The Nation Newspaper

Tag: encomiums

  • Encomiums for Alex-Duduyemi at 80

    Encomiums for Alex-Duduyemi at 80

    It was harvest of encomiums for popular businessman, Chief Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, recently, when his biography, Quintessential Colossus, was presented in Lagos.

    The book was written by a communication and development consultant, Oluneye Oluwole, who is also the author of Serve With Heart and Dreams of a Patriot.

    At the event held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, dignitaries from different fields poured encomiums on the celebrator and the writer too.

    In the publication, Oluwole identified resilience as the secret of Chief Alex-Duduyemi’s success. He seeks to bring to the fore his awe-inspiring doggedness, sense of purpose and never-say-die spirit, all of which played significant roles in his rise as a young lad from Ile-Ife.

    “Each page of the book is a journey into a world of adventures and a launch into a time-machine that is coded with historical events. The book is a representation of hope that strongly advocates a great comeback after every setback; and a blueprint for turning life’s trials and temptations into opportunities,” the publishers say.

    The theme of the keynote address, which was delivered by Mr. Tunde Lemo, a former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, centred on ‘Managing a Successful Business in a Challenging Environment: Nigeria Case Study.’

    The book reviewer, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, a former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, described the book as excellently edited, with a fascinating pull that cannot be ignored once the pages are turned.

    Also, the Chairman of the event, Chief Ernest Shonekan, attributed Alex-Duduyemi’s attainment of 80 years to the grace and benevolence of God. The chief presenter, Dr. Oba Otudeko (CFR), who is the Chairman, Honeywell Group, anchored the presentation of the book, while the Awujale of Ijebuland, (Oba) Sikiru Adetona, unveiled Quintessential Colossus. Also at the programme was the celebrator’s wife, Chief Shola Alex-Duduyemi.

  • Dignitaries shower encomiums on Ooni

    Dignitaries shower encomiums on Ooni

    …as Christians, Muslims, traditionalists hold joint service 

    In the midst of quietness occasioned by movement restriction, the ancient city of Ile-Ife received unusual crowd of visitors yesterday.

    Dignitaries from far and near joined Ife chiefs, sons and daughters to pay their last respects to Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, who passed on last month.

    They gathered for the inter-religious farewell service for the late monarch at Enuwa Square, opposite the palace in the ancient town.

    A seven-day restriction of movement from evening till dawn had been imposed by the Ife traditional chiefs on Wednesday as part of the mourning rites for the outgone foremost traditional ruler.

    Hence, as dignitaries and well-wishers thronged  Enuwa Square yesterday, activities in other parts of the town were paralyzed as residents kept indoors.

    Banks, schools, markets and other formal organizations were closed to observe the traditional restriction order.

    The main gate to the palace was also under lock and key in accordance with tradition.

    But as early as 8:00 am, Enuwa Square was already beaming at the seams with preparations for the ceremony.

    Security agents mounted surveillance at strategic points around the square to offer dignitaries a smooth passage to the venue. In the end, it was a mission accomplished as no guest went back home hurt.

    The restriction, however, took the shine off the ceremony as common people, local artistes, itinerary drummers and the like could not attend.

    Before the programme commenced, all the six high chiefs and lower obas were already seated with some top Ife indigenes, as well as members of the immediate Oba Sijuwade’s family.

    The Sijuwades were led by the deceased’s first son, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade.

    All the traditional rulers and chiefs were in white agbada.  The sooko (distinguished princes from all ruling houses) were also in attendance, all dressed in white.

    They were later joined by dignitaries, including Ife-born Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof.  Bamitale Omole and Mr Dotun Awoyemi respectively. So were representatives of some traditional rulers from Ondo and Ekiti states.

    The programme kicked off at 11:00 am with an opening prayer by an Anglican cleric, Venerable Bukola Oyedeji.

    At exactly 15 minutes after the commencement of the programme, Senator Jide Omoworare led the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, into the hall. They joined the Secretary to the Government of Osun State, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade on the podium.

    Amidst them was a former Military Governor of Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd). They were also joined by Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko .

    In his sermon, the Dean, Ife Anglican Diocese, Venerable Olusola Akanbi, who represented Bishop Oluranti Olugbagun, urged the guests to draw good lessons from Oba Sijuwade’s death.

    Speaking on the topic: “Behold, How are the Mighty Fallen,” the cleric described Sijuwade’s death as that of a great man. Drawing his Bible text from 1Thess. 4:13-18, the cleric emphasized that the sermon was for the living, not the dead.

    Though he described Oba Sijuwade as a famous and influential monarch, Akanbi emphasized that whatever and whoever has a beginning has an end.  He said man must always remember the fact and prepare for life hereafter.

    He added that his death confirmed that there is time for everything – a time to be born and a time to die. He also pointed out that man must always remember that only God is everlasting.

    Akanbi also stated that man must always remember that there is judgment after death and that man should also remember to strive to make heaven, among other goals they set.

    “After this world, there is a better place, according to 2Cor. 5:1,” he said.

    After the Christian prayers, Prof. Osinbajo mounted the podium. He impressed the guests by speaking in Yoruba.

    The Vice President pointed out that Oba Sijuwade lived well, adding that he accomplished great things.

    “No Yoruba will dispute that Ooni was great,”  he said.

    He particularly lauded Oba Sijuwade for offering good leadership to the Yoruba nation. He said God answered all prayers for the deceased monarch because he lived long.

    Thereafter, Muslim clerics conducted another prayer session.

    Both Alhaji Busari Balogun and Ustaz Yusuf thanked God for Oba Sijuwade’s life. They pointed out that he was born on a significant day, January 1, 1930. They emphasized that though every man celebrates their birthdays, no one knows his day of death.

    Yusuf stated that God used the deceased monarch to bring smile to the faces of many.

    Traditionalists were also given a few minutes to pray for the deceased. Temidire Awo Ilare offered prayers. All members of the group were dressed in white agbada with white caps to match.

    Oba Sijuwade’s oriki was thereafter rendered by Mr Seye Adedire.

    In his vote of thanks, which lasted only 30 seconds, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, appreciated all the dignitaries and other people for coming to pay their last respects to his late father.

    Also at the ceremony were a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Sooko Adewoyin; President, Christ Apostolic Church worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun; Gen. Alani Akinrinade; retired Bishop of Ife, African Church of Nigeria, Peter Oyegbenro; Chief Imam of Ife, Sheik Idris Opeloye; Chairman, Ile-Ife Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Julius Aluko and former Bishop of Ife Diocese, Anglican Communion, Bishop Gabriel Oloniyo.

    Oba Sijuwade’s queens – Morisola, Ladun, Odunola and Linda – were at the ceremony.

     

  • Encomiums for Ajimobi’s wife Florence at 56

    Encomiums for Ajimobi’s wife Florence at 56

    Last Sunday was a colorful day for Mrs Florence Ajimobi, wife of Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as dignitaries from far and near gathered to celebrate her.

    It was the 56th birthday celebration of a woman that has touched lives across all communities in Oyo State. And what better way to mark it than a thanksgiving service, which held at the Oyo State Government Chapel, Agodi, Ibadan.

    It was indeed a happy period for many people in the state, especially the womenfolk, who turned out to witness their heroine celebrated.

    Yeye Eleyinju aanu, as she is fondly called by the people of the state,  was  surrounded by family, friends, political associates and the numerous beneficiaries of her several empowerment projects, as well as well-wishers.

    They took time to shower praises on the celebrant after her hubby, Governor Ajimobi, eulogized his ‘masterpiece of nature.’

    At the event were the Deputy Governor of  the state, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo and his wife, Janet; the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Senator-elect, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli and his wife, Bola; Head of Service, Mr. Soji Eniade and his wife, commissioners and heads of parastatals among others

    The guests were later treated to sumptuous meals at a  reception within the Government House premises.

  • Green heaps encomiums on Pinnick

    Green heaps encomiums on Pinnick

    Christopher Green, a member of the NFF Executive Committee, has praised NFF President Amaju Pinnick on his  serious commitment to making a positive difference in Nigeria football administration.

    Speaking at a dinner hosted for the NFF Technical Study Group at The Dorchester, London on Monday by programme sponsors Taleveras Foundation, Green, who is the leader of the group for a capacity enhancing exercise in the United Kingdom, said Pinnick has made the sort of remarkable difference in vision implementation and planning in five months in charge than most NFF bosses before him made in four years.

    “I must express the profound appreciation of this group to our amiable and visionary president, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, whose enterprise and dedication has made this programme possible.

    “Surely, he has made more difference and taken better strides than most NFF presidents in recent memory. He is a man of his words, and he has continued to pursue his vision with praiseworthy doggedness. Without him, the accomplishments of this new board in the past five months would not have been possible.”

    While the group praised  Green, Pinnick threw the glory back to the board, and insisted that there is still so much to do.

    “I want to praise the board for the support that it has been giving me, and I like to particularly commend the sponsors Taleveras Foundation, as well as Mr. Daniel Stones and Mr. Tunde Adelakun for the way they have brilliantly coordinated this programme.

    “I keep saying that what we want to build in our country is a sustainable football culture. In England here, they don’t have the best national team but they have the best football culture. That makes the difference all over.”

    Amodu Shaibu, Jay Jay Okocha, Nasiru Jibril, Ladan Bosso, Dahiru Sadi, Garba Lawal, Ahmed Yaro-Yaro, Ann Chiejine, David Ngodigha, Salisu Yusuf, Yisa Sofoluwe, Idris Musa, Florence Omagbemi, Edema Fuludu, John Obuh, Kelechi Emeteole and Paul Aigbogun are involved in the  nine-day exercise.

  • Encomiums as UNN honours Azinge, others

    Encomiums as UNN honours Azinge, others

    The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has conferred the honourary doctorate degree on Dr Valerie  Azinge.

    She was secretary of the National Conference held last year.

    Dr Azinge obtained an LL.M from the London School of Economics and Political Science and received her Ph.D in Law from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in 1990.

    She followed in the footsteps of her father, the late father Dr. John Nwodo who was also conferred with an honourary doctorate degree.

    Dr Azinge was honoured along with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and  the Tetufund Chairman,  D. Musa Babayo.

    After the event, the honouree entertained her guests at the Ukehe residence of her brother, the former Minister of Information,  Chief John Nnia Nwodo.

    Nwodo,  while breaking the traditional Kola nut, recalled that her father moved the motion for the establishment of the University and was subsequently conferred with an honourary Doctorate Degree.

    Former  Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) said of his wife:  “I feel elated, excited and exceedingly grateful to God for the honour done to my wife,  Dr. Valerie Azinge and through her to my  family. This honour coming years after her late father  was conferred with the same honorary degree, by the same university,  is truly a cause for celebration by the  Nwodo’s and Azinge’s  respectively

    “She feels highly fulfilled and has a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that she could walk on the footprints of her father. But more significantly, it is gratifying to note that her contributions to humanity and her country are well recognised and appreciated

    “Few months ago, she was conferred with the national honor of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).This recognition, undoubtedly, will motivate and propel her to continue to serve her country selflessly and with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm.”

    A former Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) Dr. Joe Nwodo said people could not fully understand and appreciate Dr. Azinge  without recourse to her role in the just concluded National Conference.

    “The conference at every level paraded some of the best brains available in our country.  The success of the conference is the result of a collective intellectual endeavor by all the participants which makes it difficult to compartmentalise the general success into individual achievements

    “At the level of the Secretariat of the conference,  we had exceptionally well qualified and non- partisan political leadership. This leadership had no secret agenda to manipulate the explosive proposals that arose on the floor of the conference to achieve prior determined objectives. The conference secretariat was in fact, formidable.  It consisted of Justice I. L.  Kutigi  as chairman, erudite  Professor Bolaji Akinyemi as vice- chairman and the amazon,  Dr. Valerie  Janette Azinge  as Secretary

    “The secretariat will go down in history as the most successful one that organised a politically explosive conference which eventually emerged with positive conclusions for our future. Even though in the development of the work of the conference, there were elements of the traditional North South division, but in the end those elements did not percolate into its major conclusions,” Dr. Nwodo said.

    On what made the conference unique, and  the peculiar contributions of  Dr  Azinge, Dr. Nwodo said: “The conference achieved two results hitherto thought impossible in Nigeria. To begin with, it was the first conference in our history to emerge with one unanimously agreed document with no dissenting opinions or report on its conclusions. This looks unbelievable and  sounds like a Nigerian political miracle. For a Nigerian conference to emerge with an unanimously  agreed document on inflammatory and explosive issues that had hitherto  divided our nation, is an achievement which cannot be easily quantified. And by this success we have moved our national struggle to another level.”

    He continued: “Before,  it was difficult to agree, the problem now however,  is no longer that we cannot reach agreement. Our present problem is now the political will to implement the decisions which our leaders freely arrived at during the conference. The conclusions of the conference have presented us with a comprehensive political manifesto on the future Nigeria  of our dream,  it is  now for our leaders to create  the political will  to implement it

    “Perhaps the most interesting contribution of the conference lay in its deliberate drive to create a finally Federal Republic of Nigeria consisting of 54 States made up of nine equal  states in the six geopolitical zones. The drive for  a true Federal Republic of Nigeria has for a longtime been obstructed by the primordial and perennial tripartite struggle for ethnic hegemony

    “In coming to this bold and novel decision, the conference came to a landmark decision of great historic proportions. They rejected the existing 36 military created, haphazard and unequal states, they equally rejected the division of Nigeria into equal geopolitical zones

    “In creating nine equal states in the each geopolitical zones, the conference  disregarded  the usual division of Nigeria into major and minor ethnic groups and by so doing,  the conference laid the proper foundation for the  building of a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria that liberated all the groups clamouring for political emancipation and self determination irrespective  of whether or not they belonged to a major or minor ethnic  group

    “If the is realized,  there will  only  be two tiers of government under the Federal constitution, the states will  be allowed to make their own constitutions  and to create their own local governments  which will  no longer come under the Federal constitution. In this way,  each of the fifty-four states will be forced to pursue earnestly   their political and economic self interest as opposed to the amorphous and nebulous  self interest of major or minor ethnic groups. Equally the dangerous and destructive struggle for tripartite ethnic hegemony will be reduced into manageable proportions. The unity of Nigeria will be enhanced and there will be a great natural leap forward

    Asked how  Dr. Valerie Azinge came into all these discourse, Dr. Nwodo said: “ She organized and  effectively managed the secretariat which was the engine room of the conference,  She designed an operational template for the management and direction  of the work of the conference consisting of  20  Committees which delved into the areas of our acute national problems and challenges. Her close interaction with the daily work of these committees created the ensuing operational framework for  the deliberation of these committees which provided for  the gigantic  success  recorded

    Giving insight into the background of Dr. Azinge which enabled her to achieve this monumental feat, Dr. Nwodo said: “  Dr. Azinge comes from a renowned political family in the south East. Secondly she is married to a brilliant intellectual, Prof. Epiphany  Azinge (SAN),  who as  Director-General,  Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal  Studies (NIALS)  master minded far-reaching reforms  in Nigerian law, little wonder he has been  described as a Five Star legal scholar.

    Above all, she studied  in the  famous London School of Economics and  Political Science  which is well known for producing products who are undertaking far  reaching social and political engineering reforms in several countries  of the world” Dr. Joe Nwodo concluded

    Former Governor of Enugu State, Okwsilieze Nwodo  commended Dr. Azinge for this great feat.

    He said: “ This is a great honour and recognition by the first indigenous University in Nigeria which is also my Alma Mater

    Dr. Valerie Azinge is fully deserving of the award,  She is an erudite lawyer with a Ph. D,  She is a very brilliant lady and a sagacious politician

    “All these qualities she used recently in the discharge of  her duty as  Secretary to the just concluded National Conference.

    Valerie is a dutiful wife and a consummate mother, she is a bundle of talents waiting to explode. I thank the University of Nigeria for discovering her and showcasing her to Nigerian womanhood for emulation” Okwesilieze said.

     

     

     

     

  • Encomiums as ex-NDDC chair Ugochukwu turns 70

    Encomiums as ex-NDDC chair Ugochukwu turns 70

    Ex-Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chairman Chief Onyema Ugochukwu will turn 70 on Sunday.

    The former Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) president is planning a “sombre celebration” with a church service.

    Ugochukwu was an executive director of the defunct Daily Times, and one-time editor of the London-based West Africa magazine.

    Sources close to him said he would not hold a big party because he lost two of his brothers, described as his confidants.

    Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos described Ugochukwu as an icon in journalism.

    Said he: “Ugochukwu is a most celebrated member of the fourth estate of the realm. He has paid and has continued to pay his dues towards the professionalisation of journalism.

    “Chief Ugochukwu should not allow the fourth estate of the realm to metamorphose into the fourth estate of the wreck.”

    A royal father, Igwe Victor Awogu, described him as a colossus.

    His words: “Ugochukwu is a shining example in leadership. He inspired the young ones in  journalism. We thank God for sparing his life.”

    A former Daily Times General Manager, Sir Odafe Othihiwa, said Ugochukwu’s contributions to journalism would remain indelible.

    Ex-Daily Times Regional Manager (East), Mr. Solomon Odemwingie, said Ugochukwu “moulded every one of us.”

    He added: “His contribution to the development of journalism will serve as a watershed to mankind in measuring the true and sustainable work designed to simulate the accelerated growth of journalism.”

    A former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Dayo Alao, described Ugochukwu as a role model.

    “He is a man of the people, a hardworking personality and a leader who is ready to build the younger ones. He will be remembered as a mentor of journalists,” he said.

    A member of the Umuahia Premier Club, Mr. Ikpo, said Abians were proud of Ugochukwu’s achievements and wished him many more years of service to the state and the country.

  • Encomiums for Kunle Afolayan’s October 1

    Encomiums for Kunle Afolayan’s October 1

    •As Filmhouse takes up theatrical distribution

    As the end credit rolled for Kunle Afolayan’s new flick, October 1, an outburst of cheers engulfed the theatre, at the Filmhouse Cinemas, Surulere, Lagos, venue of the press screening, last Tuesday.

    For more than two hours, guests were engrossed in the much-anticipated movie, which provides a measure of comic relief, within a serious theme that portrays the colonial masters as evil-genius.

    From reactionary murmur, to occasional giggles and roaring outbursts by the viewers, the film appeared to be meeting the expectations of the filmmaker, as an educative and entertaining work.

    The event was the fourth in a series of private screenings which the filmmaker intends to use to drum support for the film, before it is released to the public in October.

    “We are certain that from these private screenings, we will be able to make some money also. This goes to subsidise our budget before we go public. Because once the film is out, it’s out,” said Afolayan, apparently referring to the menace of piracy.

    Afolayan, who revealed that Terra Kulture is chief supporter of the exclusive screenings, said the movie has gulped more than N200million so far, and that there was need for him to recoup his investment, if he must continue to make quality films locally.

    Giving the breakdown, he said: “We shot on RED cameras. All those forest scenes were shot using two pieces of 12K HMI light; to rent one 12k costs between N80, 000 to N100, 000 per day, and we shot for about 60 days. We had more than 30 lights on that shoot altogether. We had about 100 cast and crew, living and feeding on the production. Post-production costs more than N20 million, which is why the film looks good. We tried to maximise the potentials that we have in-house. By this, the only thing we did outside the country was colour correction and grading. We used two RED cameras, each one costing over N100, 000 a day. Also, look at the costumes for that period, look at the cars. We had to refurbish some of those cars so as to create that period and put them to use. The CDI, the PFX (Production effects) etc. in that town are electric poles, electric wires, transformers and billboards, MTN, Airtel and Globacom masts all over the place. Did you see anything like that in the film? They were all removed at post-production, and PFX costs fortunes. If I start breaking it down, we will be here all day,” he said, smiling.

    The budget for Afolayan’s film is the biggest so far in the country, only next to Half of a Yellow Sun, which got more corporate funding in Nigeria and support from the British Film Institute (BFI), London. The filmmaker, who has been described in some quarters as the posterboy of Nigerian cinema said he believed that the nation’s movie industry is evolving.

    “The reason why we have spent so much is that we believe strongly that there is so much potential for this kind of film. How many viewers do we really need to be able to recoup that money? It’s not a lot, and the good thing is that now, you have Filmhouse, whose cinema chain seems to be expanding every day. And they already said to me that by the time we are releasing it in October, they will be having like 20 screens, compared to the six that we had when we released The Figurine and Phone Swap.”

    Afolayan revealed that Filmhouse’s projection for the film is $1million. “But all that $1million is not coming to me o,” he noted, with an air of sarcasm. “Because by the time Filmhouse takes their percentage, and by the time all the taxes are deducted, what will come to us will be small. But at least, people will start believing in indigenous film projects.”

    He said although he is yet to get from the Project Act-Nollywood grant, it will also subsidise his budget if he eventually becomes a beneficiary. “But we will continue to work. I believe strongly in film, I believe strongly is good production value, I believe in Nigerian talents and that is why we have put everything in this film.”

    A psychological thriller, October 1 pictures September 1960, with Nigeria on the verge of independence from British colonial rule. It tells the story of a northern Nigeria Police detective, Dan Waziri (Sadiq Daba), who is urgently dispatched by the colonial government to the trading post town of Akote in the Western Region of Nigeria, to solve a series of female murders that have struck horror in the hearts and minds of the local community. On getting to Akote, more murders are committed, and with local tension high and volatile, Waziri has a race on his hands to solve the case before even more local women are killed. Matters take a turn for the worse, however, when Waziri discovers that his prime suspect is none other than the highly influential, university-educated son of the King of Akote, Prince Aderopo (Ademola Adedoyin). Intelligent, good-looking, charismatic, witty and daring, the prince proves to be a most complicated adversary for Waziri. Set against the backdrop of the national celebratory mood of the impending independence, Waziri and Prince Aderopo indulge in a game of cat and mouse as they try to outwit each other… leading to the climatic end in which the life of a popular local female teacher and village belle, Tawa (Kehinde Bankole), is held in the balance. Waziri has to race against the clock to capture the prince, save Tawa and solve the crime before the British flag is lowered and the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    “This film is a great film in so many ways. It tells different stories in just about two hours and it brings everything together very well. Really, there is no film without little errors here and there, but I think this is a very great film. The significant thing is that, it successfully brings together different generations of artistes and it does it so well. I have also noticed that a lot of people who participate in this film are Nigerians. I was looking out for the Director of Photography (DOP) and Screenplay writer, and I could see they are all Nigerians. I’m just standing up to say congratulations,” said Niran Adedokun, a guest at the event.

    “One thing that I find interesting is the fact that you touched on a subject such as sexual molestation, especially as it concerns the male child,” noted another guest. “This is something that, as a society, many people are not ready to talk about. As the writer, how do you feel delving into a subject many people are not ready to talk about?”

    Responding, Babalola said: “As a writer, I want to delve into subjects that people don’t want to talk about. I don’t want to write things that people want to say. I would rather write about things that are controversial, and that which will get people talking for weeks.”

    Paedophile, violent rape and murder have been used by the writer to depict some of the negative effects of the colonial experience.

    “The rape of those boys is a well-known fact. These things occurred. Whether or not they happen in Nigeria, we can’t be certain. But we know they are quite worldwide and it’s a very open subject to deal with. I had to do research into the stories of people that were so abused when they were young. I wanted to make sure that when people see the film, they would be able to relate to it in a very sensitive manner. And I think Kunle did a pretty good job without putting it right there in your face. We don’t have to be in the room to know what’s going on, and he rightly portrayed the pain and anguish of these people,” Babalola said.

  • Encomiums as Okolo bows out as UNN VC

    Encomiums as Okolo bows out as UNN VC

    After five years at the helm, Prof Batholomew Okolo has stepped down as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    Prof Okolo was praised for his developmental stride during a farewell event held in his honour tagged: A celebration of five years of monumental achievements and visionary leadership.

    Students and members of staff extolled the virtues of the outgoing VC.

    Ndubisi  Iwekwuba, a 300-Level Science Education student,  said Prof Okolo did well, especially in changing the face of the campus.

    He said: “I wish him well and pray that God will lead him wherever he goes. I also pray that God should give his successor wisdom to surpass his achievement.”

    Jude Nwankwo, a lecturer in the Department of Music, said: “Prof Okolo focused on infrastructural development, academic transformation, and visionary leadership. That, for us, is highly commendable.”

    Prof Okolo was appointed as the 13th Vice-Chancellor of the university on May 29, 2009, following the expiration  of the tenure of Prof Chinedu Nebo, the Minister of Power.

    Prof Vincent Okore, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, said the outgoing VC made efforts to improve infrastructure of the university in the last five years.

    “In the history of this university, no Vice-Chancellor has performed credibly as Okolo did. I am saying this with a sense of sincerity,”he said.

    Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof Isaac  Asuzu, described Okolo as a visionary leader.

    “The Vice-Chancellor is my mentor and a determined leader. He is passionate about this university. During his administration, the admission quota system was abolished and admission was given by merit. During his administration, first-class graduates  were given automatic employment in the university,” he stated.

    IResponding, Prof Okolo, said: “Five years ago, we set out the vision of building this university strategically. May God bless you all for this achievement and sacrifices we have made together for the past five years.”

    The grand finale of the celebration was attended  by dignitaries including sixteen  traditional rulers; the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Dioceses, Most Rev Godfrey Onah, represented by Monsignor Thaddeo Onoyima, officials of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and students of the university.

  • Encomiums as journalist is buried in Ibadan

    Encomiums as journalist is buried in Ibadan

    •NUJ to establish endowment fund

    The remains of a former Chairman of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Oyo State, Mr. Tunde Oluwanike, were yesterday interred in Ibadan.

    Oluwanike (43) died on August 2 in a road accident at Osu, Osun State.

    The deceased and about 12 NUJ leaders were returning from the union’s meeting in Abuja when the accident occurred.

    Oluwanike and two others died.

    Other occupants of the bus were injured. NUJ National Treasurer Alhaja Fatimat Abdulkareem and Oyo NUJ Chairman Gbenga Opadotun are still recuperating at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

    Oluwanike is survived by his wife, Omolara, and their five children.

    In his sermon, Pastor Samuel Ige of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Tower of Blessing Area, Oyo Province 3, urged individuals to give their best to the service of humanity.

    He described the late Oluwanike as “a man after God’s heart”.

    Pastor Ige said testimonies about Oluwanike showed that he lived a virtuous life.

    He said: “Brother Tunde lived well. Though we are sad that he has left us, we cannot query God. We should always strive to do God’s will. If the bell sounds today, can you answer the call?”

    The deceased’s colleagues, friends and family said he lived a “selfless life”.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the government would assist the bereaved family.

    NUJ National President Mallam Mohammed Garba said Oluwanike died in active service of the union.

    He urged people to pray for the families of the deceased and those recuperating in the hospital.

    Garba pledged that the union would support the families of the deceased.

    He said the union would soon establish an endowment fund for journalists, adding that a percentage of the fund would be given to the bereaved families.

    Garba said the union would reach out to notable Nigerians to make the fund a reality.

    On insurance scheme for journalists, he said the union would soon make it compulsory.

    Garba said of the three deceased journalists, only one was insured.

    He said: “Because he was insured, his family will get N1.5 million. All journalists must be insured under the NUJ insurance scheme. The scheme is the cheapest in Africa, yet not many people have bought into it. Of the 34,000 journalists in the country, not even 4,000 have subscribed to the scheme.”

    A representative of Police Commissioner Mohammed Indabawa and NUJ members from various chapels were in attendance.

  • Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister

    Encomiums as Abuja fetes minister

    He is widely regarded as a democrat par excellence and firm believer in delegation of duties to subordinates.

    Little wonder that the Tarnscorp Hilton venue of the reception put together by Captain Shehu Iyal, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Aviation and some friends in honour of Kabiru Tanimu, Minister for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs attracted a huge crowd.

    Prominent Nigerians and foreigners from all walks of life graced the colourful dinner at which Nigerians were assured that the choice of Kabiru Tanimu (SAN) as Minister  of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs was not a mistake.

    Those in attendance included Titus Ashaolu (SAN); Dr. Hain Ayalon; Giovanni de Bertie of Emeraldo; Nasrat Mansour; MD, Mannimpex Holdings; Dr Olu Owolabi of SACHOL; Hon. Baba Akawu, former Deputy Leader House of Representatives; Mr. Abu Gumel; Senator Ibrahim Musa; Hon. Bello Kawoje; Hon. Buhari Bala; Aliyu Kalgo of AMCON; Justice Sadiq Umar; Justice Danlami Sanchi; business moguls Aliyu Usman and  Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim.

    Others were Alhaji Abubakar Musa, a banker; Attorney Jude Menes from Texas, USA; Abbas Umar of NIS; Zanna Maideribe, Chairmanm Cavendish Petroleum;  Prof. Lawak Khalid, CMD, ABUTH; Dr Abdulah Usman, Public Health Consultant; Captain Farouk Umar, as well as the Personal Assistant to the Minister, Lawal Umar and Jamil Jega of FCT Judiciary, among several others.

    Though the night was not for speech-making, two dignitaries nonetheless insisted on saying a word or two about the Dan Masani Gwandu who was identified as the youngest northerner to have attained the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) status. He got his SAN in 2002.

    Hon Buhari Bala, in his comments said though Tanimu was younger in age, he remained a colossus in politics among his peers and those before him as a result of his doggedness.

    “Though he is younger in age, but in politics he is up there. His Machiavellian politics and his leadership style of taking the back-seat when it comes to decision making for his subordinates set him apart  because that is a very rare trait among our politicians,” he said.

    International Olympic Committee (IOC) top shot, Mr Abu Gumel, an engineer, expressed his optimism that Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from the wealth of experience the young minister is bringing to government.

    He cited the tireless work done by the minister during his time as a member of Team Nigeria saddled with the responsibility of raising funds for Nigerian teams to execute the country’s participation in the Olympics.

    Gumel said: “He is a tireless team player that is always primed for results. I am very confident that the ministry and the nation by extension would benefit immensely from the experience he is bringing into the Ministry. I am also convinced that the President has not made a mistake by choosing him as a minister”.

    The organiser of the event, Captain Iyal said he was not surprised by the accolades showered on the minister, expressing confidence that the country would see more of such commendations coming the way of the minister in future.

    “He is not only young, he is energetic, forthright, committed and intelligent, which I’m sure must have been traits identified in him by the President before making him one of his lieutenants.

    “The large turnout tonight only goes to show that this is the kind of Nigerians we need to encourage in order to see that Nigeria and indeed Nigerians continue to grow. He has excelled in previous responsibilities given to him, and I have no doubt that he will excel in this new challenge to the betterment of the country,” he said.

    The minister, in his appreciation, promised not to let down those who believed in his ability to make a positive difference in the responsibilities given to him by the President.

    According to Tanimu, having been exposed to the challenges of governance due to his membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he is now more resolved to contribute his own part to move the nation forward.

    While pleading for understanding of Nigerians, the Minister assured that the relative improvement being witnessed in the nation’s transport system, especially rail network, power supply and health care delivery system would be sustained and improved upon.

    He said that he was happy to be part of President Jonathan’s team, adding that great things are ahead for the country and its people.