The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Farewell

  • Enter farewell visitors

    With about a month to the handover date, President Goodluck Jonathan has started to receive dignitaries on a thank-you and farewell visits from beyond the national borders.

    One of the first visitors was President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire who was at the Presidential Villa on Monday last week to thank him for all the support he has given him and his country in the past five years.

    Briefing journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ouattara, who was recounting Jonathan’s role that ensured Ouattara took over from Laurent Gbagbo who  was hanging onto power in 2010 in Cote d’Ivoire, became a bit emotional as the two leaders managed to fight back tears during the session.

    He was particularly grateful that Jonathan, who was Nigeria’s Acting President five years ago could mobilise other West African leaders to oust Laurent Gbagbo, who had refused to relinquish power after losing the presidential election.

    Besides commending Jonathan for shunning replay of the Gbagbo experience in Nigeria, he was happy that bloodshed was averted in the country as Jonathan peacefully conceded defeat to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    Gbagbo’s refusal to concede defeat to him after the presidential election, he said, resulted in a four-month civil war in which over 3, 000 people lost their lives.

    He said: “So, I wanted to tell you our appreciation over the leadership we have received from you during these years. You know that about five years ago, Cote d’Ivoire had elections and I won the election and the former president decided not to leave office. This brought the civil war and 3,000 people were killed.”

    “We were put in a hotel for protection by the United Nations for four and a half months. We were there without food because the hotel was guarded by the president’s men. It was only after four and a half months of imprisonment in that hotel that finally we were able to leave the hotel; after the former president quit and finally left office for me.”

    “I am saying this to stress that what happened in Nigeria is a lesson to all of us. Please, accept my admiration. I think that avoiding violence, avoiding civil war when we have elections in Africa should be our utmost objective,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “People are more important than power and Mr. President, my good friend, I am not surprised about what you did and I wanted to congratulate you, congratulate the Nigerian people and congratulate the President-elect.

    “My brother, you have shown support to me during the difficult years I went through, you have shown friendship to me all these years. So, I want to tell you thank you.” he added.

    The following day, Tuesday, the Ghanaian President, John Mahama, who is also the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also, visited President Jonathan to commend him on behalf of ECOWAS for his statesmanship in conceding defeat to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said: “I also took the opportunity to commend him for the statesmanship that was displayed after the election. We all knew that he congratulated the president-elect, Gen. Buhari after the election realities and he conceded. I feel that was a very great sign of maturity and has earned the respect of all Nigerians and the respect of the international community for all what he did.

    “We expect a smooth transition and possibly the role that Nigeria plays in the ECOWAS being the biggest economy not only in our sub-region but also in the whole continent.

    “Of course there is a special relationship that exists between Nigeria and Ghana too and so, in my second heart as the President of Ghana, I wish to congratulate our brothers and sisters in Nigeria on what has been a very good election,” he said.

    To ensure continued support from Nigeria after May 29, these leaders did not fail to seek audience with the President-elect, Gen. Buhari, during their visits.

    Jonathan and Buhari, no doubt, will continue to receive such visits as the D-day approaches.

     

    And Jonathan stings

     

    Barely 10 minutes after bidding the Ghanaian President, John Mahama, farewell from the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan at the March 28 Presidential elections recorded its first casualty.

    The President, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, announced the sack of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Suleiman Abba from office.

    The tone of the statement showed that the Presidency was really angry with the IGP as similar statements normally avoid the use of the word ‘sack’.

    Although no reason was given in the statement for the sack, his exit was said not to be unconnected with the role he was said to have played during the 2015 general elections.

    It is not clear whether the President, in the coming days, will also use his sledge hammer on politicians in his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who were believed to have played roles that had adversely affected his re-election bid.

  • Farewell to an upright Judge

    Farewell to an upright Judge

    The remains of a former Chief Judge of the defunct Bendel State, Justice Josiah Ajasa Poutinkumo Oki have been buried. A valedictory court session was held in his honour, reports JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU.

    From left: Paul Oki, Gerald Oki and Erebi Adeghoye
    From left: Paul Oki, Gerald Oki and Erebi
    Adeghoye

    Last Friday would remain memorable in the annals of the country’s legal history. It was when lawyers, professional colleagues, relatives, friends and well wishers from Edo and Delta States, and beyond, converged on the premises of Court 1 of Edo State High Court to pay their last respect to one of the greatest legal minds in Nigeria, the late Justice Josiah Ajasa Poutinkumo Oki. It was at a valedictory Court Session. The late Oki was a former Chief Judge of the defunct Bendel State.

    It was, indeed, a rain of eulogies and encomiums as speaker after speaker extolled the sterling  qualities of the late jurist and legal icon, who died on March 13. He was  89.

    Edo State Chief Judge, Justice C.O.Idahosa, in her tribute said: “Today, Edo State and Delta State Judiciary mourn the exit of the former Chief Judge of Bendel State, His Lordship, Justice J.A.P. Oki, a quintessential jurist, who expanded the frontiers of liberty and justice.

    “Even as we mourn, we celebrate the fulfilled life, which His Lordship lived, being favoured by God to have attained the age of 89 years and the privilege of being the father of six loving children and grand father of 14 beautiful grand children. A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”

    She continued: “For the great legal icon in whose honour we are here gathered, he imbibed and exhibited the principles of truth and truthfulness, justness and justice, firmness and fairness. Indeed, His Lordship’s contributions to the development of law and the sustenance of a viable judiciary in the defunct Bendel State in particular, is so immense, the finality of death cannot draw a curtain on his contributions.”

    In a chat with The Nation, son of the deceased, Mr. Paul Oki said: “He lived a life that is worthy of emulation. He set many examples, set very high standards for his children, fellow Judges, legal practitioners and indeed, everybody that had one thing or the other to do with him when he was alive. He had one simple philosophy, which was honesty, integrity, focus, hard work and diligence those timeless values were his values.

    “He inculcated them in each of his children, in all the lawyers that appeared before him and everybody, who came in contact with him in all his 89 years on earth. He was somebody this country was really proud of. He was indeed, a rare gem, not because he was my father, but because of the values he represented.”

    Speaking on why he and his two other sibblings embraced the legal profession, Oki said: “Well, we are six children and three of us are lawyers, myself and my two sisters, naturally you cannot grow up in our house and not love the law. Right from my childhood, I loved the profession, its all about simple things the way my father spoke, his eloquence, the way he read, his patience in listening to people, his carriage and his skill at resolving disputes even within the house, everything about him just inspired us to just be like him and it is the same principle that is driving many of us  in life today. Those values have really propelled many of us and if ask any us they will tell you the same thing.”

    From left: Secretary NBA Warri, Othadua Okpakpor, Vice-Chairman NBA Warri, Oghenero Okoro and Israel Aye.
    From left: Secretary NBA Warri, Othadua Okpakpor, Vice-Chairman NBA Warri, Oghenero Okoro and Israel Aye.

    Afriend of the fmily, Mr. Isreal Aye, said: “I got to know Pa Oki through his son, Paul, who is my friend and partner at Sterling Partnerships. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the trees, certainly one thing I can say about him is the truth that he bore. I can see that in Paul and his sisters, who are lawyers. They are indeed, excellent human beings and everyone of them says that  it is the result of the upbringing that they had. So, you can see that apart from service to God and humanity, the man also succeeded as a family man. He was an excellent husband and a focused father.”

    A senior lawyer, Mr. K. S.Okeaya- Inneh ( SAN), in his tribute said: “I appeared before Justice Oki several times, he was really a model Judge.”

    Talking about the qualities of the late Justice Oki he said he would recommend modern Judges to emulate the late judge. He said: “They should learn how to be painstaking and quick at getting at the points in issue in arriving at justice.”

    The late Oki after his training in Canada and the United Kingdom (UK), between 1960-1964, Josiah Oki engaged in private legal practice until his appointment as Agent- General of the former Midwestern Region in the UK.  During his tenure, he acted in the best interest of the Midwest Region, which was then a young region, having been carved out of the defunct Western Region in 1963.

    In 1967, at 42, he was appointed into the Midwestern Regional Executive Council as Commissioner for Works and Transport. In 1968, at  he was appointed Chief Registrar of the High Court of Midwestern State. In 1971,  he was appointed a High Court Judge.

    While serving as a High Court Judge, the late Justice Oki  was called upon to serve the Midwest Region now Midwest State, as Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice. It is on record that  the late judge was the only Judge to have served the state in that capacity.

    In 1985, at age 60, he attained the peak of his career when he was appointed the substantive Chief Judge of Bendel State, a position he occupied until he retired in 1990, having attained the statutory retirement age of 65 .

    According to Okeaya-Inneh, during the late Oki’s stint as Chief Judge of the defunct Midwest, he showed dexterity and sense of confidence.  “Yours sincerely appeared before him for the adjudication of both contentious and non-contentious matters. He was a man, who I can simply refer to as ‘a colossus of judicial excellence’, at this time; in that he administered justice according to the law and the justice of any case before him.

    “I can confidently describe him also, as a conservative and liberal Judge. This account is apt in that, he decided cases faithfully by following judicial precedence or decisions of superior Courts in similar cases,” Okeaya-Inneh said.

    The late judge was an author of a book that discussed Christian faith, spiritual rebirth and life experiences as a Christian, entitled: The Reality of the New Birth.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Dignitaries bid Okoya-Thomas farewell

    Dignitaries bid Okoya-Thomas farewell

    The remains of frontline businessman, sport enthusiast and philanthropist Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas were interred last Friday at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens after a funeral service at The Holy Cross Cathedral on Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI . 

    Sir Alexander Molade Okoya-Thomas, who died on February 1, was no mean man. He stood larger than life in the worlds of business, education, sports and philanthropy, among others. His death shook the nation. Last Friday, Lagos rose for this late seasoned industrialist, who, among others, held the prestigious title of Asoju-Oba. The cream of the society gathered at his funeral service at the Holy Cross Cathedral Church on Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island.

    The late business mogul was the Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), chairman of CFAO Group; CICA (Nigeria) Limited; Transcorp Nigeria Limited; Oklom Investment Limited and Chiyoda Nigeria Limited, among others.

    Curiously, Bureaux de Change operators,  set up shop at the church and reception venue, changing money for those interested. Photographers, traders, hawkers and beggars pushed and shoved for a vintage business position.

    Some guests alighted from their vehicles and walked to the church, leaving their drivers to look for a parking space.

    Guests were clad in gorgeous and beautiful traditional attires. Most of them made statements with their green head gears or caps, the colour for the occasion.

    The late Okoya-Thomas’ children were resplendent in their gold traditional dresses with matching head gears and caps. The widow, Lady Olivet, wore a navy-blue striped Iro and Buba outfit.

    The church hall was filled to capacity. Those who could not find space in the hall sat under  tents on the church premises.

    Father Anthony Nwosu coordinated the programme; other officiating ministers were the Catholic Bishop of Lagos Diocese,  Adewale Martins,  Monsignor John Aniagwu  and Monsignor Bernard Okoduwa.

    The service opened with the singing of a hymn, “Yes I shall arise”. The bereaved family sat on the front row.

    Father Nwosu said the opening prayers; the Bible passage was taken from John 11: 21- 27.

    In his sermon, Monsignor Aniagwu said the funeral service was a celebration of the late Chief Okoya-Thomas’ life.

    The cleric said having close contact with the late Okoya-Thomas and working closely with him had a great impact on him.

    “He made a positive impact in the life of all. It is a pity to lose him, but the Lord knows best,” he said.

    The deceased, according to the cleric, was tolerant and accommodating.

    Offering, thanksgiving and prayers for the bereaved family followed in quick succession, following which the service ended with the recessional hymn: “Hark Hark my Soul”’ as the undertakers, MIC, wheeled the casket bearing Okoya-Thomas’ remains out of the church. A huge crowd followed the funeral train to the Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, where his remains were interred.

    Others left for Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Onikan, Lagos, venue of the reception.

    The reception ground was decorated in green and white with Juju maestro Sunday Adegeye (King Sunny Ade) and his band singing praises of the dignitaries and some of his evergreen hits to the admiration of guests.

    President Goodluck Jonathan, represented by  Senate President David Mark said with  Okoya-Thomas death, Nigeria has lost not just a consummate entrepreneur, but an uncommon philanthropist and steadfast believer in the manifest destiny of the country.

    “He was not just a successful active sportsman in his younger days, but remained fully committed to sports development all his life, dedicating huge resources to the promotion of his various sporting interests.

    “Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, whose life was one of uncommon dedicated service to God, country and community, leaves behind a rich legacy which should be an abiding source of solace and inspiration to us, our family as well as his numerous friends, protégés and associates.”

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said the late Okoya-Thomas displayed greatness by his gentility and humility.

    “He was courteous almost to a fault. His respect for the old and the young was not feigned, it was genuine. His love for people was deep and sincere; he was a bridge builder per excellence. His generosity and philanthropy were deep and sometimes exceeded the limits of his deep pockets, but that was his passion,” he said.

    Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun said the late Okoya-Thomas contributed to the nation’s socio-economic development. “This no doubt accounted for the numerous awards to his name including the prestigious Member of Order of the Federal Republic  (MFR), Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) and Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur of France among others”.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the late Okoya-Thomas was a father to all, adding that he was responsible, reliable and kind hearted. “He was a man of God and a very caring father to all of us when he was alive. It has pleased God to take him to Himself and we pray that God will grant him eternal and peaceful rest, and give us peace in our state, in the country and in our heart,” she said.

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji said the late Okoya-Thomas lived a life that should be emulated.

    “He was an extraordinary man, a great father to all. If there is anyone to be called a great Lagos father, the deceased will be so addressed. He was friendly even to those who can be called his grand children; he took everyone as a real friend and he was a jolly good fellow all the way,” he said.

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said the deceased was a role model and generous to a fault. “He was one of those who made sports generally the darling of all in Lagos State. He was known to be a very smart sports player and at the same time a bridge builder as far as relationship is concerned. He would be respected by the young and the old and we believe that to fill his shoes, it will take an uncommon human being to resurface and claim the position that he has left. He has definitely left a virtue and God Almighty will assist Lagos State in filling that vacuum.”

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the late Okoya-Thomas lived well.

    In her tribute, lady Olivet said her husband made her happy to the last moment and never want any discomfort for her.

    “You treasured me and were always proud to tell everyone, I can’t question the will of God as I’m confident that you are in Heaven and with the angels. I will always love you. Rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet to path no more,” she said.

    His first daughter and a member of the House of Representatives, Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas described her father as a good man. “He is one of the most unsung, upraised, and yet one of the most valuable asset in our society. “Your memories will never go away and you will never be forgotten,” she said.

    She described her father as a lily of the valley. “You brightened my world and that of others around you. You were not without a fault but your sincere heart and kind soul reached out to all those you came across,’” she said.

    Communications giant Sir Steve Omojafor said the deceased lived life to the fullest and touched the life of the young and the old. “He took everybody as one, he was humble, generous, a motivator, a good leader, he was nice and wanted everyone to be happy,” he said.

    Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Moore Enterprising Nigeria Limited, Dame Felicia Okoli said the late Okoya-Thomas was jovial, loving and generous to a fault. He respected everybody and he would be greatly missed,” she said.

    Former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki said the late Okoya-Thomas was a man whose presence was felt anywhere he was. “He believed so much in truth and there was no dull moment with him. The entire Lagos State would miss him dearly. He was ready to serve in every capacity and he would be remembered for all his good deeds and virtues because he was an embodiment of humility and generosity,” he said.

    At the service were, Minister of Trade Commerce and Industry Olusegun Aganga; All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu;  wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola;  wife of Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Olufunsho; House of Representatives Speaker,  Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha;  Senator Musiliu Obanikoro;  Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Gen Theophilus Danjuma and his wife Daisy; One time Finance Commissioner, Lagos State, Mr Wale Edun; APC Women Leader  Kemi Nelson;  Deputy Majority Leader Leo Ogor and Hon Samson Osagie, among others.

  • Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    The remains of Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, have been buried at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki, Lagos after a funeral service at The First Baptist Church, Broad Street, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    There was traffic jam on Broad Street, Lagos penultimate Thursday. It wasn’t caused by the hustle and bustle of the city. It was caused by guests at the First Baptist Church who were attending the funeral service for Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, who died on January 23. He was 92.

    The church hall was decorated with yellow and cream fabrics. It was filled with those who came to pay him their last respects. Others sat on the gallery.

    Pa Odolomerun was a man of many parts.

    He was founder, Dolmark Partnership, a frontline firm that handled a lot of quantity surveying jobs for the government. Among other jobs he did were the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; P and T Obalende and Federal Advanced Teachers Training College at Okene, Kogi State and others at Ogoja and Kano.

    The late Pa Odolomerun joined the Rotary International and was the president of Rotary Club of Ikeja, District 9110. Also, he served on the Board of Trustees and was an executive of his church. He was lover of classical and choral music and was Patron of the Sanctuary Choir of the church.

    The service began with the processional hymn, as the BMC pall bearers brought Pa Odolomerun’s body into the church. The family led by the widow, Gloria, followed.

    The church choir sang hymns such as Must Jesus bear ‘the cross’ alone/” All to Jesus I surrender”, “The day thou gavest Lord is ended” and “For mercies countless as the sand”.

    The Warri Choral Society also sang hymns, including, “Everyday I will give thanks”, “Blessed be God’ and ‘The trumpet shall sound”.

    His daughter Mrs Ejuaye Urowoli Ajayi read her father’s biography.

    In a sermon, Rev Sunday Fagbemi described the late Odolomerun as a man blessed by God.

    He said God blessed the the late Odolomerun with a wonderful wife and children who took good care of him. He said the widow was always with her husband.

    The cleric said the deceased managed his life well, noting that God’s blessings were for every one but the problem was that of management.

    He read from Genesis, 25: 7-11 and Psalm 34: 11-15.

    He said God has blessed all Christains with long life but that they have to key into it. “You must fear God, avoid lies and ensure peace with all,” he said.

    The cleric said God blessed Pa Odolomerun with long life, adding that he left a good legacy for his children. He urged the congregation to ensure that they get these blessings, stressing that the biggest blessing one should strive for is that of eternal life. He urged the people to live for Jesus,  so that their eternal life would be sure.

    Pa Odolomerun’s remains were interred at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki.

    Reception followed at KFA Events Centre in Lekki.

    Beautiful women dressed in uniformed blouse and wrapper Ankara led guests to labelled seats.

    Guests sympathised with the widow. Itinerant camera men made brisk business, taking ‘wait and get pictures’.

    The hall was beautiful; it was decorated with white and yellow fabrics.

    Ebony Band entertained guests.

    Mrs Odolomerun described the journey with her husband as remarkable and unforgettable.

    She wrote: “I testify to God’s glory that my husband lived a fulfilled life and completed all assignments at a ripe age of 92. I thank God as I was privileged to be here with him until the end. It was peaceful; indeed, he was a peaceful and  gentleman to the core,” she said.

    Mrs Urowoli wrote that her father was her number one fan. “He had faith in my capabilities, through thick and thin, never gave up on me. He meant many things to many people; to mum and I, he was our companion and friend. He was patient, kind and forgiving, empowering, yet protective”.

  • Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    Farewell to a ‘peaceful’ man

    The remains of Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, have been buried at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki, Lagos after a funeral service at The First Baptist Church, Broad Street, Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

    There was traffic jam on Broad Street, Lagos penultimate Thursday. It wasn’t caused by the hustle and bustle of the city. It was caused by guests at the First Baptist Church who were attending the funeral service for Pa Timothy Onoritsebawo Odolomerun, founder of Dolmark Partnership, who died on January 23. He was 92.

    The church hall was decorated with yellow and cream fabrics. It was filled with those who came to pay him their last respects. Others sat on the gallery.

    Pa Odolomerun was a man of many parts.

    He was founder, Dolmark Partnership, a frontline firm that handled a lot of quantity surveying jobs for the government. Among other jobs he did were the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos; P and T Obalende and Federal Advanced Teachers Training College at Okene, Kogi State and others at Ogoja and Kano.

    The late Pa Odolomerun joined the Rotary International and was the president of Rotary Club of Ikeja, District 9110. Also, he served on the Board of Trustees and was an executive of his church. He was lover of classical and choral music and was Patron of the Sanctuary Choir of the church.

    The service began with the processional hymn, as the BMC pall bearers brought Pa Odolomerun’s body into the church. The family led by the widow, Gloria, followed.

    The church choir sang hymns such as Must Jesus bear ‘the cross’ alone/” All to Jesus I surrender”, “The day thou gavest Lord is ended” and “For mercies countless as the sand”.

    The Warri Choral Society also sang hymns, including, “Everyday I will give thanks”, “Blessed be God’ and ‘The trumpet shall sound”.

    His daughter Mrs Ejuaye Urowoli Ajayi read her father’s biography.

    In a sermon, Rev Sunday Fagbemi described the late Odolomerun as a man blessed by God.

    He said God blessed the the late Odolomerun with a wonderful wife and children who took good care of him. He said the widow was always with her husband.

    The cleric said the deceased managed his life well, noting that God’s blessings were for every one but the problem was that of management.

    He read from Genesis, 25: 7-11 and Psalm 34: 11-15.

    He said God has blessed all Christains with long life but that they have to key into it. “You must fear God, avoid lies and ensure peace with all,” he said.

    The cleric said God blessed Pa Odolomerun with long life, adding that he left a good legacy for his children. He urged the congregation to ensure that they get these blessings, stressing that the biggest blessing one should strive for is that of eternal life. He urged the people to live for Jesus,  so that their eternal life would be sure.

    Pa Odolomerun’s remains were interred at Victoria Gardens Cemetery in Lekki.

    Reception followed at KFA Events Centre in Lekki.

    Beautiful women dressed in uniformed blouse and wrapper Ankara led guests to labelled seats.

    Guests sympathised with the widow. Itinerant camera men made brisk business, taking ‘wait and get pictures’.

    The hall was beautiful; it was decorated with white and yellow fabrics.

    Ebony Band entertained guests.

    Mrs Odolomerun described the journey with her husband as remarkable and unforgettable.

    She wrote: “I testify to God’s glory that my husband lived a fulfilled life and completed all assignments at a ripe age of 92. I thank God as I was privileged to be here with him until the end. It was peaceful; indeed, he was a peaceful and  gentleman to the core,” she said.

    Mrs Urowoli wrote that her father was her number one fan. “He had faith in my capabilities, through thick and thin, never gave up on me. He meant many things to many people; to mum and I, he was our companion and friend. He was patient, kind and forgiving, empowering, yet protective”.

  • Obasanjo’s farewell to PDP

    SIR: With the dramatic public rending of his membership card, one needs not to be told that Chief Olusegun has finally parted ways with the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). In fact, with this unique farewell package, one can confidently conclude that Obasanjo’s unending wars with the PDP are also over. Obasanjo is the highest beneficiary of the PDP’s benevolence as he rose from the position of a condemned prisoner in 1998 to the exalted position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The former president for quite some time has distanced himself from the activities of the PDP and government related functions. He did not show up at the PDP presidential campaign in Abeokuta. Obasanjo took advantage of every auspicious time at his disposal both at home and abroad to launch unprecedented verbal attacks on PDP led government and policies which he deems anti-people to the chagrin of his former party, the PDP.

    Apart from that, he was conspicuously absent at the National Council of State meeting held on February 5 where issues bordering on the prevailing security situation and the forth coming general elections were discussed.

    It is in the person and character of former President Obasanjo to diligently pursue whatever ideals he cherishes and stands for with sublime passion and vigour. He equally remains resolute and unruffled in the face of reactions or criticisms emanating from his views on any national or international issues. It was Harold Laski who affirmed that “without freedom of mind and of association, a man has no means to self-protection in our social order.”As a matter of fact, the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly of every Nigerian are guaranteed under Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended. In as much as speech is free and truth sacrosanct; the former needs to be uttered with decorum and guarded with utmost care while the latter devoid of personal interest should in all circumstances prevail.

    The sage should understand that there are several decent ways of killing a rat. As former President and chairman Board of Trustee (BOT) under the same party which he has publicly humiliated, his behaviour and utterances at any given time should be reflective of restraint and decorum. However, the action failed the litmus test of self-control and cannot in any way be said to be statesmanlike.

    Obasanjo and the PDP were expected to show high level of maturity in managing their perceived differences for old time sake’s.  After all it is mutual respect for each other, uncommon restraint and forgiving spirit that sustains any relationship.  Both should be blamed for washing their dirty linings in the public. However, it is said that appropriate measure of blames should be visited upon the strong who in the course of a brawl with his neighbour publicly made him to defecate in his dress and the underdog who shamelessly messed himself up.

     

    • Sunday Onyemaechi Eze,

    Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna

  • Farewell to a man of courage

    Farewell to a man of courage

    The funeral of a civil servant, Elder Ernest Echebiri Anokwuo, who died last year, has been held in his hometown, Umuchima in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, reports COLLINS NWEZE.

    Many villagers left everything to pay their last respects to Elder Ernest Echebiri Anokwuo, a rustic community in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.

    In 1978, the late  Elder Anokwuo’s love for his people prompted him to institute the Umuogbaregbe Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, which has empowered community members.

    By 1985, when the cooperative was launched, it became an avenue through which fertiliser were distributed to the farmers at reduced prices and also hectares of land were cultivated with improved species of palm seedlings. These projects eventually developed and became sources of revenues to the community.

    On the morning of the funeral he was to be committed to mother earth, the hearse conveying the body of Elder Anokwuo arrived his compound, accompanied by his family friends, in laws, and church members.

    Many of these who spoke glowingly about his life and times described him as a man who had the interest and well-being of his people at heart, and one who was always thinking of how to bring development to the community.

    The widow, Mrs. Grace Anokwuo, was clad in a white attire, described her late husband as a loving and one who stood for his  family and people.  “He loved God and worked for Him. His life on earth was that of a true leader who cares about the welfare of other people.” She was glad his legacy lived on.

    Son of the deceased, Uche, said his father met every situation with desired wisdom and commitment.

    Another son of the deceased, Okechukwu, an employee of Addax Petroleum said:  “My father was not a person that sits and watches at the background in any place he finds himself. He loved to make impact in people’s lives. He was a mentor to many people that knew him. He pointed the light to many and came to people’s aid where he could”.

    Daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Nnenna Nweze, described her late father as her hero and mentor. She said he was a godly man who gave his children the best education.

    Reverend C. Ahunanya, in his sermon, described the late Elder Anokwuo as a man who loved God and served Him with all his heart. He called on all to obey God’s word and live righteously for them to have a guaranteed place in God’s kingdom.

    After the sermon, prayers were offered for God’s protection on the family of the bereaved.

    Afterwards, there were prayers at the graveside before the body was interred in a corner of the family’s expansive compound, in Umuchima community.

    The late Elder Anokwuo worked with the then Eastern Nigeria Regional Office Enugu and later in the Local Government Service Commission.

    He undertook University of London Rapid Result College Correspondence Courses and also attended several management courses in his career.

  • Lagos teachers to bid farewell to registers, broadsheets

    The days of taking attendance and entering examination scores into broadsheets manually may be over for teachers, thanks to a software developed by Applied Services (APPSERV), an IT solutions firm that manages the Lagos State Government Education Management System (LASGEMS).

    The new software application allows teachers to generate e-report cards and do a variety of other administrative tasks online.

    APPSERVE organised a train-the-trainers workshop for private school teachers on how to use the application last week at the Martinos event centre located in the Central Business District (CBD), Alausa, Lagos.

    LASGEMS was created in 2005 to generate a database of primary and secondary schools (both public and private), teachers, bio-data and school records of pupils as well as their parents to provide government with the data to plan.  The new initiative is expected to boost the effectiveness of the LASGEMS database.

    In an interview with APPSERV Managing Director, Mr Yomi Erogbogbo, during the training of teachers from Education District I, he said with the application, teachers would do away with manual registers, input their examination records faster, and get the results collated easier.

    He explained that many teachers can input scores at the same time; and once the result is ready, it can be printed, emailed to parents or the summary sent by SMS.

    Erogbogbo said: “It is now fully computerised i.e. the school attendance, submission of scores are now done online whereby schools can do away with their manual registers.  And the system inputs all the scores and produces all the reports automatically.  It has automated the process for producing the end of term report cards; the broadsheet; school attendance issues; and they can communicate with parents online by email and text messages.

    “It is of high value to parents.  If your report card cannot be found; if it is lost, schools can always reproduce it.  It is a permanent lifetime record.”

    After last week’s workshop, Erogbogbo said participants are expected to train teachers and school managers in their various schools.  He said APPSERV has provided dedicated servers for training and urged the teachers to take advantage of them.

    Save for providing internet access for teachers to input data using computers or internet-enabled phones, Erogbogbo said migrating their school records online would not cost schools so much to do.

    “Schools just need internet connectivity.  You can use your phone or laptop.  Anybody, who is a school teacher, anybody who owns a school, if you have a private school and you do not have a laptop, I do not think such person is serious about business. What is the cost of internet bundle?  Not that you are only using it for LASGEMS; it is your existing resources you are using.  If there is advancement in technology and you cannot apply it to improve yourself, it is a problem,” he said.

    Over 100 teachers from private schools in Education District I attended the training.  While some teachers commended the initiative, others, particularly those whose schools have not integrated the use of technology into administration, complained about the process being tedious.

    For instance, while Mr Femi Aborisade a Mathematics teacher at Adegoke High School, Agege, said he likes the use of technology to generate e-report cards, he complained that it is not feasible to use the online platform to mark attendance.

    “When you talk of manual, it is still better because it is what we do everyday – taking attendance.  However, it wont be easy going online to record attendance between classes.  The report card part is okay.  What I like mostly about that is getting it done and sending it to parents.  It is an advancement of technology,” he said.

    On the contrary, Mrs Olabisi Olaleye of Taqwa Private Schools, Ifako, Agege, described the initiative as laudable.  She said her school uses a similar platform, which needs to be upgraded with some things she learnt from the workshop.

    “We have a database where we manage all students.  So, it is just that when you go out you learn more.  With this one, I have learnt what you have to do to update on our own system.  What I just want to implore private schools is that they should adopt it because it is a good thing that will bring a lot of relief to teachers. It will relief teachers of the stress of writing, which consumes most of their time and affects teaching and learning,” she said.

     

  • Lagos teachers to bid farewell to registers, broadsheets

    The days of taking attendance and entering examination scores into broadsheets manually may be over for teachers, thanks to a software developed by Applied Services (APPSERV), an IT solutions firm that manages the Lagos State Government Education Management System (LASGEMS).

    The new software application allows teachers to generate e-report cards and do a variety of other administrative tasks online.

    APPSERVE organised a train-the-trainers workshop for private school teachers on how to use the application last week at the Martinos event centre located in the Central Business District (CBD), Alausa, Lagos.

    LASGEMS was created in 2005 to generate a database of primary and secondary schools (both public and private), teachers, bio-data and school records of pupils as well as their parents to provide government with the data to plan.  The new initiative is expected to boost the effectiveness of the LASGEMS database.

    In an interview with APPSERV Managing Director, Mr Yomi Erogbogbo, during the training of teachers from Education District I, he said with the application, teachers would do away with manual registers, input their examination records faster, and get the results collated easier.

    He explained that many teachers can input scores at the same time; and once the result is ready, it can be printed, emailed to parents or the summary sent by SMS.

    Erogbogbo said: “It is now fully computerised i.e. the school attendance, submission of scores are now done online whereby schools can do away with their manual registers.  And the system inputs all the scores and produces all the reports automatically.  It has automated the process for producing the end of term report cards; the broadsheet; school attendance issues; and they can communicate with parents online by email and text messages.

    “It is of high value to parents.  If your report card cannot be found; if it is lost, schools can always reproduce it.  It is a permanent lifetime record.”

    After last week’s workshop, Erogbogbo said participants are expected to train teachers and school managers in their various schools.  He said APPSERV has provided dedicated servers for training and urged the teachers to take advantage of them.

    Save for providing internet access for teachers to input data using computers or internet-enabled phones, Erogbogbo said migrating their school records online would not cost schools so much to do.

    “Schools just need internet connectivity.  You can use your phone or laptop.  Anybody, who is a school teacher, anybody who owns a school, if you have a private school and you do not have a laptop, I do not think such person is serious about business. What is the cost of internet bundle?  Not that you are only using it for LASGEMS; it is your existing resources you are using.  If there is advancement in technology and you cannot apply it to improve yourself, it is a problem,” he said.

    Over 100 teachers from private schools in Education District I attended the training.  While some teachers commended the initiative, others, particularly those whose schools have not integrated the use of technology into administration, complained about the process being tedious.

    For instance, while Mr Femi Aborisade a Mathematics teacher at Adegoke High School, Agege, said he likes the use of technology to generate e-report cards, he complained that it is not feasible to use the online platform to mark attendance.

    “When you talk of manual, it is still better because it is what we do everyday – taking attendance.  However, it wont be easy going online to record attendance between classes.  The report card part is okay.  What I like mostly about that is getting it done and sending it to parents.  It is an advancement of technology,” he said.

    On the contrary, Mrs Olabisi Olaleye of Taqwa Private Schools, Ifako, Agege, described the initiative as laudable.  She said her school uses a similar platform, which needs to be upgraded with some things she learnt from the workshop.

    “We have a database where we manage all students.  So, it is just that when you go out you learn more.  With this one, I have learnt what you have to do to update on our own system.  What I just want to implore private schools is that they should adopt it because it is a good thing that will bring a lot of relief to teachers. It will relief teachers of the stress of writing, which consumes most of their time and affects teaching and learning,” she said.

  • Farewell to ‘a good man’

    Farewell to ‘a good man’

    The funeral of Dr Joseph Singapore Adaba, a businessman, who died on December 26, last year has been held in Lagos, reports WALE AJETUNMOBI

    Lafiaji, the popular neighbourhood in Obalende area of Lagos, was agog penultimate Friday. It throbbed, as usual, with commercial activities. But trading on the narrow street leading to St. Michael Catholic Church in the neighbourhood was suspended for a two-hour funeral programme.

    At 9:45am, the hearse conveying the body of Dr Joseph Singapore Adaba, arrived in the church, accompanied by soldiers. There was no stunt by the pallbearers, who were clad in black and white suits. The pallbearers were trailed by the grief-stricken family members and associates of the deceased as the remains were being moved into the church auditorium.

    The officiating priest, Reverend Father Vincent Udoye, came in from the pulpit entrance; then, the funeral mass for the late Dr  Adaba started.

    The widow, Mrs Amina Adaba, who was clad in black attire, sobbed endlessly as the priest began the homily. She was consoled by a group of sympathisers also dressed in black clothes.

    Taking the first Bible reading from the Daniel 12: 2-3, Rev. Father Udoye said all the dead shall be awaken on the Day of Judgment. He  said the righteous among them shall wake into everlasting life, while the wicked would be in shame.

    The priest urged the congregation to always leave their loved ones with good deeds each day because they would never know their last hour on earth.

    He said: “We all must prepare for our final moment because the son of man can come at any time. We must pray for long life but whether we like it or not, the son of man will leave this earth one day and our deeds would determine if we are going to rise among the righteous or the wicked.”

    Describing the deceased as a good man, Rev. Father Udoye urged the bereaved family members not to mourn, but to reflect on the good deeds of their breadwinner and move close to God in their trying period. The priest told the widow not to cry but to remain in prayers at all times.

    While taking the second Bible reading from Job 17-22, the clergyman noted that there had been no human being without weakness.

    He read: “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? If God places no trust in his servants; if he charges his angels with errors, how much more those who live in houses of clay whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth?”

    After the sermon, the priest prayed for the bereaved family and led a processional hymn with the theme: Hark, Hark, My Soul.

    Afterwards, the body was moved out of the church for interment at Ikoyi Cemetery in Obalende. After the priest said a short prayer, the body was lowered into a concrete grave by the pallbearers, while the widow and family members of the deceased performed dust-to-dust rite.

    In tribute to her late husband, Amina wrote: “My love, my confidant, my friend and motivator. You left me so sudden and it is still like a dream … I will not mourn but celebrate you, because that is what you deserve. Although my heart bleeds with pain, but for you I will be strong. Will forever miss you.”

    Adaba died last December 26, last year. He was 67. He worked in Nigerian Immigration Service before he gained admission to study Pharmacology up to doctoral degree at the University of Brooklyn, New York in United States from 1974 to 1977.

    After he returned to the country, he established business conglomerate in Nigeria and abroad.

    He is survived by wife, a son and five grandchildren.