An Academy for Yoruba Heritage

“A legacy on culture and language is the best kind of legacy that can be left for the younger generation,” according to Wale Omole, chairman, Governing Council of the Yoruba Academy at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees and the Governing Council of Yoruba Academy in Ibadan recently. At the event, which pooled members of the academia and politicians and professionals from different walks of life, Omole said that the Yoruba academy had been established “for the advancement of the Yoruba cause.”

Oladipo Akinkugbe, Emeritus professor of Medicine and former vice-chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Ilorin, who was chairman of the event, said the idea of the “Yoruba academy” had become very critical to further the need for the promotion of self-confidence, strong Yoruba identity and develop our intellectual capacity ... and propel our minds, body and spirit to identify with the urgent need to preserve and continue to nurture who we are.” While noting that the Yoruba is a proud race, he said that the academy would strive to help the Yoruba [people rediscover their pride.

On his part, Dimeji Bankole, speaker, House of Representatives, said that in the last 10 years, the South-west had been relegated to the background in the fields where they used to be at the forefront. “For instance, in the banking sector about 80 to 85 per cent of the sector used to be controlled by Yorubas but now there are just about three to four banks being controlled by them.” He noted that the recent mass failure in the NECO examinations could be linked to the inability of the race to actively involve in charting the course of the educational sector.  Bankole called on Nigerians to be actively involved in holding their political representatives accountable for the affairs of the country. “We must all work together to achieve rapid developmental progress,” he said.

Babatunde Fafunwa, chairman, board  of trustees of the academy and former minister of education, said that the Yoruba language fell into the world’s category of popular languages for being a very rich one. While itemising Yoruba’s rich oral traditions, Fafunwa observed that the Yoruba culture is the only culture associated with the Ifa divination, which is currently recognised by the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO. Fafunwa called for the promotion and elevation of the language.

Omole stated that the academy is not “a political association”, adding thatit is open to individuals from all walks of life, who share the ideal of furthering the Yoruba cause. The Yoruba Academy opened its office in August 2008. Members of the academy’s board of trustees include Jimi Agbaje, politician;  Olajumoke Anifowoshe, secretary of Ajasin Foundation; Akinwunmi Isola, professor of  Yoruba Literature at Obafemi Awolowo University; Wale Oshun, politician, and Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate and novelist. Members of the governing council include Wale Adebanwi, founding executive director of the academy; Tunde Kelani, cinematographer, and Sola Olorunyomi, senior research fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. Other eminent personalities at the occasion included, retired justice of the Supreme Court, Bola Babalakin, Professor ‘Bolanle Awe, Professor Akinwunmi Isola, Professor Ayo Banjo, former vice-chancellor, University of Ibadan, Chief ‘Bisi Akande, national chairman of the Action Congress, AC, and former governor of Osun State, Mr. Adebayo Faleti, a renowned playwright, actor and broadcaster and many other accomplished Yoruba people.
By ADEMILOLA BILEWOMO

 

AWARDED:

Honourable Olumide Bankole, chairman, Ipokia Local Government, with two major awards of excellence by Rosegems Media and Grass Root Media in Abuja recently.

The two awards were in recognition of his contributions to the development of his local council. Rosegems conferred on him the “best performed council chairman” in education in Nigeria, while Grass Root Media awarded him “best performed council chairman, South West,” Nigeria. Both awards were given on March 18 and 27, 2010 in Abuja respectively.

Gani Ogundahunsi, chairman, editorial board, Rosegem, in a release, notes that the nation is still blessed with excellent and exceptional leaders despite the preponderance of corrupt public officials. In this regard, he describes Bankole as a rare breed among the host of politicians. According to Ogundahunsi, Bankole was selected based on his unassailable track record of service at the grassroots particularly in education.

In the same vein, Professor Wole Adebayo, chairman, Grass Root Media, ascribed the success of Bankole to his commitment and determination to apply himself to his oath of office. “Your numerous achievements, especially in infrastructure and human capital development is now a benchmark to measure the performances of your contemporaries in office,” Adebayo said.

Bankole expressed his gratitude to the people of Ipokia for their contributions and support in making his administration a success. He also thanked the management of Rosegems Media Limited and Grass Root Media Venture for the recognition, promising to perform more.

 

 

Buried:

Abubakar Rimi, former governor of Kano State, according to Islamic rites in Kano, April 5. An advocate of adult education, Rimi was educated at the Junior Primary School and Senior Primary School, both in Birnin Kudu. He also attended the Clerical Training School, Sokoto and the Institute of Administration, Zaria. Rimi obtained his General Certificate of Education at the University of London, England.  He was also at the University of Sussex, United Kingdom from 1974 to 1975, after which he became the administrative secretary of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.

Rimi’s venture into politics started very early in his life. He co-founded the People’s Redemption Party, PRP, with radical politician Aminu Kano. By 1978, Rimi had been elected PRP’s national secretary. On the platform of the party, he won the governorship election in the old Kano State in 1979.  During his tenure, Rimi promoted adult literacy education through his Adult Education Programme, which won him recognition by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. He also established the CTV television station in the old Kano State.

He joined Nigerian People’s Party, NPP, in 1983. He resigned from the PRP to concentrate on his ambition to be re-elected as governor under the flagship of the NPP. During the military rule of late Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former military ruler, he was appointed as the communications minister. In 1988, Rimi became one of the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He contested the PDP presidential primaries with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and was convinced that he could have won if the Presidency had not been zoned to the South by his party.  He became the chairman of the Nigerian Security Minting Company in 1999.  The murder of Sa’adatu, his wife, in 2006 saw him deflecting to the Action Congress, AC, as he blamed the PDP for the death of his wife.  In 2006, Rimi was elected as the vice-chairman of the North West Zone of the AC. Despite his initial resolution not to return to the PDP, he returned in 2007.

Rimi is believed to have died from shock he received from armed robbers that attacked him after the wedding of his daughter, April 4. He is survived by many children.

 

Kawu Petu Dukku, senator from Gombe State, according to Islamic rites, April 2. He was aged 52. Dukku was a member of the Gombe State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003 after which he became the speaker of assembly from 2003 to 2007. Dukku was elected a senator in 2007. He is survived by his mother, three wives and children.

 

Event:

A one-day symposium tagged “Strategies for Increasing Women in Business” by the corporate Amazons magazine comes up at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, April 30. The event, which is scheduled to start at 10 am, is part of the 2010 corporate women leadership forum. It would have as speakers Jide Popoola, managing director of Finatrust Microfinance Bank, Ikeja, and Jibe Olegeh, managing director of R-Wells Medoa, Ikeja.

 

Retired:

Emmanuel Ojo, a reverend of the Baptist Church denomination, as the pastor of First Baptist Church, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, April 3. Born April 4, 1944, he was educated at Baptist Primary School, Ajaawa, Ogbomosho, Oyo State and Baptist Modern School, Ajaawa, Ogbomosho, Oyo State. He also attended the Joint Baptist Pastors' School of Theology from 1986 to 1987. Ojo also studied at the Kwara State College of Education for his advanced diploma. After his retirement from the WAHVM Group of Companies in 1986, he joined the Kiyeseni Baptist Church, Oyo State as a student Baptist pastor. He joined the First Baptist Church, Igbogbo in 1987 and served as pastor and minister until his retirement.

Celebrating the Nightingale of Ekiti

By FEMI MORGAN

The significant age of 70 is what we all pray for. That was why family and friends of Beatrice Bolanle Ajayi, a retired nurse, philanthropist, president, Iwalewa Women Cooperative, Ijero Ekiti, board member of the Ajoro Multipurpose Cooperative Union, Ekiti, Ekiti State, celebrated her 7Oth birthday at the St David’s Anglican Church, Lafiaji, Lagos on the June 5, 2010.

This modest humanitarian and mother of five was born on the May 24, 1940 to the respectable family of Chief Peter Fabusuyi Babalola and Madam Marian Aina Babalola of the Adin Quarters in Ilawe Ekiti. Beatrice, the fourth child of Chief Babalola’s family of five attended the Holy Trinity Anglican School, Ilawe Ekiti where she later moved to Lagos to stay with her uncle and finished her primary education at St David’s Primary School, Lafiagi, Lagos in 1955. In the wake of Nigeria's independence, Beatrice decided to impact on the lives of the citizens of the newly independent country when she became a teacher. She was an extraordinary teacher who shared her knowledge with future leaders from 1961 to 1962 at Iloro Ekiti.

Beatrice’s love for humanitarian service and her beautiful simple nature made her fall in love with a passionate and excellent teacher, farmer and federal parliamentarian, the late Chief T. Ade Ajayi who shared her humanitarian ideals.

Madam Beatrice Ajayi’s consummate passion for helping her fellow men drove her into the nursing profession. She attended the nursing training courses and thereafter the School of Nursing, Akure, Ondo State. This made her a fully equipped, compassionate and zealous nurse who rose from a regular nurse to the highest position a nurse can attain in the civil service. In fact, with her professional track record, the state government transferred her to Iye Ekiti General Hospital, one of the newly built hospitals in 1998 to nurture and stabilise it before she was transferred back to the Ijero Ekiti General Hospital. On the whole, She served at general hospitals in Ido-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti and Iye-Ekiti from 1971 to 2003, and she retired honourably.

Her exemplary Christian life cannot be doubted, as she is a tireless church worker, member of the church council, life matron and member of the Ifelodun Society of St John’s Anglican Church, Ayegunle Ekiti. Beatrice, who is also the president of the Ladies’ Prestige Club, Ayegunle Ekiti, is a woman who had played and is playing her part in the society. "The lady Nightingale of Ayegunle Ekiti", as she is popularly called for being the resident midwife of the Ayegunle people, says, "The doors of my house has never been shut against the many people who have passed through them seeking health, solace and succour. I believe my activities are in fulfilment of my duty of love to my people and I cannot stop myself from caring for these our people."

A Unique Birthday Bash

By STELLA SAWYERR

His passion for the role of religion in politics was put to test Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Centenary Hall, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Many refer to him as a firebrand activist and social critic. But what they may not know is that Femi Falana, erudite lawyer, is a deeply religious person who knows the role of religion in the evolution of a humane and peaceful social order. This much he revealed that fateful day, as the guest speaker at a public lecture put together to celebrate the 51^st birthday anniversary of Bishop Adewale Martins, Catholic bishop of Abeokuta diocese. The lecture was organised by the Office of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, led by Emmanuel Oriyomi, a Catholic priest.

Oriyomi, in his welcome address, said the problem with Nigeria was not her economy, but the manner of religion that was brought to bear on her politics. “Dysfunctional economy and truncated political institutions are corollaries of a corrupt religion,” according to Oriyomi. Falana, arguing in the same vein, said, “In a pretentious manner, many public office holders hypocritically undertake oaths of office, with any of the holy books, but on the long run fails to deliver.”

Bishop Martins, the celebrant, was ecstatic about the lecture.

Resigned:

Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister of Japan on June 2, 2010. Hatoyama resigned because of his failure to deliver his pledge to move the Marine Air Station Futenma off the southern Island of Okinawa. He is said to be the fourth Japanese prime minister to resign in four years. He became the PM in 2009, eight months ago.

Yukio disclosed in a news conference broadcast nationwide that he had disappointed the country with his handling of the Futenma issue as well as the funding scandal with his staff. He was told by his party to quit or endanger his chances in upper house elections.

Celebrated:

This year’s youth week of the Nigeria Baptist Convention Youth Conference, June 6-12. All Baptist churches throughout the country observed the weeklong programme. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Seated with Christ.” Matthew Oyekunle, the youth pastor for the 2010 youth week of Latter Glory Baptist Church, Ogolonto, used the occasion to challenge all the youths present to take their positions in Christ in exercising their spiritual authority. He urged them to be Christ-like so that they could be “seated with Him.”

By FOLASHADE ADEBAYO,

TEMITOPE ADEOGUN,

KAYODE ADELEKAN

and GBEMISOLA FAMUTIMI

‘Kind Teacher’ Enters Class 80

By FIDEL BAM

June 7,  2010 was celebration day in Lagos when the Erogbogbos of Ikorodu both at home and abroad marked the 80th birthday of their matriarch, Sadiat Abeke Erogbogbo, nee Alamutu, an octogenarian with a variety of pet names. To her husband of 58 years, Asafa Erogbogbo, she is simply "SA". To her pupils in Kano, in the good old days, she was "malama mai tausayi" or "kind teacher". To her children she is not only Sweet Mother but "Mother of All". But her grandchildren, the new generation, have a portmanteau of expressions to describe their loving granny. Hear this: "She is 'Mama Oju Elegba', who fed us with amala and ewedu while mummy was at work." Another sees her as "the strongest woman" on earth. Yet to another grandchild "she is my number 1 girlfriend." Sounds like a lover twitting on Facebook? Well, "the greatest granny in the world" seems to deserve every outpouring of emotions and encomiums on her 80th birthday.

Virtually all the grandchildren have one nice thing or the other to say as a tribute to a woman described by her husband as "a wonderful teacher, a great wife and companion, a dedicated mother, a kind woman of unparallelled compassion. ..."

Indeed, compassion is the key word in describing Erogbogbo, a philanthropist and devout Muslim of the Ansar-ud-deen sect, who was born June 7, 1930 in Kano. She attended Mount Carmel School, Ebute Metta and later proceeded to the Teachers' Training College, both in Lagos. She taught briefly before going on transfer with her husband, then a member of staff of Shell, to Kano where she endeared herself to both her pupils and neighbours with her acts of kindness.

Back home, she continued with her kindly disposition to everybody that came (and still comes) her way, a common trait among her children which include Kofo Kassim, Joke Gbeleyi, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, journalist and honourable member of the House of Representatives, Yomi Erogbogbo, Rotimi Erogbogbo (US) and Moji Williams (US).

The birthday gig was, by Ikorodu standard, a quiet religious affair devoted to prayers, singing and reading from the Holy Koran. Left to the celebrant that would have been okay but some of her grandchildren, the NOW generation, are rooting for a more "digital" celebration! Chips off the old block? The Erogbogbos are renowned socialites who may want to surprise mama, the "kind teacher", with "high definition" birthday party in future.

Remembering Michael Jackson

By AMANI EKPO

He lived and died a star. A year after pop star Michael Jackson died, his colour and glamour continue to add up. To keep his light burning, the Jackson family will be holding a red-carpet celebration that will feature various performances in MJ’s honour. The event titled “Forever Michael” will mark the first anniversary of the death of the king of pop. It will hold June 26 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Pop sensation Usher Raymond said, “Can’t believe it’s already a year gone. I still miss him and it will be an honour and a privilege to perform at this event. The death of Michael, my idol, still hurts but I know that he lives on.” The brain behind this endeavour is the Voice Plate Production team. The event will bring together the family members, fans, supporters and the community to pay homage to the late singer and songwriter. Gate fee for general admission will be $250 and $500 for VIP tickets. It is rumoured that hundreds of fans plan to storm Michael’s graveside despite security advice from the mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The entire world was thrown into mourning when news of the pop star’s demise broke June 26, 2009. Even in death, controversy still hangs on Michael’s coat tail. It, indeed, followed him to the grave as his passing away sparked off a yet-to-end whirlwind of speculations and questions about his death and the circumstances of the “real” parents of his kids, Prince, Paris and Blanket.

Presented:

The cold, after rain wind that blew across Lagos on June 9, 2010, could not dampen guests at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA. For Peter Layi Oyedele, Nigerian ambassador to Jamaica, it was a day to reflect on the events that shaped his life. He chose that day, his birthday, to present his book, My Life’s Adventure: Memoirs of a Nigerian Diplomat, to the public.

Rather than shiver from the pangs of cold, the guests giggled as Tunde Fagbenle, public affairs analyst and columnist, reviewed the book. Oyedele, 65, surely had a cause to pause and reflect on the course of his life. As a diplomat, he spent 34 years serving Nigeria in different missions abroad. Some of these countries include Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Guinea, Conakry and Britain. His alleged complicity in the Umaru Dikko crate saga and his expulsion from the commission by the British government was also up for discussion.

In his review, Fagbenle praised the author and described the book as “full of excitement, wonder and pity. He (author) did not just show us through the course of events in his life, it was written in a chronological order. The author devotes 50 pages on his experience in Conakry when he returned from a short vacation from abroad and found Nigerians as refugees. …”

Sunday Adewusi, former inspector general of police, chaired the event. Adewusi said that “young people get their knowledge from books that are not up-to-date. But when you read from a man who has put 34 years of his life in the service of his country, then you are reading from people who are participants of history.”

Elected:

Beningno Aquino, 50, bachelor and graduate of economics, as the 15th president of the Philippines waiting to be unveiled on June 30 by the bookmakers. Aquino replaces Gloria Macapagal Aroyo and ends her turbulent nine-year rule. Aquino, who defeated Joseph Estrada his opponent by a clear margin of about 15.2 million votes, promised to tackle the pervasive graft and grinding poverty that have since afflicted the southern east country of more than 90 million people.

Celebrated:

Okoya Molade Thomas, accountant, industrialist and philanthropist, on his 75th birthday. Born in Lagos June 8, he studied at Princess School and Baptist Academy School in Lagos. He later proceeded to Ballham and Toothing College of Commerce London and Columbia University, New York, United States. The ceremony was greeted with praises and encomiums, as friends, relatives and business partners of “the birthday boy”, who is also the Asoju Oba of Lagos State, gathered at the Holy Cross Cathedral Mission, where the celebrant, beaming with smiles, was quick to attribute his experience, accomplishments, feats, one of which was his 75th birthday, to the glory of God.

Inducted:

Adewale Aromire, former public relations officer at the governor’s office in Akure, Ondo State between 1979 and 1983, as member of F’s Club, a 30-year-old philanthropic group of friends that promotes both social and political well being of its members. Aromire was inducted on June 12, 2010 at the club secretariat Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos State for fostering youth empowerment programmes in Nigeria. He is an engineer and a philanthropist. This induction could not have come at a better time when he just gave both cash and materials to several motherless babies’ homes in Lagos.

He maintains extensive contacts and networking among Nigerian engineers and public relations practitioners, generating positive image for the two industries since he returned home from United States a few years back. For these, he is widely honored for being firm and decisive on rebranding Nigeria, which he promotes at every given opportunity.

Aromire, who was inducted with Lateef Dosunmu, Oluremi George, Fatai Adeshina, Ademola Seriki, Tokunbo Wahab and Adewale Ahmed, called on Nigerian youths to join hands with the federal government to uplift the image and living standards of the under- privileged.

Launched:

The Global Youth Forum in conjunction with Doldrun Nigeria Limited launched "Doldron", an entrepreneurial-leaning game, June 16, at the Jesus Mega Parish, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ayanwale, Ikotun, Lagos State. The launch which held by 10 am gave the group an opportunity to discuss issues that concern youths in Nigeria.

Elected:

Naoto Kan,  outgoing minister of Japan, has been elected new prime minister. He was elected following the resignation of former President Yukio Hotoyama. Hotoyama resigned on June 2, 2010 due to unfulfilled promises. Kan, also from the same party, DPJ, becomes the fifth prime minister of the Asian country within three years.

Died: Zenani Mandela, the great-granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s former leader and icon, was killed in a car crash on her way home from a tournament – eve concert in Soweto, June 10. The incident happened after Thursday’s kick-off concert. She was aged 13. The death made South Africa’s beloved anti-apartheid icon to stay at home with his family in Johannesburg and was unable to attend the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.

Johannesburg Metro Police spokesperson Edna Mamooyane said the driver of the car had been arrested and charged with drunk driving.

By FOLASHADE ADEBAYO, TEMITOPE ADEOGUN,

OLATUNJI AFOLABI and FEMI MOIGAN