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Tag: fanfare

  • Praises, fanfare as aviation activist marks 70th birthday

    Glossy skin, radiant appearance and impeccable energy; all of these gave no hint Mrs Adeola Yesufu has clocked 70 years – the biblical yardstick for old age. Beaming with an infectious smile as she stood sprightly in the midst of family members and well wishers, Mrs Yesufu, the Chairman of the Governing Council, College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, cut a picture of a woman in her 50s.

    But for her, life has just begun at 70.

    It was a splurge of festivities, last weekend at Rosetree Event Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos, where Mrs Yesufu celebrated her birthday. The roll call of guests included family members, friends, top government functionaries and professional colleagues.

    The Ekiti State Governor’s wife, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose and former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, led high-profile dignitaries to the event.

    The presence of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe Aladesanmi, added a royal touch to the occasion, which began with prayers and thanksgiving at All Souls Anglican Church in Lekki Phase 1.

    Mrs Yesufu, who retired from Air France, is an active member of Aviation Roundtable, the industry’s watchdog.

    In his 13-minute homily during the thanksgiving, the guest minister, Venerable Olusegun Kuti, described Mrs Yesufu as a “special child of covenant”. The clergyman urged the celebrant not to stop appreciating God’s “special grace” in her life, noting that she looked younger than her age and had achieved all the goals she wished to.

    Reading from Isaiah 66:8, Ven. Kuti said God’s covenant was divinely placed on anyone born in 1948 – the year which the nation of Israel was created by the United Nations (UN) resolution. He said Israel was created out of God’s covenant to the Israelis to give them a “holy nation”, adding that the birth of the celebrant in the year was an indication of a God’s covenant.

    He said: “It was by covenant of God that Mrs Yesufu was born in a chosen generation when a holy nation was created. This is to show, first, the power of God, who has brought her out of her darkness into the most unique and marvelous life. This is why we all must join her today in singing Hallelujah and praises to our King.”

    The cleric said Mrs Yesufu’s achievements on the home front and in her professional career was an indication of God’s seal on her personality to attain greatness in life, adding that she led a life worthy of emulation.

    Taking the second reading from Jeremiah 29:10, Ven. Kuti urged the celebrant to express God’s power of restoration and visitation in her life. The clergyman said God was speaking to the Mrs Yesufu in Psalm 70:4 to always express divine salvation.

    Ven. Kuti said: “It is God, who has given Mrs Yesufu a divine salvation to overcome many difficulties in life. Despite the ups and downs she has gone through in life, God has not given her wrinkles of regrets. She must expect more of God’s visitation and manifestation as He promised the Israelites in Babylon.”

    The sermon was followed by hymns of praise rendered by the church’s choristers.

    After the service, guests were hosted to an elaborate reception  where they were entertained by a live band.

    Mrs Yesufu stood in awe as family members and professional colleagues paid glowing tributes to her.

    A former Minister of Health and ex-president of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, opened the floodgate of accolades, describing Mrs Yesufu as “one of the prettiest Nigerians”.

    He said: “I always call Mrs Yesufu  the ‘Ekiti young girl’ because she is unarguably one of the prettiest Nigerian women of this generation. She is a woman of substance who has made us proud on all fronts with her feats that traverse diverse areas. She is very active in many areas, especially in aviation where she left far-reaching legacies. Because of her unique feats in aviation sector, the French government gave her a special medal of honour.”

    Mrs. Adelabu said her friend Mrs Yesufu remains every woman’s pride, adding that she is a prayer warrior who believes in the power of prayers.

    Chairman of Aviation Roundtable Mr Gbenga Olowo, who chaired the occasion, said there was no area in the industry in which Mrs. Yesufu  did not have her footprints. He described her as a “thorough-bred professional”.

    Frontline lawyer and Chairman of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said Mrs Yesufu was a good homemaker despite her professional achievements.

    Full of joy, Mrs Yesufu acknowledged the tributes, thanking the guests and family members for celebrating with her.

  • No fanfare

    It’s time to think about how to think about our nation

    Merely clocking 57 bears no special significance, whether in numeric or symbolic terms. But Nigeria marks its birthday today amidst a serious fracture in its sense of itself. So, this October One calls for a deep sense of introspection.

    As soldiers march in the capital city, Abuja, and the president and governors salute guards of honour, the country is not popping champagne bottles. There are no dances nor minstrels in ecstasy. Those present at the creation wonder if this is the country they birthed.

    Never has the country been split in several layers since the crisis of the 1960’s that exploded in a war that pitted brothers against brothers. Just now, the Federal Government has proscribed a group of irredentists who wanted a part to go. While the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) was at its turbulent climax, those who did not agree with its tactic believed it tapped into a core of disenchantment in the land. That has been expressed in a word: restructuring.

    That word is contentious. Some believe it stands for abandoning the presidential system, others say it means devolution of power from the centre. The forces who stand for devolution do not conform in their definition of the word. Some follow what is seen as a classic view which subjects the local governments to the states. They battle with the standpoint that the states oppress the local governments.

    At the bottom of this contention is a lingering hobgoblin of mutual suspicion among the various ethnic groups and regions. Those who resist the agitation for restructuring suspect the call as code words for secession even when the callers deny it. But the secessionist hit the core of the dissentient voices because they want the mammoth structure tweaked.

    Although those who resist restructuring come from the north, especially the North West, some voices outside have aligned with the northerners. For instance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come down on the idea of “true federalism,” putting him at odds with what analysts see as the mainstream in his own region.

    Recently, top political groups and chieftains of the west held a landmark meeting in the Oyo State capital, Ibadan, in which the consensus was a strident endorsement of restructuring and a recall of the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy. Also significant was that colleagues from the south-south and south-east regions attended and gave their backing to the communique.

    That meeting brought to the fore a major fault line in Nigerian politics: north versus south. It portrays an ideological face-off. One group seen as conservative at peace with the stagnation of the country. The other seen as upstart, rebellious, craving anarchy.

    There is not much dialogue going on but a compulsion of cacophony, voices trapped in their own echo chambers, pigs happy and tumbling gleefully in their own sties. It is not as if both sides are not aware of the fruitlessness of this stand-off. But we seem as a nation helpless to move away from the rut of rancour.

    Calls for a national conference have been heeded in farce. During the era of President Goodluck Jonathan, a conference was held. While some of its resolutions would have pulled Nigeria a few steps forward, the most difficult outcome was that there were no institutional follow-ups to give flesh and bones to them.

    Even today, the Buhari administration as well as the backward recalcitrance of its senate have failed to provide a platform to turn ideas to hope.

    But the stress of the country is not wholly political, although that is where it draws its wellspring. Economically, we are at a strange place. The hallmark of that is that for the first time in our history, states cannot pay civil servants’ salaries. When Osun State fell into that morass, it was seen as an isolated case of trauma. But it is now widespread. Recently, Benue State announced that it was declaring a state of emergency on the matter. But it has been a state of emergency for most states for over a year.

    While we are debating devolution of power, we also need to contemplate the viability of states. Yet, part of the call for restructuring is marked by calls for the creation of more states. Some of the calls want states prised away from some of the same distressed ones.

    Our birthday also rumbles with what many call the first challenge of the realm: corruption. How shall we change our course as a nation without tackling bribes, kickbacks, thievery in high places? The lawmakers are disconnected with the country as they would not disclose what they earn even when a prominent professor and lawyer, Itse Sagay (SAN) has accused them of earning, by a wide margin, more than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

    It is a terrible pass we are in as a nation. We cannot say this is a birthday to celebrate. There is too much poverty, birth of the mind and the body, for us to sing or dance. It is, perhaps, another opportunity to think. But more than just think, what is important is an opportunity to think about how we should think.

    For now, we are thinking at cross purposes.

  • Fanfare, nostalgia as Ooni pays historic visit to Ekiti

    Fanfare, nostalgia as Ooni pays historic visit to Ekiti

    CULTURE and tradition were on the bounce penultimate Thursday and Friday when the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, paid his maiden visit to Ekiti State. The youthful and lively king received rousing welcome in all the three towns—Aramoko, Ijero and Ado—he visited in his continued bid to promote unity among Yoruba traditional rulers, which he believes is a prerequisite to the development, progress and prosperity of the race.

    The Ooni, who came along with some traditional rulers in Osun State, expressed joy and fulfillment at visiting his brother monarchs, the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Adegoke Olu Adeyemi; the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe with whom he shares historical ties.

    The first port of call for the Ooni, who had the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, on his entourage, was the Alara’s palace in Aramoko where Aramoko residents trooped out in large numbers to receive the foremost king in Yorubaland.

    As early as 8 am, residents of the town were in bubbling mood in anticipation of Ooni’s visit. Itinerant drummers, masquerades, men, women and youths danced round the town before converging on the Alara’s palace.

    The atmosphere was electrified at about 12.15 pm on Thursday when Ooni’s convoy entered the palace arena. It took Oba Ogunwusi about 10 minutes to waltz his way through the crowd to take his seat at the inner courtyard with other monarchs from the neighbouring towns.

    Other Ekiti monarchs who joined the Alara to receive the Ooni included the Olohan of Erijiyan Ekiti, Oba Adegoroye Omosebi; the Elerio of Erio Ekiti, Oba Johnson Bamigbade; the Olupole of Ipole-Iloro, Oba Babalola Oladele and the Onikogosi of Ikogosi Ekiti, Oba Elijah Olorunnisola.

    The eye-catching wonder-on-wheels, Rolls Royce 2016 model, which the Ooni rode to Ekiti all the way from his domain was the main attraction for many of the youths of the community, who took photographs of the vehicle with their phones.

    Alara, Ajero and Orangun feature prominently in Yoruba cosmology, drama and panegyrics, as actors always make reference to them. But a lot of people do not know their historical relevance to the Yoruba nation.

    Oba Ogunwusi explained that the three Obas were direct sons of Oduduwa and that they were born by the same mother before they settled in their various towns. He noted that the meeting of the three brothers meant a lot to the unity of Yoruba nation.

    The foremost Yoruba traditional ruler then called on all Yoruba sons and daughters to preach peace and unity anywhere they are, adding that the nation will witness tremendous growth in the years ahead if all leaders and their subjects see themselves as brothers and sisters.

    He expressed happiness to be in the company of the Alara, the Orangun and the Ajero on the same day, saying: “I thank God for the opportunity to come here today. We Obas are nothing before the Almighty God, because God is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

    “It is God who installs kings. He is the King today, tomorrow and forever. I am so happy to have the Orangun to my right and the Alara to my left, and we are all going to see the Ajero together. Unity has come to Yorubaland. There is nothing like unity.

    “It is my prayer that our youths will be gainfully employed, the barren will be fruitful and when there is unity, there will be development and things will go well.

    “The new era in Yorubaland will bring good things to us. We want our youths to be empowered, businessmen and businesswomen to be prosperous in their businesses. Peace will reign in Aramoko, peace will reign in Ekiti, peace will reign in Yoruba land.”

    In his welcome address, the Alara, Oba Adeyemi, congratulated the Ooni on his ascension to the throne of his forefathers, wishing him a long and fruitful reign.

    He said: “The entire people of South-West in particular and indeed Nigerians are deeply impressed by your (Ooni’s) campaign for love, unity and understanding among the Yoruba royal fathers rather than unhealthy competition for supremacy.

    “That was a notable step in the right direction; I must say without equivocation that Your Imperial Majesty have made a good start and an indelible mark.

    “Equally highly impressive is your Youth Empowerment Programme through a focused agricultural revolution, which is already making waves. Your Imperial Majesty, your widely acclaimed recent tour of the United States with a huge retinue of traditional rulers, among others, is a major boost for Yoruba culture and its sacred traditional institution.”

    Before the Ooni and the Alara exchanged gifts during the visit, guests were shocked when the Alara disclosed that his forefathers had a room inside the Ooni’s palace, which is still being maintained till date.

    Apparently overjoyed by the landmark occasion, the Ooni sang in Yoruba: Alara, Alara, Ajero, Ajero, Orangun Ile Ila, baye se n yeni ree o, meaning the coming together of Alara, Ajero and Orangun is a glorious spectacle.

    The Alara and other Obas led the Ooni to the palace of the Ajero in Ijero where another big crowd was waiting for them. Their arrival enlivened the community and the sight of the three brother kings, and the Ife monarch sparked nostalgic feelings among residents.

    An Ijero indigene, Segun Fatuase, said: “This occasion is great. What we are beholding today had not been witnessed in many decades. Today is historic because I used to hear the elders referring to Alara, Ajero and Orangun, but I didn’t know that their thrones are this great.”

    The people of Ado Ekiti showed class with the lavish reception organised in honour of the Ooni. A mammoth crowd thronged the palace of the Ewi to be part of history and catch a glimpse of the custodian of the Ile Oodua.

    The crowd had gathered at the palace amphitheater since 10 am awaiting the Ooni, but it grew until the arena was filled to the brim. The throng extended to the palace gate where a sea of heads had waited patiently for the august visitor.

    Traders at the Erekesan Market, otherwise known as the Oja Oba, which is directly opposite the palace, and other passers by strained their necks to catch a glimpse of the Ooni.

    Chants of Oonirisa, Adimula, Arole Oodua, Oluaye, among other appellations, rent the air as Ooni’s car screeched to a halt in front of the palace. Oba Ogunwusi was welcomed by Oba Adejugbe, who ushered his guest into the arena.

    Oba Ogunwusi and other monarchs on his entourage from Osun State were entertained by cultural dancers who showcased the cultural heritage of Ado Ekiti. Popular musician, Yinka Ayefele, who was on the bandstand, sang Ooni’s praise to high heavens, which the monarch acknowledged with intermittent nods of approval.

    Oba Adejugbe expressed joy at the visit and recalled that in 1937, Oba Adesoji Aderemi visited the Ewi; in 1980, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II visited the Ewi and thanked God that in 2016, Oba Ogunwusi Ojaja II was visiting.

    The Ewi said: “I am happy because the visits are not at close intervals, and I pray for long life, unity and cooperation among the people of Yorubaland.” He particularly commended the Ooni for the meeting of traditional rulers, which he said was a precursor for unity among Yoruba communities of the South West.

    The Ewi charged the Ooni to continue in that stead so as to sustain the growing unity among Yoruba people.

    Oba Ogunwusi declared that he would not rest in his ongoing peace initiative across the country until every ethnic group is at peace with one another. He therefore urged mutual cooperation and peace among all segments of the society, especially the Yoruba traditional rulers and their subjects so as to make the goal achievable.

    The Ooni, however, called for caution in the implementation of a new law in Ekiti State to regulate grazing because of the sensitive nature of the matter.

    Friday marked the peak of the visit as the Ooni was hosted by Governor Ayodele Fayose at the Ayoba Villa Government House before the monarch paid a visit to Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), where he was hosted by the Founder, Chief Afe Babalola, and other principal officers.

    On return from ABUAD, the Ooni performed some rites at some shrines in Ado Ekiti, which many indigenes believed was the “real reason” why the monarch came around.

    Some residents claim that every Ooni who is new on the throne must perform those rites once during his reign. One of them said: “Ado had its roots in Ile Ife and any Ooni who has not performed these rights cannot come here unless he has done so.

    “The last time we witnessed this was in 1980; that is 36 years ago, when Ooni Sijuwade came to perform these rites. That explains the historical importance of Ado and the bond it has with Ife.”

    The first shrine visited by the Ooni was the Ilegemo in Odo Ado at about 6 pm directly on his way from ABUAD. Residents of the area had waited for hours with women singing enthusiastically.

    The Ooni arrived amidst a staccato of gunshots by traditional hunters who hailed the king endlessly. The Ooni was followed to the shrine by traditional priests and was prayed for by the priest in charge of the shrine. The Efas (Ado Ekiti traditional policemen) were resplendent in their white attires, serving as escorts to the monarch.

    The next stopover for the Ooni was at Ori Ekiti located at Ojido where residents swarmed around the Ooni like bees. Women worshippers of the deity wore white loin clothes, beating traditional gongs and sang traditional songs as it was getting dark.

    The Ooni performed the rite at Ori Ekiti shrine by raising his scepter thrice, communing with the gods. Other shrines visited by the Ooni were Okiti Omolore at Inosunja, Ile Ajija at Idolofin and Ewi Otu at Odo Otu-Atikankan area.

    As the train moved round the town, the crowd following the Ooni grew and defied the darkness.

    The visit of the Ooni will certainly remain indelible in the memories of indigenes and residents of the Ekiti towns he visited.

  • Fanfare as SPAR berths in Ilupeju

    Fanfare as SPAR berths in Ilupeju

    Ilupeju town, an uptown district in Lagos wore a festive look recently as the famous upscale retail store, SPAR, opened a new outlet in the fastest growing industrial hub in Lagos metropolis and its environs.

    The event which served as an open house cum formal luncheon was a showstopper of sort judging by the glitz, glamour which defined the ambience as well as the assortment of fun.

    Speaking to newsmen shortly after declaring the event opened, the Onipeju of Ilupeju, High Chief Korede Bisade Phillips, who was accopmpanied by other chiefs, including: former chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, Prince Bayo Oshiyemi and the Are Kakanfo of Owuland, Abeokuta, Prince Bolu Akin-Olugbade, said it’s a good development for the people of Ilupeju.

    “We’re happy we’ve SPAR in Ilupeju and that tells you Ilupeju is a place to reckon with in all business dealings in this country especially Lagos in particular. We see a lot of benefits coming to our immediate in terms of access to cheaper products and it will make life more comfortable for our people here in Ilupeju.”

    Justifying the opening of SPAR in Ilupeju, Deputy Managing Director, Artee Group, Mr. Prakesh Keswani, said it’s a dream come true.

    “The decision to expand to Ilupeju had been on for the past two years. This place was just a warehouse. But we saw that there is a good customer base here and we decided to take the opportunity,” he said.

    Upbeat, Keswani said: “It’s very encouraging to be here and customer reaction has been very fantastic. Our main motivation is to bring joy to the customers and make them experience quality service.” On the unique selling point of the brand, the Artee Group boss said: “What differentiates us from the competition is the fact that we’re a hypermarket. That means we provide all services across the chain of retail trade including food, electronics, IT, and almost anything you can think of. Besides the value we give to the customers is exceptionally good. It’s the quality of services, quality of products, etc.”

    SPAR in Nigeria which is being managed by the Artee Group, is a part of an international retail chain originating from Holland.

    SPAR, a Dutch multinational retail chain has global presence in 43 countries across four continents with over 12,500 stores and services over five million customers daily as well provides jobs for over 180, 000 people worldwide.

  • Fanfare at Owerri Mall launch

    Fanfare at Owerri Mall launch

    The Owerri Mall has taken off but it was not just another launch. A huge number of residents of the Imo State capital and environs turned up for the event eager to take advantage of the discounted sales, quality and variety of the products promised by the management of the mall.

    To the bargain, the mall also houses a Shoprite outlet and 44 other consumer goods shops. Shoppers can get quite a lot in one outing and in one place.

    The mall is a huge relief for shoppers in Owerri, who had grappled with the challenges of buying low-quality goods at exorbitant prices, as well as the business community who will benefit from the business opportunities that will be created in the value chain.

    The Centre Manager, Bayo Anifowose said 2000 jobs have been created, thanks to the mall. This, he reckons, will engender enormous financial inflow into the state economy.

    He noted further that the gains of the mall will add value to the living standard of the people of the immediate communities and the entire state, adding that the management places priority on Corporate Social Responsibility, as a way of building robust relationship with the host communities.

    Anifowoshe revealed that the company has started the construction of massive drainages to check the menace of flooding in the area, which is prone to flooding.

    He said that the company has also built a network of roads around the facility to tackle possible traffic congestion that may arise and affect ease of shopping at the mall.

    Anifowoshe said, “We have built a world class property, equipped with all safety gadgets to physically and electronically keep the facility secure round the clock. Most importantly, the Owerri Mall was conceived, designed and constructed to give result and satisfaction to all stakeholders, government and investors alike.”

    Jason Buhr, Managing Director of Resilient Africa, a South African property developer which have built all Shoprite structures in Nigeria, said that while they need owners of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies to occupy all the outlets at the mall, and besides the direct employment that hundreds of suppliers and other service providers from cleaning to maintenance would have great opportunities at the mall.

    For the 45 outfits occupying the mall outlets, Buhr said, “Our primary objective is to progress business owners in the state from informal market and convinces them that there is profit to be made in formal markets as will be easily evident at the Owerri Mall in the days ahead.”

    •Governor Okorocha inaugurating the mall
    •Governor Okorocha inaugurating the mall

    Delivering his speech at the opening of the Mall, Governor Rochas Okorocha stated that his government has opened its arms to welcome investors to the state and enjoined all Imo citizens, irrespective of political divide to come and invest in the state.

    He said, “We must, irrespective of political affiliations unite and save the lives of our teeming populace who are looking up to us for leadership.”

    He continued, “Many of you will wonder what an APC governor will be doing in a business championed by a PDP?  Let me say to you, in politicking we defend our political parties but in governance, we must learn to unite and provide our people with the much needed dividends of democracy, that is the singular reason why I have supported this project.

    He assured prospective foreign investors that the government will continue to support genuine investors and protect their interests.

    Earlier, the chairman Owerri Mall Development Company, Nze Herbert Chikwe thanked the Governor for assisting them in the speedy approval of the design plan and Certificate of Occupancy.

    He noted that Imo has been keyed into the national economic map of states witnessing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), pointing that Owerri Mall hasenlarged the economic space of Imo state.

    Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, member representing Owerri Federal Constituency at the National Assembly thanked the chairman of the group for dreaming big and investing in Imo state.  He expressed his appreciation to the governor for supporting the vision and pledged that the Owerri people he represents will jealously guard and protect the investment.

    Owerri Mall housing Shoprite and 44 other trading outfits was built by a consortium of developers.

     

  • Fanfare as company rewards customers

    In what may easily be described as a show of gratitude, Chemstar Paints Industry Nigeria Limited, manufacturers of Finecoat branded paints rewarded its loyal customers.

    The event was at its annual customer’s forum, which held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, with hundreds of customers across the 36 states of the federation in attendance.

    Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, Aderemi Awode who acknowledged the bond between the company and its customers over the years, also seized the occasion to reward the customers for staying the course despite the prevailing economic turbulence.

    Awode subsequently revealed that the management of company has earmarked a total sum of N80million to show its appreciation for unalloyed loyalty of the customers.

    The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of awards to deserving customers in different categories.The overall best winner in one of the categories, Anthony Ebunam, who is also Managing Director Tonason & Sons Limited, Makurdi, Benue State, was effusive with praises to the company, when he received his award.

     

  • Fanfare as courts resume

    Fanfare as courts resume

    In celebration of a new legal year, various activities are usually lined up by the judiciary for stakeholders in the sector. These activities, apart from the social value, also give a glimpse of what to expect in the coming days. ROBERT EGBE writes.

     

    It’s official. The long vacation is over and the 2015/16 Legal Year is in session. Courts around the country – whether federal or state – are back in business. In most states, it is customary to kick-off the year with social and religious events, and this year was no exception.

    In Lagos, the start of the new session was marked with several activities, including a Legal Year Dinner, organised by the Lagos State Judiciary at the Nigeria Law School, Lagos Campus.

    The dinner was the culmination of a four-day event, which began with simultaneous prayer sessions at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina and Lagos Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikwe, Lagos, a novelty football match between the Bar and the Bench at the Onikan Stadium, and an interactive Bar and Bench Forum at the High Court Foyer, Igbosere, Lagos

    The religious services were particularly notable because – for the first time in the state’s history – they witnessed the physical attendance of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State at the church and his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule at the mosque. The governor used the opportunity to restate his administration’s commitment to the growth of the judiciary.

    “I didn’t know that this is the first time a governor will be attending the service of new legal year in Lagos State,” Governor Ambode said, “I just felt it was dutiful for me to be here.”

    He continued: “This is a new beginning. I just want to reiterate my commitment to partnering with the judiciary, this is because the  judiciary remains the most veritable instrument for the attainment of growth and economic development in the state.”

    On the social front last Wednesday, the Bench proved its superiority over the Bar, with a select judges and magistrates’ side recording a 6-1 victory over a team of lawyers during a novelty match played at the Onikan Stadium.

    At the Bar and Bench Forum, the no-holds-barred discussion between lawyers and judges, led to the disclosure by the Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, of the introduction of the Bail Information Management System (BIMS), to capture the biometrics and full documentation of defendants and their sureties in the state’s judicial system.

    Justice Atilade explained that BIMS is designed to address some of the unique challenges bedeviling the criminal justice system and also see to the reduction of abuses by those she termed unscrupulous lawyers and professional sureties.

    She said: “The trials of suspects are usually delayed due to their non-production in court by prison authorities who sometimes cannot even identify their specific places of remand.

    “The BIMS will be deployed in the 22 magisterial districts and the Lagos and Ikeja Divisions of the Lagos State High Court.

    “The information will be linked to a centralised data base accessible to everybody and give judges and magistrates confidence to grant bail to suspects.

    “It will help to address the issue of awaiting trial inmates because suspects can easily be tracked from the system.”

    While promising that the judiciary under her watch would see to the improvement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the state, Justice Atilade maintained that the state judiciary would remain a model in Nigeria and indeed Africa.

    The CJ said: “The Lagos State judiciary will continue to perform its responsibilities and also provide modern infrastructure that will help in the quick dispensation of justice.

    “We must be steadfast and honest while discharging our duties as officers in the Temple of Justice. We will ensure justice in all cases and at all times.”

    Justice Atilade also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to cooperate with the state judiciary so as to aid speedy dispensation of justice in the state.

    Governor Ambode emphasised the judiciary’s importance to his administration by attending  Friday’s Legal Year Dinner dinner, which opened the 2015/16 Legal Year in the state.

    It was also another opportunity for the Chief Justice to make one important request of the governor: the return of Judiciary Capital Vote. Justice Atilade was concerned that the Lagos State Judiciary was still financially dependent on the Ministry of Justice and appealed to Governor Ambode to assist in effecting the return of Judiciary Capital Vote as required by Law and in the spirit of separation of powers.

    The CJ, however, admitted the governor’s interest in the welfare of the judiciary and restated her confidence in him.

    She said: “To a very large extent, as we demonstrate our implicit confidence in our able governor to right the wrongs of the past, help reposition and propel the State Judiciary to desired heights, we must sincerely express our gratitude to His Excellency for all the support and kind understanding.

    “Truly, he has within the short period of his administration demonstrated strong interest and concern in the growth of the Judiciary and in the welfare of judicial officers, magistrates and all personnel the of the Lagos State Judiciary,” she added.

    In his response Governor Ambode promised that his administration will continue to improve on the achievements in the judicial sector and ensure that judges, magistrates and the courts in the state work in a conducive atmosphere.

    He said: “We will work with the judiciary to move our justice sector to a higher level. The reform process is not a finished business, it is a work in progress.”

     

     

  • MTN Foundation turns out music talents with fanfare

    MTN Foundation turns out music talents with fanfare

    The Agip Recital Hall, MUSON centre, venue of this year’s 8th Graduation Ceremony of the MTN Foundation-MUSON Music Scholars Programme was filled to capacity with enthusiastic guests made up of music lovers, friends and relatives of the graduating students as the MTNF Awardees bow out of the two years Diploma programme.

    The ceremony started with the MTNF/MUSON Scholars appreciation concert where the graduating students exhibited their mastery of musical instruments and vocal renditions.  Guests at the event got excited as the graduands dished out some contemporary Nigerian tunes with their classical musical instruments.

    The 21 scholars, who graduated with Diplomas in Music, are the eighth set of beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation’s music scholarship programme.

    The highpoint of the musical concert was the special appearance of MTN’s Brand ambassadors, Cobhams and Sound Sultan, who displayed their dexterity in the art of singing and playing  instruments.

    Mr. Dennis Okoro, Director, MTN Foundation, in his speech, commended the graduating students for living up to the values of the MTN Foundation. He stated that such qualities as diligence and dedication coupled with their determination has made them successful on the programme.

    “So far, the MTN Foundation has invested over N200 million in the MTNF-MUSON Music Scholars Programme. In the past 9 years, the programme has produced 212 music scholars who have received exposure to the highest standards of composing and production of world class music. This includes the 21 Music Scholars that graduated in this 8th Graduation Ceremony” Okoro said.

    Speaking further on the impact of the programme, Okoro informed that “recently, some of our awardees got opportunities to compete with the rest of the world in Italy and Spain. Many of them are  sought locally and internationally and they are doing very well, making their marks across the world.”

    Presenting the best three graduating students who had lived up to the standards of the MTN Foundation values of leadership, excellence, creativity and integrity, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary, MTNF counseled the winners to ensure they maintain those qualities that made them distinct. The winners were: OladimejiAdelaja; Olusegun Alphonso and OlusolaOlufa.  The graduands expressed their appreciation to MTN Foundation by rendering a special song titled “everywhere you go.”

    The Guest Speaker, Mr. Yemi Akinsanya, while commending the MTN Foundation for championing the Music Scholars programme, expressed his assurances that the graduands will be good ambassadors of MTNF as they go ahead in their pursuit of excellence.

    The MTNF/MUSON Music Scholarship Programme was instituted to provide less privileged, but  talented students, an opportunity to acquire qualitative music education. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and daily stipends.

  • Fanfare as directors, associates honour Fashola

    Fanfare as directors, associates honour Fashola

    For his unassailable achievements as governor of Lagos State in the last eight years, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) sure deserves all the encomiums being poured on him by those who know him. And expectedly, the governor was celebrated in a book written by about 30 notable people who have one story or the other to tell about him. The book, entitled, ‘The Example: The Era of Babatunde Fashola as Governor of Lagos State’, was launched at an event orgarnised by the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD), on Wednesday at Shell Hall in MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos.

    It was all about a man who approached governance with energy and imagination and came out as the gold standard for governance and a governor of example. His colleagues came to see and learn; they freely gave their accolades. For them, Fashola became the governor of example.

    On Wednesday, friends and associates gathered for the launch of the book, edited by the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation, Sam Omatseye, and reviewed by a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation, Olakunle Abimbola. The forward was written by Prof Itse Sagay (SAN).

    Among the contributors to the book are former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi; Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello; a personal assistant to Governor Fashola, Oluwaseun Faleye and several others.

    The book tells Fashola’s story from the inside, by lieutenants who saw him work; think in the posh office and in the rain-drenched trenches. It is also written by some on the outside who looked in and they present a barometer of the unbiased onlooker. It is a rounded view of his stewardship.

    The book launch was part of the activities during the public policy lecture of the Institute of Directors Nigeria (IoD). The theme was: “My stewardship – Eight years of delivering excellence”, with Governor Fashola as the Guest Speaker.

    For the main event, the Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, had a formal setting, decorated in black and white colours. Most of the guests were corporately dressed, while others wore native attire.

    Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, enlivened the gathering with jokes.

    The Chairman of IoD programme committee, Mr Yomi Jones, welcomed the guests, while the Vice Chairman, IoD, Mr Kelechi Ozuzu, read the citation of Governor Fashola.

    In his speech, Fashola thanked the Chief Host, President / Chairman of the Institute, Chief Mrs Eniola Fadayomi, for the platform and described Omatseye as his friend and a respected columnist.

    According to Omatseye, the editing of the book demanded a lot of pressure, but it was also an intellectual fulfillment.

    “Trying to get everybody to write, pursuing them, shaping the idea of what they are supposed to write, eventually editing the book, the production and getting it printed was such an interesting and fulfilling exercise; I am very grateful to God that this day has come,” Omatseye said.

    The reviewer, Abimbola, said the book is a glorious showcase of the wonders Fashola has wrought in his eight-year governorship, heading to a glorious finishing on May 28.

    “The tale, a relay of 36 contributors, is told mainly by participant-observers, cabinet members past and present. The only exceptions are John Kayode Fayemi, a gubernatorial peer and former governor of Ekiti; Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman, Zinox Group; Aderemi Makanjuola, CEO Caverton Helicopters; Marvel Akpoyibo, former Lagos State Police Commissioner; Walter Olatunde, project director of Deux Projects Ltd; Aminu Yaro Idris, Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos State; Prof Adewale Oke, CMD, LASUTH and Mark Eddo, the maker of a triad of documentaries on the renascent Lagos of Asiwaju Tinubu-Babatunde Fashola era, and proud Eko citizen.”

    Mrs Fadayomi said as Fashola’s achievements are being celebrated, we must not forget that preservation of worthy deeds are best captured in the quality of the projects executed as well as documented records of how it was done.

    She commended Omatseye for undertaking the task of documenting these milestones in the book.

    She said the IoD Nigerian public policy lecture is a platform designed to showcase the pride and satisfaction in adhering to good governance and give the governed the opportunity to access the quantitative and qualitative impact of the policies of government and key governmental agencies.

  • Fanfare as Etisalat Cliqfest fetes Mapoly students

    FOR the student community in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY) penultimate Saturday would go down in the annals of the polytechnic more memorable in many ways than one.

    First, it was a day it got its share of entertainment from arguably one of the most innovative telecommunications company in Nigeria, Etisalat, which stormed the school with its unrivalled youth-centric, empowerment, and educative initiative tagged: ‘Etisalat Cliqfest.’

    The two-day event which held last weekend began with an inspirational session delivered by Motivational Speaker and Life Coach, Niyi Adesanya.

    The icing in the cake was the second day as students were thrilled at a concert headlined by popular Nigerian artistes, a football match and a raffle draw.

    Speaking on the event, Elvis Daniel, Head, Youth Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, described Cliqfest as a touch point for young people where they are at liberty to express themselves and their dreams.

    “We go around the country, bringing an entertaining platform that delivers a wholesome experience to students because Etisalat is passionate about the Nigerian youth and their aspirations. Cliqfest is designed to help them discover themselves right here within the walls of their institution,” said Daniel.

    The climax of the event emerged when Bilikis Egusola Omowunmi, a Science Laboratory Technology student was announced as the winner of a brand new Hyundai i10. The elated student said, “To be honest I bought two raffle tickets in anticipation that I might win but I still cannot believe that I truly won. Etisalat is the best network ever and I am extremely grateful to Etisalat for this encouraging experience.”

    In just six years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 20 million in a highly competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include – easy starter, easycliq, easybusiness, and easyblaze; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.

    Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 19 operations of the Etisalat Group that spans across Africa, Middle East and Asia serving over 182 million subscribers; and it is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.