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Tag: sacrifice

  • Olanipekun, a life of service and sacrifice at 65

    Of indeed, part of the reasons for human pilgrimage on the surface of the earth is to live, to love and to leave legacies, then, those who exceptionally carry out these obligations, not only deserve celebration and appreciation, but merit veneration for they are fine arts of  the Creator.

    One of such great men in Nigeria today, undoubtedly, is Chief Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun, Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who turned 65 years old today, having been born in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State on November 18, 1951. It is public knowledge that Chief Olanipekun’s life is that of service to God and humanity as well as sacrifice towards making life more bearable for others. Obviously, when years back, Mahatma Gandhi asserted that “a man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men”, the philosopher was certainly referring to the likes of Chief Olanipekun whose devotion to the betterment of others has become legendary.

    Recently, a friend of his, at the University of Ibadan brought a case of an indigent Law graduate who could not go to Law School due to financial constraint to the attention of Olanipekun. Without considering the religious inclination of the graduate who is a Muslim and without knowing his parents, this great man, full of the milk of human kindness simply directed his scholarship scheme to accommodate the Law graduate. Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme will be 20 years in existence this month. Hundreds of students whose educational career would have terminated mid-stream are today graduates of various disciplines courtesy of charitableness of this soft-spoken legal colossus.

    Clearly, his humility and philanthropic humanism are so much unparalleled in this part of the world where obscene display of wealth and class haughtiness is the crass second nature of moneybags. Olanipekun, whose slender physical frame disguises the giant strides recorded in life, is an astute professional, a towering role model, a phenomenal philanthropist, blessed with a jumbo heart and robust giving spirit.

    Trite, it may seem to those who are familiar with his story, but the truth remains that when this illustrious son of Ekiti State was the Pro Chancellor  and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan (2009-2013), the dominant narrative was that of selflessness, service , benefaction and sacrifice – all towards making the university better, greater and richer than he met it. Olanipekun simply changed the face of the university during his chairmanship tenure with his quiet kindness making loud impact across the campus. He never collected sitting allowances running into several millions of Naira; rather, he instituted a scholarship scheme for the brilliant students in Law, Medicine and Computer Science. When the flood ravaged the University in 2011, Chief Olanipekun made the highest personal donation of N10million for the amelioration of the loss. Before the expiration of his tenure also, he built a 400 sitting-capacity lecture theatre and donated it to the Faculty of Law at Ajibode, UI second phase.

    This humble and kind-hearted legal luminary is replicating the same  good story of benevolence at Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo , where he recently built a multimillion Naira Vice  Chancellor’s lodge. Along with his charming wife, Lara, Chief Olanipekun who was appointed Pro Chancellor and Chairman Council of the 11-year old University in November 2014 said he was touched that the VC had no residence conducive for habitation. What was available to the VC according to him, “was a rickety bungalow constructed for the Principal of St. Andrews College built over 100 years ago, consisting of a bedroom and one sitting room”.

    To redress the appalling situation, the chief and his wife donated a well-fenced Wole and Lara Olanipekun Vice Chancellor’s lodge, complemented with a chapel, library, and bedrooms for adults, children’s rooms, guest rooms, among others. The university, owned by the Supra Diocesan Board (West), Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is no longer the same with the intervention of a man of benignity. There are so many instances of sacrificial donations and financial assistance that he would not want mentioned for he likes noiseless kindliness.

    His courage is respectable. His carriage is admirable just as his gait is prestigious. While leading the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as its President in 2001, he once politely confronted the then President Olusegun Obasanjo over national issues to the admiration of other lawyers.  Yet, heaven did not fall! In the build-up to the 2015 general elections, Chief Olanipekun, in a day, represented two opposing interests in two different courts without rocking the boat. Hear him, “I was at the Code of Conduct of  Tribunal in the morning in a suit involving Bola Tinubu, Jonathan’s election petition was stood down till about 2pm and immediately I finished addressing the CCT on Tinubu’s matter, I had to go and change for Jonathan’s matter. Jonathan would dare not ask me why I was defending his political foe”.

    How else is a great man described? A lawyers’ lawyer who represented the late President Umaru Yar’Adua commands both adoration and emulation without demanding them. The modest legal mind whose temper constitutes the template for enviable conduct effortlessly earns good reputation through achievement of monumental feats and cultivation of super human accretions.

    Socially, chief could be gay and gregarious, but when it comes to his legal practice, he is tough-minded, thorough, strong-willed and self-possessed. However, behind the facade of the forthright man is an exemplary personality with heart of gold.

    At 65, Chief Olanipekun is essentially puritanical in his indulgence, prudent in his conduct and eternally transparent in his dealings. He has thus become an approximation of what an ideal family man should be: God-fearing compact and contented. As all his four children are lawyers, with the eldest, Dr. Oladapo Olumide Olanipekun, being the youngest Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Olanipekun’s wealth is obviously reflective in his children.

    A paladin of moral rectitude, this birthday man certainly deserves all the honour for his humility chastises the arrogance of these immoderate times. Driven by class, elegance, style and brilliance and most importantly, modesty, Chief Olanipekun remains a cerebral and experiential professional in jurisprudential matters. His arguments are breath- taking in its range and reach, and his delivery magisterial and compelling as his imprints are phenomenal. In the legal profession today, he is a role model whose mien, oratory power and forensic dexterity are emulated and copied by many, including his mates.

    As he marks 65 years of existence in life today, one can only pray that God should continue to prolong his life in peace and prosperity for the benefit of humanity.  Born in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti state on November 18, 1951, Chief Olanipekun attended Amonye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti between 1965 and 1969 where he obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC). He proceeded to Ilesha Grammar School in 1970 from where he obtained the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1971. At Ilesha Grammar School, the young Olanipekun manifested his innate leadership qualities, thus becoming the Editor-in –Chief of the school magazine (The Spike). He was also the chairman, Students Representative Committee in 1971. In 1972, he gained admission into University of Lagos where he bagged the Bachelor of Law degree in 1975. As light drawing moths, Olanipekun attracted many friends and admirers with his enchanting brilliancy which led to this election as the Secretary-General, Students’ Union between 1973 and 1974.

    He attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos from 1975 and 1976 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1976. He was a junior counsel in the Messrs Oniyangi & Co Ilorin between 1977 and 1979. In 1980, he became the Principal Partner of Messrs Wole Olanipekun & Co.  Perhaps one can only remind Chief Olanipekun of what God says concerning him and his like in the book of Isaiah 3:10, “Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds”. Happy birthday Chief.

     

    • Saanu is with the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan.

  • A sacrifice for greatness

    Some students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), Niger State are carving a niche for themselves in radio broadcasting. During the long holiday, they underwent free training at the campus radio station. ABDULSALAM MAHMUD writes. 

    IT was the long holiday, but rather than go home, they choose to stay on campus in order to join the one-air crew of Search FM 92.3, the radio station established by the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) in Niger State. They decided to stay back in Minna to hone their skill in radio production.

    Uzzy Aman, a staff of the radio station, was amazed by the students’ passion for broadcast journalism, praising their resolve to work, despite not being the station’s employees.

    Aman told CAMPUSLIFE that the programmes initiated by the students had turned the radio station to “listeners’ favourite” in Gidan Kwano community.

    Uzzy said: “The student-volunteers help us to achieve a smooth transmission of news, talk shows, documentary, discussion, interviews and other radio production formats daily. Despite the challenges associated with transmission hours and the fact that they are not being paid, the volunteers have shown uncommon dedication.”

    Azeeza Muhammad Lawal, a 300-Level Transport Management Technology student, who presents news, said her reason for joining the station as a volunteer was not to make money, but to pursue her passion for broadcasting. She said her time at the radio station had been rewarding.

    She said: “I didn’t have anything I would do if I return home to spend the four-month holiday. This was why I decided to join the radio station. Money was not the motivating factor, but my passion. I have always wanted to become an on-air-personality. I took the holiday as an opportunity to hone my skill.’’

    Another volunteer, Moses Dickson, a 400-Level Computer Engineering student, said he usually passed the night in the station in order for him not to miss presentation of Wake-Up, a two-hour morning show. Moses maintained that he could not travel home, because he would be idle.

    A graduating student of Microbiology, Faridah Tauheed, who anchors Lara, described her experience as a mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly. She said she kept working hard and persevered despite challenges.

    “I am ever-ready to sacrifice my comfort to pursue my dream,” she said.

    Joshua Sani, who presents sport, said:  “Most of us have our eyes on becoming radio personalities someday. As such, staying back to learn the skill became an obligation for us. Joshua said he was able to combine studio sessions and his studies by redesigning his timetable.

    On how the volunteers were recruited, Mr Odafe Imogu, the radio’s Head of Research, said the students were selected during an audition.

    He said: “We hold an audition every two years to replace crew members who may have completed their studies in the university. Those picked in the audition meet the Vice-Chancellor (VC), before they are taken through the training.”

    Imogu noted that some past volunteers at the station now work with reputable stations, such as Wazobia FM, Cool FM and Hot FM, among others. He said Search FM 92.3 was a breeding ground for youths to hone their skills in broadcasting.

    The VC, Prof Musbau Akanji, said the management had been supporting the radio station with funds and logistics to improve its operation for more students to benefit from the free broadcasting training. He praised the students for contributing towards informing and entertaining the university community.

    He said: “I have no doubt that the trainees would become sought-after professionals after graduation, judging by their readiness to learn and their diligence on air. I will advise them not to yield to challenges they may face. They need to be resolute, dedicated and optimistic. They are paying the price now. The free service they render in the radio station is, perhaps, a necessary price they have to pay now.”

    An avid listener to the campus radio, Mallam Yahaya Idris, said he admired the rich contents of the station and the programmes presented. He appealed to the radio management to consider transmitting its educative programmes in local dialects for the sake of those who do not understand English.

  • Ortom calls for sacrifice

    Ortom calls for sacrifice

    •Support Buhari, Akume urges Muslims 

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has urged the people to continue to make sacrifices in the face of the economic downturn for a greater Benue.

    Ortom admonished Muslims to commit themselves to the Holy Prophet’s injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and generosity to the less-privileged.

    He said his administration would always be committed to selflessness, transparency, truthfulness and accountability, as the state continues its journey towards economic recovery.

    The governor, who reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue with the stick approach of its amnesty programme, urged the people to go about their daily activities without fear, as security agencies have been mobilised to ensure hitch-free Sallah.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and senator representing Benue North West, George Akume, has called on Muslims to be united, and pray for the success of the President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ortom administrations.

    A Sallah message by his media aide, Becky Orpin, noted that Islam is a religion of peace, saying they should not engage in acts that pose security threats to the country.

    He praised President Buhari for tackling insecurity in the Northeast, and called on Muslims to double their support for the APC-led government.

  • Eid-el-kabir: Ambode urges Muslims to imbibe values of sacrifice, endurance

    Eid-el-kabir: Ambode urges Muslims to imbibe values of sacrifice, endurance

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday called on Muslims in Nigeria to imbibe the values of sacrifice and endurance as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration is one that calls for every Muslim and other Nigerians to embrace the tenets of sacrifice, patience, humility and brotherly love.

    He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that it should be a moment to reflect on why God has united everyone with a common humanity of blood, food and water as these should constitute what binds the people.

    He, therefore, called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalization of the lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of mankind.

    “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country and the possibility of her taking her place in the comity of nations”, the Governor said.

    He said the prevailing economic recession currently taking its toll on Nigerians was only a phase that will pave way for a new dawn in the country, saying the Federal Government is making steady efforts to salvage the situation.

    “This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration remains committed to lead the nation in overcoming its current economic and developmental challenges”.

    While wishing all Muslim brothers and sisters in the State a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode expressed appreciation for the support given to his administration, urging all Lagosians to continue to embrace peaceful co-existence.

  • Amosun: economic challenge temporary sacrifice

    Amosun: economic challenge temporary sacrifice

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has advised Nigerians to see the biting economic challenge as a temporary sacrifice required to “fast-track national” growth.

    The governor, who made this known in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, in his speech to mark this year’s Democracy Day, said the event was an avenue for Nigerians to once again, reminisce on the past, the present and also take stock of their stewardship.

    According to him, the stock-taking would help Ogun State and the country to map out new and better strategies for the future.

    Amosun urged the people to be steadfast in the resolve to move both the state and the country forward amid challenges of dwindling revenue and increasing needs of the citizens.

    “We must remain unwavering in our resolve to move Ogun State forward in the face of all challenges, most especially as the effect of the dwindling allocation from the Federation Account has continued to bite harder.

    “It is also important that we realise that whatever the inconvenience we go through now, in the course of fast- tracking our national development and the fulfillment of the “Mission to Rebuild” our dear state, is just temporary.

    “We must, therefore, continue to give support to the Federal Government ably led by President Muhammadu Buhari at the centre, as he has promised to walk his talk and together we can make our country great again,” he said.

    The governor noted the invaluable contributions of the state’s workforce, whom he said, have been reliable and supportive of his administration in the past five years.

    Acknowledging that more growth has taken place since he began the second term of his administration, Amosun said his first tenure was a display of a dogged determination and commitment to rebuild the state.

    He said his administration has continued to sustain the drive to attract investors, adding that about 100 industries have berthed in the state.

  • Service of sacrifice

    SIR: Our society has lost the joy of national unity.  Our consciousness has veered off from the trajectory of common goodness.  Individualism has possessed the zeal for us to progress the nation.  We have turned into monsters who want to corner the national resources at all cost.

    We have lost the moral compass to navigate the course of our collective growth.  Every eye is focused on cutting a big chunk of the national cake.  Luckily, nature has baked a mountainous share for us.  Our leaders get too fat and turn into a league of gluttons who grossly gulp down our goodies.  They abandon the responsibility of stroking fire in the oven.  Hungry ants crawl from all over and devour our crumbling cake in their stupor.

    Civilized nations task their governments to give their people the best.  They formulate models of governance that will facilitate the vision of a greater society.  Officials selflessly lend their ingenuity to expand the scope of possibilities to better their people.  American government made it possible for everyone living in their country to have access to the Internet.  This initiative alone has positioned them in the technological frontier to fully benefit from the enormous usefulness of the Internet.

    The drive to do for all by most citizens of civilized countries is a consequence of feeling the need to give back to the society.  The belief is that were it not for the provisions their system accorded them, they would not have been able to maximize on their potentials.  Scientists and business leaders in these societies struggle tirelessly to gain advantage of innovation to push beyond the boundary of their industry.  They turn around and give the benefits of their enterprise to society with the aim of elevation of humanity.

    Greed closes our eyes from aspiring to the generosity of the sky.  The sun and the moon brighten our horizon at no cost to us.  I see no difference, the special qualities we have could be utilized for the betterment of our society.  Instead, our leaders use their political wizardry to cause our wealth to disappear to their private possession.   We have failed to rise up against those who defiled our national conscience.

    I will prefer to believe that the hardship we suffer should elevate us to a pristine reflection.  We have muddled in the gutter of unpatriotic mannerism.  The path that we have followed has not justified our tremendous endowment.  I believe we should be born again as a country in the spirit of service of sacrifice.  We should work to build a beautiful Nigeria and not for individual aggrandizement.

    Let us close our eyes to materialism, tribalism, ethnicity, religious intolerance and other ills that pull us down and focus on building our paradise in our own soil.  We have what it takes.  We can do it if we can find our national consciousness.

     

    • Pius Okaneme,

    Umuoji, Anambra State.

  • Sacrifice for your children’s education, parents told

    A school proprietor, Mrs Abosede Yusuf, has urged parents to make sacrifice for the education of their children.

    Education, she said, was the pivot on which nation-building rests.

    She spoke last Saturday during the third anniversary and end-of-year concert of her school, Echelon Nursery and Primary Schools in Idimu, Lagos.

    Mrs Yusuf, who said the school started as a coaching centre with five pupils in 2012, recalled: “I have always had the dream of establishing a school that will deliver quality education, but I had no clear idea of how to go about it. I started the coaching centre with five pupils; but today, it has transformed into a school and we have over 50 pupils. It is not by my power, but God’s might.’’

    She said she had been able to imbibe a culture of academic excellence in the children, while also making positive impacts on their parents.

    Mrs Yusuf said: “I feel great and happy. I am grateful to God for making my vision come true. When I started the school, I realised that it was not easy. In fact, I almost gave up at some point.  I remember that when some parents came with their awards in 2012, they were not happy with the condition of the school. I, however, resolved to forge ahead. Today, the story is different. I have no doubt in my mind that we will grow bigger than this. I am glad that we are a step ahead.’’

    The Head Teacher, Miss Oluwatosin Audu, said she had learnt to relate to children better since she joined the school.

    A parent, who has two kids in the school, told The Nation that she has no regrets patronising the school.

    The event featured dance, drama and music presentations by pupils who were clad in uniform native dresses.

  • Love and sacrifice define children theatre

    Love and sacrifice define children theatre

    It was captivating and interesting to see nursery and primary school pupils perform a play based on the life of legendary female warrior, Moremi Ajasoro. The play opened with war, many were killed and many were captured as slaves by invaders of Ile Ife.

    The play dates back in ancient Ile Ife kingdom when the people of Ile Ife were constantly under attack. This led the king, Oranmiyan, and his elders to consult the oracle who told them that the solution to their problem was a woman. When Moremi heard this, she consulted a god of a nearby river, Esinmirin, and offered herself as a woman who would save her people. During the next raid, Moremi let them to capture her and took her as prisoner to the land of the Igbos where she got married to the ruler. Moremi later escaped and returned to her first husband after learning the secrets of the Igbo people. Her discovering helped her people have victory over the Igbo people.

    The stage was properly set in a traditional design, setting the atmosphere for the audience to travel back in time and relive the sacrifices made by Moremi to free her people from invaders. The audience was mesmerised and there was a loud laugher in the hall when young Oranmiyan, played by Isaac Yinka-Dunsin, sang 2Face’s African Queen for young Moremi, played by Tomiwa Apena. The tragedy of love and sacrifice of Moremi was performed by the pupil of Beautiful Beginning School, Magodo, Lagos, during their Annual Awards and Graduation Ceremony at MUSON Centre, Lagos.

    Costumes used were mostly traditional attire of the Yoruba people. The play was directed by Tony Biyi Boyede of Theatre Centrik and he did a good job by selecting about one hundred and fifty casts who delivered. Tune Kelani who was present to see the play commended the school for their effort. Lead character Moremi was played by Anjola, Tomiwa and Iteoluwa. Oranmiyan was played by Isaac Yinka and Sigmound Onachie-Modi.

    “The art of storytelling through theatre dates back to time immemorial, with music, dance, stage comedies and tragedies. The theatrical production of Moremi Ajasoro strongly portrays the cultural and historical context of the Yoruba people, of Ile Ife, though here we only seek wisdom of strength and will that drive one to the success land of victory, not the tribal aesthetic, also the lesson of culture, said the school director,” Mrs Bukola Ogunleye, who also participated in the play, said..

    The school also presented awards to Tune Kelani, and Bolanle Austen-Peters who was present to receive the award, as well as Omowunmi Dada who was represented by Judith Dada.

    The pupils presented beautiful poetic award citation to these unique individuals. “I noticed some talents here today; there are exceptional talent in the girl and the boy that represented Oronmiyan and Moremi, they stood out. But the unfortunate reality is that we start everything very late in Nigeria, if children are trained from this early stage in life, it builds confidence in them,” said Austen-Peters. “Acting is something we should encourage in our children, and Nigeria should also encourage this as part of our curriculum,” she concluded.

    There were also other activities such as Benin royal dance, bata dance, and ballet dance, and award presentation to the teachers, students and parents.

  • Akpabio to Akwa Ibom youths: don’t sacrifice for APC

    Akpabio to Akwa Ibom youths: don’t sacrifice for APC

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday warned the youth not to sacrifice their lives for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor said the lives of the youth were too precious to be wasted by the opposition.

    He noted that if youths give their lives for APC’s course, they would be misguided.

    Akpabio spoke in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally for the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

    The governor noted that in the face of the political season, selfish politicians would want to use their positions to deceive youths into sacrificing their lives.

  • Mimiko calls for sacrifice to develop Nigeria

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday urged Nigerians to reflect, in the spirit of the season, on what further personal sacrifice they can make for the development of the country and mankind.

    In a message, the governor said: “Christ, the persona in the centre of Easter, epitomised sacrifice of self for the good of all. Celebrating him, therefore, must be with a deep understanding of the need to put the pursuit of selfish and parochial goals aside and devoting time and energy to societal goals.”

    Congratulating Christians on the celebration of Easter, Mimiko said: “With security challenges facing Nigeria, Christians, and non-Christians alike must understand that we have only this country to call our own. So, be ready to seek peace with one another.

    “Jesus’ life exemplified sacrifice. He lived and died for humanity. No sacrifice could be greater than this. As we celebrate Easter, therefore, we need to emulate Christ and reflect on what sacrifice we can make to move the society forward.”

    The governor said his administration has worked tirelessly to transform Ondo State in its first four years and is poised to even do more during its second term.

    For the state to make further progress, he said the government and the people would need to make more sacrifices.

    Mimiko prayed that God should grant the nation peace to enable it grow and develop.