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Tag: Pomp

Pomp as Forever Nigeria marks 2019 national success day

It was pomp and pageantry in Lagos as Forever Living Products Nigeria held her kick-off National Success Day for the year 2019. The atmosphere was electric, with the presence of the amiable President Forever Living Products International, Mr Gregg Maughan, in the house. Gregg has always been the toast of the Forever crowd. “I decided that my first visit to Africa this year must be in Nigeria”, he confessed.

“I planned the trip to Nigeria because of your Country Sales Manager, Daniel. Daniel wants you to be successful. He wants the success of every member of the Forever Nigeria family. Daniel told me “Nigeria needs you (Gregg)”, and here I am”, he told an excited audience, at the overwhelmed expansive Grandeur Event Centre in Ikeja.

The President, who was heading to a Managers’ Training session in South Africa, said: “I am excited to be here in Nigeria, and this is a great time to be in Forever. You have the potential to do all you want to do, so 2019 can be the best year for you. It can be the best year in your life. That is what we mean when we say `Be Resolute’. If you want a different result in 2019, you need to do things differently. You need to simplify your life and keep focus on what you want to achieve to improve your business”. He however warned the largely young audience: “Don’t let social media dominate your time, don’t let social media dominate your life, rather use it to help your business.”

Gregg observed that the reason Japan was very successful in the Forever business was because the Japanese Forever Business Owners believed in using the products. There were thousands and thousands who drink litres and litres of Aloe Gel every day. He asked those present to focus on the 4-Core of the Business – Recruitment, Retention, Productivity and Development.

Mr. Gregg Maughan who spoke after the recognition and decoration of Assistant Managers by Daniel Ikechukwu, revealed the reason the Eagle, the noble bird was chosen as the company symbol and logo, advised all to wear the company eagle pin with pride and dignity. “The Eagle was specifically chosen as a symbol for its vision, courage, endurance and ability to nurture.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President Forever Living Products Africa, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Amichia, had advised Nigerian FBOs to love and assist one another as they grow their business in Forever. “We belong to a family and it is important that we share the value of the Forever family”, he said.

Earlier, the Country Sales Manager Forever Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu, had together with a newly inaugurated 2019 Executive Committee members unveiled a new product, ‘Forever Move’. The well-researched product recently introduced by Forever Living Products International serves as a lubricant for the joints of the human body. The all natural, specifically patented product of Forever International, supports a healthy range of motions in the body. The product shows results within 7-10 days of use. Forever Move comes at a time of global climate change that has affected the flexibility of every living creature, particularly human. Company sources say Forever Move is not strictly limited for flexible joints but also for the relaxation of the muscles and soothes areas of discomfort in the human body.

Also present at the event were some top Forever Business Owners in Nigeria, including, Dr Clement Idigo, Kikelomo Aiwainehi Apeji, Oma Attah, Victoria Erukunuakpor, Cynthia Ucheaguwa, Ukaamaka Nsugbe, Janet Farouk and so on, many of whom were part of the 2019 Executive Committee, charged to ensure that all company plans for the country make their way down to the Business Owners.

February 24, 2019
Osun celebrates Children’s day with pomp

No fewer than 1,700 school pupils in Osun State on Saturday joined their mates nationwide to commemorate this year edition of Children’s Day. Amidst colorful calisthenics on display by the pupils of both public and private schools participating at the Osogbo City stadium, the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressed the children, assuring them that the state government would continue to give priority to education in the state.

In attendance at the event were the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and cabinet members of the Osun State government, including the state deputy governor, Chief Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and the Head of Service, Oyebade Olowogboyega, among other dignitaries. Aregbesola, who described children as the leaders of tomorrow, said his government had provided an enabling environment for children to excel in their academic pursuit.

According to the governor, his administration had built world class schools with adequate infrastructure and school feeding programme to motivate learning. He said his administration was determined to lay a solid foundation for education of children.

May 27, 2018
Pomp as DG visits Rotary Club

AS part of his official duties, the District (9110) Governor Rotary International Dr Adewale Ogunbadejo has visited Rotary Club, Lagos Island. It was his first since his inauguration. The event held in Victoria Island, Lagos, with a dinner to round up the ceremony.

It was a colourful outing as members wore a specially designed ankara uniform.

Unlike other clubs, they presented a special Indian dance to entertain the DG and his wife, Funmi, and other members of the entourage. The dance troupe led by Pritie was made up of two females and a male Nigerian. The club’s Secretary, Mamta Deb Roy, who doubled as MC, explained that the dance titled, Odyssi, dated back to the 12th century.

Welcoming the DG and his team, which included an Assistant Governor KayodeAderinokun, and senior officials of the District’s office, the Rotary Club, Lagos Island President, Mr SanjeevTandon, said he was glad to host Ogunbadejo. Expectedly, he gave a report of the club’s activities and programmes, which included planting of trees, adoption of two schools, free eye surgery in Kano, holding of blood donation camps, and anti-polio programmes.

Others were holding of a breast cancer campaign, vocational training and formation of a Rotaract club and offering of a Youth award.

Tandon said some associations donated to the club. These were Vama Foundation, N.5million and the British International School (BIS) Rotaract Club members led by Sonia Bendre, donated N100,000, to its anti-polio programme.

Tandon announced that the club had attracted $182,000 from a sister club in Singapore for its artificial limbs project.

A screen display of all the projects was shown to the audience. The club’s Vice President, Dr Sunit D. Roy, explained every project as the tape rolled.

Ogunbadejo was impressed by the achievements of the Lagos Island club. He praised them highly, saying their achievements were unbeatable. “Your club has done so much within four months. You are truly Rotarians. You have the passion. Hopefully, the future is bright,” he said.

He scored the club very high in all the focal areas of Rotary, charging them not to rest on their oars. “This is the first time that I will only be saying thank you during my visit,’’ he added.

Some corporate members of the club were honoured at the event. They were Sterling Bank, Prestige Assurance, Radio 99.3 FM, Vama Foundation, and Indian Women Association (IWA).

January 17, 2018
‘The Accidental Spy’ premieres amidst pomp

It was a gathering of the stars as one of most anticipated films of 2017, ‘The Accidental Spy’, premiered last Friday.

The premiere, which held at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos, was graced by bigwigs in the Nigerian movie industry.

Speaking about the movie, its producer, Darlington Abuda stated that it is coming at no better time in our lives as a nation that is threatened by a cabal. According to him, ‘The Accidental Spy’ uses humour to address some of the issues standing in the way of the progress of the country.

“There is no better time for us to come together and contribute our quota to national growth, especially in the face of slavery currently going on in Libya. Shot in Nigeria and London, ‘The Accidental Spy’ is one movie that we are sure viewers will enjoy while getting them to think about what they can do for their country. Our intention was not just to entertain, but to draw attention to some issues that need to be addressed. And I’m certain we succeeded in doing both,” he said.

In ‘The Accidental Spy’, Emmanuel Prince (Ramsey Nouah) is the regular laidback nerd who just wants to live his life without getting in anybody’s way. A bad break up and a timely jackpot win sees him sojourning to London for a timeout. However, he is inadvertently caught in a criminal web and has to use himself as bait to take down a cabal threatening the Nigerian economy, bring down a highly dreaded assassin, as well as diffuse a bomb, among many other risky ventures.

The movie stars a cross-continental cast like Comedian, Ayo Makun, aka AY, Alibaba, Emma Oh My God, Rahama Sadau, David Jones David (Hotel Majestic), Bucci Franklin, Bryan Okwara, Hollywood actor, Miguel Nunez Jr. (Juwana Man), South African star, Thenjiwe Moseley, and British debutante, Christine Allado to name a few.

Present at the premiere were some of the casts and crew of the flick, as well as other actors, filmmakers and movie lovers.

December 4, 2017
Pomp, as FUOYE Theatre Dept marks fifth year
From the shed of a tree to the floor of an uncompleted house that harboured a tomb, the Department of Theatre and Media Arts, Federal University Oye Ekiti had a rough and humble beginning in July 2012. Five years on, the department recently took stock of its half a decade’s existence with an anniversary programme featuring lectures, drama, dance and musical presentations. The ceremony held on July 25, 2017 inside the new Theatre complex of the university and was graced by friends of the department among who were politicians, academics and theatre practitioners drawn from across the country.

Shortly before takeoff, Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts and founding Head of Department of Theatre and Media Arts led the special guests on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Soremekun. The VC who was already in company of two council members, hinted that the visit coincided with the university’s council meeting which was equally meant to deliberate on the future and the smooth running of the young university. According to Prof. Soremekun, the Theatre and Media Arts Department at FUOYE has placed the University on the global platform, having showcased many of its productions in and outside the campus, aside initiating an international exchange programme with the University of Texas, Austin, USA.

In his response, RT Honourable Alagbaoso said he was delighted to be invited to grace the fifth anniversary of the Theatre Arts Department which incidentally staged two of his own plays as part of the anniversary programme. The legislator who is a member of the Education Committee in the Federal House of Representatives therefore pledged his unflinching support for FUOYE at all times, noting among others that he and his colleagues in the National Assembly would see to the final resolution of the controversy which arose in 2011 between Oye and IKole over the siting of the university campus.

After the visit to the VC, the guests later moved to inspect the theatre complex inside which all the anniversary events took place. Aside several dances and musical shows, two of Hon Alagbaozo’s plays The First Lady and Signs and wonders were staged by students of TMA and directed by Mr. Nsikan Bassey and Mrs. Tosin Tume respectively. The first play highlighted the incidence of corruption among the political class while the second showcased the twin evils of marital infidelity and religious hypocrisy in our social circles. Prof Ahmed Yerima of the Redeemer University,Ede in his anniversary lecture explained that Theatre from time immemorial has been part and parcel of the cultural history of the people. He noted that the society actually gave birth to theatre while theatre itself is a mirror of the society which it tends to deconstruct using diverse modes. Yerima observed that the Nigerian society is in dire need of unity and trust among many of the diverse ethnic groups, hence theatre can only be relevant if it helps to present viable alternatives that can unite the people and showcase their cultural heritage for transformation and development. He concluded the lecture by asserting that our art (theatre) should be used to promote multiculturalism through promotion of all manners of cultural expressions .

Also Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) urged the department to increase its repertory of performances by putting the theatre complex into maximum and creative use. He observed that as a cultural edifice, which boasts of state of the art facilities for robust theatre practice, the new theatre complex at FUOYE should be occupied regularly by diverse theatrical performances. This, according to him, would enable the university community to develop a theatre going culture and further boost entertainment and the corporate image of the university to the outside world.

Earlier in his address, Prof. Bakare who summoned the staff members on stage recalled how the department started on a modest note in 2012. He narrated how the pioneer 26 students were welcomed to the department without any structures or classrooms on ground. The department later moved to several rented apartments within Oye Town before it finally occupied its current permanent site, shortly after graduating the first two sets of its products in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 sessions respectively. According to Bakare, the department is yet to fully realise its dreams but it has been moving in the right direction to actualise the mandate of giving quality training to students in the fields of theatre and media arts.

As a way of acknowledging its benefactors over the years , the department honoured the trio of Rt Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, Professor Ayo Akinwale of the University of Ilorin and Associate Professor Barclays Ayakoroma with awards of recognition. Two of the awardees (Akinwale and Ayakoroma) had played outstanding roles in the development of the department while Hon Alagbaoso was recognised as an outstanding patron and key supporter of the department.

Within five years of its short existence, the Department of Theatre and Media Arts at FUOYE has grown in strength and number. It has produced three heads- Professor Bakare, Dr Bifatife Adeseye and the incumbent, Dr Olaide Nasir- aside increasing the number of staff and students. The department actually came into being in July 2012 as one of the major units to kick-start one of the nine federal universities established by the federal government under former President Goodluck Johnathan in 2011.

Apart from graduating its first and second sets of students, the department obtained full accreditation from the NUC in 2015. It has since inception produced about 20 plays (Wale Ogunyemi’s Langbodo, Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not to Blame, Rasaki Ojo Bakare’s The Voyage and Drums of war, Moremi, Esiaba Irobi’s Hangmen also Die, Julie Okoh’s Aisha etc.) some of which were taken to other universities in the country as part of the travelling theatre project of the department.

Also recently, the department hosted Professor Joni Jones of the University of Texas, Austin, USA to a residency programme at the Oye campus of FUOYE. The Professor who held training workshops with students of the department at the instance of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Kayode Soremekun, also initiated an exchange programme with the department on Theatre studies and scholarship. The visiting scholar specifically trained students by exposing them to her pet project and genre called “Theatrical Jazz” which she claimed is the process of applying aesthetic culture of using non-mimetic movements to entertain the audience on stage.
- Dr Balogun lectures in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
August 9, 2017
Pomp as AFRIFF 2015 holds Globe awards

•Clarence Peters gets jury nod •Cameroonian wins Best Short Film laurel

Following an eventful one week of film activities, the 2015 edition of the prestigious Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, ended on Saturday with a star-studded awards ceremony which took place at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The film event which heightened activities at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Silverbird Galleria, Genesis Deluxe, and City Mall, all in Victoria Island had screened 180 movies, staged several industry sessions and provided workshops of all kinds for filmmakers from 35 African countries and 25 non-African countries who converged on Lagos.

The award ceremony started with a presentation to notable Nigerian music video director, Clarence Peters, who whom the Special jury prize for his first short film, Hex. But the Short film award was clinched by Cameroonian filmmaker, Christa Eka Assam, for her latest work entitled Alma.

Assam who said she has been attending the festival in the last three years was full of praise for the jury and organizers of the festival for providing a platform to prove herself.

Clarence too, felt good that the jury recognized his effort as a first-time filmmaker to have earned the Special Recognition award. While thanking his cast and crew, he dedicated the award to his mum, Clarion Chukwura, saying, “I want to dedicate this award to my mum because without her I won’t be here today.”

Following Peters’ Special Recognition Award by the jury was a Nigerian filmmaker, Tolu Ajayi who also got a Special Mention by the jury for his film, The Encounter.

The ovation was loudest when Fevers by Moroccan filmmaker, Hicham Ayouch won the overall Best Film.

Other awards include Silent Tears by Ishaya Bako (Audience Choice Awards), Legacy of Rubies by Ebele Okoye(Best Animation), Joy by Solomon Onita Jr. (Best Student Short Film), E18hteam by Juan Rodriguez-Briso (Best Documentary), Reflections by Desmond Elliot (Oronto Douglas Award for Best Nigerian Film) and The Price of Love (Best Screenplay)

In the individual categories, Raja Amari won Best Director, while South African actors; Charlie Vundla and Fulu Makhovami won Best Actor and Best Actress for their roles in Cuckold Ayanda respectively.

The night was also spiced with music performances by Cobhams Asuquo and Timi Dakolo. While Cobhams performed ‘Cock Crow At Dawn’ originally sang by Bongos Ikwe, Timi Dakolo started off with Cry, in memory of the late patron of AFRIFF and Special Adviser on Research and Documentation to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Oronto Douglas, before performing Wish Me Well to the delight of audience.

The jurors who also got a loud ovation from the crowd include Pedro Pimenta, Soheir Abdel Kader, Prof Hyginus Ekwuazi, Teddy Mattera, Dr Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Dapo Oshiyemi, Serge-Armand Kouami Noukoue and Asha Lovelace.

AFRIFF’s 5th edition kicked off last Sunday with the premiere of Mediterranea by Jonas Carpignano and closed with Road To Yesterday by Genevieve Nnaji on Friday. There were also industry sessions where practitioners jaw-jawed on the way forward as well as training sessions for student filmmakers.

The weeklong festival was graced by many filmmakers and celebrities including Dakore Egbuson Akande, Genevieve Nnaji, Hilda Dokubo, Ini Edo, Kunle Afolayan, Tope Tedela, Toke Makinwa, Toni Tones, Rita Dominic, Mildred Okwo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Grace Oboba Edwin-Okon, O. C. Ukeje, Ramsey Nuoah, and Kemi Lala Akindoju among others.

The first edition of AFRIFF, an initiative of Chioma Ude, took place in 2010, in Port Harcourt. The second edition held in Lagos in 2012, while the last two editions held at Tinapa in Calabar, Cross River State. This year, AFRIFF got over 600 film submissions of which 180 were screened, a significant increase from last year when 90 films were screened out of the 250 submissions received.

November 17, 2015
Pomp as Ogoga mounts ancestor’s throne

Eminent personalities from all walks of life thronged Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State penultimate week to witness the coronation of the Ogoga, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports that it was a colourful ceremony.

Five months after he was appointed and presented with the instrument of office, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, celebrated his ascension to the throne in style.

Oba Adu, who was presented with the instrument of office in May, had since been receiving homage in the palace and adjusting to his new status as the king of the second biggest town in Ekiti State.

A week before the coronation, preparations were in top gear as community associations, unions and age groups met and made arrangements to ensure a successful event.

The week-long coronation featured speech presentations, cultural displays in form of dance, music, costume and folklore, among others.

The rich cultural heritage of Ikere was on display as cultural dancers, drummers, gong beaters, traditional trumpeters and masqueraders thrilled the audience.

Men, women, youths, students and other stakeholders in the town adorned themselves with colourful attires and exhibited their dexterity in their dance steps.

They were so overwhelmed with joy because the last time they witnessed such occasion was 44 years ago; during the coronation of the last occupant of the throne, the late Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye.

Music was blaring at some junctions of the town where youths enjoyed themselves and hailed endlessly each time they saw the eye-popping vehicles that brought the dignitaries to the occasion.

Prominent musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi reeled off his evergreen songs to the delight of the teeming crowd.

Dignitaries who attended the event included Governor Ayo Fayose, former Governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; the Olugbo of Ugbo land in Ondo State, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan and all monarchs in the state under the auspices of Ekiti State Council of Obas.

Eminent Nigerians who sent representatives to the coronation included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, among others.

Illustrious son of Ikere and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, served as the Chief Host of the coronation ceremony in his capacity as the National President of Ikere Development Forum (IDF).

Fayose, whose arrival was heralded with great funfair, urged politicians and kingmakers to stop playing politics with the appointment of the monarchs, adding that the appointment of Regent is just a mere stop gap to installing a substantive monarch.

The governor said installing a monarch remains a sacred duty that must not be politicised. He reiterated that he would not toy with or allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of a monarch.

Fayose said: “Under my watch, I won’t allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of any monarch. When I assumed office, there were about 12 vacant stools and, to the glory of God, we have been able to peacefully resolve and install six monarchs.

“The role of Regent is temporary and kingmakers will not be allowed to play politics with the selection of Obas. Within the last six months, we have installed six Obas. Any civil servant that meddles in the affairs of selecting an Oba will be dealt with. A kingmaker must be able to openly line up behind his choice,” he said.

Fayose added that the choice of the new Ogoga was overwhelming. He called on people of the town to support him.

He pledged that his administration would give the town the attention it deserves, vowing that in the next two weeks, the dual carriage way of Ado-Ikere Road would be extended to Ikere Township.

Fayose, who revealed that he deliberately left the announcement of the road construction till the coronation day in order to honour the new Ogoga, also sought for further political co-operation from the monarch,

He added: “I want to control Ikere politically with hard work. I know you love Ikere and desires for great development for the town. I will support you.

“By the power conferred on me, I affirm your appointment as the Ogoga of Ikere. I am one call away. From today, your enemies will be my enemies, those who fight you, I will fight them.”

The Governor also inaugurated the N2 billion Empowerment scheme initiated by the town, even as he donated N5 million in support of the project.

Chief Olanipekun commended the governor for not wavering in standing for the truth and transparency in the selection of the new Ogoga.

The legal icon expressed gratitude to him on behalf of the Ikere people for his decision to complete the dual carriage way of the Ikere township road stretching from Ado-Ekiti.

He presented some gifts, a plaque of honour and beautiful royal clothing which he said the governor should wear on the day he would inaugurate the road he had promised Ikere, adding that the Ekiti people and Ikere in particular are proud of him.

Chief Olanipekun, who had earlier given a welcome address at the occasion, explained that the installation of the new Ogoga, Oba Adejimi, heralds the beginning of a new era of great developmental strides that the monarch would carry out.

Olanipekun said: “Undoubtedly, history is being made, enacted and recorded. We are breaking new grounds. We are moving and climbing to higher realms. We are marching into the future with greater fortitude and determination.

“We are conquering our weaknesses and alienating the prejudices which have hitherto held us back as a people. We are bidding farewell and perpetual goodbye to nepotism, pettiness, rebellion and short-sightedness.

“Joyously and gloriously, we are advancing to our Canaan; the land of fertility, buoyant harvest and prosperity, peace tranquillity, love and progress for our children, both at home and in the Diaspora.”

Speaking about the fortunes that would come to Ikere with the choice of the new Ogoga, Olanipekun explained further: “It is always good to put the round peg in round holes. In these days of technological and scientific advancement, where the entire world has been rightly described as global village; nations, states, towns, communities, corporations and groups of individuals usually and normally search for able and capable personalities to lead their respective nations, states and organisations.

“The reasons are obvious. A leader’s character, learning, ability, determination, dynamism, progressiveness, mission, passion, focus and orientation have direct bearing and impact on his people and followers. Put on the flip side, a short-sighted, unstable, rudderless, petty, self-centred corrupt, narrow-minded, or weak leader constitutes a monumental catastrophe and total liability to his people, followers or institution.

“Bearing this in mind, and immediately after the end of the traditional three months mourning period for our late illustrious Oba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, Akayejo 11, the Ikere Development Forum (IDF) held series of meetings and interfaced jointly and severally with diverse stakeholders on the need to search for a progressively-minded successor to Oba Akayejo who reigned for 43 years.

“To our highly revered monarch, his own charity begins at home. He built his first house in Ikere about 30 years ago, established a sawmill factory at Ado Road over 15 years ago to create job opportunities for our youths, he put up another sawmill factory at Akure Road subsequently.

“He sits on the boards of various thriving companies all over the country and beyond, both in the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the economy. He has always been participating actively in Ikere affairs, both at Ikere cradle and all over. He single-handedly donated the N4 million worth power generating set about two years ago on the request of the IDF. The set powers the State Specialist Hospital in Ikere.

“As at then, there was no vacant stool of Ogoga in contention. He was one of the few indigenes who, through their generous and kind donations, made it possible for us to organise a befitting celebration of the life and times of our immediate past Oba on January 24, this year.

“Ikere is lucky to have this eminently distinguished and positively unique personality, who is well bred, well-groomed, well trained, learned, highly cerebral and adequately equipped paragon as her Oba.

“The taste of the pudding is often said to be in the eating. Lawyers have a graphic manner of expressing an actuality by applying the Latin maxim: res ipsa loquitur, meaning ‘the things speak for it.’

“It is beyond any peradventure that our people are not just tickled and excited in the choice and eventual ascension of this high flying personae to the Ogoga stool, but also very proud that a mariner extraordinaire who has sailed round the world, is their new traditional and paramount ruler.”

Delivering his speech, Oba Adu, who was accompanied with his wife, Olori Olufunmilola, expressed profound gratitude to all who have graced his coronation, particularly, the monarchs and his colleagues in the maritime industry.

The Ogoga used the occasion to extend Olive branch to Ikere indigenes who had expressed dissenting voices against his choice, saying he was ready to work with them as that is the only way meaningful development would be achieved.

He, however, warned troublemakers to desist from acts of brigandage or wanton destruction, saying there are regulations that mete out due punishment to such acts.

Oba Adu said: “I want to thank Governor Fayose for his transparency and true love for us, his people. Ikere is second largest town in Ekiti State and we have potential to be much greater than we are currently.

There is only one monarch in Ikere and if we do not work in unity, we won’t progress. We started wooing those who have been against us and it has worked, majority of them are now on our side.

“I have pledged to administer this kingdom with utmost decision for peace. I won’t shy away to rule Ikere in unity, I won’t allow the sacredness of this kingdom to be destroyed by people who think by spreading lies to destabilise us. They can succeed in causing rancour.

“According to history, I am the 27th Ogoga, and after Ogoga, there is no other monarch in this town. I shall defend our history and the heritage with whatever it takes. Let those who do not wish us well take heed, as there are punishment for brigandage, destruction and fomenting of troubles.”

Alaafin of Oyo, who recalled how he prayed with the articles of faith of the three widely practised religions of Christianity, Islam and Traditional religion for Oba Adejimi, prayed for a peaceful and long years of reign for the monarch.

Oba Adeyemi, who expressed satisfaction with Fayose’s speech, added that the governor was only being maligned by the opposition in the papers outside Ekiti.

The Alaafin added that by coming to Ekiti himself, he had seen the true Fayose who truly loves his people and as such is being hated by the opposition.

The Alaafin said: “Our true son, intelligent and courageous, if I don’t come today, I would have missed hearing you. I have been hearing about you on the papers that you are troublesome. The works you are doing in Ekiti, God will reward you well.”

The Olugbo, Oba Akinrintan, who described the Ogoga traditional stool as “very important royalty in the Yoruba race”, praised the new Ogoga and Chief Olanipekun for their efforts in seeking for the good of their town, Ikere.

The Olugbo said: “This Ogoga stool is very important in Yoruba land. I know his history very well. He has a great history. Ikere and Ekiti should take care of your Oba. He is well read and I know all Ekiti are well read also.

“As you are supporting him, I want you to continue to pray for Olanipekun. He has taken you to all over the world; the Ogoga is a foremost Oba. Kabiyesi with Wole (Olanipekun) you have everything.

“He has been my backbone even in my business. I want to urge all governors to emulate former Governor Olomilua for his uprightness and incorrupt nature. Such act of integrity is good for our development as a nation.”

October 21, 2015
POMP, AS AMAA HOLDS SPONSORS’ NIGHT

•ACADEMY, FACEBOOK PARTNER
•AFRICAONE INITIATIVE LAUNCHED

IN furtherance of its plans for sustainable growth, organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), last Saturday, played host to partners and sponsors, making true its determination to uphold Corporate Nigeria’s participation in the AMAA events.

Tagged Sponsors’ Gala, the VIP event which held at the Oriental Hotel, set the stage for another phase of social responsibility commitments towards this year’s edition of the event, slated for September 26, at the popular Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay, Johannesburg, South Africa.

AMAA had, via various communication materials sounded the need for philanthropists and business organisations to support its vision of promoting the African cinema in the last 11 years. Last Saturday event had business leaders and stakeholders in the creative sectors in attendance.

The event was not all about fund raising, as AMAA used the opportunity to announce its partnership with Facebook, even as it launched its AfricaOne initiative.

AMAA’s deal with Facebook aims to profile African and Black artistes and launch them into bigger opportunities for creative businesses around the world, while the AfricaOne initiative is conceived to bridge the socio-economic gap that exists among African countries, using the medium of arts and entertainment.

Founder of AMAA, Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe captured the essence of the gathering when she said; “We have invited you here to tell you about our plans for the future and to seek your support in our determination to make the creative industry a major contributor to African economy. We need the private sector and government to continue to support and invest in the creative industry and we are here this evening to let you know the way you can support us as the government of South Africa hosts this year’s AMAA in Port Elizabeth, the home of the legends.”

On the Facebook deal, she noted that a working relationship with the social media business will boost creative enterprise, brand visibility for sponsors and increase revenue for content owners.

This she projects will drive digital impact in film and entertainment with over 1.4billion users, 120million of who are in Africa.

“Facebook partnership with us is a commercial and cultural one, leveraging our platform which covers film and the whole entertainment sector and the Facebook global platform. This will give an unprecedented opportunity for brands to engage with millions of African movie fans as well as Africa’s filmmaking community leveraging the digital reach of the world’s most pervasive social network,” she said.

The AfricaOne initiative, according to Anyiam-Osigwe, will bring together all contributors to the African creative industry, on the same platform. “Fundamentally, the idea of AfricaOne is to create an avenue for the realisation of the Pan-African dream, using Africa’s creative industry,” she said.

“AfricaOne seeks to rewrite the African narrative. As Africans, now more than ever, we must have our own voice in our story: our story, by us and for us. For this to come into fruition, it is crucial for Africans to come together; thus, the structural establishment of AfricaOne.

“The AfricaOne road show will include music concerts, film screenings and the film-in-a-box initiative. In its strive to showcase all of Africa’s creative innovators, the AfricaOne show will also showcase all other aspects of Africa’s creative sphere including visual arts. However, in its entirety, AfricaOne is much more than a showcase. Against the backdrop of providing an opportunity for African creativity to manifest, AfricaOne seeks to establish a pathway to turn creativity into substantial revenue earners for the continent and the young people. It will re-enforce the economic viability of African creative sector, and its capacity to enhance the African economy at large,” she revealed.

August 16, 2015
Pomp as Forever Nigeria marks 15th anniversary

IT was celebration galore when Forever Living Products Nigeria Limited celebrated its 15th anniversary in all its 15 centres nationwide recently as friends, business associates and well-wishers came together to felicitate with the company.

The week-long event tagged: ‘Celebration of Success, Resilience and Integrity of Forever Business in Nigeria’ had a touch of glam and panache.

There was more celebration as the parent company, Forever Living Products International Inc. in Phoenix Arizona, with over 37 years in profitable global existence, and present in 158 countries, also celebrated their Global Rally event in Singapore, at the prestigious 7-star Marina Sands Bay Hotel.

Forever has for fifteen years created a healthy business environment which has enriched Forever Business Owners of the company in wellness and financially.

The (Forever Business Owners) FBOs were able to reflect at their earlier years as FBOs and were grateful on their achievements. These are independent members of the Forever networks distribution system who are recognised as full-fledged business owners. Wellness centres are business ventures set up by FBOs to provide services in line with FLP policies.

The flavour of the new management team was evident at the main event as they upped their game in the celebrations. There was the red carpet (Aloe’d Carpet), with a back-drop of their products which got the excitement and the buzz going.

Top artiste, Skales, performed with his hit songs that got the elderly grooving. The grand finale also featured awards segment, as Forever Nigeria presented plaques of honour to distinguished individuals who had contributed to the growth and success of the company in Nigeria. There was the Legacy Award to Engr. and Mrs. Adewale Oyemade, in appreciation for their good works in laying the foundation for the growth of Forever business in Nigeria. Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Tay were honoured with Leadership Builders Award in appreciation for their hard work and dedication in building many Forever Business Owners into leaders in Nigeria.

A Regulatory Leadership Award went to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for ensuring that only the right quality food, drugs and other regulated products are manufactured, exported, imported, advertised, sold and used in Nigeria. Forever Nigeria had, in the past, received several awards from NAFDAC, Nigeria’s prime regulatory body, in areas of quality product and full compliance to the statutory laws. Other certifications include the International Aloe Science Council, the Kosher Rating, Islamic Seal of Approval and the Halal certification.

The Partnership Award, went to the Nigerian Heart Foundation, for years of its professional support to Forever Living Products. The company’s management was also honoured, as one of them, the Director of Operations, Mr. Bode Olasinde, received award for his meritorious hard work and dedicated long service as a pioneering staff of FLP Nigeria. There was also an award of meritorious hard work and dedicated long service as a pioneering staff of the company to Olufemi Sanya, while Forever Sapphire Manager, Tope Rotimi Akinola received a Leadership award in appreciation for the demonstration of his good leadership skills as he opens his training sessions to all FBOs without discrimination, at his own expense.

Speaking at a press conference earlier, at the company headquarters in Ikeja, Forever Nigeria Country Sales Manager, Olusegun Israel-Adegboye, commended FBOs for their dedication and resourcefulness and said that the company’s anniversary celebration was all about them. “Our success is reflective of your commitment, your dedication and hard work. Even as we celebrate, we continue to commit ourselves to serving and supporting you. With our offices in major cities and product centres easily accessible to you and new business owners; we ensure you get the best.”

Others present at the press briefing, were Forever Nigeria Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Loye Akinyele; Director of Operations, Mr. Bode Olasinde; Mr. John Ekperigin a Double Diamond Manager; Mrs Ayeni, a Sapphire Manager; Dr Clement and Dr. (Mrs.) Maria Idigo, Double Diamond Manager and Fehintola Foluso-Onagoruwa, a Sapphire Manager.

Speaking at the event, Ekperigin, a former senior lecturer, College of Education, Warri, Delta State, said health challenges brought his wife, a pharmacist, into Forever and they had not looked back. “We gave the business our best shot, and today we are living our dreams and I can say, no business would have satisfied our aspirations and hopes in life than Forever.”

Ekperigin said he had visited several luxurious resorts and stayed in seven-star hotels across the world, courtesy of Forever Living Products. The same sentiment was espoused by Dr. Maria Idigo, who said there was no better business on earth today than Forever business.

“It is an international business and you can never go wrong. This is a business you do and continue to receive bonuses even after you retire. The glamour is that in Forever business, you are your own boss; you plan your schedules and work at your pace. But you need to work hard to make it to the top,” she cautioned.

On her part, Fehintola Foluso-Onogoruwa said the creation of the social media, introduction and use of technologies like mobile payment had taken the performance and profitability of the business to another level. FBOs in Nigeria include politicians, engineers, doctors, lawyers, business people, young school leavers, youths who are charting their careers in Forever business in the current economic situation.

With almost 500,000 registered FBOs nationwide Forever organises event where they celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of the FBOs. But this event was held to celebrate the company for its accomplishments, enduring progress, improving lives, contributing to national development and wealth creation within the economy, especially through the tough economic seasons.

High performing FBOs in Forever start from the Manager level upwards to the Gem Managers ranking with the Diamond as the most precious gem. Forever Nigeria has 35 Sapphire Managers, 7 Diamond Sapphire Managers, 4 Diamond Managers and 2 Double Diamond Managers. Of the 158 countries in which Forever International is present, Nigeria ranks 4th and has consistently been ranked Number 1 in Africa in terms of quantum of sales and quality of the FBOs.

An elated Mrs. Mabel Ayeni, a Sapphire Diamond Manager and one of the pioneer FBOs of the Network Marketing Company recalled how she had also been to many exotic places all over the world and watched her fortunes grow with Forever.

June 28, 2015
Pomp, pageantry as Warri monarch celebrates 28th coronation anniversary

Warri and other parts of the Itsekiri nation in Delta State were agog last weekend as the Itsekiri people rolled out the drums to celebrate the annual Oyo-Ekero festival, which marks the ascension of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to the throne, writes Shola O’Neil

The oil city of Warri, Delta State and other parts of the Itsekiri nation were agog last weekend as the Itsekiri people rolled out the drums to celebrate the annual Oyo-Ekero festival, which marks the ascension of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, to the six-century-old throne.

The 28th Anniversary of Ogiame Atuwatse II Oyo-Ekoro was one of the most memorable in recent times, as it drew Itsekiri groups, organisations and NGOs from all over the world to the monarch’s palace (Aghofen) and other parts of the city were carefully selected events were held.

Speaking on the import of the ceremony, the Chairman, Publicity Sub-committee of the 28th Coronation Anniversary Ceremony, Mr Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, who is also the Chairman of Itsekiri Cultural Renaissance, explained that the importance of the festival was tied to the role of the monarch as the unifying factor and foundation of the Itsekiri ethnic group.

He said, “For an Itsekiri man, the Olu is only next only to God in our order of importance; he is even first to us before the government. That is why whenever it is time to honour the Olu, we spare no effort. He is the base and foundation of our culture, tradition and pride as a people.”

The activities marking the anniversary started on Friday with a praise and worship services held at the monarch’s palace in Warri. The service attracted gospel acts that joined the Foursquare Gospel Church, Olu Palace to sing praises to God.

There was also free medical service by a team of Itsekiri medical personnel from the United Kingdom, led by the chairman of Ugbarajor (UK), Dr Mogba Eyeoyibo. The team carried out diagnosis and proffered treatment to hailing members of the tribe.

•Ejike Asiegbu as Oba Akengbuwa during the command performance of the drama “Oba Akengbuwa”

However, arguably the most memorable event of the first day was a command performance of the drama, ‘Oba Akengbuwa’, which was produced and directed by renowned Itsekiri journalist and film producer, Mr Alex Eyengho. The drama, which featured notable Nigerian actors, including Ejike Asiegbu, who played the role of Oba Akengbuwa, Omagbemi Omonukarin (aka Okerengbelebe) and Norbert Young, among others, chronicled the life and times of the 16th Olu, whose death in between the mysterious deaths of his two sons threw the kingdom into a leadership crisis that later led to a 88-year interregnum in the monarchy.

The command performance, held at the auditorium of Federal Government College, Warri, was preceded by a 25-minute documentary on the history and evolution of the Itsekiri people. The documentary afforded some of the younger Itsekiri audience an insight into their history, the monarchy and achievements of renowned Itsekiri leaders like Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, Dore-Numa and Nana Olomu among others, who recorded several feats and firsts in their times.

The highpoint of the drama presentation was the presentation of the Itsekiri Award of Excellence to deserving Itsekiri sons, including Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Thomas Ereyitomi, among others.

•Members of the Warri Council of Chiefs

The drama presentation was witnessed by prominent members of the Warri Council of Chiefs, including Chief Emamanuel Tetsola, who was Chairman of the 28th Coronation Anniversary Organising Committee, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, and the Regent of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief PT Oyeagha Heavens.

Governor Uduaghan, in a brief speech after the ceremony, noted that the drama exposes the intrigues, the ambition and the treachery of individuals”. He said it was a lesson for everyone to learn on the need to be careful and mindful about the future.

On Saturday, May 2, the monarch delivered his annual address to the Itsekiri nation. The focus of the 28th national address was on the need for all incoming elected political officeholders to perform their duties with the fear of God and to bring peace and development to the nation.

He said: “The people we have elected, some (were) as we wished, some not as we wished, but we thank God for them all. We pray that through them, there will be prosperity and progress for us all. We hope too that those elected will learn to do better in office so that our burdens in the nation may be made lighter and for life to be better for us and our children.”

The monarch also used the occasion to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for the establishment of the $16 billion Delta Gas City Project and Export Processing Zone in his kingdom and thanked the president for performing the groundbreaking ceremony. The Olu assured that “the good from it (the project) will be for our people and for all Nigerians”.

He admonished the host communities to provide conducive environment for the project and other businesses in the kingdom to thrive, emphasizing that the benefit of the project could only be enjoyed in a peaceful atmosphere that is devoid of rancor.

To this end, he enjoined all, “especially the younger ones, to think more of honest work and doing only that.”, just as he admonished that “older people should show good examples for the younger ones to follow.”

The monarch also received his people who came from across the state and other parts of the world to pay homage to him at the palace. There was also dance by various groups as well as the eye-catching dress event, popularly known as kueke, where young men, women and elderly are garbed in their traditional and ceremonial Itsekiri and Victorian attires. The National Association of Itsekiri Graduate, led by Ms Alero Tenuma, as well as the Itsekiri National Youth Council and other groups took time to render obeisance to the monarch.

From the Aghofen, the 2nd day party moved to the Warri Club, where the 4th Edition of the Grand Patron Lawn Tennis Competition was organized by Hon Vincent Uduaghan, President of the club in honour of HRM Atuwatse II on his 28th coronation anniversary.

The competition was witnessed by Uduaghan, who was represented by the state Head of Service, Mr Patrick Origho; Senator James Manager’ President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and his wife, Helen; Chief Richmond Macgrey, and Mr Amah Agbajoh, among others.

The ceremony was rounded off with a thanksgiving service at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Olu Palace (Aghofen) with special prayers for long life for the respected monarch, his family and the Itsekiri nation. Prayers were also offered for the peace and stability of the nation.

May 8, 2015