National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu turned 63 on March 29, a day after the presidential and National Assembly elections. Contrary to expectations, he went for a low-key celebration. His family members, close friends and associates gathered for a small party at his Ikoyi, Lagos home last Sunday.

Islamic clerics prayed for the birthday ‘boy’ on the occasion.

The post Jagaban at 63 appeared first on The Nation.

Boot Communications, owners of Rockcity 101.9 FM in Abeokuta, Ogun State, hosted their partners to a dinner at Westown Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

Penultimate Wednesday, guests dressed in classic and beautiful outfits, gathered at Westown Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos for Rockcity Partners’ dinner. Rockcity is a radio station based in Ogun State.

The guests, who looked respledent  as they beamed with smiles, exchanged pleasantries and posed for photographs before the event began. The atmosphere was colourful and enchanting. The hall was decorated with red rugs and matching red chairs set around tables with white overlays.

It was an evening for the Abeokuta-based radio station management and staff to  interact with their partners.

The event began with the rendition of the national anthem and a popular stand-up comedian, Koffi Idowu Nuel (aka Koffi d Guru) kept the audience alive with rib-cracking jokes. He was the Master of Ceremony.

Station Manager, Ify Onugbule, in her welcome address said the dinner was organised principally to know the partners and to re-present the station, which has officially moved from its former location to the ultra-modern new site on Rockcity Avenue, Asero Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Onyegbule also added that a lot has changed in the station’s programmes, which have continued to positively affect the lives of its listeners.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Niran Malaolu thanked the guests for coming.

He said RockcityFM is the first independent radio station in Ogun State, and also “the voice of the people. He is happy with its professional business of broadcasting.

He said: “We are a different kind of radio station, especially in the ways we do our business of broadcasting. We are professional, credible and we value integrity. We deliver bespoke services to our partners and clients and we are always working on how to serve our clients better.”

He added: “We, as a company, do what we are supposed to do professionally”.

He noted that RockcityFM, as a media organisation, is a social service for the people and as such must be professional and credible to be believable.

The Executive Director of the company, Mrs Chriatiana Malaolu, added that the station stands for intergrity, truth and justice. She thanked the media agencies for honouring their invitation.  “I am happy and delighted for the sucess of the programme because it will help in growing our relationship”.

She said the programme was held in Lagos to enable its media partners attend.

The post Towards better service appeared first on The Nation.

A pharmacist, Mr Paul Ndukwe, from Awka in Anambra State has given out his daughter, Vivinne Nkechi, in marriage to  Oluyomi Daniel, son of Chief Josiah Odofin, who hails from Ilesa, Osun State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

•Fate brought us together

Oluyemi was beside himself with joy when he related to this reporter how he met his heartthrob, Nkechi, whom he had a crush on  the first time they met 15 years ago. They met in same neighbourhood and struck each other as acquaintances. But Oluyemi wanted something more than being an acquaintance.

Fortunately, in 2004, they both worshipped at the same fellowship centre, Believers’ World Fellowship, of the same campus of Onabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where they both studied. Oluyemi was studying Geography and Town Planning and Nkechi was studying Law.

“She sat in front of my friend and I and when she looked back, our eyes met and she was convinced she has met me somewhere. Before the final grace, we talked and she tried explaining who she was to me to no avail. I just could not remember.

“The next day, while having my bath, I remembered her. She was my long lost crush. I ran out of the bath in excitement to tell my friend I had found my wife. On same day, as we drove into the campus, there she was at the gate. We stopped the car and that was it. Since then till now, we spend every weekend together and I’m glad we began as friends because since 2004 till date, we are still together because it is a mutual thing.

“I believe it was fate that brought us together because she was meant to have studied in the University of Lagos, but was declined an admission into Law. That was when she opted for her second choice so that she could meet me. Can’t you see it was divine intervention?”

The Classique Events Centre on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, played hosts to the family of the lovebirds from Anambra and Osun State at the traditional wedding ceremony, Igba Nkwu of Nkechi and Oluyemi.

It was a day both families had longed  for to and they  left no stone unturned in ensuring that it was not only memorable, but exciting.

Passersby wondered if there was a dance troupe rehearsal going on as various traditional dancers tried to show their skills.

Those, who made it into the tastefully decorated hall, venue of the event, after being thoroughly checked by security officials, wowed at the massive parking space at the venue. They were greeted by an Igbo traditional troupe dancers, who entertained with flutes. On each table was a candle stand with lighted candle stick. There were big television screens placed strategically on the walls around the hall to give guests a better view of what was happening.

The tables were exotically decorated in gold and shiny overlays.  An Indian lantern was equally placed in the centre of each table.

The Ndukwes were already seated, awaiting the arrival of their in-laws and guests.

Along came a group of people, announcing the arrival of the long expected guests from Osun State. They  refused to take their seat untill they achieved their mission. They told the gathering why they came to pluck a beautiful flower they described as shiny and respectful.

Oluyemi, who was decked in an Igbo attire, looked more like a traditional Igbo chief. He held a title-less hand fan, which he waved around with a sense of pride.

He made straight for the high table, himself and his friends, prostrated before his family members and in-laws, showing how Yoruba men greet their elders.

The bride’s mother, Grace, had  kolanut trays to present to her guests. As they moved forward into the hall, praise songs in honour of women rented the air. The cultural dancers added colour to the event with their dance steps.

Nkechi also danced with maidens and friends, bearing a tray filled with garden eggs. She was sprinkled with red rose petals every step she took.  She then took the tray to where her in-laws sat and served them. Her dress and her charming smile caught everyone’s attention.

When it was confirmed that her in-laws have met all the requirements expected of them, Nkechi went in and changed into a beautiful skirt and blouse made from a shiny sequence. She collected a glass of palmwine from her father and began to search for her beau in the crowd. She found him, knelt and presented him with the drink, which he hurriedly gulped down his throat.

She then led him to her father and they both knelt before him. The old man then prayed that the young couple would have a prosperous marital life.

The post ‘She was my long lost crush’ appeared first on The Nation.

Welcome to your column on public speaking, it’s great to have you back. For a while, we have been considering the general topic “grabbing attention”. We discussed how short the attention span of humans has become in recent years and how much we need to struggle to get people’s attention. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, at the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the attention span of humans has dropped from 12 seconds to 8 seconds between 2000 and 2013.

Last week, we discussed the “information overload” phenomenon and how it can affect us as public speakers. Considering that several things are competing for the attention of our audience, we have to work harder to grab and sustain attention. Today, our main concern is how we can deal with the deluge of information we are exposed to everyday. Before we consider some steps we can take to manage information overload, it is important to first discuss its challenges:

•The Challenge of making decisions: ordinarily, we can argue that the more information we have access to, the better informed we are to make decisions. However, how do we determine when we have gathered “enough” information to take the next step? In this age of ICT, it is important to consume media contents or browse the Internet with a focus. If we don’t know exactly what we are looking for, we may spend hours searching, getting entertained and finding every other information except what we really need. In cases like this, the more information we have, the farther we get from making good decisions.

•Confusing information: of course, there are several sides to issues and several ways to deal with them. While several books, magazines, TV programmes, blogs, tweets, facebook posts, etc exist on any given topic, it is not strange that some of them are contradictory. Hence, people sometimes get more confused as they get more information. Rather than helping us to make sound decisions, a lot of information we are exposed to only give us the different sides of the argument while leaving us to determine the most authentic.

•Information based on opinions and sentiments: if we attempt to browse on any subject using the search engines on the Internet, we are likely to find more blogs and private websites than research based sites. The implication of this is that the information we want to base our decisions on may have been written by anybody- even a little child fabricating stories. How can we be sure that the idea we want to adopt is based on facts and not sentiments or opinions? Any information can go viral on the Internet but that does not make it a fact. Since everyone can be an information provider, the volume of information in circulation keeps growing. It is left to us to determine what we believe.

Having considered a few challenges of information overload, let’s now see how we can deal with them.

•Avoid “I’m missing out” attitude: a lot of people stay almost perpetually on social media or the Internet as a whole, not because they are looking for or sharing any particular information, but because of the fear of missing out on “something important”. Not only can this keep them largely distracted because their minds will always be on their devices, it can also expose them to a lot of unnecessary information.

•Process only the information you need to know: it is possible you want to know a lot of things but how many of them really add value to you? While you may not be able to control the amount of information you are exposed to (since a lot of them come unsolicited), try to determine what you spend your time processing. Engage information based on what you need and not what you want. By doing this, you will avoid being overloaded with information.

•Judge by quality, not by quantity: some people think the more information they have access to, the better their lives will become. Well, this is not necessarily true. A valuable and specific piece of information is worth much more than ten general ones. You need to reduce the amount of time you devote to unnecessary information so that you pay better attention to the valuable ones.

•Mind your source: the quality of a piece of information is determined by its source. If the source is credible, so is the information and vice versa. Before we decide to base our decisions on any information, we must learn about the source. If the source has the experience and credentials to offer such information, that’s great, if not, beware.

•Be focused: this is perhaps the most important way to manage information overload. If we don’t know what we are looking for, everything will seem acceptable to us. We need to determine the direction our life is going and then select the information that can take us there. Not every piece of information is meant for us; we need to find ours.

The post Dealing With Too Much Information appeared first on The Nation.

The wedding of Ibiyemi Oladiji and Oyewole Oyeniran was held at Bamboo Hall in Omole, Ikeja, Lagos last Saturday. It was preceded by a service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Sanctuary in Oshodi. SAFIYYAH ABDUR-RAZAQ reports.

The couple walked hand in hand as they left the church for the wedding reception.

The relationship of Ibiyemi Oladiji and Oyewole Olaniran began from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The bride looked resplendent in her long flowing white gown and veil with silver- jewelery, the groom was dashing in his white shirt, navy blue suit and a black tie with green stripes.

The two bride’s maids, who are her sisters, wore mint-green gowns. The groom’s men also dressed like the groom but their black ties had green polka dots.

The couple were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Sanctuary in Oshodi, Lagos.

In a sermon, Minister-in-charge of Kogi Region Pastor Boniface Okenwa urged the couple to always use the Bible as their guide.

“The day you get married, you become enrolled into the University of ‘Marriology’ which has the Holy Bible as its only textbook and the Vice Chancellor is the Holy Spirit. There is no graduation from this institution except by death or rapture. It is an exclusive institution and the rest of us are outside observers”, he said.

Pastor Okenwa said they would have misunderstandings, adding that they should see such disputes as part of their marital life. He urged them to be patient with each other. He urged their parents to always pray for them and not controlling their home.

After they signed the marriage register, they were blessed by Pastor Oluremi Oluboba of Lagos Province 9.

“You will never have any cause to regret what you have started today, you would never be separated and never be infertile. Death would not separate you at an early age. Your sun would not set in your prime and you would also do the same for your children”, Pastor Oluboba prayed.

At the reception, guests were treated to sumptuous meals and drinks. The reception was anchored by MC Pluto. The couple arrived for the reception at Bamboo Hall in Omole, Ikeja, Lagos, in style, dancing to “Shake body”, “Aye” and “On top your matter”.

After the opening prayer  by Hon. Segun Fasinsa, the chairperson of the occasion and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Princess Sarah Sosan congratulated the Oyedirans on the addition to their family. She also congratulated the couple and prayed for them to have a blissful marital life.

She said: “I have known Ibiyemi since she was in the womb and I thank God I am here to witness today. My son, Wole, welcome to the family. I can see that she has chosen well because you are a gentleman to the core. Both of you should treat each other well and treat your parents well.”

The couple cut the four-tiered cake with the two tiers at the bottom in mint green and the first two tiers in white after the spelling of Jesus. They fed each other cake and wine.

The bride’s father danced with her before handing her over to the groom.

In an interview with The Nation, Oyewole, an engineer described his wife as God-fearing, intelligent and beautiful.

“She is also hard-working and she motivates me a lot. I have pledged my support to her to move forward in her career”, he said.

Narrating how they met, he said they met in OAU in 2003/2004.

“We were attending the same fellowship but we were not relating. We just knew each other. I was about to graduate when she got admitted into the school. In 2012, I came across her in Shoprite when I went to shop. As I was about to get out, I saw her and since we were not relating in school, I just said, “OAU, RCF” she looked back and said “Yes”. I said “I am Wole” and she said she knew me. That day, we spoke for a while then I went to drop her at home.  And that was how it started.”

Ibiyemi, a lawyer, described her husband as a pleasant person.

She said: “He can be quite firm but he is also very loving and he is intrinsically kind. One thing I am very confident of is that he really loves me and he wants the best for me.”

The groom’s father, Mr Oyeniran Olalere, said: “I pray for them to have both male and female children. Their lives would be forever blissful. Their enjoyment has begun and would forever remain.”

The bride’s father, Pastor Abayomi Oladiji said: “Just like it was said during the service, the Holy Bible should be their book of instruction and I have also counselled them as a pastor too. They should follow the laws of God and He would make their marriage successful”.

The post ‘She motivates me’ appeared first on The Nation.

The board and management of CMC Connect (perception managers) unveiled its brand and at a cocktail in Ikeja where it announced its flagship business and global affiliation with Burson Marsteller. NNEKA NWANERI was there. 

It was a night of variety and the event was aptly tagged: Orishsirishi. Cars were packed on both sides of Oduduwa Cresent in GRA Ikeja, Lagos that night when CMC Connect (Perception Managers) announced its global affiliation with Burson Marsteller, a South African firm which does advertorials for some multinational companies.

The Bridgehouse, which houses CMC Connect, was filled.

At the entrance, was diversely culturally dressed men and women ushers from the three major ethnic groups. For guests, the dress code was Orishirishi. The theme was chosen to showcase Nigeria’s diversity.

In Yoruba language, Orishirishi means different things or variety, all sorts of things and diverse assorted things.

To culinary experts, it means assorted beef such as roundabout, ponmo, shaki, bokoto, ahan, abodi, fuku and more.

Whether in traditional attire, suit or other English wears, guests made a fashion statement and they looked at one another in admiration. At a point, they moved to the poolside and stood under coconut trees that shielded them from the moonlight. A well lit projector displayed historical pictures that are almost going into extinction. It also showcased many African delicacies peculiar to Nigeria.

A female Master of Ceremony, Mrs Laolu Thomas, informed the guests why they were there. She ushered in the Chairman of Burson Marsteller, Robyn DeVilliers to a raised platform to address the gathering.

She said her relationship with the Nigerian Public Relations (PR) industry dated back to a long time. She said she has been in PR business as far back as 26 years ago when she became an entrepreneur by starting her own  consultancy in South Africa.

Managing Director of CMC, Mr Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, said he began the outfit 23 years ago to entrench the practice of PR in Nigeria and provide value for its clients.

He announced that the company has just launched into a single entity called CMC Connect Burson Marsteller, and that the name was chosen to show their different way of doing things.

He paid homage to Lagos, where the company started, calling it the most Orishirishi city in Africa.

“Lagos is the quintessential melting pot. There is nothing and nothing that you will not see in Lagos. You will see different things, all sorts of things, diverse things. And more often than not; for good or for bad, in Lagos, you will see things done differently,” Badejo-Okusanya said.

Though glasses were filled with drinks and guests ready to clink them, but they placed them on side stools to give Badejo-Okusanya a rousing applause after the speech.

There were different kinds of drinks. Some sipped palmwine, a local drink tapped from Palm Trees, from local calabashes as they watched the poetic Akeem Lasisi perform a version of Orishirishi from his poetic collection. He also did another recital-Elele Ture.

Instead of the conventional snacks served at corporate events, bean balls (akara) fried yams and other local delicacies were served to the delight of guests who kept demanding for more rounds for the waiters who went about the gathering with the meal.

The DJ dished out many old Nigerian songs that are almost forgotten, as guests danced into the night.

The post The Orisirishi experience appeared first on The Nation.

Alhaja Abiola Saratu Banire, mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire, has celebrated her 87th birthday in Lagos, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

It was a day of joy for Alhaja Abiola Saratu Banire, mother of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, when she celebrated her 87th birthday. Many eminent personalities came to rejoice with her.

Oduduwa Crescent in GRA Ikeja, Lagos, felt the celebration. Exotic cars filled the neighbourhood and the adjoining streets, announcing the celebration. Uniformed and armed security agents were on hand to ensure orderliness.

Some wore turquoise blue lace with the chosen head gears for the ceremony, were in orange attire. Others simply looked charming in choice outfits.

The celebrator was the cynosure of all eyes. She wore a white Iro and Buba with a matching blue head gear, and sat with friends and family members. Many of the guests came around to greet her.

The event began with Alhaji Tajudeen Salisu leading the opening prayers and was coordinated by Abdul Hakeem Kosoko.

Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh Abdul Afeez Abou and Abdur-Rahman Lekki led the gathering in prayers.

In a lecture, the National Missioner of Ansaudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Ahmad spoke on proper upbringing of children, saying what the celebrator has done for her children is the reason for the celebration. He said the celebrator trained her children well, urging other women to emulate her.

Reception followed with plenty to eat and  drink.

Alhaja said she is happy people came to celebrate with her.

Lagos State APC governorship running mate Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule described the day as wonderful. She said it was a thing of joy that mama clocked 87 and thanked God for her life.

“With the people here today, we can say that mama has lived a very wonderful life; we pray that the almighty God will continue to be with her, give her sound health and Allah’s favour will not depart from her,” she said.

She urged the family to continue to pray for mama, adding that at 87, mama is still a beauty to behold.

Dr Banire said he joined his mother to thank Allah for sparing her life. He said he was happy that his mother is still around.

He described her as gentle, admirable and an extremely amazing.

“She is free with everybody and not discriminatory. She taught us to be God fearing and she is always willing and ready to express joy, and care for others, both in their joy and in their pain.

“One moment I will never forget about Mama was when we were growing up, she is always ready to follow us anywhere. She is already at our school gate to take us home before school closes and when we are home she ensures we get something to eat immediately,” he said.

Banire’s wife, Olufunmilayo, described her mother-in-law as wonderful and very humble, adding that she has been like her real mother. “She is a jovial person and one in a million. She is warm hearted with a heart of gold and she is worthy of emulation; a role model” .

A guest, Hon Femi Wilson, said the celebrator is a great achiever to have clocked 87 because it’s not everyone that attains that age. He wished her the best.

Another guest, Dr Buhari Oloto, prayed that mama would advance more in age.

Former Chairman, Mushin Local Government Hon Olatunde Adepitan said the celebrator is a mother with a passion. “She has taken good care of her children and what is happening here today is something that mama is worth much more than”.

The post ‘She’s one in a million’ appeared first on The Nation.

Public speaking involves a series of exchanges. As the speaker gives out information to the audience, members of the audience show their interest or lack of interest through their feedback.

While the process is not really about who dominates or who is submissive, we still should not downplay the role of the speaker in setting the pace for the exchange. Audience’s presence at the venue already shows some level to readiness to listen. It is then left to the speaker to make it.

Public speaking is a creative process. A speaker can be likened to a sculptor with a massive supply of rough natural stones- the attention of the audience. While the stones have the potentials of becoming priceless works of art, the speaker, who is also the artist, must painstakingly shape the stones by performing a controlled removal of unwanted pieces. Every stroke of the chisel must be calculated and strategic. He or she must chip away all distractions until the hall is full of

Just like a sculptor creates value out of a rough natural stone and the sculpture perpetuates the artistry of the sculptor, a speaker adds value to the audience while the audience’s response adds legitimacy to the speaker’s effort. Hence, if we want to know how successful a public speaker is, we look at the audience; and if we need to know how fortunate an audience is, we look at the

“The beginning is the most important part of the work”, says Plato. Plato is considered an essential figure in the development of philosophy. Not only did he found the Academy in Athens, which was reportedly the first institution of higher learning in the Western world, he was taught by Socrates and had Aristotle as his student. Perhaps you will agree with me that we can trust his judgement. It is at the beginning that we lay the foundation for the rest of the work. A clear, direct, purposeful, inspired and energized start will set the right course for the achievement

In public speaking, your first step will determine the next one. Your first statement after being introduced to the audience will determine whether they bring out their notepads or their phones to play games. How then can we ensure that we take a first step that will grab and sustain the attention of our audience?

Here are a few suggestions:

•Ask a question: this is a popular and effective way of beginning a speech. One of the most important attributes of a good speech is that it engages the audience, and asking questions helps to achieve this. It transforms the audience from being passive to being active. When you ask a question, you make your listeners think and this holds their concentration. It is, however, important to note that this technique is highly sensitive so it must be properly used. For instance, never ask an evaluation question until your listeners are comfortable with you. Since they may be right or wrong, they may not be sure of what your reaction will be or how you will judge them. Of course, after they are used to your style and they see that being wrong is part of the fun filled learning process, they will be more comfortable to participate. At the beginning, however, it is safer to ask general questions that participants can easily respond to. For instance, you may ask,

“How many of you agree that you can do a lot more than you are doing right now?” You are likely to have several people raise their hands. First, people always hope for a better future so they won’t mind responding, and second, raising hands is a group action so nobody feels exposed. Again, you may ask rhetorical questions- questions that you don’t expect answers to. Of course your listeners will answer the questions in their minds and you will see them react to it. You can then build on the momentum you have created by

•Use an anecdote or story: an anecdote is a short but interesting or amusing account of a real incident. As long as the public speaker is a good story teller, this is a foolproof technique for grabbing the attention of the audience. Everyone loves a good story. When a speaker begins a presentation with a story, the listeners immediately get interested for three major reasons: first, it gives them a relief that the presentation won’t be the boring and “very serious” type, second, it lays the foundation for lessons they can hope to learn from the presentation, and third, it gives them an insight into the personality of the speaker. Of course, the type of story told tells a lot about the sense of judgement of the story teller. That is why a pointless story will always leave the impression that the speaker is uncoordinated. According to Les Brown, one of the world’s foremost public speakers, “Never make a point without a story, and never tell a story without a point”.

The post Take Charge Now! appeared first on The Nation.

Remains of the Iyalode of Osogbo, Chief Bernice Alake Kolade, who died on February 12,  have been buried in the historic town. Joseph Eshanokpe reports.

Osogbo, the Osun State capital virtually stood still between March 5 and 6 for the funeral of the Iyalode of the ancient town, Mrs Bernice Alake Kolade (nee Jayeola), who died on February 12. She was 74.

The calibre of guests attests to her status while alive. Everything about the funeral was classy.

Though she held a traditional title, the funeral was  a Christian affair. The late Mrs Kolade was a devout Christian; her late husband was a  deacon in Baptist Church. The wake was held on March 5 at the Abodua Compound in Osogbo.The two-hour event was presided over by the Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Osun, Rt Rev James Popoola, who spoke on man’s mortality. He reminded all that it was appointed unto man to die and after that judgment.

The cleric said every human being is expected to play his role, noting that the late Mrs Kolade did. He said the tributes by well-wishers testified to the life she lived.

Rt Rev Popola described the late Mrs Kolade as a community leader and God-fearing. Her daughter Mrs Aderonke Funmilayo Abokede said her mother stood by her in her most trying moments and helped her to keep her family together.Her brother Femi Kolade waxed philosophical, describing death as wicked. ‘’Just like that, you took away the precious jewel of many,’’ he said.

The late Mrs Kolade’s only brother Mr Tunji Jayeola said his sister were like Siamese twins.  She was honest, virtuous, elegant and a promoter of gender equality and women empowerment, he said.

Jayeola, Manager, Ecobank, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Branch, said his sister’s death surprised him. His words: “You were ever my pride and an African pride that came out from a humble background. You were a good ambassador of the family and the community. What I really missed about you is the cross pollination of issues we shared together.’’

Mrs Kolade’s grandchild Temitayo Abokede’s tribute was touching. “Grandma,’’ he wrote , “It looks as if you travelled and you are not yet back. I asked my mum if I will be able to see you, and she said no, but you can see us. I told mummy that I want a very big picture of you to hang in my room so that I can see you every day.’’

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a condolence letter, described the late Iyalode as an epitome of womanhood, imbued with humility, compassion and care. His deputy  Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori  said she had known the late Mrs Kolade from youth to be  accommodating, forthright, thoughtful and willing to lead by example. Aregbesola’s predecessor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola prayed God to grant her eternal rest.

The funeral service was at the Anglican Communion Cathedral of All Saints, Balogun Agoro in Osogbo on March 6. The pall bearers  gave a good account of themselves. Led by some ladies and young men who wore aso oke, and held horse tails. They were a sight to behold with the  their dance steps, were a sight to behold. The cart manned by two men, which ferried the casket, added colour to the ceremony. Many people came out to watch them.

Jayeola said the ceremony was unique, noting that it was the first time a cart would be carrying a casket in Osogbo. According to him, it was also the first time too that billboards were used to announce a funeral, instead of posters.

After the church service, the ‘congregation’ moved to the  late Mrs Kolade’s husband house on Oduola Street for the interment. The General Overseer, Victory Life Ministries International, Ilesa, Osun State, Bishop Mike Bamidele, said, it was the end of an era. He said with her interment, her earthly journey was over.  Mrs Abokede’s brother Femi and others performed the dust-to-dust rite.

At the reception, Osogbo Stadium, Juju music maestro  Chief Ebenezer Obey  entertained guests.

At the event were: former Inspector-General of Police (IG), Tafa Balogun; Iyalode of Egbaland, Mrs Alaba Lawson;  Senator Olu Alabi; and representatives of Ooni of Ife.

Also there were Prof Iyiola Oni of the Department of Geography, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Toyin Ogundipe; Director, Academic Planning, UNILAG; Mr. and Mrs Bode Adediji, Prof Femi Fadiora, Chief Medical Officer, Ladoke Akintola University Osogbo; Alhaji  Akeem Toluwaloju and Sir Supo Adigun.

Otheres were former president, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Segun Aina; Dr Abiola Afolabi-Akinyoye;  Prof Foluso Okunmadewa, Chudi Onuha; Prof Niyi Okunola of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Mr Bade Adesina, Prof Bolanle Awe, Leo Awoyemi and James Odiba.

The post ‘Will I see grandma again?’ appeared first on The Nation.

A pharmacist, Mr Paul Ndukwe, from Awka in Anambra State has given out his daughter, Vivinne Nkechi, in marriage to  Oluyomi Daniel, son of Chief Josiah Odofin, who hails from Ilesa, Osun State. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

Oluyemi was beside himself with joy when he related to this reporter how he met his heartthrob, Nkechi, whom he had a crush on  the first time they met 15 years ago. They met in same neighbourhood and struck each other as acquaintances. But Oluyemi wanted something more than being an acquaintance.

Fortunately, in 2004, they both worshipped at the same fellowship centre, Believers’ World Fellowship, of the same campus of Onabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, where they both studied. Oluyemi was studying Geography and Town Planning and Nkechi was studying Law.

“She sat in front of my friend and I and when she looked back, our eyes met and she was convinced she has met me somewhere. Before the final grace, we talked and she tried explaining who she was to me to no avail. I just could not remember.

“The next day, while having my bath, I remembered her. She was my long lost crush. I ran out of the bath in excitement to tell my friend I had found my wife. On same day, as we drove into the campus, there she was at the gate. We stopped the car and that was it. Since then till now, we spend every weekend together and I’m glad we began as friends because since 2004 till date, we are still together because it is a mutual thing.

“I believe it was fate that brought us together because she was meant to have studied in the University of Lagos, but was declined an admission into Law. That was when she opted for her second choice so that she could meet me. Can’t you see it was divine intervention?”

The Classique Events Centre on Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, played hosts to the family of the lovebirds from Anambra and Osun State at the traditional wedding ceremony, Igba Nkwu of Nkechi and Oluyemi.

It was a day both families had longed  for to and they  left no stone unturned in ensuring that it was not only memorable, but exciting.

Passersby wondered if there was a dance troupe rehearsal going on as various traditional dancers tried to show their skills.

Those, who made it into the tastefully decorated hall, venue of the event, after being thoroughly checked by security officials, wowed at the massive parking space at the venue. They were greeted by an Igbo traditional troupe dancers, who entertained with flutes. On each table was a candle stand with lighted candle stick. There were big television screens placed strategically on the walls around the hall to give guests a better view of what was happening.

The tables were exotically decorated in gold and shiny overlays.  An Indian lantern was equally placed in the centre of each table.

The Ndukwes were already seated, awaiting the arrival of their in-laws and guests.

Along came a group of people, announcing the arrival of the long expected guests from Osun State. They  refused to take their seat untill they achieved their mission. They told the gathering why they came to pluck a beautiful flower they described as shiny and respectful.

Oluyemi, who was decked in an Igbo attire, looked more like a traditional Igbo chief. He held a title-less hand fan, which he waved around with a sense of pride.

He made straight for the high table, himself and his friends, prostrated before his family members and in-laws, showing how Yoruba men greet their elders.

The bride’s mother, Grace, had  kolanut trays to present to her guests. As they moved forward into the hall, praise songs in honour of women rented the air. The cultural dancers added colour to the event with their dance steps.

Nkechi also danced with maidens and friends, bearing a tray filled with garden eggs. She was sprinkled with red rose petals every step she took.  She then took the tray to where her in-laws sat and served them. Her dress and her charming smile caught everyone’s attention.

When it was confirmed that her in-laws have met all the requirements expected of them, Nkechi went in and changed into a beautiful skirt and blouse made from a shiny sequence. She collected a glass of palmwine from her father and began to search for her beau in the crowd. She found him, knelt and presented him with the drink, which he hurriedly gulped down his throat.

She then led him to her father and they both knelt before him. The old man then prayed that the young couple would have a prosperous marital life.

The post ‘She was my long lost crush’ appeared first on The Nation.

Dangote Group of Companies President Alhaji Aliko Dangote, former Defence Minister Gen Theophilus Danjuma and the Offa, Kwara State monarch, Oba Muftau Gbadamosi, were last Friday installed as vice patrons of the prestigious Island Club at its Peacock Hall. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

IT is a club of great repute with membership cutting accross every segment of society. The Island Club commands respect. It is a club among clubs and does its things in a big way. Its first outing for the year-inauguration of Vice Patrons and Trustees – last Friday was a crowd puller. The roads leading to the club were jampacked.

Chauffeur driven cars jostled for parking space on the roadside, as their occupants alighted to walk to the club.  Only those dressed in suits or agbada were allowed into the premises.

Itinerant drummers and street urchins made brisk business, singing praises of those they recognised. Members of the club complimented their traditional attires with a uniformed blue-striped cap made of aso oke fabric. Some came with their wives. The hall was decorated in blue and white.

Banners advertising Dangote products dotted the premises.

The majestic entry of royal fathers, such as Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, was heralded by  trumpeters and traditional flutists, called Kakaki. As they entered, everyone rose in their honour.

Legendary Juju music maestro Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi was on the bandstand.

The chairman Prince Demola Dada, led the three vice patrons – Gen Theophilus Danjuma, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, represented by the Ojomu of Offa, Chief Bayo Akinola, into the hall. They took their seats on the high table.

The gathering was called to order by the club’s Social Secretary, Obafemi Oderinde. The General Secretary, Diji Vera-Cruz, led all to  render the National Anthem, the club anthem.

Prince Dada described the awardees as diligent men whose achievements in business are phenomenal. He lauded them for their contributions to humanity and the society, which prompted the honour.

He paid tributes to the late Chairman of the club’s Board of Trustees, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, whose death, he said, delayed the inauguration.

“Gen Danjuma is a man of honour and integrity. Apart from serving gallantly in the Nigerian Armed Forces before his retirement, he has also become a successful businessman in and outside the shore of Africa.

“Alhaji Dangote is Africa’s most successful business mogul, whose name is synonymous with success. Though humble, he sits atop a massive business conglomerate with global spread,” he said.

The vice patrons’ citations were read. They were also presented with certificates and made honorary members of the club. They join the rank of other vice patrons of the club,  such as Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade; Oba of Benin Omo N’oba Erediauwa; Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona; Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

Those installed trustees are: Chief Sunny Odogwu; Chief Olusola Faleye; Prof John Godwin; Elder Simeon Olakunrin (SAN); Mr Samuel Adegbayibi; Chief O. Alex- Duduyemi and Alhaji Ayo Quadri.

Gen Danjuma thanked the club  for the honour, Alhaji Dangote said he would strive to contribute to its growth.

The post Great club, great patrons appeared first on The Nation.

The remains of Yeye Aare Jagunmolu of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Chief Mopelola Margaret Moradeyo, were interred penultimate Wednesday at Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, Lagos, after a funeral service at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Mazamaza. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports. 

It was solemn as the remains of the Yeye Aare Jagunmolu of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, Chief Mopelola Margaret Moradeyo, were interred penultimate Wednesday in Lagos.

Chief Moradeyo died on February 10. She was 74.

At her Mazamaza, Lagos home, sympathisers gathered in number to condole with the widower, Chief Israel Olufemi Moradeyo, and the children, before leaving for the funeral service at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Mazamaza.

There, her remains were laid in a white casket in a room decorated in white and purple. She was dressed in white buba and iro with purple gele, ipele, neck beads and a pair of eye glasses.

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Mazamaza auditorium and  gallery were filled. Guests also sat under tents in the church.

Many were either in white or the uniformed purple ankara fabric chosen for the occasion.

The widower, wore white Agbadawith a gold cap; his sons, Kola and Femi, were also in white; his daughter, Temitope wore pink lace.

The officiating priest, Canon Taiwo Olugbitan, asked the congregation to stand while some priests moved to the church’s entrance to receive the casket bearing her remains, from the TOS pall bearers.

In his sermon, Ven Festus Ademola said there is life and there is death. “What you do with your life is crucial because we do not have life by our own power but God gave us life so that we can serve him. Quoting the scripture, the cleric said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all other things will be added to you.”

He added: “Death is inevitable, it is not a respecter of persons and it is the open door to eternity. The way you live now will determine where you will spend your eternity.”

The church choir sang the late Chief Moradeyo’s favourite hymn: “Through the love of God our Saviour” and the “Hallelujah chorus.”

Her remains were buried at Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens about 2:39 pm.

At the reception at the Syrian Club in Ikoyi, beautiful young women dressed in gold led guests to seats.

Faith Music Band entertained guests.

The widower, in a tribute said if he had a second chance, he would marry his late wife again.

He said: “She was my inestimable jewel, my heartbeat, my joy, my strength; only God Almighty can fill the vacuum she left in my life.

“She was a mother in a million to our children and me. A courageous fighter who cheated death many times within the last 15 years until God’s will prevailed. I miss our togetherness, the laughter, the grief we cheerfully suffered and the grace of God we enjoyed in the last 50 years of our togetherness. She fought a good fight.”

Her first son Kola described his mother as a gracious woman.

“Her advice, words of wisdom and encouragement gave me so much strength. Her daily phone calls to pray for me and the grand children will be greatly missed. Her outlook in life was positive and wanted people around her to be happy,” he said.

Her second son Femi was moved to tears as he spoke about his mother. He said her death is painful. “It is so sad but, I think she has gone for the better because she had had health challenges for about 15 years.

“She was loving and caring, nice to a fault, God-fearing, kind and she is never bothered. Even at the end of her life, she was still in high spirit and she would continue to pray, she was a strong woman.

“I will miss her phone calls. She would call me up to five times a day just to pray and ask how the family is; but since she died no one has called me five times a day,” he said.

Her daughter Mrs Temitope Ogunbowale described her mother as kind, loving and prayerful. “She took everyone like her own, fought like a soldier and was a titan. She had always been strong, taught me to be kind, respectful and hard working.

“She was a strong woman who was kind to a fault,” she said.

A family member, Mrs Christiana Oladunni, described Mrs  Moradeyo’s death as a shock, adding that she was a wonderful mother and everything to her.

“Despite the challenges she had, she had time to call on every member of the family.”

Her younger sister Mrs Modupe Ogunsolu said the late Mrs Moradeyo was caring, loving and would be greatly missed.

The post ‘She was a virtuous woman’ appeared first on The Nation.

City People Publisher  Seye Kehinde stood tall in Lagos last Friday when he turned 50. Two governors, a senator, a socialite and a fellow publisher spoke glowingly about him at the thanksgiving service/reception. It was all at the Times Square Events Centre on Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI and IBRAHIM ADAM reports.

BEYOND being publisher of the highflying soft-sell journal, City People, who is Dr Seye Kehinde as a person? Eminent Nigerians, including Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Leadership Publisher Sam Nda-Isaiah wrote his testimonial when he turned 50 last Friday. They described him as humble, cultured and hardworking.

The parking lot of Times Square Events Centre in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja Lagos, venue of the event, was filled with exotic cars. Others parked on the roadside.

Banners greeting the celebrator at 50 adorned the hall’s entrance.

Guests looked chic in classic traditional attires. The women made fashion statements with their stylish head gears.

Women in gold sequenced tops on black pencil trousers welcomed guests. The hall  was decorated in gold and wine

The celebrator wore gold native attire. He was all smiles as he went round to greeting  and taking pictures with guests.

It all began with a service officiated by Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria Rev Sunday Makinde.

At the reception, Gbenga Adeyinka, dished out rib-cracking jokes as Master of Ceremony.

Amosun supervised the cutting of the cake. The celebrator was assisted by some of his family members and distinguished friends to cut the cake after a random count of 50.

Kehinde said he is happy he made it to 50, adding that he did not feel any different.

He said: “Life is interesting at 50. I never knew it was this easy to be 50, because I see people of 50 as old men but now that I am 50, I have joined the club and I will continue to do what I am doing and be who I am.”

Amosun described him as  hardworking, urging him to work harder.

Fashola said the celebrator has contributed to the development of Lagos State.

Kehinde, he said, was one of those who first interviewed him in any political manner when he refused to grant interview during his four years as Chief of Staff in Lagos.

The governor described him as humble, easy to be with and polite.

The governor said: “Tonight, we celebrate Seye Kehinde and City People because City People is Seye Kehinde and Seye Kehinde is City People. I find it easy to associate with this brand because he was one of the people who first interviewed me in any political manner because it was the period I served as the Chief of Staff when I refused to grant any interview for four years that I was in the Governor’s Office but in the heat of the campaign, somehow, Mr Kehinde tracked me down around 11pm. When I picked my phone, he said, ‘but they say you sleep at 7pm’. I said no, I don’t sleep until around 1am normally and we had the interview.

“He has been supportive; he has been critical, that is unusual of the tabloid he runs. He has above all extremely contributed to development. On behalf of the government and the people of Lagos State and on behalf of my family, I wish you a happy birthday, I wish you many happy returns, I wish you long life but more profoundly, I wish you  sound, solid and robust health. I hope all your team will continue to prosper; I’m sure that you will be around for a long time and the City People will be around for a long time.”

Abiola Dosumu described Kehinde as “a good and nice young man”.

Kehinde, she said, has just begun life at 50, wishing him the best in his endeavour.

The Erelu of Lagos prayed that City People “will grow from strength to strength and continue to be a perfect example of a successful soft sell magazine that can progress without demeaning humanity.”

Senator Solomon said the celebrator has made a mark in his profession.

He described him as a forthcoming journalist, a role model, a gentle man and a jolly good fellow.

Nda-Isaiah also described Kehinde as hardworking, and a role model. “He loves Nigeria and has created a very good brand, not just a soft sell, but one of the biggest brands in Nigeria.”

The post Accolades for City People Publisher at 50 appeared first on The Nation.

Managing Director of Mud Cosmetics former Miss Stella Onyinye Onwugbenu got married to her heartthrob and Information Technology specialist Bosah Ikenna Chukwuogo on April 18, in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

THEY met last year through a mutual friend. They became friends culminating in their marriage on April 18 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Victoria Island, Lagos.

The traditional marriage of Onyinye and Bosah took place on April 7, at Chief Louis Onwugbenu’s  Uruagu, Nnewi hometown in Anambra State. Onwugbenu is the Managing Director of Louis Carter Industries – which is into manufacturing, real estate, agriculture and importation.

The groom’s father is the Managing Director of Boskel Nigeria Limited, an engineering firm in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The bride, with her bridesmaids, arrived in the church at noon in a white Infinity Limousine. She stole the show in her flowing gown as she was led into the church by her father. Bosah was seated on one side of the church waiting for her.

The ceremony was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Rev Dr Martin Uzochukwu.

In a homily, Rev Dr Alphonsus Okonkwo of Nnewi Diocese urged the couple to replicate the Trinitarian love.

“This is an institution of divine level and not man made. In this union, you have to take up your responsibility and be a man of faith, who lives a life of communion and union with Christ. It is no longer your life, but the life of Christ. If you are faithful to Christ, you will be faithful to each other,” the cleric said.

He urged the couple to always pray together so as to attract grace from God. He said prayers and mutual understanding were key in marriage.

At the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel in Lekki where the reception was held, there was cocktail on the corridor before  people entered,  a pianist played nice tunes. Pictures of the couple were displayed; their friends signed on plain spaces of the pictures.

The hall was breathtaking. Nollywood actor Okey Bakassi was the Master of Ceremony. He also cracked jokes in-between anchoring the event.

There was plenty to eat and drink. The all-rosy cake was suspended from a chain. It soon became a spectacle as people struggled to see it.

Onyinye outshone Bosah in dancing into the hall. Guests stood to have a good look at the groom’s funny dance steps. The invited band, Adrenaline, was supported by a DJ, who churned out contemporary tunes to guests delight.

It was fun all the way when the son-mother and father-daughter took to the dance floor. The moving moment was when Onyinye broke down and wept during a solo dance with her father.  Her father fought back tears before handing ther over to her beau.

Bosah was born in Warri, Delta State and grew up in Port Harcourt.  He had his secondary school education in the United States (US) and studied Computer Science. Thirteen years after a fulfilling career as a software engineer, he returned to Nigeria in 2011 to begin his IT business, Hamot Integrated Services, specialising in network infrastructure and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Oyinye read accounting in America and worked with Ernest and Young as an accountant. She came back to Nigeria to live her dream as a cosmetics and make-up expert. She runs a cosmetology school, where she trains young stars in make-up and hair styling.

Bosah told The Nation how he found out that he had a lot in common with Onyinye after months of dating.

“I proposed to her when she was in New York on holiday last year. I went there with a ring to see her, but it was straightforward when I asked her to marry me. I’m lucky she accepted because she makes me feel happy and fulfilled. She makes me feel like I’ve never felt before. She’s the only one that makes me feel that way,” he said.

Bride’s mother Patricia described her daughter as an industrious and hardworking adding that she loves doing house chores and ensuring that everyone is comfortable. “There is no dull moment whenever Onyinye is around. She can even sacrifice herself to ensure that everyone is happy,” she said.

She advised her to keep up her good character and respect her husband.

Mr Chukwuogo described his daughter-in-law as a good girl whom he is proud of.

The post ‘She makes me happy’ appeared first on The Nation.

Toluwalope Juwe, a Computer Scientist, tied the nuptial knot with her beau, Aneez, last Saturday at the All Seasons Multipurpose Hall in Agbara, Ogun State, IBRAHIM ADAM reports.

The All Season Multipurpose Hall in OPIC Estate, Agbara, Ogun State, was agog last Saturday when the families of Mr Wasiu Bashorun  and Mr Oluwafemi Juwe,  became one following the union of their children, Aneez and Toluwalope.

Bashorun is a Provost of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education at Ijanikin, Lagos.

It was a memorable day for the couple, with Gbedu Oba on the band stand.

Guests, were beautiful in their choice attires.

The event venue was decorated in orange, silver and white, matching the chairs set around tables, which were covered with gold and silver linens. The red carpet and flower vases at strategic points added colour to the hall. A projector, showing pictures of the couple and their families on their introduction, was placed at one side of the hall.

The couple’s parents wore tea-green lace with carton colour Agbada, and matching caps, headgears and Ipele.

The couple arrived in a black Avensis saloon car.

The engagement started with the Bashorun family dancing into the hall to beats from  traditional drummers. They went to the bride’s family to pay homage.

The groom, Aneez, came next with his friends. He was handsome in a white lace attire with silver and red agbada and a matching cap.

Aneez pleaded to marry Toluwalope.

A bevy of women in yellow and green attire accompanied the bride, Toluwalope, into the hall. She was a beauty to behold in her white lace Iro, and silver and red Buba with matching headgear and Ipele. Her red bead complemented her beauty.

The couple took turns to prostrate, kneel, and sit with their parents for blessings.

Aneez and Toluwalope exchanged engagement rings, sealing it with kisses.

Reception followed with Abbey Wonder and his juju band entertaining guests. A popular Yoruba actor and comedian, Hafeez Oyetoro, a.k.a.Saka, anchored the event. He dished out rib-cracking jokes. The reception almost became a political gathering of sorts, with guests  chanting ‘Sai Baba’, ‘Sai Ambode’.

There was enough to eat and drink.

The couple’s parents also thrilled the guests with their dance steps and were sprayed with new naira notes.

When Aneez and Toluwalope made their entry into the hall, dancing to soulfyl tunes from the live band, guests stood to honour them.

The bride, Toluwalope, clad in a flowing white gown and the groom, Aneez, radiant in his white shirt, red tie, grey trousers and jacket with a black pair of shoes, looked splendid.

Pastor Dare Abisoye said the opening prayer.

Former Lagos State deputy governor and Chairman,AOCOED Governing Council, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, who chaired the event congratulated the couple and their parents.

He said marriage is about patience; urging the couple to respect each other. “It’s a day of joy and our prayer is for them to live well till eternity,” he said.

Prince Ogunleye told the couple not to be angry, urging the groom to make money available for his wife.

Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education Otunba Fatai Olukoga, supervised the cutting of the five-layer cake after the spelling of ALLAH.

Otunba Olukoga also supervised how the couple fed each other before they sealed it with kisses.

Pastor Sunday Adeboye coordinated the presentation of gifts.

A close friend of the groom, Olasupo Bashorun, proposed the toast.

The groom,  a graduate of Electrical, Electronics Engineering from Osun State University, said he met his wife during his industrial training at AOCOED. He described her as loving and caring.

Toluwalope, a graduate of Computer Science from Ekiti State University, described her husband as brave and everything to her.

“He is someone, who got me back 100 per cent and he is greatly important to me. I love him so much,” she said.

The groom’s father, Mr Bashorun, advised the couple to allow virtue, determination and perseverance to be their watch words.

He said life is full of ups and downs and prayed  God to meet their needs.

He said: “Marriage is a jungle out there. It is a survival of the fittest and I pray to be there to guide them anytime they need my support.”

The bride’s mother, Mrs Georgina Juwe, described her daughter as a good cook and a good woman.

She advised the couple to be calm, patient and focused.

“I feel fulfilled for this day; she is a beautiful woman and I will miss her cooking so much,” she said.

Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom Oba Olanrewaju Aina (Kuyaniku 1) enjoined the couple not to beware of third party.

The post ‘Marriage is a jungle’ appeared first on The Nation.

The Iyaloja of Odua Market in Ojota, Lagos State, Chief Oluwasimidele Fadayomi, clocked 70 on April 14. She celebrated her birthday at her Ojota, Lagos home, after a thanksgiving service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi-Ketu. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

Ever seen a strong woman at 70? Iyaloja of Odua Market in Ojota, Lagos, Chief Oluwasimidele Fadayomi demonstrated the strength of a septugenarian penultimate Sunday, at her 70th birthday at her Ojota, Lagos home, after a thanksgiving service at the All Saints Anglican Church, Ikosi-Ketu.

Mrs Fadayomi, a retired nurse,  hardly sat down for the over five hours that the celebration lasted.

She was filled with joy, dancing to beautiful tunes by Victory Live Band and moving around her compound to greet her guests.

She was a beauty to behold in her pink lace Buba and Iro, with matching Gele and Ipele; her simple but beautiful make-up with the gold jewellery and royal beads made her look much younger.

Her husband Chief Abiola Fadayomi looked resplendent in green agbada, with beads on his neck and a pair of glasses. Their male children were all in white; their daughters wore uniformed blue ankara fabric with pink head gears.

Family members and friends sat on chairs set at tables under tents. The waiters, assisted by family members, ensured that guests had a lot to eat and drink.

Taiwo Ade-Lawal, a.k.a. Bountiful, anchored the event; Mr Abiodun Adedeji said the opening prayers. Guests said nice things about the celebrator.

Mr Fadayomi said he was excited that he and his wife is alive. He described her as a woman in a million, nice, truthful, gentle, decent and trustworthy.

He said: “I really thank God for our marriage, which has blossomed into over 20 individuals including our children, their spouses and grand children. If we are coming back to this world, I will prefer to marry my wife than anybody else. My wife is a very good woman; God specifically gave her to me and I cherish her so much. She is a good mother.” Her first daughter, Mrs Omolara Ete, described her mother as wonderful, loving, understanding, beautiful and gorgeous.

She said: “My mother is the best mom anyone can have. She is someone that will not pamper you, but then, she will show you love as a mother. I appreciate and thank her for her advice, training and for making me what I am today. I wish her many more years in sound health and beauty as she is today.”

Her first son, Mr Henry Fadayomi, said his mother was incomparable, adding that he cannot do without her.

He said his mother was able to cope with him in the midst of all the problems he gave her. He wished her long life, prosperity and good health.

In her thanksgiving, the celebrator thanked God that she is alive, saying that 70 is a long journey. She also thanked her guests attributing the secret of her young looks to God.

She added: “In the midst of all ups and downs in 70 years, I thank God that I am alive and my children are celebrating it for me.”

Mrs Fadayomi said one of her  memorable days was when her first child gave birth, adding that  now she is 70, she wants to live happily.

She said: “I want to go out, sit down and eat the way I wish. I also like going to parties, dressed up and with that I will feel younger”.

The celebrator described her husband as a darling, who will always be there for her and someone, who hardly gets annoyed.

A family member, Mrs Margaret Adepegba, described the celebrator as an epitome of beauty; a woman of virtue and a good mother.

A family friend Otunba Yemi Odutayo described the celebrator as a woman people use as a prayer contact.

He added: “She is a woman to be proud of; a woman among women and a role model.”

The post ‘At 70, I feel fulfilled’ appeared first on The Nation.

The Good Shepherd Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral has celebrated its 43rd anniversary at the Rotary Club Hall, Ikeja, Lagos. SAFIYYAH ABDUR-RAZAQ reports

The Rotary Club Hall in G. R. A. Ikeja was decorated in green and white, with blue spring lights. The high table glittered against a silver backdrop. The chairs and tables were also decorated in white and green. The tables had white and yellow overlays.

It was for the reception of the 43rd anniversary of the Good Shepherd Society of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral.

Members of the society trooped into the hall after a thanksgiving service and rededication of 21 new members at the nearby Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral. They were all dressed in white and green.

Their President, Mr Ossie Nwankwu congratulated the new members on their rededication, saying he looked forward to the light they would re-ignite in the society.

The event Chairman, Mr Femi Olutayo, praised the members for their good work saying: “You have been wonderful, futuristic and sharp but you have to step out of the convenience zone to become good shepherds. You have gotten to the point where, am sure,  God has seen your society and you need to step out to the world”, he said.

Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah spoke on moving forward as good shepherds, urging the members to always give so as to make the fellowship move forward and receive God’s blessings.

“Giving out is a sign of your trust in God. Put all your trust in Him. Allow Him to use you for all He wants Good Shepherd Society to do” Ogah said.

The other guest speaker, Mr Emeka Madubuike, also urged them to always give out in order to fulfil God’s assignment. He highlighted 10 points that would assist them in moving forward as good shepherds. He said: “You have to help those in need, pray for your flock when they are struggling, strengthen your flock when they are weak, lift them up up when they are down, encourage them, give hope to them when they are hopeless, forgive them when they hurt you, rejoice with them when they are succeeding, do not publicise their faults and lead an exemplary life for them to emulate.”

Oxbridge College proprietor Dr Femi Ogunsanya proprosed the toast. She said: “We have made good progress but a lot still needs to be done. Rejoice Good Shepherd Society for you have succeeded.” The president, his secretary and those on the high table cut the white and green cake with red and green  flowers on it.

Guests were treated to music and sumptuous lunch.

Nwankwu told The Nation he was elated at the success of the event.

“After the amount of time that went into the planning, and having people turn up, I am so happy. Our guests were here and it was fun. We heard the word of God from different people; it was really enjoyable”, he said.

He urged members to live up to the name of a good shepherd.

“A good shepherd does not mean any other thing than being a good neighbour. If your neighbour is in distress, pay attention and help. Lend your shoulder for people to cry on. One thing I learnt today is that offering subdues suffering. When you give, you would be given back. When you lend your shoulder for people to lean on, God would provide one for you. To the new members especially, as they are coming with new fresh ideas to move the society forward, all of us should rededicate ourselves to moving this society forward and to living the name of Good Shepherd in our everyday life”, Mr Nwankwu said.

The chairman of the anniversary committee, Mr Evans Okeke, urged members to live up to Christ’s attitude as a good shepherd and to put to practice all they learnt at the event.

The post A gathering of shepherds appeared first on The Nation.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has been honoured as Silverbird Man of the Year 2014. Other notable Nigerians were also recognised at the ceremony, which was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

CALL it a valedictory award, you won’t be wrong.

In three weeks, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan will complete his second and final term. Last Sunday in Lagos, he was honoured as Silverbird man of the year 2014

He was not the only honoree. Minister of Agriculture Dr Akinwunmi Adesina and Chairman, Innoson Group of Companies Chief Innocent Chukwuma bagged Silverbird Extraordinary Achievement Award.

For their efforts in battling the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which hit the country last year, Medical Director First Consultant Hospital, Dr Benjamin Ohiaeri, Lagos State Commissioner of Health Dr Jide Idris and his Rivers State counterpart Dr Sampson Parker picked Silverbird Special Recognition Award.

The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the late apostle of “politics without bitterness”, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri and former Imo State governor the late Chief Sam Mbakwe got Silverbird Posthumous Award.

Three senior citizens-Alhaji Maitama Sule, former Nigerian Permanent Represenative to the United Nations (UN), former Secretary of Petroleum Dr Philip Asiodu and former presidential adviser on budget Dr Gamaliel Omosode carted away Silverbird Lifetime Achievement Award. It was at the 10th Silverbird Television Man of the Year award held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Uduaghan got the award for restoring peace and security in Delta, infrastructural development, free medical care for children and elderly and his micro credit scheme.

Former Minister of Petroleum Resources Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), who chaired the event, said the honorees deserve the awards.

There were documentaries on the awardees. The late Fawehinmi’s first son, Mohammed, received the award on behalf of the family. His mother and sister were with him.

The late Mbakwe’s award was received by his daughter and Imo State Commissioner for Education Lady Patience Mbakwe. She said with the award, she was proud to be called her father’s daughter. She dedicated the award to the re-elected Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, for keeping her father’s legacies.

Waziri’s daughter, Hajia Aisha Umar, said the award was timely, adding that her  father would be smiling in his grave to know the country is upholding his philosophy.

Chief Chukwuma’s Innoson is the first private company to assemble motorcycles and cars in Nigeria. It is the producer of the first made-in-Nigeria car. Chukwuma’s dream is to make new cars affordable for Nigerians instead of them going for second-hand vehicles. On receiving the award, Chukwuma said: “I will keep making Nigeria proud.”

Adesina said his achievements did not come because he is an extraordinary person, but as a public servant called to serve his country. He said he is from a poor background, adding that he worked with his father on people’s farms till he turned 15; went to Lagos and learnt to read and write.

“What motivates me is service to the poor because I came out of it and I know there is no comfort in it. Other awardees are real heroes of our country. Only God can reward them for making Nigeria a spotlight for other countries to emulate.”

Onosode, it was noted, began the Good News Baptist Church in his living room. The church has grown to having many branches across the country. Onosode’s son, Spencer, received the award on his behalf. Quoting the Bible, he said with the award God has anointed his father’s head with oil.

Asiodu said: “I take this award as a rejuvenation of our Civil Service which was destroyed since 1975 because it is necessary for us to rebuild our country with hardwork and diligence.”

The hall stood still for the Ebola conquerors as they made their way to the stage. There was a documentary on the Ebola virus that put the country on edge on last year. In the documentary, tributes were paid to those who paid the ultimate price.

Ohiaeri said his hospital lost four of its staff. In all, 12 died nationwide. He thanked the late Dr Stella Adadevoh for her sacrifice to the country.

Chairman of Silverbird Group and Bayelsa East Senator-elect Ben Murray-Bruce drove into the hall in an electric powered Kia Soul mini jeep. He showed the audience how the car is powered by a chargeable battery that can last for eight hours. Murray Bruce urged manufacturers to produce solar-powered cars that need no fuel or diesel to run, but has zero tolerance for pollution. He said the battery can last 300 kilometers.

He added: “The world has changed and we must change with it. But for the change to take place, we must understand what drives our people. The problem with Nigeria is the rich versus the poor. We need to control our consumption behaviour and care for the least of us by conserving and shrinking the way we spend.”

The high-point of the night was when Uduaghan was called out. He wore white suit and a black bow tie; his wife Roli wore a black dinner gown.

Delta State born aristes Sammie Okposo and Daddy Showkey sang a song to usher him to the podium.

Also in attendance were: Senator Annie Okonkwo; Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose; President, Nigerian Guild of Editors Femi Adesina; Editorial Board Chairman of The Nation Sam Omatseye;  ace broadcaster Chief Bisi Olatilo; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Publisher Vanguard Newspaper Sam Amuka-Pemu Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Richard Mofe-Damijo; Nollywood act or Fred Amata; Comedians Basket Mouth, Bovi and Emeka Smith.

The post Parting award for a governor appeared first on The Nation.

The joy of Sir Odafe Othihiwa, a former General Manager with Daily Times and Africa Independent Television (AIT), knew no bounds last Saturday when he gave his daughter, Victoria out in marriage to a banker, Mayowa Tiwo, in Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

It was a day they had longed for and when it finally came, they were happy. Last Saturday Mayowa Tiwo and Victoria, daughter of Dr Odafe Othihiwa, a former General Manager with Daily Times and African Independent Television (AIT) got married in Lagos. Victoria is a business woman and Mayowa son of the late Otunba Benjamin Tiwo, works with  Zenith Bank. They were joined in holy matrimony at St John’s Anglican Church in Satellite Town, Lagos.

Victoria was all smiles in her white wedding gown; her chief bride’s maid wore a long orange dress. Mayowa and his best man were in blue suit, white shirt and black bow tie. The groom’s mother,  Mrs Esther Tiwo, who retired from Lagos State Ministry of Health, and the bride’s mother, Mrs Iyabo Othihiwa, wore uniform orange buba and iro with green gele and ipele.  Sir Othihiwa was in grey blouse and blue wrapper with grey design;  representative of the groom’s father, Mr Akinbode Tiwo, wore cream agbada and a green cap.

The choir began the service with the hymn, “Praise my soul the King of Glory”.  Mayowa and his best man were already seated in  church. Sir Othihiwa led his daughter into the hall and handed her over to the groom.

Rev Olakunle Oluwadimite, Rev Peter Falusi and Rev Olusegun Oyawale officiated.

In his sermon, the Vicar/ Archdeacon, Rev Ebenezer Adewale, said marriage is meant to boost one’s relationship with God and not to destroy it.

“Marriage is to make you follow God more and serve Him better. Any relationship or marriage that will take you away from God is to be avoided. Marriage is to strengthen your relationship with God.”

The cleric said marriage is a gift of God, a means of his grace and it cannot be separated from God.

“Marriage is to draw you closer to God to enable you fulfill God’s vision for your life. If you remove God from your marriage, you cannot get it right,” he added.

He asked; “Do you still see God as a partner in your marriage? Is he in your home? What role is he playing?”

He described marriage as a triangle where God is at the upper edge and the couple at the lower two edges.

He urged the people to observe a family altar no matter how busy they are. “Be prayerful, because prayer will help you to run away from sin, obey God, be relevant in his kingdom so that God will be manifest in your marriage,” he added.

He told the couple to talk and not fight about money, recognise each other’s weakness, concentrate on improving themselves, talk, listen to each other and do not assume.

Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Revd Ephraim Ademowo, who was represented by Venerable Jide Adebayo, joined the couple.

The reception held at Anna Hall, FESTAC Town, Lagos.

Dr Brem Herdert (aka Praise Machine) kept guests laughing with his rib-cracking jokes as the Master of the Ceremony.

The couple’s mothers were the first to be ushered into the hall in company of their friends and family members. They danced to songs from Ade Flavour and his gospel juju world of music band. The fathers followed.

The couple’s entry caught guests’ attention; many stood while others struggled for space to take their photographs with phones, iPad and camera. The groom was still on the same outfit but the bride had changed to a silver glittering dress. They danced to songs from DJ Frakaz.

The chairman on the occasion, Sir Ayodele Othihiwa, told the couple that marriage is a school for life. “From today you will start learning new things and you will continue to learn.”

The MC led the couple to cut their four-step white cake after spelling JESUS.

The couple fed each other with cake and wine; they later had their couple dance and other guests joined them on the dance floor, dancing and spraying new naira notes.

The bride’s father, said he felt great, describing the wedding as a dream-fulfilled to give his daughter out in marriage. He told the couple to tolerate each other, adding that marriage is not easy but a matter of give and take.

The groom’s mother, told the couple to avoid intruders; they should settle all quarrels among themselves.

“They should not allow me to know what is going between them nor the wife’s parent; they should corporate and show love to each other,” she said.

The groom, Mayowa, said he was happy because the day was one he had been looking forward to. “This is the beginning of my new life with my wife and I believe it will be exiting.”

He described his wife as energetic, hard working, intelligent and everything a woman can be. “I didn’t make a wrong choice; I analysed who she is before deciding to marry her.”

The bride said she felt exited, describing her husband as matured, understanding, caring and religious.

The post ‘I made the right choice’ appeared first on The Nation.

Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Registrar Dr Abodunrin Oluwa, has given out his daughter, Rafiat, in marriage to Mohammed, son of a Nigeria Telecommunications Ltd (NITEL) retiree, Mr Yekinni Aiyegbo. The marriage held at Rev Somekun Hall in Methodist Boys High School on Lagos Island. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

THEIR courtship was brief even though they met for the first time four years ago. After that first meeting, they went their different ways for three years. This is the love story of Mohammed and Rafiat, a princess who got married in Lagos penultimate Sunday. Mohammed relived their story to The Nation.

“I met her during my friend’s wedding; we kept in touch for the next four months and lost contact thereafter. Three years later, I remembered her and called my friend to ask of her and I got her contact. We were friends again but as God would have it, within four months, we are married.”

Mohammed, founder of Zoom Investment Nigeria Limited and Rafiat, a graduate of Lagos State University (LASU) tied the nuptial knot at Rev Somekun Hall, Methodist Boys High School, Lagos Island.

Rafiat is the daughter of Dr Abodunrin Oluwa, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board,  Registrar. Mohammed is the son of  Mr Yekinni Aiyegbo, a Nigeria Telecommunication Ltd (NITEL) retiree.

The hall was decorated in orange and gold.

The groom walked into the hall with his friends. He was in cream lace buba and sokoto, with wine and cream striped aso oke as agbada and cap to match. Many of his friends were in white native attires, with yellow cap. They moved to greet his in-laws first and then his parents. The bride wore the same  attire with the groom. They sat together on the white bridal chair.

Islamic clerics including, Alhaji Hussain Ajakaiye, Alhaji Taiwo Muslimdeen and Alhaji Rufai Taiwo led the gathering in prayers.

In a lecture, Alhaji Lateef Akanbi told the couple to pray always.  He urged the bride to respect her in-laws and be a good wife. He told the groom to fulfill his responsibilities as a husband.

The ceremony continued with the traditional wedding during which the couple and their families were introduced.

The Aiyegbo family brought gifts including tubers of yam, fruits, drinks, bags of rice and silver dishes for their in-laws.

The  Oluwa of Lagos, Chief Ajayi Oluwa, told the couple to emulate their parents, adding that they should be friends and remember their wedding day as the happiest in their life

The bride’s father, said he would miss his daughter.

He advised her to be humble, adding that the couple should be self-dependent and avoid misunderstanding.

Narrating how he accepted Mohammed’s proposal to marry his daughter, Dr Oluwa said he initially refused but after asking his daughter  some questions, she convinced him to accept. He said he is happy that she is married.

The bride’s mother, Alhaja Sherifat Oluwa, a retired registar with the Lagos High Court, described her son-in-law as nice and respectful. She urged them to show understanding, respect,  and perform their duties as husband and wife.

Mohammed, a graduate of Psychology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), described his wife as gentle, nice, committed and cool, adding that he loved the way she attended to him at his  friend’s wedding four years ago.

Rafiat said her husband’s appearance was the first thing that attracted her when they met four years ago. She added: “He has a decent look and he speaks well. He is gentle, humble and respectful.”

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