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Tag: tribute

  • ‘Tribute to my dad at 65’

    ‘Tribute to my dad at 65’

    By Samuel Moyosore Ekundayo

    If I were to describe my dad using just three words, they would be intentional, resilient, and exemplary.

    My dad is one of the clearest expressions of leadership I have ever known. Not leadership by title or position, but leadership by example. The kind that is lived passionately, consistently, and convincingly. Everything about him is deliberate. You see it in the decisions he makes, the standards he keeps, the people he nurtures, and the organisations he leads. You can tell he is a man consciously building a legacy, not for applause, but for impact. He leads with depth, conviction, and care, and that example has shaped the man I am today.

    My dad, Dr. JMO Ekundayo, has taught me many things, but a few stand out as truly life defining.

    One of the most profound lessons he taught me was a lifestyle of giving. My dad is known for generosity, not as an occasional act, but as a way of life. From a very young age, I watched both my dad and mum give sacrificially, even in seasons when we ourselves had little. I witnessed them give away our Mercedes Benz without having a replacement. I saw them open our home to accommodate people while we were struggling to survive ourselves. I often say there is nothing my dad cannot give. Sometimes I joke that he could give away his eyes before realising he needs them to see. That is how deeply generosity is woven into his being. This lifestyle of giving has rubbed off on me, and today I find myself intentionally emulating the example he modelled long before I understood its power.

    Another thing my dad imparted to me was the love of reading. He is an avid reader, deeply passionate about books. His personal library is filled with volumes that reflect curiosity, faith, and wisdom. Over the years, I have shamelessly “borrowed” many books from his shelves, and even till today, he continues to give me books and recommend what I should read. The last time he visited me in New Zealand, he still arrived bearing books.

    There are two books he gave me that I will never forget.

    The first was when I was eight years old. The book was titled:  “I Saw Heaven” by Robert Liardon. While I may not have received a literal revelation of heaven from that book, I received something far more transformative, a revelation of who God is. That book awakened in me a deep hunger for intimacy with God, a desire that has fuelled my love for Him to this very day. That seed planted in childhood still bears fruit, and for that, I will always be grateful.

    The second book was: “In Pursuit of Purpose” by Dr Myles Munroe, given to me during my teenage years. That book marked a turning point in my life. It introduced me to the truth that life is intentional, that man has purpose, and that I was not an accident or a mistake. It showed me that God was deliberate about my existence. At the time, neither my dad nor I knew that my life’s calling would be to help others discover their purpose. Today, that book has become like a second Bible to me. It laid the foundation for what I now do, helping thousands of people find purpose and maximise their God given potential.

    My dad also taught me how to write. He is an avid writer and has authored several books himself. Today, by the grace of God, I am the author of fourteen books, and I trace that grace back to having an exemplary leader who modelled discipline, consistency, and devotion to words put into writing.

    He also taught me how to preach. Watching him handle the Word of God shaped and sharpened my own preaching style. Even the way I mark my Bible, pen in hand like an old-fashioned preacher, I learned from my dad. These are quiet imprints that last a lifetime.

    Beyond these lessons, there were decisive decisions my dad made that altered the trajectory of my life. One of such came when I turned eighteen. One day, he invited me into his room and we sat together on his bed. He looked at me and said, “You are now a grown man. From today, I want our relationship to change. I want you to be my confidant and my friend.” He told me he would begin to share things with me that he had never shared before and that he wanted my input. That moment redefined how I saw myself. It told me that my father believed in me. That affirmation marked me deeply, and it is a moment I hope to replicate with my own sons someday.

    Another defining aspect of my dad’s leadership has been his spiritual sensitivity. There are moments where his prophetic insight redirected my destiny. One of those moments was around my marriage. I was already convinced I had heard from God about my wife, but I will never forget the day my dad confirmed it. He told me he had seen a dream of visiting us in New Zealand, which at the time we did not live in. In the dream, he saw my wife and I holding a baby boy. That confirmation sealed what God had already spoken to my heart. Truly, every matter is established by confirmation.

    Another moment came during my PhD journey. At the time, I was considering the United States and Canada. Then my dad received a strong spiritual inclination that New Zealand was where I should go. Around that period, one of his friends called him unexpectedly from a number beginning with plus sixty-four, which we later discovered was New Zealand. God used that moment to confirm direction. I remain deeply grateful for a father with such spiritual discernment.

    During one of the lowest points of my PhD, when termination was looming, I shared a troubling dream with my dad. I saw myself in a helicopter with a man of God, the helicopter crashed, but we emerged unscathed. While I could not interpret it, my dad did. He told me the PhD would crash, but I would come out unharmed and still fulfil God’s purpose in New Zealand. At the time, everything around me contradicted that word. Yet today, I stand as living proof of its fulfilment. The PhD crashed, God made another way, I completed my PhD research study in another university – Auckland University of Technology. Counting, this is now my seventeenth year in New Zealand, preaching the gospel and walking in purpose.

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    The most decisive legacy shaping decision my dad ever made, however, was one that changed the destiny of our entire family. Between 2004 and 2006, life was extremely tough. We lived in Ikota, Lekki Phase 2, Lagos, in a one-bedroom flat that we had to modify just to survive. It was a seeming slum settlement tucked within the wealthy Lekki corridor of Lagos. My dad and I dug the soak away pit ourselves. We dug the well for water. Our door was broken for days. I saw sacrifice, pain, and perseverance up close.

    In the midst of that hardship, my dad sought God for a way forward. He received an insight to travel to Asia, to Singapore. We partly borrowed money to make the journey possible. For months after he left, we were still sending him money. Things were not working. Until God gave him another instruction, to put mission first. He commenced the African Service at Cornerstone Community Church, Katong, Singapore.

    That vision was received with favour. The service grew, lives were touched, and one day the senior leadership asked him a simple question, “John, what is one thing we can do for you?”

    He could have asked for anything. But instead, he asked that they bring his family, his wife and four children. The church paid for our tickets, and in April 2006, we arrived in Singapore together. That single decision rewrote our family’s story.

    Someone once said that inheritance is what you leave behind, but legacy is who you leave behind. That decision is living legacy. It is a story I have told my children and will continue to tell them, just as one generation tells the next.

    As I write this today, I am seventeen years in New Zealand, and God has been faithful. I celebrated my 40th natal anniversary in 2025. I am married. The marriage produces two grandsons for Grandpa JMO Ekundayo. He loves all his children; and also his precious five grandchildren in New Zealand, United Kingdom and Nigeria.

    Dad, on your 65th birthday, I honour you. I celebrate you. I am grateful for your intentionality, your faith, resilience, your generosity, and your exemplary leadership. Not in a million years would I ask for another father. We may not have had much growing up, but because I had you, I felt like we had everything.

    Thank you, Daddy.

    God bless you.

    Happy 65th Birthday.

    •Samuel Moyosore Ekundayo, PhD (Business Information Systems) (aka “Purpose Preacher”) sent in this piece from Auckland New Zealand and can be reached via: samuelekundayo.com/contact

  • Adewole at 65: Tribute to a life of service and selflessness

    The maxim that “heroes are born to do more” rings ever so true in the life of the outgoing Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole who has put unbroken nine years of meritorious selfless service into the development of Nigeria. He was about concluding his five-year single tenure as the 11th Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan (UI) in 2015 when his sterling performance earned him the confidence of Buhari administration, thus, becoming Health Minister in a quick succession.

    Some said he was exceptionally lucky, a few other argued that the appointment was as a result of his hard work, pointing out that the best way to appreciate the diligent is to offer them an opportunity to do more. However, a number of people have attributed the success in the life of Prof. Adewole to his natural compassion for the needy, citing the biblical reference which says “blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy”. Whichever be the case, the fact remains that, Prof. Adewole who turns 65 today is, in the words of Winston Churchill, “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” Those who are close to him may as well observe that he is a man of amazing grace.

    In the pantheon of patriots imbued with compassion and uncommon touch, he stands out. He has risen from a rustic, humble background, under quite limited circumstances to become a star with a global recognition, respect and relevance.  Having worked and walked closely with him for five years as his media aide in UI and later monitored him from the sideline following his relocation to Abuja, this writer is of an impression that Prof. Adewole is a special breed, almost at a supernatural level, with an uncommon gait that is all his.

    Indeed, being short in stature does not mean one cannot walk tall across the globe. His life perfectly illustrates this notion as he demonstrates outstanding resourcefulness, foresight and dogged determination in all his undertakings. Prof. Adewole is supremely self-confident, bold, daring and always in control of his faculties. Little wonder he ranks among the best ministers ever worked with President Muhammadu Buhari in his closing first term in office.

    If re-appointed or given another national assignment, it is certain that Nigeria may as well be waiting for the next paradigm-shattering offering from Prof. Adewole who is ever more energetic than some of the younger generation. He hardly shows sign of fatigue. Among the crop of Ministers, it is on record that Prof. Adewole is perhaps the only one who was bold enough to suspend an officer under his Ministry on the grounds of corruption,  before corruption fought back, engaging the Minister in an war of words. Unfazed, Prof. Adewole stamps his feet as a man in charge with the right value paradigms for transformation , sustainability, effective and relevant partnerships, as well as processes and procedures that ensure best practices. On his twitter handle, he daily gives his stewardships, telling the world what he does to move health sector forward. He is never among the non-performing Ministers. He is leaving exceptionally commendable precedents in office.

    A richly precocious mind, bristling with uncommon intelligence, Prof. Adewole so far in all his years of stainless and selfless services to humanity has developed a culture of working himself to a breaking point with only a few hours of sleep. In fact, only God knows when and how he sleeps and rests. Send him a text message in the dead of night, he responds as if he had been waiting for you.

    Interestingly, there are many lessons one can glean from the rich life of this workaholic Minister. With the benefit of close contact, it could be reported that Prof. Adewole is a deft minefield walker with intellectual heftiness. He is wise. He is circumspect. He does not leave his flanks open for his opponents. He fills his ears before he empties his mouth. He will not sign an document that will be used against him, neither will he engage in any deal that will dent his image. He knows that there are banana peels here and there! He is always conscious of the antics of the opponents. There was a time I stepped out of line. Hear him, “you had better go on prayer and fasting. You know you are working in a hostile environment, yet, you want to play into the hands of your opponents, be careful” Prof. Adewole does not joke with prayers. He believes prayer is a weapon with which he can soar and he has not been disappointed as he embarks on various routes less travelled, creating his own path, and directing his passion in the desired direction.

    Besides, he is a cultivator of acquaintanceship, radiating interpersonal magnetism, drawing all and sundry closer as light attracts moths. Prof. Adewole who has mammoth followers as a result of his amiability, believes nobody succeeds without synergy. He has thus become an expert in dealing with various strata of the society. Without doubt, he is an achiever extraordinaire. It is more amazing that he never gets discouraged even when his motives are misjudged. With pure fidelity to facts, he is ever re-strategizing, rebuilding, rehabilitating, reconstructing, and reconciling, always giving his time, treasure and talent to the task at hand, just as he handles issues with magisterial skills.

    However, if immortality means being remembered, then, it could be said that Prof. Adewole will not be forgotten in a hurry as he lives in the hearts of thousands of people whose lives he has touched positively.  For example, Many of those he employed while serving as UI VC are still praying for him till tomorrow. The beneficiaries of his kindness even claimed that it was their prayer that facilitated his ministerial appointment! A multi-dimensional personality who has found many ways of assisting humanity outside the confines of donation and benefaction, the out-going Health Minister simply derives joy in alleviating people’s problem. Clearly, Prof. Adewole is a transcendental icon who deserves to be celebrated all the time.

    In his tribute, the Director, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, (NIMR) Prof. Babatunde Salako described the out-going Health Minister as a phenomenal personality whose devotion to duty, love for humanity and service to fatherland deserve national accolade” Prof. Salako further remarked that Adewole’s achievements as Health Minister would not be forgotten in a hurry given his passion and enthusiasm towards lifting health sector out of the woods. Corroborating the same sentiments, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Jesse Otegbayo pointed out that Prof. Adewole’s contributions to the health sector remain legendary. According to the CMD, “the out-going minister understands the problems in the sector and spiritedly tries his best to proffer solutions. He seems to have silver bullet to many of the challenges. He deserves our applause”

    With his gift of the gab, Prof. Adewole has a fascinating way of shaping the tone and texture of public discourse. He is an engaging conversationalist. He can’t even be caught off guard. His greatest asset is his belief in God and himself. So far, so good, his strength has been tested, his performance has been proven. His modesty, graceful airs and rich mind certainly stand him in good stead always as  he conducts himself with class and decorum. The UI community feels happy that Prof. Adewole serves the country without compromising his integrity for a filthy lucre. A cock which is owned by a family has crowed for the entire country to wake up! He has done well.

    As he marks his 65th birthday today, it is my prayer for my boss and mentor who employed me against all odds that, may the moon of mercy continue to mother Prof. Adewole with milk and mirth. May he live much longer before he becomes an ancestor. Happy birthday sir. Born on 5th May, 1954, Prof. Adewole attended Ilesa Grammar School from 1966-1972 . And even at that tender age he was a role model to his schoolmates on account of his good conduct, exemplary character and exceptional brilliance. He obtained Grade 1 with Distinction in his West African School Certificate in 1970 and scored AAC grades at the Higher School Certificate Examination in 1972.

    He enrolled as a National Award Scholar at the University of Ibadan in 1973. He obtained his MB BS degree in 1978, winning the Glaxo Allenbury Prize for the best overall performance in Pediatrics. He underwent further medical training in Nigeria, becoming a Senior Registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in 1984. He then proceeded to the United Kingdom for a Research Fellowship in the Department of Medical Oncology at Charing Cross Hospital in London. He obtained the Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FMCOG) in May 1986 and the Fellowship of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS) in January 1994. He became the UI VC December 1, 2010.

     

    • Saanu is Media Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.

  • Tribute to man of honour at 60

    As Otunba (Giwa) Abiodun Onanuga, the indefatigable and dogged doyen of building profession and husband of Her Excellency, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Chief (Mrs.)Yetunde Abosede Onanuga, clocked 60 on Friday,  June 22, 2018, one couldonly pray to the Almighty God to keep multiplying His grace upon this rare breed, philanthropist and illustrious son of Ogun State, and preserve him for many glorious years to come.

    Otunba (Giwa) Abiodun Onanuga, Chairman, NUGACON Ltd and supreme head, (Giwa) of the popular and flamboyant Ijebu, age group, Egbe Bobakeye Akile-Ijebu, knew early in life that a worthwhile life is that which is devoted to selfless service and having positive impacts on the lives of others. This, he has religiously pursued in the last sixty years, alongside a flourishing career in the building and construction sector of the economy.

    Born to the popular Onanuga family of Ijebu Ode, the industrialist, after obtaining the required educational qualifications, through dint of hard work, perseverance, self-belief and the amazing grace of God, began what today could best be described as a success story in indigenous building construction in Nigeria.

    This bold initiative has not only helped to give indigenous company a firm foot in the construction industry and created wealth, but has contributed to the reduction of unemployment by offering employment opportunities to Nigerians.  The company has also helped to raise and train an army of Nigerian professionals in building construction, who are also contributing their quotas to the nation’s economy.

    An achiever par excellence with favourable disposition to using his God given intellectual and financial resources towards enhancing and harnessing potentials for development, Giwa Abiodun Onanuga was elected unopposed 22 years ago to lead the inimitable and famous Ijebu age group, Egbe Bobakaye Akile-Ijebu (Okunrin).

    The age group, which comprises distinguished sons of Ijebu land with extension to Epe and Lekki, born between 1956-1958, is populated by crème de la crème, topnotch politicians, consummate businessmen, captains of industry, scholars, first class traditional rulers such as Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Obiri of Aiyepe, Gbegande of Ososa and Alaperu of Iperu, among others.

    The socio-cultural group, hinged its mission on harnessing the abundant resources in Ijebu land  for its  socio-economic development and actualise the mandate of creating the Ijebu State that will stand tall in the comity of equal states.

    And this task Otunba Giwa Abiodun Onanuga has carried out convincingly well in the last 22 years with royal candour such that the imprints of this majestic group are all over Ijebu land.

    Standing tall among the achievements of the age group, is the imposing Awujale Royal archway, the provision of medical equipment to the Trauma and Orthopaedic wards of Ijebu-Ode General Hospital and the construction of Adolescent Center, Ijebu Ode, among others.

    The Ijebu High Chief and Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Building, is no doubt a man of outstanding qualities with striking humility despite his vantage position. He is often seen mixing freely with people irrespective of their status, believing that all men are of equal standing before our maker.

    His generosity and readiness to offer helping hand is also legendary.

    As a bridge builder and someone, who likes bonding with others to foster peace and economic prosperity, Otunba (Giwa) Abiodun Onanuga is a member of top rated clubs like Heritage Club, Ijebu Ode; Ijebu-Ode Club; Island Club, Lagos; Ikoyi Club 1938, as well as the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, among others.

    A devout Muslim, his commitment to uplifting Islam in Ijebu land, Ogun State and by extension Nigeria, recently earned him the title of Baba Adinni of Esure Ijebu, Ijebu Mushin.

    As this illustrious son of Ogun state, philanthropist par excellence and icon of the building profession clocked 60, my heartfelt prayers is that God will continue to be with him  and grant him long life in good health to witness many more years on earth.

     

    • Femi Olayinka is Head of Press Crew, Office of Deputy Governor, Ogun State.

     

  • Tribute to the late Dr. G. A. Akinola

    Sir: I join the academic fraternity at the University of Ibadan and other citadels of learning in Nigeria to mourn the death of that unusual great historian, and an exemplar of academic decency, Dr. G. A. Akinola who died recently. Dr. Akinola retired as a Senior Lecturer in the famous Department of History of University of Ibadan. He did  not complain about this position he attained in the University system and which was below his academic prowess because he did not believe in taking part in the suffocating system of  ’publish or perish’ necessary for promotion to the level of Professorship in our University system.

    In his days at Ibadan, he went about in his characteristic short nicker, topped by a T-shirt and a pair of  cheap tennis shoe to match. Dr. Akinola was very regular every morning at the newspaper depot of the campus vendor Mr. Afolabi , situated in front of the Council  Chamber. Here, he usually held court highlighting to the students and others who cared to listen, the ills of our society in Nigeria and how to solve them. He believed strongly that the country was brought to this sorry pass by the military and some rudderless politicians. Dr. Akinola was no doubt frustrated with the situation in his native land. He lamented that Nigeria with all its potentials was still pecking on the ground like wet chicken instead of soaring high like the eagle.

    The late lecturer did not keep his thoughts on the deplorable situations  in Nigeria and ways of solving them to himself. He expressed his views in numerous newspaper articles and appreciated and commended people who did the same. He became close to me through our common interest of putting our thoughts and views on issues in newspaper articles. I remember our first contact. It was when he came to my office one morning unannounced  to congratulate me on my article  in the defunct Comet newspaper on March 22 , 2002 on the then on going crisis in the Commonwealth of Nations. He was particularly delighted at the title of the article which I crafted as “The Commonwealth of Crises”. He felt the title was very apt.  Even though I was junior to him in age, he related to me like a colleague and we had many hours of discussions in his office in the department of History and in my department of Agronomy on Nigerian  seemingly intractable socio- political problems.

    His forage into trade unionism in the University through his participation in ASUU activities was based on his desire to join others in the agitation for the restoration of the glory of our University system which had been bastardized by successive military regimes that turned our Universities into glorified secondary schools. Unfortunately he did not see our university system restored to its former glory before he died.

    May his soul rest in perfect peace.

     

    • Prof. Olabode Lucas, Old Bodija, Ibadan.

  • Tribute to Aisha Abimbola Etaoko (1973 – 2018)

    Not many knew she was the last of a triplet; what in her native Yoruba is known as “Etaoko” or “third stone” in a rough English translation.

    According to Aisha, her mum was all prepared to leave the hospital after the birth of the preceding twins when she decided to make her entrance, and after the usual advance rumblings in her mum’s womb, she majestically dropped!

    Essentially, this tribute is to afford the public and especially her numerous fans across the Diaspora with clearer glimpses of their diva’s life, to appreciate her better and strengthen her place in their esteemed memory: Aisha Abimbola Etaoko Musa Aimunisin; 19th December 1973 to 16th May, 2018.

    I make emotional heroine-centric movies, telling my stories from women perspectives and family lives because my various exposures convinced me that half the problems we encounter daily in our existence today stem from instability and challenges in the homes. If we could therefore highlight these challenges and they are resolved, the problems of avarice, selfishness and related issues will be significantly curtailed, and we all would benefit from a world of bigger contentment and happiness. Aisha played the lead in my yet-to-be-released movie which followed a familiar pattern of dedication to family lives; ‘Pardonable Unforgivable’.

    Professionally, I group Aisha in the same category of her seniors like Joke Jacobs, Tina Mba, Ayo Mogaji, Gloria Anozie-Young. Her role in the movie required her to be adept on “talking drum”, having been born into the family of traditional drummers, although she with her parents and younger sister were cosmopolitan and her father played by Taiwo Obileye was an affluent business contractor. Traditionally, anyone born into the lineage of drummers must master at least a traditional drum and the choice of her role was the talking drum. Her daily ritual of playing the talking drum, the ease and dexterity attracted a young professional visiting her father at home for business. They became attached, courted and got married. Despite that we could deploy technology to make her do the drumming on screen without being able to do so, Aisha preferred and did went through the tutelage on the rudiments of handling the talking drum to make her on-screen performance more natural and real.

    The climax was in her dad’s remote village where she would lead the traditional drummers for a group of 700-year old heritage masquerades specially brought out to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. Almost all the members of my cast were apprehensive of travelling so far to the interior of Oyo State where we did the shooting and even the crew gave outrageous budget for their participation. But Aisha saw with me that the scene should be picturised in the village and although, it really was a first for her to travel to that part of the country, she encouraged me, cast and crew to do the job.

    Dedication was another of her virtue. Around this time last year, she suffered a domestic upheaval that necessitated her family’s movement to a hotel as temporary accommodation but this setback notwithstanding, she faithfully fulfilled all her professional commitments. Another instance was when her son was hospitalised and a decision was to be taken on whether or not surgery was needed. Aisha had an uncompleted scene of few close ups, which really was for the aesthetics, but she felt her absence could mar the overall quality of the movie, so she had the boy admitted and went to finish the shoots before returning to her dear son at midnight and in compensation, refused all other jobs to enable her give her full motherly attention to the boy.

    Her enterprising nature enabled her to venture into radio drama programme for which there is now a 13-episodes radio drama; “Life With Aisha” depicting a digital age woman as a daughter, wife, career woman, and mother. She also did a stage production at Terra Kulture in V.I. These experiences considerably enriched her live shows in Germany and America. There are other projects that we did together on corporate bodies’ ease of marketing in partnership with an NTA Station.

    Aisha was a very private person and normally didn’t encourage professional visitors at home to avoid giving her family wrong signals, but for those privileged to see the star in her boudoir, Aisha was a homely, nice natured next door neighbour. It was normal for her to let her hairs down at home playing cards with her younger sister, enjoying groundnut and cashew nut with all the children in the house surrounding their “big mummy”. A real family woman she was, Abimbola.

    She was also unpretentious. Coming out from seeing her doctor somewhere in Lekki Phase 1, the vehicle refused to start in one of those places less frequented by taxi. The diva told her entourage; “Let’s walk down to the nearest bus stop for a taxi or public bus. The world won’t collapse!” There was a place at a public market where she shopped for foodstuff, including her favourite live chicken that she normally would buy not only for her family but many of her friends. And you won’t catch her talking down on those market women.

    Aisha’s love for her two kids was legendary. Diagnosed in faraway Atlanta, USA, she had the option of staying behind for necessary treatment before returning home but “staying away that long from my children would kill me. I might survive the illness but certain to have a nervous breakdown!” While at home she started making real good progress but again she had to relocate “because I need to firmly secure the comfortable future of my children” Aisha’s mum also died in her prime, saddling her with the motherly responsibility of her siblings, right from when she was an underage girl. Sheer determination saw her through her higher education at LASPOTECH.

    There is no easy and painless way to say goodbye!

    …Yinka Ogundaisi is a filmmaker, film marketer

  • Tribute to Aisha Abimbola Etaoko (1973 – 2018)

    Not many knew she was the last of a triplet; what in her native Yoruba is known as “Etaoko” or “third stone” in a rough English translation.

    According to Aisha, her mum was all prepared to leave the hospital after the birth of the preceding twins when she decided to make her entrance, and after the usual advance rumblings in her mum’s womb, she majestically dropped!

    Essentially, this tribute is to afford the public and especially her numerous fans across the Diaspora with clearer glimpses of their diva’s life, to appreciate her better and strengthen her place in their esteemed memory: Aisha Abimbola Etaoko Musa Aimunisin; 19th December 1973 to 16th May, 2018.

    I make emotional heroine-centric movies, telling my stories from women perspectives and family lives because my various exposures convinced me that half the problems we encounter daily in our existence today stem from instability and challenges in the homes. If we could therefore highlight these challenges and they are resolved, the problems of avarice, selfishness and related issues will be significantly curtailed, and we all would benefit from a world of bigger contentment and happiness. Aisha played the lead in my yet-to-be-released movie which followed a familiar pattern of dedication to family lives; ‘Pardonable Unforgivable’.

    Professionally, I group Aisha in the same category of her seniors like Joke Jacobs, Tina Mba, Ayo Mogaji, Gloria Anozie-Young. Her role in the movie required her to be adept on “talking drum”, having been born into the family of traditional drummers, although she with her parents and younger sister were cosmopolitan and her father played by Taiwo Obileye was an affluent business contractor. Traditionally, anyone born into the lineage of drummers must master at least a traditional drum and the choice of her role was the talking drum. Her daily ritual of playing the talking drum, the ease and dexterity attracted a young professional visiting her father at home for business. They became attached, courted and got married. Despite that we could deploy technology to make her do the drumming on screen without being able to do so, Aisha preferred and did went through the tutelage on the rudiments of handling the talking drum to make her on-screen performance more natural and real.

    The climax was in her dad’s remote village where she would lead the traditional drummers for a group of 700-year old heritage masquerades specially brought out to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. Almost all the members of my cast were apprehensive of travelling so far to the interior of Oyo State where we did the shooting and even the crew gave outrageous budget for their participation. But Aisha saw with me that the scene should be picturised in the village and although, it really was a first for her to travel to that part of the country, she encouraged me, cast and crew to do the job.

    Dedication was another of her virtue. Around this time last year, she suffered a domestic upheaval that necessitated her family’s movement to a hotel as temporary accommodation but this setback notwithstanding, she faithfully fulfilled all her professional commitments. Another instance was when her son was hospitalised and a decision was to be taken on whether or not surgery was needed. Aisha had an uncompleted scene of few close ups, which really was for the aesthetics, but she felt her absence could mar the overall quality of the movie, so she had the boy admitted and went to finish the shoots before returning to her dear son at midnight and in compensation, refused all other jobs to enable her give her full motherly attention to the boy.

    Her enterprising nature enabled her to venture into radio drama programme for which there is now a 13-episodes radio drama; “Life With Aisha” depicting a digital age woman as a daughter, wife, career woman, and mother. She also did a stage production at Terra Kulture in V.I. These experiences considerably enriched her live shows in Germany and America. There are other projects that we did together on corporate bodies’ ease of marketing in partnership with an NTA Station.

    Aisha was a very private person and normally didn’t encourage professional visitors at home to avoid giving her family wrong signals, but for those privileged to see the star in her boudoir, Aisha was a homely, nice natured next door neighbour. It was normal for her to let her hairs down at home playing cards with her younger sister, enjoying groundnut and cashew nut with all the children in the house surrounding their “big mummy”. A real family woman she was, Abimbola.

    She was also unpretentious. Coming out from seeing her doctor somewhere in Lekki Phase 1, the vehicle refused to start in one of those places less frequented by taxi. The diva told her entourage; “Let’s walk down to the nearest bus stop for a taxi or public bus. The world won’t collapse!” There was a place at a public market where she shopped for foodstuff, including her favourite live chicken that she normally would buy not only for her family but many of her friends. And you won’t catch her talking down on those market women.

    Aisha’s love for her two kids was legendary. Diagnosed in faraway Atlanta, USA, she had the option of staying behind for necessary treatment before returning home but “staying away that long from my children would kill me. I might survive the illness but certain to have a nervous breakdown!” While at home she started making real good progress but again she had to relocate “because I need to firmly secure the comfortable future of my children” Aisha’s mum also died in her prime, saddling her with the motherly responsibility of her siblings, right from when she was an underage girl. Sheer determination saw her through her higher education at LASPOTECH.

    There is no easy and painless way to say goodbye!

     

    …Yinka Ogundaisi is a filmmaker, film marketer

  • Cannes at Large: After a Tribute to Pierre Rissient, Martin Scorsese and Cate Clanchett ‘cut the tape’

    It was a sad one for the global film community, with the passing, few weeks to this year’s Cannes, of renowned historian and director, Pierre Rissient who died at the age of 81. Thus, a tribute to the veteran formed part of the opening day of the 71st Festival de Cannes, on Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

    For more than fifty years, Pierre was one of the most important members of the Cannes community and of the Festival, putting all of his creative energy into helping it show films from distant countries.

    This year of 2018 was once again going to be the deceased’s year, as he was due to bring back to the festival the Korean director Lee Chang-dong, who he had greatly helped to become known around the world, as he had done with so many others before.  He was delighted to be welcoming to ‘Un Certain Regard’, the second film of the young Chinese director BI Gan. And he was due to present ‘Cinq et la peau’ (Five and the Skin) to Cannes Classics, which he directed in 1982 and which has found its way back, in a restored version, to French theatres.

    The screening today, Monday, May 14, which will be attended by Bertrand Tavernier, a French director, screenwriter, actor and producer, will be in memory of Rissient, as the festival’s way of dedicating the 71st edition to him.

    Meanwhile, the festival opened at the Grand Théâtre Lumière with an excerpt from Pierrot le fou by Jean-Luc Godard, from which the poster for this 71st edition was taken.

    The hallmark of this year’s edition is inspiration, and the tone was set by the verve and enthusiasm of Edouard Baer, Master of Ceremonies, accompanied on piano by Gérard Daguerre.

    After the screening of a montage of the films that will be vying for the 2018 Palme d’or, singer Juliette Armanet came on stage to perform Les Moulins de mon cœur, composed by Michel Legrand, and winner of the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1969.

    In unison, Martin Scorsese and Cate Blanchett announced that the 71st Festival de Cannes was open.

    The first film in Competition, Todos Lo Saben (Everybody Knows) by Asghar Farhadi, an Iranian film director and screen writer was screened after the opening ceremony with the director and his leading actors, Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Ricardo Darín in attendance.

    As part of the few changes at Cannes this year; selfies are no longer allowed on the red carpet, just as are there are no press screenings in advance of the premieres, thus critics are unable to influence negative opinions of films until an actual audience has seen it.

    The #MeToo movement also played its part at Cannes, a subtle protest for more women involvement, with the claim that the festival’s record of supporting women directors has not exactly been strong. Despite the fact that Cate Blanchett is head of the jury, only three films competing for the Palme d’Or were directed by women.

     

  • Buhari pays tribute to Fawehinmi on 80th posthumous birthday

    President Muhammadu Buhari has paid tribute to Nigeria’s foremost social critic and selfless legal luminary, Chief Abdul Ganiyu  Fawehinmi  (SAN),  on his posthumous 80thbirthday.

    He described the late legal icon as ‘‘a true conscience of the nation, defender of democracy and people’s rights advocate.’’

    As the world posthumously marks the 80th birthday of  the man popularly called Gani, President Buhari fondly remembered the legendary patriot for his altruistic services to the nation, which continue to be sorely missed.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, the President said ‘‘The late Senior Advocate of the Masses was not an arm chair-critic, nor a rabble rouser who fomented trouble for its sake; but a serious minded, articulate, cerebral and compassionate promoter of fundamental human rights, social justice, equity, fair play and national development.

    “Gani was an extraordinary human being and a great reference for all progressive elements in society. He dared death and incarceration and was forced into prison 40 times without bowing to intimidation and molestation.

    ‘‘He fought for and stood by democracy with every ounce of his blood and immense intellect. He deserves a lingering respect,” the President said in his tribute.

    Although the fearless legal author and celebrated philanthropist passed on nine years ago, President Buhari admonished Nigerians, young and old, to imbibe the good deeds of the Ondo State born, detribalised, learned man and Muslim leader (the Seriki Musulimi of Ondo town), “for his doggedness, incorruptibility and fervent belief in the unity and progress of Nigeria as an entity.”

    He noted that Chief Fawehinmi who would have been 80 years old on 22 April 2018, will never be forgotten as a committed pace setter and pathfinder for the democracy that we practise today.

    The President therefore urged contemporary civil rights activists and human rights advocates in the country to emulate the late icon, through constructive criticism and useful suggestions as partners in the pursuit of national peace, unity and development.

  • Olaniyi Kehinde: A tribute

    Ado–awaye in Araromi Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Oyo State is in deep grief. The sleepy town has lost one of its illustrious sons to the cold hands of death. Olaniyi Kehinde – an Architect-is no more.

    “The lamentation over his untimely death heightens when his people remember some of his sterling qualities when he was alive. They described him as a bridge–builder, a listener, a peacemaker, an accomplished bureaucrat, unapologetic Oke –Ogun leader, who, like Martin Luther King Jnr. fought for the emancipation of Oke-Ogun till his last breath on February 25.

    “The memory of Uncle Niyi, University of Guelph-trained Architect and an uncompromising Oke –Ogun Patriot will ever remain evergreen in the minds of the people who had contact with him. The magnificent First Baptist Church, Garki–Abuja is a great testimony of his professionalism and service to GOD.

    “His peace initiative to reconcile the Alado Ruling Houses in Ado–Awaye proved his love for unity and progress of Ado–Awaye.

    “As we mourn his untimely exit, this is the time to rally round his family in prayer. Our condolences to his widow –Deaconess Kehinde and her children, the Abolanle family of Isale Opolo, Ado – Awaye, the late Baale Omotoso Akande’s family of Wasinmi, his brother from another womb – Admiral Amos Gbadejo Adedeji, and the entire members of Oke – Ogun Development Council (ODC) Abuja chapter. May his soul rest in peace! Sleep on Egbon Niyi” – Dimeji Adewole.

    I was shocked and unable to write any tribute immediately in honour of the late Architect Olaniyi Kehinde when I read the moving tribute on him sent to me by my brother –Barrister (Deacon) Oladimeji Adewole on the Whatsapp social platform.

    The late Kehinde was a moving force and a rallying point in Oke- Ogun Area of Oyo State. He was multi-talented and a core perfectionist who rose to the post of a Director before he retired from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

    Although he retired from the Federal Civil Service, he was not tired as he engaged himself in private practice as a Landscape Architect, Consultant/Builder and a Lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

    He also ventured into freelance journalism. Uncle Niyi, as he was fondly called related stories of intimate relationship between my late father and his maternal grandfather.

    Despite that his late father and my father were intimate friends; one of his younger brothers – the late Samuel Kehinde-was my classmate and friend.

    Between 1987 and 1988 when I was posted to Abuja for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Uncle Niyi served as my guardian as I stayed with him at times whenever I visited the main city from the satellite town of Kuje where I was teaching Geography in the Government Science Secondary School (GSSS).

    His widow –Deaconess Ronke Kehinde (nee Taiwo) and I were in the same orientation camp at the Government Secondary School Deutse – Alhaji, Abuja. I observed that Uncle Niyi sometimes paid visits to our late Principal Instructor – Mr. Ogbebor in the company of his bosom friend and professional colleague – Architect Bayo Kolajo of the blessed memory.

    At the First Baptist Church, Garki–Abuja where he served as one of the foundation fathers, he was a mobiliser and motivator who influenced so many lives and many members of his church regard him as a role model.

    He won so many awards in the ecclesiastical and secular circles where he served as the President or Board Member/Trustee.  Due to his deep sense of commitment to his church (FBC, Garki) and the struggles for the creation of the proposed Oke – Ogun State, some members of his Ado– Awaye community erroneously thought they were being neglected.

    They were oblivious that Uncle Niyi had the vision to establish a world-class golf course/recreation facility which is supposed to be the first of its kind in Oke–Ogun if not the whole of Oyo State.

    But some land speculators delayed the release of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and allegedly frustrated the take-off of the laudable project before he passed on. But for that delay, based on what Uncle Niyi hinted to me last year, the project would have been inaugurated about 10 years ago.

    He was disappointed when he discovered that the mastermind of the delay in the release of the C of O with valid receipt of payment for the land was someone close to him. Most members of the community may not be aware of this proposed project because it was still on the drawing board.

    While lamenting the untimely death of Uncle Niyi, the Pastor of First Baptist Church, Ado– Awaye, Rev. Samuel Olakunle Olayiwola narrated that Uncle Niyi had requested for the development account number of the church because he felt he owed the church some dues. The Pastor obliged him and he paid some amount of money into the church account to boost the church’s development projects.

    When three of the pastors of the Baptist Churches in the community attended the week-long Nigerian Baptist Convention Programme in Abuja last year, it was Uncle Niyi who arranged hotel accommodation reservation for them; including their feeding and general welfare.

    Unknown to some members of our community, he provided some supports for the renovation of the community’s General Hospital, according to Chief Nosiru Oladokun  who is the Chairman of Ado –Awaye Development Council.

    Incidentally, it was the same general hospital that he was rushed to when he suddenly took ill in the night. Medical personnel did all they could to rescue him from the jaws of death; more so when they realised that he was their benefactor.

    Maybe if the general hospital was equipped to the standards befitting of it; especially with life supports equipment, the life of Architect Niyi would have been saved.

    Even though the community is yet to come to terms with the sudden death of one of its illustrious sons, we still have every cause to thank God for the life of the late Architect Olaniyi Kehinde for the various roles he played in the community by touching lives positively. The community should be consoled by the good works of their son.  Members of the community should heed Apostle Paul’s admonition recorded in I Corinthians 15:50-58.

    “Therefore, my beloved brethren (people of Ado –Awaye), be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour (like that of Architect Niyi Kehinde) is not in vain in the LORD” KJV.

    Olaniyi Kehinde, Oko Ayanronke, baba Ayandolapo, baba Iyanu Folake, baba Aduragbemi Ayanbimpe. Sun re o. Erin wo, erin o lee dide, Ajinaku wo lu’le bi oke. Gbogbo ebi lo nse ilede lehin re o.

    Sleep well till we meet to part no more at the feet of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

     

    • Gbemiga Olakunle (JP) is the General Secretary, National Prayer Movement

     

  • Othello’s holds tribute for Masekela in Lagos

    Othello’s holds tribute for Masekela in Lagos

    It was a night of Jazz music as Nigerian musicians stormed hospitality outfit, Othello’s last Friday for a tribute session to International Jazz Icon, Music Legend and Father of South African Jazz, Hugh Masekela who passed on January 23.

    Powered by Inspiro Productions, organisers of the annual Lagos International Jazz Festival, the event was graced by none other than Director of The SPAN Academy of Jazz and Contemporary Music, Bright Gain; top jazz trumpeter and educationist, Biodun Batik; Ace Jazz Trumpeter, Taiwo Clegg; Multi-instrumentalist and Performer Seun Olota, FemiSlide the Afrojazz/Highlife Trombonist, Leading Jazz Trumpeter Kwitee, fast rising Saxophonist Darex and a host of others.

    The event, themed ‘White and Black and Baddest’, part of Othello’s monthly hangout, also featured performances, speeches, and experiences were shared by various people who in one way or the other had been influenced or impacted by Hugh Masekela.

    The live performances were interspersed with tributes to the great man, his music and impact.

    Jazz music impresario, Ayoola Sadare CEO of Inspiro productions and founder/festival director of the Lagos International Jazz Festival spoke glowingly about his encounter with Bra Hugh and contact over the years and also announced the dedication of the Lagos International Jazz Festival in April 2018 to Hugh Masekela.

    Guests were treated to exotic cocktails and light refreshments before the performance kicked off with Rapha the comedian compering the event. Amongst those present at the event were His Excellency the German Consul, General Ingo Herbert, a delegation from South Africa led by their Vice Consul Political Mr. Mbedzi and representing Honourable Steve Ayorinde, the Lagos Commissioner of Tourism, Arts & Culture was Mr. Frank Legunsen of the same ministry and a host of others.

    The tribute session rounded off with a raffle draw and the prizes were for guests to win ‘Othello’s 5 Days of Valentines’ package of a 3 course dinner for couples during the valentine period.