The Nation Newspaper

Tag: role model

  • Why I chose Burnaboy as role model- Jhay Prinz

    Budding artiste Olaniyi Joshua Kolawole, better known as Jhay Prinz, is set to hit the Nigerian music industry with a new single titled, ‘Edumare.’

    The singer/rapper said his life struggles geared him up to record the song.

    “As a rising star, I am currently paying my price,” Jhay Prinz who had his first son in 2010 said.

    “My music hustle experience has really motivates me to recorded this song. The track is about urging the youths to keep hope alive and they should never give up in their struggle.”

    The unsigned act also added that most of his songs are based on true life stories.

    “I have many songs in the past that are written on my real life experience,” he said.

    “Tracks like Second Chance, Setemi Nire, God Bless and many more.”

    The act who described his genre of music as hip pop/Afro Pop said he is hoping to have a remix of the song with Burnaboy.

    “My latest jam, ‘Edumare,’ is a pure afro vibe and I will love to engage one of my role models, Burna boy to do a remix. Though, I have other A-list stars who I will like to work with in future include Olamide, 2face, beautiful Nubia and other but I will prefer BurnaBoy on this tune.”

    A song titled ‘Iyanu’ by Neo Phlame featuring Jhay Prinz is currently enjoying airplay . Jhay Prinz started music at tender age had is first song in 2010.

  • Why I chose Burnaboy as role model- Jhay Prinz

    Budding artiste Olaniyi Joshua Kolawole, better known as Jhay Prinz, is set to hit the Nigerian music industry with a new single titled, ‘Edumare.’

    The singer/rapper said his life struggles geared him up to record the song.

    “As a rising star, I am currently paying my price,” Jhay Prinz who had his first son in 2010 said.

    “My music hustle experience has really motivates me to recorded this song. The track is about urging the youths to keep hope alive and they should never give up in their struggle.”

    The unsigned act also added that most of his songs are based on true life stories.

    “I have many songs in the past that are written on my real life experience,” he said.

    “Tracks like Second Chance, Setemi Nire, God Bless and many more.”

    The act who described his genre of music as hip pop/Afro Pop said he is hoping to have a remix of the song with Burnaboy.

    “My latest jam, ‘Edumare,’ is a pure afro vibe and I will love to engage one of my role models, Burna boy to do a remix. Though, I have other A-list stars who I will like to work with in future include Olamide, 2face, beautiful Nubia and other but I will prefer BurnaBoy on this tune.”

    A song titled ‘Iyanu’ by Neo Phlame featuring Jhay Prinz is currently enjoying airplay . Jhay Prinz started music at tender age had is first song in 2010.

  • Your role model could shape or mar your life!

    LATE October 2008, my god-mother, Chief Mrs. Opral Mason Benson was meant to be the mother of the day at a gala night organized by the Association of Professional Women Bankers in Nigeria to commemorate their week. However, she had an impromptu meeting in the U.S. and directed her secretary to send me her invitation to represent her. I was thrilled when I discovered Mr.Onosode was the Father of the day. I was so excited because years before, at home, I found a picture he had taken with my late dad, Sir Victor Taiwo Okeowo and President Shehu Shagari. I kept this picture because I had fallen in love with what the newspapers always wrote about this old man-Mr. Integrity. I took the picture to the gala night and even before I showed him, in his speech, he had mentioned his delight and surprise at a very young mother of the day representing the Iya-Oge of Lagos- Chief Mrs.Opral Benson MON, OON!  Also seated on the high table with us was the then deputy governor of Lagos-Princess Sarah Sosan, OFR and late Mrs.Funmi Olayinka who later became Ekiti State deputy governor. When I showed him the picture, he couldn’t quite remember my late father but remembered that event. Anyway, we struck a close-knit relationship which shaped my life and is also shaping the lives of girls all over Nigeria.

    To start with, God sent him at a time my father’s demise was weighing on me so badly and with all that satanic bombardment and temptation, any lady would have compromised her integrity for the life of luxury she had been used to. However, what helped was Daddy Gam’s unusual interest in me and the attention he gave me as well as some other youths around him. He not only attended the concerts I host annually for my late dad at MUSON Centre, he honoured my birthday invitations. I remember he had to rush down from a Nigerian Universities Commission meeting in Abuja just to catch a flight and arrive on time for my 30th birthday. He was also at my 32nd birthday even when he wasn’t feeling so well that evening. I have lost count of all my invitations he honored and he was always so punctual looking dapper in his suit or regal in his well-starched agbada. He oozed so much excellence and I ensured my dealings with him were excellent, including the quality of paper I used to write letters to him and the richness of the print-out! He spoke impeccable English; I’ll study the letter over and over again to avoid the slightest error!

    He was very thoughtful- recognized my great love for Classical music and would have his favorite Handel’s Water Music playing just before I arrived his home on a visit. And he and mummy-his wonderful wife would see me off to my car! I was shocked to find a picture we took together on the day we met published in one of his books. He had the nicest things to say about me and made me feel on top of the world. I couldn’t imagine doing anything he would frown at. I couldn’t imagine not being a person of integrity-much like him! He was just all I needed to keep being morally-upright as my late dad had instilled in me. Now, this further strengthened my resolve to be on the path of righteousness even when it was hard. This also laid a solid foundation for Girls Club of Nigeria where he happened to be a founding trustee.

     

    May I inform you that this wonderful man is a foundation member of all what God is doing through me in this newspaper to steer thousands of girls to a virtuous life and the path of righteousness. From messages I receive daily; so many lost lives created to be human institutions are being transformed. Daddy Gam, must be in his mansion in heaven wearing many stars on his crown. Daniel 12:3

     

    • Late Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode would have been 85 years old on May 22. I thank God for bringing him my way! May his soul continue to rest in peace!
  • Boroffice is ‘Ondo Role Model’

    Boroffice is ‘Ondo Role Model’

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Robert Ajayi Boroffice, is to be crowned Ondo Role Model of the Year, by Omoluwabi Leadership Reporters.

    A statement by the organiser said: “The coast is now clear for the first ever edition of the Ondo State Role Model of the Year Award ceremony as the organiser finally penciled down one of the noblest politicians, a very distinguished senator who is very quiet but sound, solid and dutifully responsible. This yearly event packaged by Omoluwabi Leadership Reporters is now scheduled for Sunday, 22th April, 2018, at the Royal Bird Hotel, Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    “According to the Award Governing Board under the chairmanship of Dr. Bolu Folayan, the Award was designed to be the flagship award in Ondo state and the ultimate honour bestowed on that man or woman of excellence, a chart-topper whose peerless actions and priceless contributions to the state or national development have inspired high hopes for a better society.

    “The award is very significant more so, in this age when genuine role-models with sincerity of purpose, uncommon vision, focus and Olympian fortitude are bred less frequently. It is imperative to identify and celebrate those that are making their visible marks in the task of collective transformation even if only to create a sense of desire for others to emulate their noble deeds.”

    On the selection, the Chief Operating Officer of Omoluwabi Leadership Reporters, Omoba Adekunle Ayegbe, in a statement, said: “It is imperative to establish that the selection panel for this prestigious award comprises of well-meaning professionals drawn from all walks of life who objectively considered without bias or favoritism, the public recommendations of Nominees, through a fair and transparent process.

    “Senator Ajayi Boroffice’s public spirited standpoint in the National Assembly, his public and private comportments which typified the ethos of Omoluwabi (well behaved Yoruba son) and more recently his continuous and unparalleled humanitarian service.”

    There will also be a lecture series with the topic, ‘Integrity in Leadership: A Panacea for New and Prosperous Nigeria’. It is designed to  find solutions to contemporary national issues.

  • Alimikhena: Ogbemudia was role model

    Alimikhena: Ogbemudia was role model

    The Deputy Whip of the Senate and the senator representing Edo North, Francis Alimikhena, has described the late General Samuel Ogbemudia as a role model and strong political pillar. He said the governor of the defunct Bendel State was a courageous leader.
    Alimikhena said: “As a nation and as a state, we have lost a resourceful human resource, because no one did more over many years as Dr. Ogbemudia, both as a minister and as a governor, in building the existing infrastructure that form the foundation upon which Edo and Delta was created. A light has gone out of our state, but it is a challenge to us as a people to keep the light burning by emulating his life style.”
    The Deputy whip, in a statement by his Personal Assistant, Benjamin Atu, lamented the painful exit of the elder statesman, describing him as a successful manager of human and material resources. Alimikhena praised the unyielding determination and principled life of Ogbemudia, who he said, never turned down responsibilities.
    “While we join the family, government and people of our great state In mourning his death, we are comforted by his legendary performance and also give thanks to God for his incredible life,” he added.

  • Adelabu: Quintessential banker, role model

    I was surfing the Internet for names of successful people who attended University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife) when I stumbled on his name. I did not know he had any relationship with late Chief Adegoke Adelabu, better known as Penkelemesi in pre-independence era. It was exciting, however, to discover that he is one of the grandsons of the late politician.

    For someone like me who has always been interested in youth development, it was a dream come true. Over the years, Oyo State has carved a niche for itself as a home where the brightest minds are born to advance the cause of human progress.

    At most conferences and fora, I have been incredibly captivated by the intimidating credentials brandished by speakers. But I become deeply disappointed each time it turns out that such luminaries are not from Oyo state. Some people had wondered what might have caused this obsession. Some people even label me as fanatic owing to my admiration for the state of my birth. But what many have failed to realise is the fact that I love to be motivated by the achievements of young people, especially when they are from my state. That’s the same fervour that inspired my admiration for Adelabu.

    Born on September 28, 1970 in Ibadan, young Bayo attended Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan before proceeding to the prestigious OAU to study Accountancy. Just like his late grandfather who scored firsts in virtually everything he laid his hands on, Bayo graduated with a first class honours in 1992 and proceeded to pass his final qualifying examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

    In his centenary posthumous birthday celebration, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi was quoted as saying: “Today, we have not come to celebrate only his academic prowess alone. Though, one of his immediate juniors at Government College, Ibadan, himself an erudite scholar, Professor Saburi Biobaku, had said in his book,When we were Young that Adegoke Adelabu was the brightest student that Government College has ever produced or is ever likely to produce”.  His activities as a grown up and his evolved political philosophy did not only threaten, but actually culminated in the abrupt termination of promotion of British colonial interests.”

    For seven years, he worked with PriceWaterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers), an international firm of chartered accountants and management consultants where he earlier had his professional training. After leading and managing various audit and consultancy engagements for large banks and other financial institutions within and outside Nigeria, he was also on secondment to the CBN for one year in 1999 where he led the finance team on the CBN re-engineering and corporate renewal project. In 2000, he left the firm as an audit manager and senior consultant to join First Atlantic Bank as the Financial Controller and Group Head of Risk Management and Controls. He also held other positions while in First Atlantic Bank, including the Chief Inspector of the bank (2002) and Group head of National Public Sector Business (2003).

    Before he was appointed as executive director of First Bank, he was the bank’s Chief Financial Officer. His choice, according to the bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, was informed by the need to enhance the capacity of the executive management and board. This, he added, was also to deepen specialisation and strengthen the corporate governance culture of the bank.

    A member of Ikoyi Club 1938, Jericho Businessmen Club and Ibadan Golf Club, the youthful banker once told a reporter that he would be bringing to the table initiatives that would rapidly propel the central bank to dizzying heights.

    Pledging to pursue a philosophy of productivity to achieve the desired result for the bank, he noted: “I don’t believe so much in activities. It’s more about productivity. I do more of the work than the talk. I don’t believe that we should talk too much. If you have a job to do, do it well and everyone will see that it is a success.’’

    The unassuming man who likes doing his things without playing to the gallery said his coming to the CBN as deputy governor was timely as several key decision makers around the world were within the 40s and 50s age bracket. Expressing confidence in the vibrancy and energy associated with that age bracket, even critics agreed that his experiences garnered over the years would manifest in the discharge of his duties.

    Apart from being a member of many local, national and international associations, he has been bestowed many awards for his immense contribution to societal progress. Some of his accolades include the distinguished Fellow Award of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) in 2010 and a Chieftaincy title of Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland conferred on him by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana OdugadeI.

    These many achievements of the Ibadan-born banker serve as good motivation for the youth of Nigeria, especially Oyo State. Despite his rich background, his grandfather did not allow the aura of wealth to fool him. He motivated the young boy to put his feet on ground and write his own story.

    A silent achiever, Bayo is a staunch apostle of grassroots empowerment as a bottom-up approach to building a truly cohesive society. Despite his demanding schedules, Bayo has not allowed the pressure of work to distance him from his Ibadan roots.

    • Sikiru, a Corps member, NYSC Ibadan
  • Toriola is a role model for African players -Egypt’s Assar

    Toriola is a role model for African players -Egypt’s Assar

     

    The only defeat suffered by Egypt’s Omar Assar at the last African Games was against veteran Segun Toriola but the young Egyptian told Sportinglife that most of them look up to the former African champion for inspiration.

    Aside the 3-1 defeat Assar suffered against Toriola in the final men’s team event, the 2015 Lagos Open champion is pained that they could not retain their title in the men’s team event which they lost to Nigeria.

    “For some of us in Africa, Toriola has been an inspiration because he gets better with each tournament and he never seems ready to quit the stage for young players. I never believe he could play the way he played against me because I was surprised he could dominate the match.

    “But for me he has remained committed to the game and he never hid his passion for the sport. I hope we can still have him around for some time so that we can also draw from his wealth of experience,” he said.

    Assar, who is at present warming up for the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Cup holding in Sweden, believes winning the singles title in Brazzaville would motivate him well for the global tournament.

    “I am really happy that I won because there has been a lot of pressure on us to win medals. I had to wait till the last day to win gold medals because the pressure was really much on me. Aruna played well but I was really determined to win and I think I deserve the victory. But I am still disappointed that we lost the men’s team title having led 2-1 only to lose to Segun Toriola, who played very well.

    “It was indeed painful losing the men’s title but in all I am happy that I have been able to defend my title in this competition. Also, I am eager to play at the World Cup particularly that the tournament is holding where I reside in Sweden,” Assar added.

  • Ebenezer Obey is my role model – ADEKUNLE GOLD

    Ebenezer Obey is my role model – ADEKUNLE GOLD

    Adekunle Gold is a singer and a songwriter signed under one of the top record labels in Nigeria, YBNL. After dropping Sade, the hit single that brought him to the limelight. In this chat with FAMUYIWA DAMILARE he talks of his journey and how Commander Ebenezer Obey influenced him.

    SADE’ brought you into limelight. Have you been singing until now?

    I have been singing professionally since 2011 and I have released a couple of songs before Sade. But I will just say this is my time, and I do appreciate God for the hit single because it has been well accepted here and there.

    For how long have you been singing?

    I have always been singing for a long time now, but professionally I started since 2011, I was in a boy band called ‘the bridge’. We worked with great artistes like Skales and GuitarMan, and since then I’ve been opened to exposure. You know, striving hard on daily basis to reach where someone can call you a top artiste in Nigeria.

    Being on YBNL’s platform, how did they start with you?

    I got signed to YBNL few weeks after I dropped Sade, and the platform has been an amazing one. YBNL is ready to go all out to get my music out there and that’s pretty much what every artiste want for their brand. Being signed under such a big platform for me is a blessing.

    You as a person not having same music chemistry with the rest of the crew, what is it like?

    Olamide from the set will say to me that he likes my sound, and he doesn’t want me to change. They understand my genre is different and they are supportive. One thing people got to know about YBNL is that the boss is supportive and he is not greedy.

    He doesn’t involve himself much in your career to affect you negatively and he is much creative. Trust me, if you have someone like him that is very supportive in terms of achieving your aims and ambition, you will definitely have a sense of belonging.

    Being on this platform, is it out of desperation?

    No I didn’t sign to YBNL out of frustration. I signed because I was happy and satisfied with the deal.

    Would it be nice for you featuring any of the crew members?

    I definitely will do that apparently. I’ve always been  a big fan of Olamide and I’ll do a song with him and maybe the rest of the crew. It is worth waiting for, we no dey disappoint na, and this won’t be exceptional.

    There was a time you were on air with ‘TITI’ of Inspirational fm, she asked you something about doing secular and gospel music, your response to her that day was like doing gospel is boredom. Please can you make more emphasis on this, because you’re known to be a gospel artiste?

    There’s no way I would have said gospel music is boredom, especially because I love a lot of gospel artistes and their songs. I can’t even remember coming out as a gospel artiste even while in the band, we were just making music and talking about everything generally.

    How did music start for you?

    I started music from home. My aunt used to sing to us when I was growing up, I joined teens choir in church and I was trying so hard to impress the choir mistress back then to be noticed so I could get a mic and sing a solo on Sunday during service. Sadly I never got it till I left the church because they didn’t think I was good enough.

    What were the challenges you encountered at the early stages of your career?

    One major challenge was getting people to believe I can do this, convincing friends to even support me with little things like putting-up my album art on their DP(s) and any of their social media platforms. Also not having the financial status to push myself isn’t exceptional. It was a big challenge getting funds to push my song and all of that.

    How did you manage in this prospect?

    I didn’t give up on myself even when It was frustrating. I just kept doing what I had to do, tried to get better where my sound was lacking.

    Do you see yourself chasing your dream now?

    Yes, I’m chasing my dream and it’s amazing how God is turning everything to my favour. In fact, on this note, I see myself doing well in this choosen career of mine.

    Did you think of becoming a musician right from childhood?

    Yes, it’s been my dream from childhood.

    What did you do back then that you’ll consider as a foundation of what you are today?

    Growing up, I listened to a lot of songs. Then I was trying to sing better everyday. Being in a band too, really helped and also the music talent shows I auditioned for, like MTN Project Fame and Peak Talent show.

    Who was your role model growing-up?

    Ebenezer Obey, because I’m a big fan of his music. Thanks to my dad, he played his songs every day. Listening to his songs has really shaped and given a good balancing to what I am doing today. And I will say big-ups to him.

    Since you’ve been part of the music industry, how would you best describe your experience so far?

    It’s interesting and challenging, to be honest.

    How did people accept the song that brought you to the limelight, ‘Sade’?

    There’s too much love for Sade, it overwhelms me. People comment on blogs that posted the song and on my YouTube and then when people see me they tell me really great things about the song. I must say it is well accepted globally, even Nigerians in diasporas welcome the song because they have this feel of this song comes from a Nigerian that knows truly what the people want.

    What do you think people have to know about your style of music?

    People need to understand that I don’t just do anyhow music. My songs are meaningful and I try as much as possible to maintain my status quo. But basically, my genre is Urban Highlife. It’s a fusion of pop/folk and highlife.

    When do you intend to drop your next single?

    I have been working in the studio and I’ll be dropping a new one really soon. It is worth waiting for like I’ve said earlier and we gonna make it happen this time like we’ve done in previous.

    What do you have to say to your fans out there?

    Keep supporting me with your many prayers and I love you all. It is a long way to come at, and I must say this. Without God and you, Adekunle Gold should have been somewhere else, probably be doing one thing or the other. I do enjoy everyday with my fans out there, and much love to you.

  • Remi Oyo was a role model, says Aliyu

    Remi Oyo was a role model, says Aliyu

    Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu has described the late Mrs. Oluremi Oyo as a role model for women in the media.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, Aliyu said the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) would be remembered for her role in repositioning media practice in Nigeria.

    He urged women journalists to emulate her hard work, discipline and determination, adding that her attitude to work earned her great heights.

    The governor said: “Mrs. Oyo competed favourably with her male counterparts and attained enviable heights within and outside the newsroom. She was a thoroughbred media icon, who raised the bar of professionalism to enviable heights. She was indeed an accomplished professional.

    “Her death is a great loss. It is sad that her demise came a few weeks after another talented media manager and journalists, Dimgba Igwe, was knocked down by a yet-to-be-identified hit-and-run driver in Lagos. Her death is a huge loss to the media.”

    Aliyu said the late Mrs Oyo belonged to the class of patriotic journalists, who placed national interest above personal interests.

  • My hubby is my role model

    My hubby is my role model

    IBUKUN Waidi-Akanni has been graciously described by her husband of over 20 years, ex-international and former Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Waidi Akanni, as the friend and lover that stood by him through thick and thin. In the words of the ex-Flying Eagles star, “My wife, Ibukun Akanni, has been there for me from the beginning. I met her as a player in Lagos and together we have weathered the storm. She was there for me while trying to find my footing in football and business and she is still there for me, taking care of our children while l am away from our home in the U.S.”

    Mrs Akanni, a leading U.S-based artists manager, was in Nigeria recently to put finishing touches to one of her programmes, and took time to talk with The Nation Sport and Style’s TAIWO ALIMI. In this revealing interview, she discloses her passion for her job as a publicist and how her hubby has influenced her greatly, sometimes ‘pushing me beyond my imagination’. Excerpts:

    About her husband

    He is an amazing husband, very hardworking. He pushes me more than l can imagine. He is a goal getter and l would say l look up to him as a role model. He is an amazing father to his children and they look up to him too. In whatever l am doing he supports me all the way. For example, for this project that l am embarking on, he supports me a 110 percent. And he pushes me more than l push myself and that is a bonus for him. We have come a long way. I met him while he was a young footballer and ever since we have been together. He is full of ideas and that kind of rubs off on me and for whatever l am doing l want to put a 110 percent into it. l have learnt well.

    Children and soccer

    At first l did not like soccer, like football is called in the U.S, but from watching my children play the game, l kind of developed great interest in it. It is very interesting. My children, like their father, play it very well and they are doing well at school and at club level in their own different ways. Sheriff is fast taking after him as a potential great footballer.

    He recently got a scholarship in the U.S just like his father did while he was in Yaba College of Education. (In 1987, Akanni got a scholarship to study at Howard University in the United States, where he earned bachelors and masters degrees in Engineering). Aside Sheriff, Babatunde, and Samid, who is the baby of the house, is also doing fine with soccer. They all have a passion for the game. We are also blessed with two girls and they are into athletics in their own way too. However, for us, education is paramount and we have told them that they can do whatever they want as far as they take their education first. In life, whether in sport or entertainment, l always preach the gospel of mixing education with football.

    As a publicist in the U.S.

    I have been in P.R. for five years and I have been doing the Sylvia P.R. Event, which is a pre-Grammy event thing for the past four years. I also have a pet project; Sylvia P.R. Awards, which in its first year we gave an award to Quincy Jones and this last one in February of this year we gave awards to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD).

    I represent top artists in the U.S. like Miguel, Ciarra, TI and Vashawn Mitchell and in Nigeria l represent RMD and Yinka Davies.

    Assessing the entertainment industry in Nigeria?

    The Nigerian entertainment industry is good, growing but they need the right set up.

    A lot of them don’t have publicists. The job of a publicist is to manage their image and ensure that they have good publicity. A lot of them don’t have stylists, they just go on the rack and wear what they see. A lot of them look ridiculous at award shows. They need a stylist. To call yourself a celebrity you have to spend money on your image because that is what people see.

    On the music level, they are good but we don’t get to hear them abroad. They don’t play it on radio in the US. The only song I heard on radio in Dubai was Oliver Twist by D’banj and neither do we see the videos on BET. That is part of what I’m also trying to do. You have to expand, you have to go international. You don’t just sit in your own small world here.

    The whole idea is to expand and for the artist to be recognised internationally, not just by Nigerians abroad. People have to know you no matter where you are. When I mentioned Miguel, you knew who he was instantly, yet he has never been to Nigeria. They only do the Nigerian thing. D’banj ought to be invited to the U.S to perform for the foreign audience like Chris Brown and Akon are brought to Nigeria to play and get millions of naira.