Events

Anthony Kila Unveils New Book, Owe: Yoruba by Proverbs, to Propagate Yoruba Culture

Published

5 years ago

November 29, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The conference hall of the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) came alive Thursday as the Director of the centre, Professor Anthony Kila, unveiled a book titled Owe: Yoruba by Proverb to further propagate the culture, traditional and language of the Yoruba people of Nigeria and the Diaspora.

The book according to the author, is a journey into the intricate and innermost mind of the Yoruba people, noting that the Yoruba culture is triumphant in the sense that it has blazed the trail.

Kila is of the opinion that the Yorubas remain one of the few people in the world who did not have to sweat or till the ground, fish or hunt to eat. All they had to do was think, research and learn the culture. Those people, he said were the priest, the catechist, seers, advisers and custodians of the culture.

While explaining that the book seeks to understand the ways the society and culture operate, he noted that it is not primarily a book about language, rather it provides an insight into getting to know the proverbs in Yoruba culture as part of everyday life.

Mr. Kila used the opportunity to intimate the people that his pet project on reading called ‘My Library Project’, was on the way and will hit the public space very soon, precisely on December 30, 2018. He cautioned the dignitaries and governments of various states against substituting one subject with another in schools, rather it should endeavour to expanded them. He further noted that the next on the line of major projects is a book on ‘Hausa Proverbs’.

In his remarks the representative of the Lagos State government, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the occasion, the Commissioner for Information. Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan, expressed the governor’s goodwill message and his solidarity stand with the culture and tradition of the Yoruba oriented book.

The governor, he said, is passionate about arts and culture and the furtherance of the Yoruba culture, more especially.

“We are happy to identify with the author on this occasion because this effort correlates with the commitment of the Lagos state government to champion the arrival of the Yoruba Language. Earlier in the year, his Excellency signed a bill on Yoruba Language preservation and commercial law which made the teaching of Yoruba Language in both public and private schools in Lagos State compulsory,” he said.

He noted that the publication of the book is timely and apt as it makes for ‘cultural renaissance in our society, and gives confidence to our inept abilities to rise to our cultural responsibilities so that the cultural reawakening can be fulfilled. The book demonstrates that out people has the capacity to think’.

Speaker after speaker, the book as well as the author received deserved accolades, even as the Yorubas and lovers of Yoruba culture were encouraged to avail themselves a copy in order to reacquaint themselves with the opportunity to once again come to terms with the culture.

In their various speeches, Gbenga Olowo, Bola Makinde, who spoke via video, Prof Bola Akinferinwa and many others eulogised the book and Prof Kila, and called for whatever it takes to keep the Yoruba language and culture alive.

The event was attended by various heavyweights in the writing and culture preservation business as well as government functionaries among whom were Prof Tola Adeniyi, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba, Otunba Gani Adams, represented by Barr Yinka Oguntimehim, Secretary of Yoruba Elders Forum and Chairman of the occasion, Are Olajide, Chairman of Golfview Hotel, Governor of Sokoto State Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, represented by Alhaji Mohammed Bello; Father of the Day, Engr. Bello Suleiman; Lagos State governor represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kehinde Bamgbetan; Mrs. Wunmi Adegunwa of CIAPS, Mr. Adekunle Adesoko, who represented the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniels, Mr. Jiye Ojo, Senator Ganiyu Solomon among others.

Events

Forty Worthy Cheers for Woman of Substance, Oluwatosin Adegboyega

Published

7 days ago

April 13, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Life, they say, begins at 40, and it is not by accident that a woman, well endowed with the very qualities anyone could wish for, and probably do whatever it takes to acquire, is celebrating 40, the beginning of a more prosperous life. She is Oluwatosin Lucy Tobi Adegboyega.

A leader of unassuming status, Lucy, as she is known, has displayed strength and character by quietly turning everything she touches into a cherished ornament, building men and institutions to enviable standard.

Born in 1984, in the prestigious Chelsea hospital, London, Lucy is a proud native of Ondo State, where her parents hail from, a product of the Akinyelure and Odetola families.

As a true born, who places importance in her origin, Tosin came to Nigeria when she was of age to prosecute her secondary, and university education, which she concluded at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago Iwoye,in Ogun State.

Thereafter, having achieved the most, she returned to London, and took up a career in Psychology and Human Development.

Her line of vocation has given her the leverage to affect lives positively, and has since mentored many young people, provided housing for a whole lot of others among other corporate social responsibilities in conjunction with er husband and closest confidante, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC), whom she married on August 20, 2011. The couple has waded through 13 years of marital exigency, and is much better for it.

In addition to her societal impact, Lucy has conscientiously built not just a family, but a home, and is blessed with two children.

Her home, a Jerusalem of some sought, welcomes hundreds of visitors on a monthly basis, and that has earned her a sobriquet of the ‘Quiet Host’.

Among individuals she has hosted in her home are governors, presidents, aspirants of diverse political positions, clergymen and a host of others.

Mrs Adegboyega is not just a household name by every standard, she is a much sought after woman of substance, providing succour to, and affecting positively her immediate and remote environment.

Enjoy a much deserved happy birthday ma, and relish in the euphoria of your 40 worthy and ruby-clad cheers.

Events

Grand Reception As Gospel Singing Sensation, Sinach, Celebrates 52nd Birthday in London

Published

3 weeks ago

April 2, 2024

Eric

Iconic singer, and Award-winning gospel artiste, Osinachi Joseph Egbu, popularly known by her stage name, Sinach, has celebrated her 52nd birthday at the exquisite Dorchester Hotel, in London, with family members, colleagues and well wishers in attendance.

The world acclaimed singer of Way Maker, I know Who I am among many other hit tracks also used the opportunity of the birthday to announce her upcoming OVO Arena Wembley Concert, billed to hold on July, 6 2024.

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Family and friends of the iconic Osinachi Joseph Egbu, known better as Sinach, celebrated the gospel music artist on her birthday in grand pomp and style at the decorous and exquisite London Dorchester.

The Global singer, songwriter and worship leader, who has been serving in this capacity for 33 years, held the grand event on the holy Easter Saturday, March 30, 2024, which also happens to be her birthday.

Lit with montages, interactive sessions and orchestral performances, the evening included Sinach performing live, reflections from her close family and friends and recorded tributes. Sinach expressed how grateful she is for her family, ministry, her health, and the peace she has been blessed with.

“Many of your songs have become global worship anthem – we all have our favourites but Way Maker is a super massive hit – with over 300 million views on YouTube alone,” Lalita Taylor, Executive Producer at the BBC, who was the host for the evening said.

The celebration was organized by businessman and entrepreneur, Dr. Joseph Egbu who is the husband of Sinach. Whilst being thankful for family and friends who showed up to celebrate his wife and family. He described her as “loving, patient, humble and a true woman of God”.

Dr. Egbu, in an emotional moment of professing love, thanked Sinach for loving him truly and being the remarkable woman she is.

Some of the guests who celebrated the multi award-winning Sinach included: SL Kemi Balogun, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi Olori of the Ife Kingdom & Founder African Fashion Week; Dr Susan Fajana-Thomas OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services; Nero Ughwujabo, Special Advisor To Prime Minister Theresa May – Director, Diversity at Prince’s Trust (King Charles’s charity).

Also there were: Her Excellency Janet Charles, Acting High Commissioner, Dominica Hogh Commision, London ; Dr. Yvonne Thompson CBE, Deputy Lieutenant, The King’s Representative for Greater London & President Elect of Institute of Project Management UK; Mr & Mrs Okonkwo ( E Money), Bright Ekeleme and Chido Mnangagwa (daughter of President of Zimbabwe) Mr. Obinna Egbu, Henry Nwoke,Ms. Uloaku Ojiaku, Ehi Moses, and Ms. Chim Moore of Magnum Security Services Ltd Zambia

Sinach also shared news about her upcoming July 6, 2024 live concert at OVO Arena Wembley in Wembley Park. “Victory Sounds”, she said would be a spirit-filled night of worship and praise and a grand celebration of victory and faith.

The concert also features an impressive line up of confirmed personalities from the UK Christian Chart including: Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Da’dra Greathouse, Lucy Grimble, Ada, Limoblaze and Warehouse Worship.

Sinach is honorary Ambassador of the Commonwealth of the Dominica. In February 2023, the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica awarded Sinach as global ambassador, via a letter signed by the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit. In July 2022, she joined the Grammy Recording Academy as a voting member.

Events

Sights and Sounds As Madonna University Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Published

3 weeks ago

March 30, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The main campus of the prestigious Madonna University in Elele, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was agog recently as the institution rolled out the drums to celebrate its 25 years of existence.

Founded in 1999 by the Very Reverend (Prof) E. M. P. Edeh (OFR), the school has stood the test of time, and churned desirable professionals, who have left indelible marks in the sand of time.

Among major highlights of the day’s activities, was the identification and honoring of the top 100 graduates of the institution.

Several dignitaries also turned up to celebrate with the institution, including two terms governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also is an alumnus of the school.