The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Honour

  • Fanfare as directors, associates honour Fashola

    Fanfare as directors, associates honour Fashola

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, enlivened the gathering with jokes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Honour for Anglican bishop

    The School of Arts and Social Sciences, ACE has honoured the Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop of Ondo Dioceses, Most Reverend Latunji Lasebikan with an award.

    The ‘Exemplary Leadership and Outstanding Achievement’ award on Lasebikan was part of the opening ceremony of the seventh national conference of the School of Arts and Social Sciences.

    The conference themed: “The Nigerian economy and the socio-political challenges” will be declared open by the Provost, Prof Ogen.

     

  • Honour for the women folk

    Honour for the women folk

    As part of events to shape the society positively using women activities, an arts exhibition opened last Sunday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. With the theme, Women in Development, the exhibition is showcasing some of the activities and involvement of women in development both as top government officials and high profile technocrats.

    Mrs. Chinze Ojobo artist and cultural ambassador said: “The purpose of the exhibition with the theme Women in Development is to bring to the fore activities of women from the back end to the fore front.” Mrs. Ojobo a consummate artist explained that women are now doing everything positive to shape society. We are not just there, but we make sure we are effective,” she said.

    The exhibition is part of the Vlisco Women’s month award. Vlisco Women Month celebrates the inspiring achievements of women in West and Central Africa.  This year’s theme of the celebration is ‘Live the Dream’ in honor of African Women who have the courage to turn their dreams into reality despite the challenges they face in their daily lives. Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Publisher TW Magazine was winner of 2014 Vlisco women’s ambassador award and has been an inspiration to Mrs. Ojobo.   According to her, this exhibition paints a vivid picture of women combining motherhood, family life, the office and influence on the day to day activities of not only governance, but also industry.

    She said gone are the days when women snared at each other.” But now support each other for a better society”.  Mrs. Ojobo a well-travelled artist with degrees in Fine and Applied Arts from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and had exhibited in several cities including Accra, Paris, London, Washington DC, California, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Plovdiv among others specifically said this exhibition will bring the story of women in development up to date.

    The exhibition demonstrates Mrs. Ojobo’s personal experiences especially interwoven cultures in her painting with acrylic on jute, burlap to texture, and canvas paper to build up more textures with a combination of traditionally woven fabrics called kente or mud cloth.

    Her art work goes beyond surrealism. Hers is art for life sake as she tells the story of women and men, especially in a particular buildup of almost real life images of nine women decked in magnificent ornaments while the only man in their midst has an austere costume and displaying masculinity to protect the women.

    Mrs. Ojobo explains further. Take a cursory look of any successful woman, her husband is there for her as a friend, colleague and support.

    This particular artwork is believed to be a masterpiece, but Mrs. Ojobo says while it’s true that this appears to be a master piece, it’s not her magnum opus. Her paintings are detailed. The artist whose husband, Mr. Tony Ojobo, heads the Public Affairs Department at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said her husband, who is also a lover of arts, has been a pillar to her.

    An award winning artist, Mrs. Ojobo was honored by the Ministry of Arts and Culture, Los Angeles California in 2003. She designed and built two cinema halls and a lounge for the National Film and Video Censors Board and built and furnished the first Telecommunications Museum in Nigeria at the NCC in 2006. She has had over 40 arts exhibitions including six in Hollywood, Bulgaria and London, among others.

    With 35 percent affirmative action by government to accommodate the women folk in governance, Nigerian women have become a part of the day to day activities of government. Since 2011 when this action took root, women are no longer confined to the homes of which many male chauvinists considered their natural habitat.

    Now they are Ministers, Directors General, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives of government corporations, blue chip companies and generally involved in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

     

  • Honour for varsity president

    The President, Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Chief Ramon Adedoyin, has been honoured by the Nigeria University Students Association (NUSEA) for his contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.

    At the event, Dean, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Prof. Phillip Jegede, congratulated Adedoyin for being a life patron of the association and urged stakeholders to emulate his generosity and commitment to education in Nigeria.

    In a paper titled: “Tertiary Education in Nigeria: Prospects and challenges”,  Adedoyin  stressed the need for academic integrity in tertiary institutions, which he said would prevent academics from falling from the higher rung on the ladder when they least expect.

    “The maintenance of academic integrity helps foster an academic environment dedicated to long life commitment to learning,” he said.

    He recounted his experience as a student, at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, who was not contented with just the class room lectures, but was interested in being different, which led him to giving home service tutorial to children of lecturers.

    Adedoyin further decried the inconsistency in the educational system in Nigeria, describing it is a major lapse in our educational system. Others are high cost of tuition, lack of government encouragements and funding, dearth of educationists, inadequate private universities, lackadaisical attitude of the public and insufficient accreditation bodies.

    Prof. (Mrs.) Aladejana one of the recipient of the awards, said she is so excited having studied education and being honoured with the award of excellence in Education from the Faculty of education.

    Her words: “Work hard because there is still space at the top to occupy.”

    She said she had earlier in her undergraduate years, thought of studying some other courses, adding that she is happy she never did. She said she has written lots of journals and articles on education, sponsored and funded by World Bank.

  • Honour for philanthropist in Anambra

    Honour for philanthropist in Anambra

    Good work pays. In the case of philanthropist Godwin  Ezeemo, the reward came in the form of recognition and an award.

    Mr Ezeemo is appreciated by many for his humanitarian outreach. He has lifted many homes and groups in the society and has brought change in the education sector in the state with his Back to School programme to reduce the drop in male enrolment in schools.

    Ezeemo, who hails from Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, has left his footprints in many areas, ranging from education and agriculture to rural development.

    That was why the organisation, Leaders and Award Model Foundation of Nigeria, selected him for award based on his exemplary leadership in the state.

    The foundation is led by Alhaji Ahmadu Yakubu, who was represented at the award presentation by Mr. Uche Aguoru.

    It was held at the office of the Orient Daily newspaper behind Anambra State Government House in Awka.

    The award recipient has changed the lives of widows, the needy and other less-privileged persons, youths in many communities in Anambra state.

    He singlehandedly built state secretariat for the Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ) in Anambra state, which the state government and other individuals could not do for many years.

    At Umuchu community, he rehabilitated state roads, established agricultural industry that employed over 100 unemployed youths, built a huge Anglican church among others.

    Already, he has over 700 workers in his employ in some of his industries, all established in his community.

    The leader of the foundation in Anambra State, Mr. Uche Aguoru, told TheNation that Ezeemo has become a role model to many of the youths of today.

    He described Ezeemo, 61, as a man of many parts, adding that what shocked the foundation when it came to see the man nominated for the award, was the level of development he had brought to his area without being in government.

    “When somebody nominated him at Abuja and we were detailed to go to Anambra to see with our eyes… when we got to Umuchu community, we were shocked that such men still existed in the society.”

    “The recommendation we got from people in this state and what we have seen made us to select him for the award and not for any pecuniary attachment”

    Aguoru, however called on other individuals and organisations in the country to emulate Ezeemo in helping others to live.

    “He has exhibited so much kindness to the less privileged in the society and he should not relent, he should keep it up irrespective of any distraction from enemies of progress”

    Also, Comrade Matthias Emeke, who told The Nation that he is the state chairman of the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA), described Ezeemo as a dynamic person for being a form of saviour to the less privileged and the needy.

    Beaming with smiles and looking fulfilled, Mr. Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo, told The Nation that his major aim is to see a society far better than what exists today.

    He said, what he is doing is not to earn praises, but for the poor, the widows, the less privileged to be happy in the world where people are abandoned and neglected.

    The philanthropist said there were many honest and sincere persons in the society today despite the situation, adding that such people should be fished out for such form of awards.

    According to him, “I did not know how the foundation came up with my name for the award, but this day will ever remain memorable in my mind”.

    “This is an event that will go down in the annals of Anambra history, the medal and plaque given to me by the leadership and role model  foundation will not be in vain as long as we live” Ezeemo said.

     

  • Honour for founder

    Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State has bagged the Southwest Media Excellence Award as the outstanding private university in the region.

    The Nomination Coordinator of the Southwest Nigeria Media Awards, Dr. Ifeoluwa Osundare, said Elizade University emerged winner of the award after “a thorough and extensive voting  conducted among media houses and publics across major cities in the Southwest Nigeria”.

    According to him, the varsity has endeared itself to many Nigerians through its incentives for students.

    In a statement, the Senior Coordinator of the awards, Pastor Honey Olawale, urged the varsity to maintain the standard that earned it the honour.

     

     

  • Honour for the ‘righteous’

    Honour for the ‘righteous’

    Members of the National Fellowship of Foursquare Students (NaFFS) have held their yearly congress. It was tagged Righteousness. Some members of the church were given leadership awards at the event, reports OPEOLUWA SONUGA (500-Level Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife).

    Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof Bamitale Omole has added another feather to his cap. He received a legacy award in leadership and administration from the National Fellowship of Foursquare Students (NaFFS) of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria at the Global Students’ Congress at the Foursquare Camp in Ajebo, Ogun State.

    The congress is a yearly camping of Foursquare Church youths. The four-day event,  with the theme: Righteousness featured sessions on leadership, relationship, nation building and career counselling.

    Speakers at the event included the General Overseer of The church, Reverend Felix Meduoye, and his wife, Reverend Olubisi; the Vice President-elect, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Mr Femi Adesina; National Director of Foursquare Home Missions Reverend Abayomi Oyinloye and Deacon Kehinde Lawanson, chairman of Tunde Lemo Foundation, among others.

    Presenting the legacy award, the NaFFS national coordinator, Pastor Sam Adebowale, said the honour was the fellowship’s way of appreciating accomplished individuals in the church. He applauded the humility and sacrifice of the awardees, enjoining students to emulate them. He said the awardees were chosen based on their achievements, noting that they are considered to be righteous in their callings.

    The awardees include Prof Omole, who is also a pastor in the church; Pastor Bola Gbalajobi, the founding president of NaFFS and Rev. Meduoye.

    The congress featured a family meeting,  chaired by NaFFS president, Ayomikun Akintayo and secretary, Bukola Oyetade. The meeting started with the presentation of a  report of their stewardship in the last one year, including the development reports on campus fellowships.

    This was followed by a question-and-answer session, where they sought clarification on recent changes in the leadership and administration of the fellowship.

    The absence of the senior pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, as speaker at the event, generated interest among members. Pastor Oyeniran apologised for his failure to get Adeyemi’s consent before making public the event.

    Oyeniran said he was informed a few days to the congress about Adeyemi’s inability to attend. He said some of the speakers were informed about the event since last year, noting that it was not intentional to use “big names” to pull crowd to the event.

    Other highlights included the appreciation and presentation of awards and certificate to the national leadership of the NaFFS.

    They are Ayomikun, Oyetade, the congress chairman, Olasunkanmi Alabi, Sisters Coordinator, Omotolani Adebowale, Financial Secretary and Osun State Coordinator, Bukola Aloba, Public Relations Officer, Olaoluwa Ogunmusesan, Treasurer, Motunrayo Omolasan, Choir Director, Busayo Ogunbayo, Drama Co-ordinator, Folashade Osho, Transport Secretary, Dayo Morenigbade, and Information Technology co-ordinator, Oluwatosin Soremekun.

    Others were state co-ordinators, Alfred Ebiloma (Kwara), Emeka Onyebuchi (Edo), Oluwafemi Williams (Oyo), Mayokun Aderemi (Ekiti), Adewunmi Adebomehin (Delta), ThankGod Ashimi (Kogi), Opeyemi Abifarin (Ogun), Joshua Olowolaju (Lagos), Tobilola Aduloju (Ondo) and Northern states co-ordinator, Segun Okunjemiruwa.

    Some participants described the event as spiritually refreshing, noting that it also enabled them to engage in academic networking.

  • Mobolaji Johnson, Niyi Adebayo, Akeredolu, others honour Jakande at book launch

    Mobolaji Johnson, Niyi Adebayo, Akeredolu, others honour Jakande at book launch

    At over 80, Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Alhaji Lateef Jakande CON, is still receiving public recognition and awards. Last Tuesday was yet another honours day for the former journalist and politician.

    The venue was the Lagos Airport Hotel in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos. And the event was the book launch of Jakande Leadership is action, a 200-page book put together in his honour, by Healthcare magazine publisher, Dr Bola Olaosebikan.

    Jakande was there with his wife Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, and son, Deji Jakande; and so were a large number of party stalwarts from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party’s presidential flagbearer, General Muhammadu Buhari, was ably represented by ex-Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo; Mr Rotimi Akeredolu SAN represented Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the APC Campaign Director General, while Lagos Sate Hon. Commissioner for Information and strategy, Alhaji Lateef Ibirogba, represented the Lagos State Governor, BabatundeRaji Fashola SAN.

    Also on the high table was ex-Governor of Lagos State, Brig. General Mobolaji Johnson, who has been a close friend of Jakande, over the years. The Lagos white cap chiefs were there, representing the Oba of Lagos. They sat in the front row. They were prominently laid out in their conspicuous white attire and symbolic white caps. APC women party faithful were there in yellow coloured aso ebi and gele to match. And so were the Iya-Olojas. It was quite a crowd.

    The book reviewer for the day was the APC gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was represented by Mr Alade, a member of his campaign group. According to him, “the book has arrived at a most auspicious time, a time when leadership is much needed in the country. The book is informative, educative, interesting and engaging to read. The book is also laced with 10 sterling qualities of leadership found in the life of Alhaji Jakande, and worth emulating. And among other things, the book tells us much about the historical life of Alhaji Jakande, who was born in Epetedo.”

    There were repeated applauses for Alhaji Jakande when he later received a Life Time Award from the publishers of Healthcare magazine. Two more Life Time Awards were also presented in the course of the event. One went to  Brig. Gen  Johnson, and the other was presented to the National Leader of All Peoples Congress party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a representative of the Lagos white cap chiefs. It was received on behalf of the APC leader by Alhaji Lateef Ibirogba.

    Jakande, who spoke after the awards, said: “my heart is full of joy and prayers for this country and for the organisation that has published this book to honour me and also bestow on me, this Life Time Award.” His son, Deji Jakande, rounded off the emotional event with a vote of thanks.

  • Honour for OGITECH Rector

    Honour for OGITECH Rector

    Although Dr Olufunke Akinkurolere finished from, Yewa College (now Egbado College) 24 years ago, she still keeps close ties with her alma mater, contributing her widow’s mite whenever the need arises.

    Dr Akinkurolere, who earned her PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Ibadan in 2008, before she clocked 40, was appointed the substantive Rector of the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa in Ogun State, last July.

    Her achievement less than a year in the saddle, a product of her passion, earned her a special recognition award from her former school.

    The ceremony provided a platform for Dr Akinkurolere and other old students to reminiscence about the good old days. They addressed themselves and their former teachers by their nicknames.

    National President of LACOSA, Noah Ola Iyanda, admonished members to proudly hold their heads high for having passed out from the 64 year-old school.

    Referring to Dr Akinkurolere, Iyanda, who was represented by the vice president, Mr Tunde Olugbwesa, urged members to pray for her success.

    “Some of us don’t know that the position Dr Akinkurolere is occupying in OGITECH today is not mere Rector. That position is a target for empowerment and I want some of our members to leverage on that position. OGITECH is not just a mere school but institute of technology. So, we need to team up and pray for her so that she can succeed in her new task.

    The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Gbadewole Kehinde Olugbenle, described Dr Akinkurolere as a rallying point and an asset to Ilaro.

    “Akinkurolere is an asset and a rallying point because it is on her behalf we are all here. Today, we are all celebrating excellence. Let me also say that it is not only Funke that you have come to celebrate but me because she’s my daughter,” he said.

    In her response, the rector thanked the gathering, grateful she met them through the school.

    “Our gathering today would not have been possible if the founding fathers of this great college failed to bring their vision of establishing this school to reality. All the products of this school including the 1991 old students would not have passed through the system.  Our young Olufunke would not have also been a beneficiary,” she said.

    Though convivial, the occasion brought to the fore the need for LACOSA to support their alma mater, and the state of education and its future.  In this regard, an alumnus Tope Popoola, a professor of Microbiology from FUNAAB, spoke on the essence of basic education as a foundation for other levels.

    Popoola lamented that the value system that used to be the norm in those days has depleted and in its wake social vices that are considered un-African.

    He advocated leadership training which according to him, should follow the home-school-home tripod, as it was in the days of old.

    “We also need quality and affordable education particularly our youth. Statistics available to me show that in Lagos alone, there are about three million unemployed youths.

    “This simply means there are three million youths that may be used as political thugs by various contenders for various public offices in Lagos.

    “If these youths are gainfully employed or introduced into formal or informal skill acquisition, their hands would not be idle for politicians to use,” he said.

     

  • Honour for its own

    Honour for its own

    The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, is 30 years old. To commemorate the event, awards were given to some distinguished persons, reports EVERISTUS ONWUZURIKE.

    Guests trooped into the main auditorium of the University of Lagos, with a touch of purple on their attires.

    They were there to grace the alumni lecture and 30th anniversary of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos (UNILAG), last Tuesday.

    The event was anchored by Dr Arinola Joda and Teddy Ehianeta. It began with an opening prayer, which was followed by the recitation of the National Anthem.

    In a welcome address, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof Olukemi Odukoya, gave the history of the faculty. She said the faculty was proud to have played its role in the development of pharmaceutical      education in Nigeria.

    She said it became a school in the College of Medicine (CMUL), University of Lagos in 1980. The school was recognised by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) as a degree-awarding institution in 1984.

    “The school produced its first graduates in September, 1984 and attained the status of a faculty midwifed by Prof Cecilia Igwilo. Today, we are celebrating our past, present and future.” she said.

    UNILAG Chancellor Prof Rahamon Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Babajide Alo, thanked all present, stating that the school management is, indeed, proud of the faculty. Headding that the faculty has continued to grow since inception.

    According to him, the faculty has continued to lead the train among pharmacy schools in Nigeria as it has continued to lay examples for pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria. He commended all the Deans that have managed the faculty for having done a good work.

    He urged the students to be vanguards of the school and pharmaceutical practice as they were joining a group of pharmacists in the country.

    The lecture tagged “New Graduates as Agents for Transforming Pharmacy Practice” was delivered by the Chairman Rodot Nigeria Limited, Remi Adeseun

    He told the students that they are emboldened and empowered by history but should never be enslaved by it.

    “You are graduating as pharmacists and the nation, nay the world, needs you to research, develop, produce, market and manage the drug needs of people. The skills you have acquired in the course of your training can also be deployed to create and share value in other fields ranging from telecommunications sales and marketing to retail banking and management education services.”

    He further urged them to dream and hold on to their dreams because of the challenges they would face in trying to be the best pharmacists and to remember always that life is a journey, not a destination and turn life’s obstacles into opportunities.

    Past Deans of faculty such as Professor Fola Tayo, Professor David Ifudu, Prof Cecilia Igwilo, and Professor Herbert Coker were awarded for their immense contributions towards the growth and sustainability of the faculty. The Sub-Dean of the faculty, Dr Moshood Olushola Akinleye was also given an award.

    The vote of thanks was given by the Chairperson, Faculty Alumni Lecture Series Committee, Dr Glory Ajayi.

    Also at the event were Director, Business School Netherlands, Mr Lere Baale, Mr Yinka Fagbohun among other pharmacists and professionals.