” he said.

    Mufti, Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO) Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’I, prayed for the deceased, his family members, and the ummah.

    Sheikh Shafi’I said the late Chief Imam was a lover of peace and dedicated his life to preach peaceful co-existence.

    Sheikh Ibrahim died at 79. He was survived by one wife and nine children.

    Some of the personalities at the Janazah prayer include Senator Adekunle Muse, prominent Industrialist, Chief Razak Okoya, retired Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe, Oba Riliwan Akiolu of Lagos was represented by White Cap Chiefs, Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdulhafeez Abou, Sheikh Muhammad Jamiu Trimidhi, among others.

  • Encomiums as Funke Akindele, hubby premiere ‘Industreet’

    Encomiums as Funke Akindele, hubby premiere ‘Industreet’

    It was a gathering of music and movie buffs as Funke Akindele and her husband, Abdul Rasheed Bello aka JJC Skillz, held the screening of the pilot episode of Industreet drama Series at IMAX Cinema Lekki on Friday, May 19.

    Among those who graced the event were Joke Silva, Rita Dominic, Toke Makinwa, Ice Prince, Kayswitch, Kate Henshaw, Adunni Adewale, Moet Abebe, Ariyike Akinbobola, Mr and Mrs Gbadamosi of Amen Estate, Tosin Martins, Layole Oyatogun, Sam Onyemelukwe (MD Trace) ,the cast and signees of SOO Records; Gen Stones, Mo Eazy, Sonorous Martins Feelz and other prominent personalities.

    At the end of the screening which lasted 45 minutes, JJC Skillz, who wrote and directed the TV drama, was full of gratitude to his wife, whom he said God used to make the dream a reality. His wife, Funke Akindele-Bello, who produced Industreet for Scene One Production, also showered encomiums on the cast and the crew of the production.

    She further revealed that Industreet TV series will be available exclusively to www.sceneone.tv from May 26.The series is also expected to air on TV stations soon.

     

  • Encomiums for Fasuyi

    Encomiums for Fasuyi

    Former Arts Adviser to the Federal Government and founder, TAFAS Legacy Gallery Chief Timothy Banjo Fasuyi, literarily lost count of respondents who recalled how his moral and financial support contributed to their success stories as artists. Apart from the yearly Fasuyi award for best art students in tertiary schools, which many won, Fasuyi’s relationship and policy initiatives that affected the artists and art schools while at Ministry of Education, also drew encomiums from guests at the event.
    The event was a colloquium organised by the Society of Nigerian Artists and National Gallery of Art at TAFAS Legacy Gallery, Badagry Street, Ikeja Lagos, as part of activities marking Fasuyi’s 82nd birthday. Though attended by mainly Lagos-based artists and art teachers, the colloquium was a huge success considering the issues discussed and calibre of discussants as well as guests at the event.
    Senior lecturer, Southwestern University, Okun-Owa, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Prof Tunde Akinwunmi, who described Fasuyi as his mentor and master, called on artists to celebrate achievers in the sector and not wait till they pass on.
    Chief lecturer, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Mr. Rukeme Noserime, said but for Fasuyi’s policy initiatives at the Federal Ministry of Education, teaching and practice of art in the country would have lagged behind other professions. “He advised the government on how best to teach art in studio settings. And that was the genesis of studio art teaching in schools across the country,” Noserime said, citing Fasuyi’s statements on national issues in the past, which he described as words on marble.
    Former Provost Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta Dr. Kunle Filani described Fasuyi as a rare gem who forty years ago instituted an art award for arts students and initiated the construction of the centre that houses the gallery today. According to him, the Zaria artists of that generation seem to have done great things at middle age.
    “It takes someone with such a vision to erect the structure housing the gallery. We need to draw lessons from their achievements. In fact, they are all rounder,” Filani added.
    For former Secretary Society of Nigerian Artists Mr. Bernard Aina, Fasuyi is very passionate about art that as a young man under 40, he instituted a prize for arts students. “I knew him more when I won the prize in 1973 at Yaba Tech. He initiated the prize at under 40 years, which means he was really passionate about art.
    “Interestingly, I participated in assisting him at the Pre-Varsity School. When I come to teach young ones, I was also learning from him,” he said.
    On the pioneering role of Fasuyi in the formation of Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), chief lecturer Yaba College of Technology, Lagos Mr. Mike Omoighe recalled that Fasuyi’s intervention in the internal crises that bedeviled the association in the 80s was one of the stabilising factors in the survival of the society. “Fasuyi is a neutral force in the growth of SNA, especially during the crisis of rotation of the seat of the society to Benin when the late Prof Solomon Wangboje emerged the president of the society. Omoighe said that Fasuyi called for a national conference when the society’s executive was inactive so as to thrash out all the challenges.
    Sam Ovraiti, who was also a recipient of TA Fasuyi prize, said the cash he got from the prize came at a very crucial period of his years at Auchi Polytechnic. He recalled that the prize was very important because he used the money to buy easel, noting that it gave many artists self esteem especially the young ones.
    “At a time in my class at Auchi Polytechnic, some of my mates revolted claiming that I was being favoured to win the Fasuyi prize. That introduced me to the name,” he said.
    Another recipient of Fasuyi prize, Nsikak Essien said the award inspired most artists as it was a detribalised prize. He noted that until later he thought the award was from an institution.
    Director Department of Planning and Research, National Gallery of Art Dr. Simon Ikpakronyi wondered how popular Fasuyi is given his huge contributions to art and artists, which he said, is an aspect that should be interrogated.
    Chairman of the occasion Otunba Oyin Adedeji described Fasuyi as a generous and kind man, who is also a good manager of crisis and very meticulous. In an appreciation of the discussants, Fasuyi urged the artists to use the event as the beginning of a new start.
    In attendance at the colloquium included Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, Dotun Alabi, Oliver Enwonwu, Mufu Onifade and Dr. Ademola Azeez.

  • Encomiums as Ambode unveils new National Museum

    Encomiums as Ambode unveils new National Museum

    It was accolades by all and sundry, at the launch of the new National Museum by the government of Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on March 6, 2017.

    The event which took place at the Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, witnessed the crème of art and culture industry, royal fathers and representatives from the three tiers of government.

    This happened only few weeks after the governor announced his state’s partnership with the federal government to revamp the National Theatre and National Stadium, giving credence to the governor’s campaign promise of Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sporting Excellence (T.H.E.S.E ).

    In working the talks, many see Ambode as helping in the diversification of the economy and giving life to some of the nation’s heritage in comatose.

    Not only is the National Museum, located in Onikan, Lagos, experiencing a facelift, it is being annexed by a massive multi-purpose edifice and a modern tourism hub.

    According to the governor, it is important not only to revisit the country’s history but to also preserve and protect the history and historical artifacts.

    He said: “In many places, museums are a vital part of the tourism promotion industry, thereby creating economic opportunities for the government and the people. With all these in mind and our strong desire to develop the tourism industry in our state, the Lagos State government has taken the project to revive the museum in Onikan, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, especially with the honourable Minister Alhaji Lai Mohammed.”

    He commended stakeholders for their role in promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s heritage through their works, saying; “In this room today, we have the custodians of the Nigerian culture and tradition. We also have other stakeholders and people, who are interested in preserving the heritage of our country. Nigeria is blessed with very rich culture and heritage; this is the foundation on which all our social institutions and interactions are built.”

    Ambode who noted that his government decided to lead the process that will showcase to the world, the priceless treasures of Nigeria, disclosed that the project “will be funded partly by the Lagos State Government and other well-meaning donors, interested organisations and individuals, but will serve the generations of Nigerians now and the future.”

    Continuing, the governor said: “We want to leave the present museum the way it is, to say the story of who we are. Then, the new museum takes you into the future. So, you actually have the price of two for one in the same place. The minister has offered us 6000 square metres of land so that the two can be situated alongside each other.”

    Also speaking at the event, Acting Commissioner/Special Adviser to Ambode on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Adebimpe Akinsola, highlighted some of the contributions of the state to tourism development.

    “The state recently unveiled the statue of King Ado, the first King of Lagos, and the legendary Prince Olofin, the first settler in Lagos. As we speak, the Badagry Heritage Museum is under renovation, the Vlekete Slave Market Museum in Badagry is almost completed, while the Point of No Return Edifice at Gberefu, Badagry, will soon be delivered. All the above-mentioned forms part of the state tourism development projects meant to enrich the experience of visitors and tourists to the state,” she said.

    Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who noted that Lagos is most ready for tourism and creative industry today, announced that the Federal Government is doing all it can to ease visa process for tourists. He said there exists now, a policy of visa on arrival for a category of people, while immigration form has been compressed into about 15 questions only.

    Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe Agbogidi, was also full of praise for the Ambode’s initiative, describing art as life.

    “Big countries,” he said, “patronise art, small countries patronise art. Why can Nigeria not patronise art? People talk about money; go to Ghana, go to Senegal… they’ve got very interesting and functioning artistic institutions that they enjoy and a lot of the world come to their countries. So, why can’t we do that? It’s possible if we can think about it.”

    Earlier, a session on ‘The Museum as a Tool for Driving Tourism, Arts and Culture,’ was moderated by art curator, Bisi Silva, with panelists, including Omooba Yemisi Shyllon, Chief Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery, and Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mallam Yusuf Abdullah Usman.

    According to Shyllon, there is need to develop a positive additude towards the museum, adding that although museum attracts traffic, they are not self-sustaining.

    For Okundaye, Nigeria is big enough to institute a festival with the aim of creating awareness on the treasures in the museum and give the youngsters the opportunity to know about their own culture and tradition.

    On his part, Mallam Usman, is optimistic that the new museum would set the tone for the return of stolen works from Nigeria from around the world. “Each time we make a case for the return of those works back home, the question they always ask us is, ‘where do you want to put them?’ Your Excellency, I thank you for giving us a befitting place to put the works,” he said.

  • Encomiums for Justice over book

    It was a day of glory for Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye of the Kogi State High Court, during the formal presentation of a book: ‘’A Guide To Admissibility of Electronic Evidence’’, written by him.

    At the presentation, which took place on the premises of the Kogi State High Court, Lokoja, yesterday, the Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, noted that the age-long problem of admissibility of electronically-generated evidence in law courts had been solved by relevant sections of the Evidence Act, 2011 (as amended).

    He said problems of admissibility of electronic evidence in the country hitherto posed challenges to lawyers in the courts, as the Evidence Act was not in line with global reality.

    Ajanah said the Evidence Act was ‘’anachronistic and not in line with global reality”, adding that the law predated the Internet Computer Technology (ICT) age and had to change to give way for innovations.

    With the passage of time, he noted, the surge in the use of electronic devices in business transactions and day-to-day personal relationships underscored the need for change.

    Ajanah said after the initial uncertainties, ‘’a combination of sections 84 and 258 of the Evidence Act (2011) classifies electronic evidence in the category of documents and its admissibility made clear’’.

    He hailed the author for delving into the dissemination of knowledge by writing a legal work of such feat.

    “It is a testimony of the resourcefulness, industry and intellectual capability of the writer. The problem hitherto encountered regarding computer printouts, e-mail printouts, video cassettes, VCD and tape recordings, documents generated from computer and ancillary issues was put to rest,’’ Ajanah said.

    He recommended the book to lawyers.

    The reviewer, Mr. Martin Idachaba, described the seven chapters and 264-page book as an intellectual masterpiece.

    Idachaba, a lawyer, who described the book as novel, said it dealt among others, with the general principles of admissibility of electronic evidence, trial, evidence, facts and comparative analysis of issues surrounding admissibility of computer generated evidence.

    Justice Omolaye-Ajileye thanked the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Muhammed, for writing the foreword to the book.

    He said it was meant to be a guide to the application of the provisions of sections 84 and 258 of the Evidence Act.

    Justice Omolaye-Ajileye said non-admissibility of electronic evidence by the courts provided cover for especially, financial crime offenders, until 2011, when it was amended, and even after that, lawyers still found it difficult to tender electronic evidence.

  • Encomiums as Thompson’s wife is laid to rest

    Eminent Nigerians at the weekend paid tributes to the late Mrs. Adeshiyanbola Ayoka, the wife of the late Justice Adewale Thompson, a former Secretary-General of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE).

    They hailed her for her love, charity and devotion to service of God and mankind.

    Madam Thompson passed on November 15 at 78.

    Prof Gabriel Ogunmola described her as an epitome of love and kindness. He recalled Mrs. Thompson’s meekness and kindness.

    Former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof Olukayode Oyediran, said the deceased was a virtuous woman, who will be missed.

    At the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, where she was a chorister, the officiating priest, Rev. Adesola Kuyebi, urged the congregation to emulate her life of devotion, adding that the “deceased has finished her divine task on earth and is now resting in the Lord’s bosom”.

    Venerable G.B. Daramola, who gave the sermon, said there was no need to mourn like those without hope, because the late Mrs.Thompson triumphed over death and had received the crown of everlasting life.

    He urged the children to take solace in the fact that their mother served  God faithfully.

    “We thank God for the life of Mrs. Adeshiyanbola Ayoka Thompson . We remember her devotion to the service of God in this church.

    ”Our God has conquered death through his only begotten son, Jesus Christ and thereby opened for us the way to everlasting life.

    “We thank God for the life of Mrs. Thompson who ended her sojourn here on earth trusting and fearing you.

    “She lived a long, full and satisfying life and had the privilege of bringing up her children to a point where they can stand on their own,” Daramola said.

    The deceased’s children – Dr Adeshola Thomas, Adeyemo Thompson, Adeniyi Thompson, Adebola Thompson and Adesegun Thompson- were at the service.

    Adeshola said: “My mother was the most selfless person I know.

    “She was humble and modest to a fault. She was a good mother, wife and housewife, who literally sacrificed all for her children.”

    Also present were Prince Wale Williams;  Dr  Olu Akinkoye; his wife, Motolani;  Kayode Shobanjo; Olumide Ayoola; Kayode Tejuoso; Mrs. Jare Alade; Mrs. Joko Oni; Princess Ilori Thomas and Mrs Funso Akingbola, among others.

    After the one hour funeral service, her remains were moved to Lagos where they were interred at the Vaults and Gardens.

    A reception was held at the Yoruba Tennis Club in Onikan, Lagos.