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Sanwo-Olu, Kuku, Saraki, Momodu, Adetu, Ajayi, Others Hail Ovation Editor, Michael Effiong James As He turns 50, becomes President Rotary Club, Ikeja South

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By Eric Elezuo

It was an admixture of fun, class, colour, glamour and showmanship as celebrated Nigerians from all walks of life lauded Editor, Ovation International Magazine Editor, Mr. Michael Effiong James as he hit the golden age of 50 in addition to becoming the 33rd President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja South.

Held at the Main Hall, Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja, the venue was filled to capacity with heavyweights and Compere, popular Comedian, Tunde Adewale Tee A had a herculean task recognising guests in the course of the wondrous ceremony.

The multifaceted gathering which witnessed the installation of Michael Effiong as the 33rd President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja South, celebration of his 50th birthday, induction of new members into the Rotary family and inauguration of members Board of Directors, kicked off with the singing of the Rotary grace shortly after the arrival of the dashing journalist, his delectable wife, Oluwakemi and two adorable children-Kufreabasi and Anietientebasi.

With a call to order by Immediate Past President, Rtn Yinka Adeosun, the business of the day kicked off properly just as the Doyen of Past Presidents led the procession that joyfully ushered in the President-in-waiting after which he took his place among notable dignitaries on the top table such as Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Kuku (Chairman), Otunba Seni Adetu (Guest Speaker) & wife, Janet, HRM Oba Adedokun Abolarin, HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi & Husband, Dr Ademuyiwa Ajayi and Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the event and Co-Founder, Eko Hospitals, Oloro’ogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, described Mr. Effiong James as a personality who has given his best to his profession and has affected the lives of many with his work. Dr. Kuku encouraged him to continue be his original self and live his life to supply succour to all and sundry. He promised guests a wondrous and fun filled time.

The Installation Chairman, Past present Azuh Arinze thanked guests for attending the event and noted that the event has been planned to be exciting and memorable. He reminded guests that the day was to raise funds as well as have fun.

Guest Speaker, Otunba Seni Adetu in a very incisive and cerebral presentation titled “Winning in the Corporate World”, identified three areas which needed attention in order to move ahead in the corporate world. They include speeding up technological advancement, giving attention to infrastructure development and enhanced leadership.

Chief Dele Momodu and Prince Bisi Olatilo

Adetu also highlighted that for any leaders to live up to expectation, six key functions must be undertaken, and they are:

Hold your destiny

Less is more…meaning that few things will deliver more impact,

Focus your energy on what you can change,

Measure yourself against the best, Inspect what you expect, and Take calculated risk.

Adetu’s presentation was loudly appreciated after which he and wife who were celebrating their 29th birthday were presented a surprise cake by members of Rotary Club of Ikeja South.

Then, after a speech outlining his achievement, the immediate past president, Rtn Yinka Adeoson aided by past presidents and Oba Saheed Elegushi installed the new president.

Royal father

In his acceptance speech, Effiong expressed his heartfelt joy at the honour, giving glory to the Almighty God, and appreciation to his parents, who unfortunately could not live to witness his day of reverence. Full of emotion, he called for a minute silence in honour of his departed parents. While itemising his projects, he stated that he has various water, sanitation and education projects that will be executed in Lagos State but noted “the project closest to my heart is the refurbishment of the dilapidated state of Temidire Primary School, Olambe, Ogun State’

His speech was punctuated with a short documentary on the dilapidated state of the institution prompting dignitaries to make pledges to the delight of all present.

The evening also saw awards being presented to Olajide Adediran of Jandor Foundation and and Hurlag Technologies Limited. The newly inducted members were Dr Elisha Attai, Fateema Aduke Mohammed, Nelson Ndubuisi Collins and Casmir I. Anyanwu.

In their individual remarks, special guests showered encomiums on Effiong, describing him as an achiever of no mean abilities.

The Chairman of Ovation media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, who doubles as Effiong’s immediate boss was also full of joy having produced a ‘worthy successor’ to the Ovation dynasty.

He said: “Tonight, I’m letting the cat out of the bag. We call Mike the Olorogun of Journalism. And that was the reason he got another Olor’ogun Dr Sonny Kuku to be Chairman of today. He is my second in command, and has been very dutiful, very loyal. It is impossible not to know Michael if you know Ovation. That means that Michael is synonymous with Ovation. And I always say it that a successful man without successors is a useless man. So I’m very proud to say we have a worthy successor in Olorogun Mike.

“When I asked him how his birthday was going to be, he told that it was not about his birthday, but about giving back to the society. That it is Rotary event and his birthday is secondary. That is a selfless man. I know that Olorogun Mike will tonight receive more from Almighty God and mankind,”

The Ovation Family

Delivering Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s message, his representative Mr. Kanmi Osobu, said it was a good thing to be at Effiong 50th birthday celebration and installation as 33rd president of Rotary club, Ikeja South. He described the celebrant as a worthy journalist who has used his profession to elevate society. He also praised the good work of Rotary and the organisation’s tremendous philanthropic work.

Lending credence to the already selfless life and character of the celebrant, former aide of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa said she had known Michael as a young reporter in Fame and has remained consistent. She wished him well and promised to support his cause.

Prayerful Woman of God, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi on her part, showered the celebrant with prayers and then promised to ensure that he will accomplish his dream projects. Noting the President’s tenure is already a success going by the calibre of people that turned out at the event.

The presence of the wife of former Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki, was felt as she sent a recorded goodwill message from Nairobi, Kenya where she described the Rotary President in glowing terms, urging him to continue the good work of putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged.

Flanked by his immediate family, the highly elated man of the moment cut his birthday cake amidst deafening cheers and glad wishes. It was not without the cascading of prayers from the one and only K1 the Ultimate, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, who performed for a few minutes to the delight of all present. Guests were further thrilled by the famous Shuga Band and World-class DJ, Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt. Guests were also pampered with canapés by Saheeto & Cocktails by Depotters while Ksquare Security ensured everyone was safe and sound. Of course, Segun Inawole of Inawolay Creates & Abelini handled decor and technicals.

An elated Michael Effiong, who adorned a pin-tripped suit by David Wej noted that he was humbled by the expression of love. He thanked God God for keeping him hale and hearty, and promised to ensure that he delivers all the projects he had planned in order to make the necessary impact.

The roll call of guests at the event which was rounded with a vote of thanks by Club Doyen, Rtn Oliver Ogbonna included: HRM, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun; His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom; Co-Founder/Joint Chairman, Eko Hospitals, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku; Member, Fidelity Bank Board of Directors and CEO, Algorithm Media, Otunba Seni Adetu and wife, Janet; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu; President/Founder, Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi and husband, Dr. Ademuyiwa Ajayi; Chairman, Biscom Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo; Founder/CEO, Fisolak Global Resources, Princess Toyin Kolade; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa and District Governor Nominee, Rtn Remi Bello.

Others are Mr. Kanmi Osobu who represented Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AIG Tunji Alapini ( Rtd), Fuji music maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal; Veteran Sports Broadcaster, Dr Larry Izamoje, Godwin Mekwuye of Vivid Imagination, Mr Lanre Ogunlesi of Sofisticat, Hajia Bisi Shuabu, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Benny Obaze, Arch. Biodun Fari-Arole, Mr. Abisoye Fagade, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Pastor Femi Faseru, Gbemisola & Kunle Aluko, Femi Akintunde-Johnson (FAJ), Rtn Bala Yesufu, Rtn Ade Adenekan, Rtn Niyi Adelaja, Chief Gbenga Obasa, Rtn Ehi Braimah, District Governor-elect, Jire Anifalaje, Kunle Afolayan, Rtn Bola Oyebade, Rtn Winifred Igweonu, Rtn Uche Ukah & Annie Esseinette.

Former Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and accomplished entrepreneur, Mr. Bayo Fatusin, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, Dayo Adedayo, Dr Reuben Abati, Femi Awoyemi, Lanre Ogunlesi, Charles Otudor, Ayo Animashaun, Ayeni Adekunle, Wale Adebajo, Debo Ayoade, Solomon Kolade Olotu, Fela Amosu, Hakeem Anjolaiya, Richard Akinnola, Mayor Akinpelu, Prince Damola Aderemi, Ayo Aminu, UBA’s Ramon Nasir, Access Bank’s Abdul Imoyo, former Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, accomplished entrepreneur, Mr. Bayo Fatusin, Remi Aboderin and Mudi.

Others at the glitzy event included the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Youth Engagement, Afolabi Imoukhuede and wife; Mr Ademola Adedoyin, Chief Gboyega Okegbenro & wife, Mojeed Jamiu, Niran Adedokun, Ajayi Oyebo, Pastor Soji Adediran and wife,Tolani, the Director of Hurlag Technologies, , Abib Aruna, Azuka Ogujuiba, Kemi Akinyemi, Bayo Ogori, Kunle Afolayan, Chief Larry Ofuokwu, Oladele Ogunlana, Prince Folarin Ogunsanwo, Alara of Ilara-elect, Aare Olanrewaju Yakub, Former Lagos State Commissioner, Mr Steve Ayorinde, Mike Dada & wife, Dupe; Oye Balogun, Funso Arogundade, Mr Debo Adeniran & wife, Imisioluwa Adediran, Mrs Elizabeth Adegbite, Mrs Bisola Abegunde, Ms Deola Owolabi, Mr Deji Owolabi & wife, Wole Olagundoye, Seun Soyinka, Akin Adeoya, Mr Segun Inawole & wife, Loye Amsat, Henry Alade & Arch. Niyi Adelaja.

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Ezekiel Bolarinwa Ajayi: Mentor, Philanthropist Revels at 80

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By Eric Elezuo

The ancient town of Ile-Ife was agog weekend, when Professor Ezekiel Bolarinwa Oladele Ajayi, a renowned educationist, accomplished mentor and elder brother of veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, pulled all the stops to mark a resounding entry into the octogenarian club, celebrating his 80th birthday with fanfare, pomp and class.

The event, which attracted family members, colleagues in the academic world, friends and well wishers, was another testament in the expression of influence, clout and connection.

Held at the Rock Rehoboth Cathedral in the centre of Ile-Ife, the event brought out the best in the Stanford trained PHD holder, as beamed with contagious smiles, absorbing accolades from a crowd of well wishers and dignitaries, most of whom traveled half  way across the world to felicitate with the newest octogenarian.

A lavished reception followed after heartfelt prayers were said for the celebrant flanked by his wife of many years, children and grandchildren. The reception witnessed guests savoring the best of continental and local delicacies as well as dancing happily to the old school tunes.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the gigantic cake by the birthday boy around whom were dotting family members.

As guests expressed their profound, hearty and sincere congratulations towards the octogenarian, whose event changed the landscape of Ife, many recalled how they have come a long way from their very humble beginning in Gbongan Olufi.

Fondly called Ladele, Prof Ajayi was born on March 23, 1944 in Gbongan, Osun State, where he had his earliest beginnings.

He statted his education at the Saint Paul’s School Gbongan, before moving on to Saint Judes School, Ebute Metta, and later to Saint Stephens School, Ile-Ife, where he completed his primary education.

After his elementary education, he was admitted into the Government College lbadan, where he was described as having  ‘passed out in exceedingly bright colours’. As many that knows him has confirmed that Prof Ajayi was a walking encyclopedia, and vibrated with intelligence while at school.

It was not therefore, surprising that he later proceeded to the United States of America, after his secondary education, where he attended various prestigious Universities including Stanford University. It is worthy of note that all his appearances for university education were on different scholarships. It was also at Stanford that he bagged his PhD honours.

On the completion of his PhD programme in Stanford, Prof Ajayi was recruited by the University of Ife, as it was then known, before its transmutation to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he later became a Professor of Physics, a position he jealousy guarded until retirement from active classroom duties.

According to a very close family member and confidant, Bola Adeyemo, who spoke glowingly about their fond relationship, Prof Ajayi “also became active in things of God. Like a proverbial gold fish, he has been recognized as a Pastor. Ladele played a mentoring role in the final years of school for my twin daughters who both graduated from the medicine program in the same University.

“The mutual fondness between Ladele and I remains very much intact. Ladele and l share common ancestry. His father who was the Otun Olufi of Gɓongan was a much older cousin to my mother and was fondly referred to as baba mi ile ASORO. They both had the same tribal marks. Ladele can be classified as belonging to the royal class as his father was the OTUN OLUFI while his mother was the daughter of the ÒOSA, first class chief in Gbongan.”

A life of Prof Ajayi without a mention of prolific publisher of the Ovation brands,  Chief Momodu, remains incomplete. It is worthy of note that apart from both sharing the same mum as siblings, the Prof was instrumental in shaping and mentally mentoring Momodu on the path of education. His 80th birthday was a reminder of how it used to be in times past as it marks a form of reunion for the Ajayi extended household.

Among those who attended were his daughter, Kemi Ajayi-Ingram, who flew in all the way from the United States of America, with her entire family; his niece, Yejide Ajayi among a host of others.

We wish the ebullient octogenarian a splendid birthday, and many ore years of splendid celebrations.

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Easter, Ramadan: Adeleke Releases March Salaries, Pension, Palliatives, Approves Promotion for Personnel

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the release of salaries, pensions and palliatives for the month of March for all public servants in the state, as well as approved the promotion of service personnel due for promotion from 2023.

Adeleke’s show of love for the entire workforce, is in spite of the fact that the State allocation from the Federation account is yet to be released, according to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

The Head of Service, Mr Samuel Ayanleye Aina confirmed the approval of the March salaries, pension and palliatives, noting that the fast tracked approval covered all categories of state and local government employees including tertiary institutions in the State.

“I can confirm that Mr Governor has approved the March salaries, pension and palliative wage awards, including the usual payment of the outstanding half salary for retirees under the contributory pension scheme yet to obtain their bonds. Mr Governor requested for the file and granted immediate approval.

“Any moment from now, alerts will be landing in our peoples’ accounts. This is a preemptive step on the part of Mr Governor to meet the needs of our people”, the Head of Service explained.

Governor Adeleke who has been hosting inter faith leaders at the Government House said he approved the early payment to ease the burden of the workers ahead of the Easter period.

“As I wish muslim and christian faithfuls blessed fasting season, the early payment is a gesture of support for workers whose welfare remains the number one priority of our administration”, the Governor noted.

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FG Announces Nine Individuals, Six BDCs Financing Terrorism

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The Federal Government says it has uncovered the identity of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in terrorism financing.

Details of the development were revealed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, in an email seen by The Punch on Tuesday night, entitled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”

The document revealed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for sanction following their involvement in terrorism financing.

“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List,” the document read in part.

Among the individuals named in the document was a Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mamu, who is currently being tried by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.

According to the document, Mamu “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransom payments over the sum of $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”

The document said one of the individuals is “the suspected attacker of the St. Francis Catholic Church Owo, Ondo State on June 5, 2022 and the Kuje Correctional Center, Abuja on July 5, 2022.”

Another was described as “a member of the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam, the group is associated with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

 “The subject was trained and served under Muktar Belmokhtar, aka One Eyed Out, led Al-Murabtoun Katibat of AQIM in Algeria and Mali.”

The NFIU said the individual “specialises in designing terrorist clandestine communication code and he is also Improvised Explosive Device expert.

“The subject was also a gate keeper to ANSARU leader, Mohammed Usman aka Khalid Al-Bamawi. Equally, he was a courier and travel guide to AQIM Katibat in the desert of Algeria and Mali. He is into carpentry. Subject fled Kuje correctional centre on July 5, 2022. He is currently at large.”

Another was identified as “a senior commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province Okene.”

The agency said, the individual “came into limelight in 2012 as North Central wing of Boko Haram.

“The group is suspected of the attacks carried out around Federal Capital Territory and the South West Geographical Zone, including the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.”

Another was described as “a financial courier to ISWAP Okene. She is responsible for the disbursement of funds to the widows/wives of the terrorist fighters of the group.”

According to the document, another of the individuals “in 2015, transferred N60m to terrorism convicts.”

He was also said to have “received a sum of N189m  between 2016 and 2018.”

The same person is said to “own entities and business reported in the UAE court judgment as facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds from Dubai to Nigeria.”

Another individual was said to have “received a total of N57m from between 2014 and 2017.”

Another was said to have “had a total inflow of N61.4 bn and a total outflow of N51.7bn from his accounts.”

The document further revealed that, in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to:

“(a) immediately, identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee;

“(b) report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.

“(c) immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity; and

“(d) report as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this List. ”

It said the “The freezing obligation required above shall extend to

“(a) all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;

“(b) those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;

“(c) the funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities; and

“(d) funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.”

The Punch

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