The Nation Newspaper

Tag: fulfilled

  • ‘I’m fulfilled being a shoemaker’

    The saying that, what a man can do, a woman can do better seems to be the nudge that is making Adeola Adewole, a female Biology student of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) to see hope in shoe making.

    The 24-year-old entrepreneur has found a niche in shoe making, a pastime she said she must pursue to a “logical end”. Adeola, who hails from Kwara State, revealed how she ventured into the business.

    She said: “I never had flare for any craftwork and I detested anything pertaining to it. But, I had a dream one day in which I saw myself making shoes for people. When I woke up, I shared the dream with some of my friends and we all laughed it off as a bad idea. But, I was bothered about the dream. It was like a pressure from within; the thought kept coming to my mind. When I could no longer bear the psychological pressure, I sought to become an apprentice to a cobbler on campus. From there, I enrolled for entrepreneurship training in shoe making in Lagos.” Being the only female student practising the craftwork on UDUS campus, Adeola said she felt some bit of embarrassment when passersby would gather around her in surprise, mocking her. She said the action almost discouraged, but the will to succeed and push her trade up boosted her morale.

    Does she have her parents’ support to become a cobbler? “No,” Adeola said, adding: “Even though my parents are not in full support of what I do, I don’t see it as a discouragement.”

    Making shoes, she said, has been a source of joy and fulfillment for her. “It makes me to explore my mind for creativity because I think more. So, I feel sick whenever I am away from my business. The truth is, I have fulfillment being a shoe maker,” she said.

    In the face of academic pressure, how does she combine shoe making with her studies? Adeola admitted she was having challenges combining the two activities, but said she planned her time to attend to her business and academics. However, she insisted that her passion for the craftwork was growing more.

    “Though combining academics with entrepreneurship is challenging for me, but good time planning does help me to do the two,” she said.

    She advised ladies to embrace entrepreneurship, saying: “I personally don’t see reason why any lady should graduate without learning one or two skills, especially in this period of unemployment. I believe women can succeed more as a mother and an entrepreneur, rather than being a house a full wife. To me, it is through entrepreneurship that women can be financially independent.”

    Mr Cornelius Dasofunjo, a graduate of the school, who taught Adeola how to make shoes, spoke with CAMPUSLIFE, revealing that she is not his first woman trainee.

    “Adeola is one of the three ladies I taught shoemaking,” he said.

    “Olayinka Obadele, who won state awards on entrepreneurship and now teaches shoemaking, was my first apprentice. Then, I taught another lady, named Praise, on how to design shoes. She just established shoemaking outlet. So, Adeola is the third.”

    Dansofunjo, while expressing optimism that his trainees would succeed in the business, said that women usually show unique creativity when engaged in the craftwork dominated by men. He urged young women to emulate Adeola and add value to themselves through free enterprise.

     

    Muneer Yaqub

  • Childhood dream fulfilled

    Childhood dream fulfilled

    A book, The Sun Will Soon Shine, written by Mrs. Adejoke Ajibade Bakare, a Corporate Communications specialist at an oil and gas company, was presented in Lagos last Thursday, NNEKA NWANERI writes.

    Mrs. Adejoke Ajibade Bakare’s life-long dream was fulfilled last Thursday at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, when a collection of her poems entitled: The Sun Will Soon Shine, was presented to the public.

    To bring life to the writings, she recited two of the poems. With passion in her eyes and strength in her voice, she acted out every word from I Am Woman and Arise Naija, both excerpts from the book. Everyone in hall listened with rapt attention.

    The book is a documentation of her thoughts at  every stage of her life. The author confessed that the unveiling of her book was a day she had anticipated for a long time; a dream she had nursed till she found her voice in poetry.

    On her journey into the world of poetry, she said: “Poetry found me as a form of expression. I needed a way to let it out in my own way, so one day in the United Kingdom, while I was pregnant during my master’s programme, I picked up my pen to jot down my first thoughts.

    “Since then, I have come to know that it is a beautiful thing to write because poetry has a lot to offer the world and make it a better place.”

    The book was reviewed by three people. Mrs Bridget Nwokocha, a quality analyst, said the descriptions in the book are as vivid as watching a movie.

    “Though Joke is a busy person, she takes time to view the little things around her. Her poems are an influence of the environment. This book will take tension away from the reader and help one relax.”

    An engineer and the CEO of Pekulia Production Limited, Mr Bambo Oguntoyibo, also reviewed the book, which he described as a classic chronology of tales from the womb to the tomb, with something for every age grade. He also noted that some poems in the book will give hope in a challenging country.

    “In this book, she creates imagery from everyday happenings with all forms of literature encapsulated in it.”

    The author’s boss and Corporate Affairs Manager of Total, Mr Albert Mabuyaku, who said he met Joke three years ago, said he knew there was something unique – one who is full of dreams and ideas.

    Mrs. Fatima Ololade, a literary editor, who gave the last review, added that the book is a unique biography of the phases and faces of womanhood; with personal glimpses into the transition of a girl-child into womanhood – an inventive documentation of our being.

    Naval Captain Bayo Adekoya described the title of the book as prophetic and a harbinger of hope, being timely, apt and relevant.

    Students of Taqwa Primary School, Iju performed a poem from the book entitled: Each one of us a Chibok girl.

  • I’m fulfilled, says governor

    I’m fulfilled, says governor

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said his dream of bridging the gap between children of the rich and the poor has been fulfilled in the state’s education sector.

    Mimiko said this at the weekend at the inauguration of the 50th Caring Heart Mega School built by his administration.

    The event was part of the sixth anniversary of the Mimiko-led administration.

    Commissioner for Information Kayode Akinmade said 17 mega primary schools in Odigbo, Oka, Ondo, Oke Agbe, Ifon and Ijare communities, among others, will be inaugurated with completed classrooms.

    The mega schools come with free school buses, uniforms, sandals, bags, books, alluring architecture, electro-magnetic chalk boards and  computer laboratories with 50 internet-ready computers for Type 1 schools.

    Inaugurating the Caring Heart Sub-urban Mega Primary School Isokan in Akure at the weekend, Mimiko noted that  gone were the days when children of the less privileged are deprived of access to ICT tools, until they get  to  tertiary institutions.

    He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for his favourable disposition to uplifting education, particularly for building about 130 Almajiri schools in the North.

  • ‘At 70, I am fulfilled’

    ‘At 70, I am fulfilled’

    The Group Chairman, Tricontinental Group, Chief Olabintan Ajiboro Famutimi, celebrated his 70th birthday, last week in Ikeja,  Lagos. At the event, the Group presented him a book titled: ‘Why Not Me?’, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

    With life expectancy in Nigeria below 48 years, those who live above the age often thank God. So, it was the case with frontline businessman  Chief Ajiboro Famutimi when he turned 70. He marked his entry into the septuagenarian club with style last Thursday in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

    Famutimi, the Group Chairman, Tricontinental Group, said: “I am happy I have made it to 70 and am healthy; every thing has gone well with me and I just look back at all I have been through growing up and I feel fulfilled am 70. I’m satisfied, contented and I couldn’t have asked for more from God.

    “When I look back on this journey through life, I can say with all sense of joy and fulfilment that God has a purpose in bringing me into the world. I believe that purpose of the Almighty has been fulfilled to a great extent by what has become of me.”

    The 14th of 64 children, Famutimi’s position in the family did not deter him from living his dreams. He found a thriving business which is one of the biggest conglomerates in Nigeria.

    “That is what defines me, particularly, among the expatriates. Though friendly, I don’t go back demanding things. They keep close to me because I don’t bother them; despite having easy access to top people; though I intervene in critical cases. They never build walls against me because I try to give more than I take,” Famutimi said.

    His only regret, however, is that his first marriage broke down. “I would not have done it differently now because am satisfied and I could not have done much better than I have done. I have a lovely home, lovely family, my business is booming so I have nothing to regret and nothing I would have thought of that I would have done differently. I’m quite satisfied because I didn’t expect that I will be at this level judging where I come from.” he said.

    Of what the future holds for him, he said: “The only thing I ask for is God keeps me alive. He should keep me healthy. I’ll rather ask God to take me away than be a vegetable on earth.”

    His associates and family members joined him at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja, GRA, for a thanksgiving service. A brief sermon was given by Ven  M.A. Abraham-Odumuyiwa, who enjoined all to seek to please God at all times.

    Guests moved to the Haven Events Centre beside the church for the reception.

    They were ushered in by girls in  red uniform.

    Guests wore what suited them; many were in native attires; the celebrator’s foreign friends were in suits.

    The hall was divided into two. A platform erected at the centre had  four cakes of different sizes. On the other side was a metal carved portrait of the celebrator.  Flowers dotted the stage. It was a two-in-one event.  A book on the celebrator. Why Not Me? Was presented at the ceremony

    The event began with an opening prayer by the Senior Pastor of Jubilee Christian Centre in North Carolina, United States Alfred Bisi Tofade.

    Past chairman of Metropolitan Club Chief Olu Akinkugbe, who chaired the event, said he shares many things in common with the celebrator, who hails from Ondo State like him.

    Akinkugbe said he did not find anyone more worthy of such honour and praise than Chief Famutimi, who has a rich family background.

    Former Vice- Chancellor of the University of Lagos Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe, who presented the book described Famutimi as an abracadabra. It is not an abuse, he said, explaining that the celebrator has the nature of ‘’the more you look, the less you see’’.

    The don said the celebrator’s wife, Stella deserves a national honour for managing such a ‘’stubborn husband’’.

    The celebrator’s  younger brother and Vicar of St Michael and all Angels’ Anglican Church, Gojere Village opposite Ojo Military Cantonment in Lagos Rev Feyisola Famutimi, described his brother as a man with a good social life.

    He said: “Boisterous in every sense, a restless lover of life, imbued with elephantine memory, hardworking, happy-go-lucky who no one can fail to notice when he enters a place.”

    “If there is a Lagos-based diplomat who does not know Chief Famutimi, he has missed his tour of duty in the Nigerian metropolis,’’ he said.

    Consul-General de France Francois Sastourne told The Nation that knowing Famutimi has helped him in his job.

    “I met him as soon as I arrived and he has introduced me to a lot of circles in Lagos, which might have been otherwise more difficult for me to penetrate. I know him to be very keen on doing business with all countries. He is a good friend with whom I spent a memorable New Year  during Calabar carnival.”

    Before his children presented him an artwork, his eldest son Omobola described him as a man with a larger-than-life character.

    “My father created his own choices and got to where he is through sheer character and hardwork. We love you dad. You really are a living legend.”

    When the celebrator took the microphone, he invited all his age mates and elders to the dance floor. This, he said, would separate the boys from the league of graceful elders. The old ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ joined him in dancing to old school tunes supplied by the Suga Band.

    At the event  were members of the Metropolitan Club; Bashorun J. K. Randle; Mr Femi Orebe; former Secretary-General, Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos Prof Afolabi Olumide; Chairman, Lagos Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Mr Goodie Ibru; British High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr Andrew Pocock; former Chairman of Island Club Chief Olu Falomo; Chinese Consul-General Liu Kan and Acting British Deputy High Commissioner Mike Purves.

  • ‘I am fulfilled at 60’

    ‘I am fulfilled at 60’

    Former deputy governor of Lagos State Otunba Femi Pedro will be 60 come January 29. The Lagos-born banker turned politician in this chat with  Adetutu Audu, reminisces on his life experiences, politics and family life.

    Former Lagos State deputy governor, Femi Pedro, has never made the list of celebrity revelers, although he remains a distinguished gentleman any day, always oozing that polished gentleman mien, reminiscent of his banking training and background. Even though the lavish wedding of Bode, his son, to former Uche Eze, of the Bellanaija blog fame was much talked about and appeared to have broken the reserved family out of their shell, the Pedros nevertheless remain in their cocoon. But as the former banker turned politician prepares to hit the platinum age of 60, it appears the golden goose can no longer hide, as we sought a conversation with him.

    Asked what it means to have lived over half a century, he responded that ‘It is only by the special grace of God. I am indeed blessed. I thank God for keeping me alive and healthy to this age.  I pray for many more healthy, glorious and eventful years ahead’.

    Pedro, it will be recalled served in different capacities in the corporate sector before going into public service. It therefore seemed fair to ask for a comparison between the two worlds. What were the experiences like and which was more challenging? We asked.

    He narrated that the private sector experience was very pleasant, exciting and eventful. ‘It was rewarding but challenging and very stressful as well. I was driven by a consuming ambition to excel and be successful. And by the grace of God, I was indeed successful. I was one of the fortunate few to rise from the base level after university to the peak of my career in the banking industry. I rose to the level of Managing Director/CEO (of the defunct First Atlantic Bank which later became FinBank) before I joined the public service.”

    “During this period, I also invested wisely and built a fairly decent portfolio for myself,’ he noted

    He pointed out that his public service experience has been slightly different, though fulfilling too.  ‘It has been very fulfilling for me, but it is also somewhat unpredictable, full of ups and downs, and can be largely unrewarding.”

     According to Pedro, it is difficult to plan and work towards success in the public service, as it is generally determined by extraneous factors that are sometimes beyond your control. “You may have ambition, set goals and action plans, but you may be unable to fulfill them if other factors are not favourable to you. I have been very fortunate in the public service because, by the special grace of God, I joined the public service at the highest level.  I was also fortunate that I joined when I was already fulfilled professionally. At this point, I have a better understanding of the public sector and I feel it can also be rewarding and fulfilling.”

    Due largely to his rich financial and banking experience that he brought to bear; Femi Pedro is widely regarded as one of the bedrocks of the economic revolution that Lagos enjoys today. It is on record that under his supervision, the Lagos State Revenue Mobilization Committee under which the Board of Inland Revenue, the Land Use Allocation Committee, and other revenue generating agencies reported, performed creditably. We therefore sought to know what leadership style he employed that seemed to turn things around.

    But Pedro is quick to say that the achievement of that era was due largely to the leadership style of his former boss and political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who set the pace.’ Our incredible achievement at that time was due to the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the then Governor of Lagos State, who set the pace for the successes the state is enjoying today.  His leadership style was liberal, accommodating and progressive. The rest of us took a cue from this. I think his effective leadership style is manifested in the various successful leaders he has developed over time.”

    Pedro also attempted to take his political career a step further, taking a huge ambition to rule the state of aquatic splendor, as he contested for the governor’s seat on the Labour Party platform. Although he did not win, he says it was an experience he considered really challenging. He however contended that ‘ambition to rule’ is a strong phrase. “I think the more appropriate phrase should be ‘willingness to serve’, because that is ultimately what public service is about. I have moved on from the gubernatorial election days, but my ultimate prayer is for good health and presence of mind as we continue to progress as a country. “Pedro expanded.

    Asked what the former deputy governor would like to change or undo in his lofty life experience at 60, he said ‘Nothing at all.”

    Continuing, he said “You are who you are based on everything you have experienced. Of course, there will be things you wish you could re-do, but it is always best to focus on the present and look towards the future.”

    What then would be his fondest childhood memories, we prodded further. Here, and with a nostalgic smile, he reminisced that they were the years he lived with his maternal and paternal grandmothers. “I had unfettered freedom to play football and indulge in many childhood pranks.”

    No doubt a handsome and well-kempt man at 60, we also sought to know how he has been able to stay so cute  and yet glued to his wife. We pointed out the allure of his banking career and how he waded through the bevies of beautiful women, who must have been attracted to him like bees to the pollen.

    He however laughed this off, saying “I don’t know about staying glued but I have a very good, loving and understanding wife who has been very patient and tolerant. So far, so good!”

    Asked what kind of family man he is, seeing that he has had a busy career, both in the private and public sector, he said “I have four grown-up boys. I have a very close and personal relationship with all of them. We are like brothers and friends. My work has never been a hindrance, and I have devoted adequate time to raising them properly. They have all turned out to be very responsible men.

    On his childhood inspirations and influences, Femi Pedro was quick to respond. “Actually my grandmothers influenced me. They taught me great values of humility, integrity, hard work, industry and character. I did not have many close friends while growing up. I grew up in a family compound of many kids under the care of relatives. These people impacted great values in us, which are still very relevant today.

    Former deputy governor of Lagos State Otunba Femi Pedro will be 60 come January 29. The Lagos-born banker turned politician in this chat with  Adetutu Audu, reminisces on his life experiences, politics and family life.

    On the lessons life has taught him at 60, Pedro noted that he has come across many people and have learnt different things. ‘The people I consider the most important in my life are those that have brought out the best in me. There are rare and amazing people who remind me why life is truly worth it.”

    And would he consider himself fulfilled at 60? The father of four answered in the affirmative. ‘I am much fulfilled personally and professionally as a banker and as a politician too. Of course, there is always a feeling that you can always contribute more towards the progress and development of our country, so the prayer is that God continues to grant me good health to be able to accomplish many more things.”

    Asked how he copes with the rigours of politicking and yet maintains a balanced marital life, Pedro, who is married to Jumoke, a judge of the Lagos State High Court, said his wife is a thorough-bred professional who takes her job very seriously. “She does not get involved in politics, and I do not dabble in her judicial work because they are both sensitive sectors. “

    Today, Femi Pedro remains a respected member of the Nigerian political hierarchy. After his political sojourn and upon his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), he was appointed, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Registration Exercise Committee, which held in February 2014 in Ondo State.

  • A pilgrim’s dream fulfilled

    Babatunde Ayo-Vaughan nursed a life-long dream to visit Jerusalem on pilgrimage.  The 63-year old finally won a return ticket for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  He shares his experience with JANE CHIJIOKE

    FOR Mr Babatunde Ayo-Vaughan, visiting Jerusalem was a dream he had long nursed in his heart. He had committed it prayer everyday with great hope that it would come to pass one day.

    This dream became a reality after he participated in a three-day seminar organised by the Seventh Day Adventist Church where he emerged the overall-best participant and won a return ticket to Jerusalem, Isreal.

    After the end of the seminar which had its theme as: “Biblical prophesies as it applies in our time”, participants were given series of biblical questions to answer and return two weeks after.

    The performance of Mr Ayo-Vaughan, being among the participants from other church denominations, gave him the opportunity to clinch the grand prize while 11 others went home with a telephone tablets.

    The journey to Israel began with an award dinner at a Chinese Restaurant on Victoria Island, where the psychologist and author was presented with his award.

    He said: “When I was announced winner of the grand prize, I was very happy. I have won many prizes in the past but this was quite a surprised. I knew I could win because I put in my best so it didn’t really come as a shock but a surprise.

    “After the dinner, I met Mrs. Mary Oyedekun of Unique Pilgrim’s Tour an organisation that works in conjunction with Tailor Made Tour of Israel to make arrangement for my nine-day trip.”

    On December 9, 2014,  Ayo-Vaughan in the company of 10 other pilgrims boarded an Ethiopian’s Airlines at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The flight had a stop-over at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It arrived at the Ben-Gurian Airport, Tel-Aviv, Isreal at 3am on December 10.

    “Eleven of us were from different chapels and among us, Pastor Abiodun Adebayo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) was selected as the team leader because of his previous experiences in the Holy Land.”

    After breakfast on December 10, he narrated that they were handed over to their guide, Mr David Czvika, who has a 30-year experience in tour guide. They started the tour around the Crest of Mount Carmel and continued along the coastal road known as Caesarea Maritima, reputed to be the first seat of government of the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate.

    Their next stop was Haifa, which houses the Bahai Garden. The pilgrims were told that the Bahai represents a religion that originated from Iraq.

    “Today, however, Israel seems to be the world head quarters of the Bahia faith and the significance of the gardens is in the fact that adherents of the faith from around the world gather at the garden for their convention,” he said.

    He said the religion ought to be an offshoot of Islam but the main Islamic religion believes that Mohammed is the last or the seal of the prophets. The Bahai faith is opposed to this as it believes that Bahaullah, the founder of the religion is recognised as a prophet.

    They went further to visit the Druze village, then Mount Carmel where Prophet Elijah encountered the prophets of Baal in the Bible.

    He said: “We proceeded to Daliyah where they learnt it is a Kibitz which has a politico-cultural place in the life of the Jewish society. It also has a community structured after the idealogy of socialism relying on the principle of ‘from each according to his ability and to each according to his needs.

    “We stumbled on Mount Megiddo known as Armageddon, also Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle. The Church of Annunciation where Gabriel visited Mary to announce to her as the one to conceive Jesus Christ, they learnt still holds a controversy as to whether Angel Gabriel met Mary at a well or in her house deliver the message.”

    “We proceeded to Nazareth where they lodge for two days. They went on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where they met other pilgrims from different countries.  They headed to Capernaum and saw an inscription welcome to the home of Jesus. There they visited the ancient synagogue, the Mount of the Beatitudes, the church where Jesus fed the 5,000people with loaves of bread and fish, the Mount Tharbor the Basilica of the transfiguration. They later proceeded to Bethlehem and Jerusalem where they stumbled on various landmark places written in the bible.”

    On December 15, 2014, the pilgrims were decorated with badges and given certificates formally acknowledging them as Jerusalem Pilgrims (JP).

    Mr Ayo-Vaughan said his experience gave him a better understanding of the concept of the brotherhood of man as according to him, during the boat ride, the pilgrims had the privilege to share experience with their counterparts from South Africa and Canada.

     

     

     

  • Fayemi: We‘ve fulfilled our campaign promises

    Fayemi: We‘ve fulfilled our campaign promises

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who is seeking a seond term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is on the camapaign tour of 130 towns and villages constituting the state. Odunayo ogunmola, who has been on the campaign trail, examines some issues that have made the campaign unique.

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi kicked off his re-election campaign, following the release of the guidelines on the June 21 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The umpire had set March 23 for the commencement of the capaign.

    As a leading candidate determined to renew his mandate, Governor Fayemi, who is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is already ahead of his rivals in the race for the number one seat with vigorous campaign rallies in the hinterland.

    In every community visited, the governor reiterated that he has fulfilled his campaign promises. He said the renewal of his mandate will make him to continue the good work.

    The first day of the campaign period March 23, was a special day in Mr. Governor’s campaign diary. He kicked off the campaign with a special church service at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Isan-Ekiti, his hometown.

    The event was to thank God for the successes recorded by Fayemi in the last three-and-half years and to commit his bid for second term to the hand of God.

    The day was rounded off with a massive rally by indigenes of Isan under the aegis of the Home Support Group to announce to the whole world that Fayemi’s kinsmen are solidly behind him.

    This was followed by a Grand Rally on March 27 held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti in which Governor Fayemi was joined by eight other governors from the APC bloc who came to show him solidarity and endorse his candidature.

    The crowd that thronged the Grand Rally was unprecedented in the history of the state and bore eloquent testimony to the popularity of the governor in the state.

    On April 2, Fayemi commenced his community-by-community rallies which would take him to all hamlets, villages and towns that make up Ekiti State in a bid to feel the pulse of the electorate and ask for their votes in the June 21 poll.

    It is on record that only the governor and his party has unfolded a hamlet-by-hamlet, village-by-village and town-by-town campaign, which is being implemented religiously as the election day draws nearer.

     

    The governor has his legacies across the state made up of life-changing policies, tangible and verifiable projects, which have boosted the standard of living of Ekiti people since his ascension to power in October 2010.

    Fayemi has been able to showcase his achievements in his campaign trail while candidates of other parties are only making promises, some realistic and others unrealistic.

    Beneficiaries of the policies initiated and executed by the Fayemi administration, like the payment of the monthly stipends to the aged people, have formed themselves into independent campaign groups selling the governor’s candidacy to other people.

    In all the communities visited, beneficiaries of the Social Security Scheme for the Aged came out in large numbers and prayed ceaselessly for the success of Fayemi at the polls and urged other Ekitis to vote the man that has delivered them from old age poverty.

    Fayemi’s re-election bid has been receiving the support of the various interest groups, who have endorsed his candidacy in the various local government areas visited so far.

    It has been unprecedented welcome for the governor in his whistle-stop outreach to the grassroots ahead of the polls with the appreciative electorate promising to give their votes to the APC flag bearer on Election Day.

    These interest groups include the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the LGAs, student bodies of the communities, market women associations, youth organizations, farmers, ethnic nationalities resident in the communities, traditional institutions, renowned artistes among others.

    During the governor’s campaign tour to Efon Local Government Area, the Iyaloja of Efon Alaaye, Mrs. Asunke Ojo, said all market women in the state are solidly behind Fayemi because of his care for women, youths and aged people.

    The market leader said he various empowerment initiatives of the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, has turned around the fortunes of the womenfolk in the state.

    During Fayemi’s campaign rally in Omuo-Oke, Ekiti East Local Government Area, an indigene of the community, Mr. Olusegun Otutebi, said he came home to drum support for the APC standard bearer because of the “great things” the governor has done for his people.

    Otutebi, who donated a bus in support of Fayemi’s campaign, hailed the governor for the massive renovation carried out in his alma mater, Omuo-Oke High School, from where he graduated 31 years ago.

    He told the crowd that he could not recognise his former school again because of the touch of modernity given to it by the Operation Renovate All Schools in Ekiti (ORASE) carried out by the Fayemi administration.

    During Fayemi’s campaign tour to Ise, headquarters of Ise/Orun Local Government Area, an officer of the United States Army who hails from the community, Captain Sunday Adebomi, joined his kinsmen to canvass support for the re-election bid of the governor.

    It is believed that many Ekiti in Diaspora will join Fayemi’s campaign train as the D-day draws nearer judging by their comments on the various pan-Ekiti Internet portals.

    Fayemi’s ongoing campaign tour to Ekiti communities is not about politicians or members of the APC alone but members of the public who don’t belong to any political party but those who appreciate an excellent performance in office and ready to reciprocate with their votes at the poll.

    One of them was Mrs. Bimilade Abe, a native of Ise, who told the crowd that thronged the rally in her community that Fayemi’s leadership has brought change to the lives of people.

    The governor’s rallies in the communities visited also witnessed the defection of a good number of chieftains and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

    They were attracted to the APC by the good work of Fayemi who has spread dividends of democracy to their communities and kinsmen.

    The Director General of the Fayemi Campaign Organization, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, is adding spark to the governor’s  campaign rallies as he is always at home with the youths who are important component of the rallies.

    Daramola and the youths always add color to the rallies with their razzmatazz as the House of Representatives member is ever ready to mobilize them for door-to-door campaign.

    As Governor Fayemi continues his campaign rallies in more communities in Ekiti State, he has set tone and raised he bar on how a candidate should run a campaign.

    No abuses, no lies, no distortion of facts and grandstanding and purely issue-based. The governor speaks on what he has done which are verifiable and what he will still do if re-elected

  • Stowaway-boy has fulfilled his dream, says sister

    There is a new tourists’ site in Benin City –– a storey building at Ehiegba Street, off Goodwill, off Ekenwan Road, in the Edo State capital.

    It is the home of 13-year-old stowaway Daniel Oikhena. It has been hosting visitors since last Saturday.

    Reporters, security agents and traders are leading other visitors to House Number 7 –– about 500 metres from the Benin Airport runway.

    Our reporter visited the house yesterday and met two of Daniel’s younger brothers and some relatives, who said they would not want to comment on the incident.

    His eldest sister, Tonia, described Daniel as a reserved boy, gentle and intelligent.

    The stowaway-boy, who is a junior secondary school two pupil of Asoro Grammar School, Benin, was said to have woken up around 3.30am that day and watched an American film, which led to a disagreement between him and his eldest sister.

    Tonia said: “Oga journalist, absence of a perimeter fencing at the Benin Airport enabled Daniel to gain entry to the airport. If the airport is properly fenced, I don’t think he can enter the place.

    “You see, any time we discuss with Daniel, what he always says is that one day he will surprise us. He loves watching American films. He doesn’t like Nigerian movies.

    “Daniel is a quiet person. He has no friends, even in his school. He likes to do things in his own way. He confided in his younger brothers, telling them that one day, he would travel on a plane. That was why one of them told our mother to go and look for him at the airport.

    “His younger brothers also informed our mother that Daniel told them that one day, he would make our family name to become popular. Thank God he is alive to tell the story himself.”

  • ‘I am fulfilled’

    Former Editor of The Punch Pa Ekundayo Alabi Wright marked his 75th birthday last Saturday. Family and friends joined him at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos for a thanksgiving, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

    His interaction with friends belied his age. He shared jokes with them as if they are still in their youth days. Even when any of them said something he did not agree with, he interjected and explained his side of the story to the gathering.

    These and many more elicited laughter from the small group that gathered at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Tennis Club, Onikan, Lagos.

    The gathering was the celebration of the 75th birthday of a former Editor of The Punch Pa Ekundayo Alabi Wright last Saturday.

    The celebration began with a church service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina. As early as 7:45am, the upper left side of the expansive church bubbled with praise songs.

    The ‘birthday boy,’ clad in blue lace Agbada, stood in the front row with his daughter Lola Wright-Odusoga and her friend.

    The one hour and 20 minutes service featured offering, Holy Communion, sermon and recessional hymn.

    The officiating minister, Revd Williams Mehinsan, congratulated Pa Wright, wishing him many more years.

    In his sermon, the cleric made the audience realised the brevity of life with different instances.

    According to him, no matter number of years man spends on earth, he will die one day.

    Revd Mehinsan lamented that normal things are becoming abnormal while abnormal are seen as normal these days.

    He said most of things Nigerians qualified for, they do not get them rather they make use of the things that get to them.

    “Our infrastructure is nothing to write home about; water is nowhere to be found except digging of borehole while electricity is in comatose. All these factors cut life short. So, if one reaches 50 or 60 years, such a person should be congratulated not to talk of 75,” he said.

    He urged the gathering to live their lives well because of sudden death.

    After his sermon, the pianist, Samuel Kutojo entertained the congregation.

    Special prayers were offered for the celebrator, his family, friends and well-wishers.

    The guests took turn to congratulate Pa Wright while exiting the church.

    There was a photograph session in the church’s compound before the guests moved to the Tennis Club for reception.

    There, Pa Wright’s old friends and ex-professional colleagues turned out in various dresses.

    They exchanged banters and jokes about their youth days.

    Chairman of the occasion, Group Capt Ita David Ikpeme, welcomed the celebrator to the club of the 75 and above.

    Seventy-five is a good age to be celebrated because when you wake up, it is not easy to leave the bed. If you read obituaries in the newspapers and their age, one will appreciate reaching 75,” he said.

    Capt Ikpeme said Pa Wright is never afraid of speaking out his mind.

    He said he developed a relationship with the celebrator during his incarceration under General Ibrahim Babangida regime.

    Also eulogising the celebrator, Mr Owolabi Martins, who is two years older than him, said their friendship dated back to their childhood days.

    “We have known each other from childhood. We went to St. Gregory College, Obalende, from there to England; I went to Oxford, and he went to former Regent Street Polytechnic. He was a good sportsman and still plays squash, very dedicated. I pray he continues to grow in wealth and health,” Mr Martins said.

    Mr Toyin Reis, a retired hotelier, described his 40 years relationship with the celebrator as memorable.

    “We started our friendship in Campos Square, Lagos Island before moving to London. Our youth days are fantastic, interesting and enjoyable. He is a jolly good fellow, very religious. I wish him long life and prosperity,” Reis said.

    Pa Wright thanked God for His mercies.

    “I feel great; my father died a month and few days for him to be 75.He died on the 6th October, 1989. He was to be 75 on December 30th. My mother died on October 20, 1978. She was 59-plus. So, at a stage, I nursed that fear that I would just die like my father if the thing is hereditary. But again, I thank God I am alive today,” he said.

    Any regret about his past? “No,” he quickly replied. “But if there is any regret, there is nothing you can do about it. It is like a flowing river. Once it is gone, it is gone; you will just watch that river flowing away. All you need do is ask yourself, where do I go from here. I never set out a special programme for myself. Lagos was swinging and I was swinging along with it until I was sent abroad. Even then, I said to myself, all I want is good life. Here I am. I have no regret. None at all,” he said.

    According to him, attaining 75 is the goodness of God in his life.

    “I am fulfilled. My children are grown up. The girls are in their husbands’s house and the boys are doing well. Fulfillment is something that comes from the inner self. Sometimes you don’t even think about it because I am not materialistic. Whatever I have and I am contented. I have friends older than me and I have others younger than I am. A good number of them are doing very well. Tell me what I am looking for when I always have them around,” he asked rhetorically.

    Pa Wright enjoined the youth to live a good life, saying: “Be honest and good to people around. So that even after your departure from this world, someone will say, he was a good man.”

  • Our mandate for CU fulfilled, says Oyedepo

    Covenant University (CU) Chancellor Bishop David Oyedepo has presented the university’s 10-year scorecard.

    At a briefing on the campus in Ota, Ogun State, Bishop Oyedepo said the university now ranks among the first 100 in Africa and one of the best 10 in Nigeria.

    The cleric announced that the Faculty of Law would start in 2014, adding that plans are also on to set up the College of Medicine soon.

    Accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aize Obayan and other principal officials, Dr. Oyedepo said the institution has continued to fulfil the purpose for which it was set up.

    “We are reacting to the deterioration in the educational system; we are reacting to the mental poverty and moral degeneration that the fallen standards has institutionalised.

    “We are reacting to many years of neglect that now enslaves the future of the next generation.

    “We are reacting to negative forces that have destabilised our quest for nationhood; we are reacting to failure of leadership in all government structures in Nigeria,” he said.

    In his view, what gives CU an edge is a commitment to its core values—sacrifice, spirituality, diligence; responsibility, integrity, capacity building and possibility mentality.

    Dr. Oyedepo lamented that nationhood is being threatened because Nigeria’s value system has disappeared while its citizens are unwilling to make sacrifices for the nation.

    “The value system of this nation is so full of virus that it will require a spiritual formatting across board. In the past, when a person was given a political appointment, his family would be the first to warn him to live an exemplary life so as not to disgrace them.

    “But today, if a person is appointed, his family would say ‘your time has come. God has answered our prayer. It is now our time to make money. Please, steal as much as you can because you might not be reappointed.’ That is the pitiable level to which our moral values has fallen”

    He said the CU’s vision is anchored on exemplary leadership for the African and global community, with its refined curriculum and introduction of courses such as the Total Man Concept (TTC), Towards a Total Graduate (TTG) and the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Development Studies (EDS) Centre toward attaining a total and self-reliant graduate.

    Over the years, Dr Oyedepo said CU has blazed the trail in quality teaching, research, conferences and workshops, innovations and community service with various awards for staff and students.

    Dr Oyedepo said the university has signed more MoUs than any institution in Nigeria.

    “As at the last count, the university has recorded 52 faculty awards/recognition and 36 students’ awards/recognition.

    “Covenant University also believes that a world-class university can only be possible by a world-class faculty.

    “So, it will continue to recruit aggressively from anywhere in the world where the best are found.

    “From six professors in 2002, the university can boast of 42 professors in different fields of learning today.

    “The university is also working to make the international faculty representation at its base towards various incentives given to them.

    “It is also attracting Nigerian academics in the diaspora to come back home to develop the base. “