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Glamour, Fanfare As Veteran Journalist, Dele Momodu, Launches Three Books in Honour of MKO Abiola

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By Eric Elezuo

The multi-purpose hall of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Victoria Island Lagos, was a beehive of activities Wednesday as the accomplished journalist and social commentator, Bashorun Dele Momodu, presented three great books in honour of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Chief Moshood Abiola.  The books are Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 1, Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 2 and Fighting Lions: The Untold Story Story of Dele Momodu’s Presidential Campaign authored by his campaign manager in 2011, Ohimai Godwin Amaize.

Hajia Bola Shagaya and Mr. Femi Otedola

With the who is who in Nigerian’s political, social and industrial platforms present, the thorough written books hit the public domain, cheered by a large crowd of audience that besieged the arena.

The event, which took off at the exact time promoted, kick-started with the introduction of highly influential personalities presented as the national anthem chimed the air afterwards.

Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi paying homage to the keynote speaker, Pastor Tunde Bakare

With the stage set for the real event, the Keynote Speaker, who is the Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, took centre stage, heaping one term of endearment on the Ovation Magazine Publisher after another. He stated that Momodu has intensified his contributions so that Nigeria can rise up potential of a great nation regardless of whoever is in government. And that  dogged in the Nigerian dream has brought us together today at at time when the countdown clock to the 2019 election and the Nigerian dream is yet addressed, and the structural defect glaringly acute,” he said.

Mr. Jimi Agbaje (m)

He described the present dispensation as a critical period in the Nigerian national life, and quoting a former French warrior, Napoleon Bonaparte, he described the journalist thus a “journalist is a grumbler, a censorer, a giver of advice, a regent of sovereigns and a tutor of nations; four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets,” he said.

A cross section of the audience

He maintained the at “the writings of Dele Momodu has over the years addressed the fundamental issues facing our nation, stating that he was confident that the likes of Momodu will intensify efforts to ensure that the welfare and security of the people as well as the overall development of our people becomes the main discourse at this pivotal moment.”

Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, Chief Dele Momodu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Hajia Bola Shagaya

Bakare’s heartwarming speech set the stage for short interview with the man of the moment, Dele Momodu, conducted by veteran broadcaster and founder of the first women radio station, Toun Okewale.

Chief Dele Momodu flanked by members of MKO Abiola family

While fielding Okewale’s questions, Momodu took time out to explain the person behind MKO Abiola, his vision for the Nigerian people and everything he stood for, thanking as many that stood behind the enigma as the June 12 crisis lasted.

Afterwards, seasoned broadcasters programmed to review the three books took their turns to give a critical analysis of the work most people described as superlative.

Taking his turn first was the Chairman, Editorial Board, ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, who went down memory lane the life and times of the Dele Momodu.

He was followed by Mr. Simon Kolawole, Publisher, TheCable, who reviewed the second book, Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 2 while the Managing Director, Arise News Channel, Ms Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu did a thorough job in the dissertation of the third book, Fighting Lions: The Untold Story of Dele Momodu’s Presidential Campaign.

Dele Momodu and Auodele Adewale

Nwaogwugwu revealed the frustrations, as represented by the author, which Momodu suffered while attempting to become the president of Nigeria in 2011. Some of which include the part played his primary constituency, the media, who wrote him out of contention.

The highlight of the event was the short speech presentation by the Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, where he highlighted the sure steady steps that brought Dele Momodu to his present status.

Princess Toyin Kolade exchanges pleasantries with distinguished guests

With speeches done, the compere, Gbenga Adeyinka, the First, supervised the unveiling of the books to the applause of the teeming supporters of Momodu and Ovation Group.

The book launch proper was another exercise in professionalism as personality after personality stepped out boldly, took a good number and make generous donations.

Dayo Adeneye, Chief Donatus Okonkwo, Siji Ogundele, Representative of the Alafin of Oyo and Chief Dele Momodu

The event paraded the best Nigerian society could offer including Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who represented a former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Mr. Dayo Adeneye, who represented the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru;  Hajia Bola Shagaya, Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Ambassador Akin Osuntokun, Amb. Toyin Okanlawon, Chief of Staff to the Lagos Speaker House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Jafojo, former Vice Presidential Candidate, Tanko Yanusa; Chairman of Eleganza Group, Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya; Mr. Ajanaku, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode, Lagos Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Mr. Bisoye Fagade, Dare Babarinsa, Biodun Ponle, Oluwatoyin Seriki, Founder of Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajay; CEO, BISCOM, Prince Bisi Olatilo, and Princess Toyin Kolade.

Chief Dele Momodu with Mr. Ade Adebajo (r)

Others were Mrs. Falake Ani-Mumuney, former Chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA, Comrade Ayo Adewale; Gboyega Okegbenro, Funmi Odunsi, A. U. Mustapha (SAN), Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Princess Aderemi Ogunsanya, Mrs. Modupe Oguntade, Olori Ladun Sijuade, Dr. Kayode Are, CEO, UT Group, Mr. Ayo Adebajo; Richard Mofe Damijo, Sir Tony Chiejine who represented Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO, Tetrazzini, Chief Donatus Okonkwo, Mr. Siji Ogundele, Senator Solomon Adeola, Chief Tony Okoroji among others.

 

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Henry Ukazu: Celebrating a Catalyst of Pathfinding

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By Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman
In a world where everyone uses others’ yardsticks to measure their progress, the trailblazers are set apart by the utmost pursuit of their passion to actualise their purpose.” – Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN
Those who are familiar with Henry Ukazu would have heard about his life’s trajectory and a certain point in his life would prompt them to ask how a potentially-thoroughbred legal practitioner turned to a leadership trainer, self-discovery coach and youth advocate, using his platform to transform lives globally. For those who are still in the wilderness, imagining how Henry Ukazu settled for the path he had chosen, the answer is not far-fetched. The turning points in everyone’s life beckons when we realise what we have to do to carve a niche for ourselves.
The above assertion perfectly depicts the life of Henry Ukazu. Another aspect of Henry Ukazu’s life that can cause one to raise eyebrows is knowing that Taxation Law was his major during his master’s in New York Law School. Those who are familiar with the arithmetical demands of taxation would know that settling for it as a practitioner goes beyond being faint-hearted! Yet, Henry Ukazu overcame all odds by not only graduated in taxation; but also earning a laurel by winning the Dean’s prize.
Knowing that Henry Ukazu won the Dean’s prize in Taxation Law and still chosen another path makes it important to stress that the hallmark of every life’s achievement is the one connected with personnel fulfillment. It was the pursuit of this fulfillment that made Henry Ukazu swerved from legal practice and taxation into the pursuit of enculturing people for their purpose and nurturing them for lifetime impact. To me, Henry Ukazu is a replica of Robin Sharma, a trained lawyer, who abandoned one of the Ivy-league chambers, to pursue the quest of leading people to harness their healthset, heartset, mindset and soulset.
Don’t get me wrong readers. I am not saying that Henry Ukazu wouldn’t have attained greatness if he had chosen to venture into legal practice. I know many legal practitioners who are lightening people’s lives through their works; many of those lawyers I have unalloyed admirations for! What I am trying to say is that how Henry Ukazu abandoned the temptations of the social recognitions and financial rewards that accompanied the revered, learned profession is uncommon.
That reflects Henry Ukazu’s selflessness and dedication to worship God with everything he has. A revered pastor, Rick Warren, states that the human potential begins to manifest when they believe in God and allow Him to take absolute control of the courses of their lives. He cited the likes of Abraham, Joseph and others, who, despite being chosen by the Most High, faced their challenges with positive attitudes. Their beliefs in God slotted them in admirable places in the books of histories.
Henry Ukazu’s personality is one that exudes the aura of companionship and humanity. Any encounters I have with him always prompt me to think about the words of Gary Thomas, in the book, “The Sacred Pathways,” where he outlined nine ways human beings worship God, the supreme being. To me, Henry Ukazu is an enigma, who falls into the realms of Ascetics, Activists, Enthusiasts, Caregivers, Contemplatives and Intellectuals.
Henry Ukazu is an Ascetic because he devoted certain hours of his days to worship God in solitude and simplicity. There are certain hours of the day that he would neither receive calls nor respond to messages all because he is strengthening his ties with his Creator. Henry Ukazu is also an Activist by using his resources to battle evil, fight injustices and strive to make the world a better place. To him, nothing makes the world when its adherents are suffering! This justifies why Henry Ukazu is always ready to spend his last penny on appreciating talents and ingenuities.
Anyone who had witnessed Henry Ukazu’s celebration of successes and landmarks would attest to his Enthusiastic nature. No doubt that as today marks his birthday, it is very certain that his mouth would be full of praise for God’s favours showered upon him! Moreso, I can also say that Henry Ukazu is an Intellectual because he worships and loves God by studying other people’s minds. Anyone meeting Henry Ukazu for the first time without narcisurfing about him would never have a clue of his intellectual mettle. He is an intellectual of yore imbued with sound and robust absorptive capacity.
As the day breaks daily to set people apart for what they would be celebrated for, it is imperative to state that Henry Ukazu is one of the global icons that have deployed their intellectual and spiritual resources to brighten the lives of many. His utmost devotion to the pursuit of God’s purpose for his life has distinguished him, positioned him to stand with the giants and catapulted him to the heights of his ambitions.
Today, I joined other colleagues, acquaintances, protégés, well-wishers, friends, brothers and family members across the world to celebrate Henry Ukazu, thank God for his life; pray to God to continue to perfect his ways and crown his efforts with rewards that will elevate him to the league of change-makers and life-changers.
Many more productive, fulfilling and prosperous years!!!
Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN is an Author, Librarian and Researcher, who writes from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He can be reached via +2348132226994
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Alimosho LG Boss Pledges Support As Glo Opens Outlet in Iyana-Ipaja

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As technology company, Globacom, opened  another customer service outlet in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, on Friday, the Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, Honourable Jelili Suleiman Adewale, has assured the company of quality patronage by the community.

Hon. Adewale, who was the special guest at the commissioning of the Gloworld shop, commended Globacom for bringing its services closer to the people of Alimosho. “Globacom is our company; we are going to patronise you; we will ensure that this shop flourishes.  You will never regret that you brought your branch to Iyana Ipaja”, he declared.

Also at the event  were Hon. Obadina Ahmed, Speaker, Alimosho LGA House, council officials, Jamin Shotayo Tadeyo, Chief Akeweje of Alimosho General, who stood in for the Baale of Iyana Ipaja, High Chief Rasak Mosaku.

Globacom’s business partner who covers the area, Mr Chukwuma Leonard, Managing Director, Talkpoint Telecommunications, also lauded Glo for siting its outlet in Iyana Ipaja.

Abdulrazaq Ande who represented Globacom  at the event said that the new premium experiential center is another in a new generation of iconic contact centers which are aesthetically appealing and equipped for comfort and speedy services.

It added that the commissioning was in line with its desire to bring its services closer to the people, and give them more exciting experience on the network, adding, “Our approach to customer service is that we are consistently seeking innovative channels to make available our array of products and services to them”.

According to the company, the retail shop is equipped with well-trained, polite and customer-friendly customer care staff who will provide first-class services and attend to customers’ complaints and enquiries as well as their service and product needs.

“They will also help you to access services including Glo Berekete 10X, which offers ten times the value of every recharge, double data value, amazing benefits on voice calls, free Instagram and TikTok access and audio and video streaming platforms perks as well as Glo Café, a one-stop app for all digital services and other Glo products and offerings, and also offers a more user-friendly experience, with ample benefits for customers who download it.”.

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Abimboye Fetes Ode Omu Residents with Food, Cash to Celebrate Adeleke’s Second Year in Office

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In a heartfelt celebration of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second anniversary in office, Hon. Babatunde Michael Abimboye, a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), extended goodwill to members of the party in Ode Omu, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State. The event, held on Friday, November 29, 2024, brought together party loyalists to commemorate the Governor’s remarkable achievements over the past two years.

The atmosphere in Ode Omu was vibrant, as PDP members gathered to receive food items and cash gifts distributed by Hon. Abimboye. The initiative, which underscored the importance of grassroots engagement, was described as both a celebration of democracy and a recognition of the efforts of party members in supporting the state’s leadership.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Abimboye highlighted the importance of the gesture, framing it as an appreciation for the loyalty and dedication of PDP members in the area. “This celebration goes beyond distributing food and cash gifts; it is a reflection of the Governor’s impact in transforming Osun State and ensuring that no community is left behind. As PDP members, we are proud to stand by him and share the dividends of democracy with our people,” he stated.

He added that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s two years in office have been marked by a focus on transformative governance, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across Osun State. These efforts have not only earned him the admiration of residents but also solidified his reputation as a leader committed to inclusivity and development.
Hon. Abimboye’s event served as a platform to reflect on these accomplishments, with attendees lauding Governor Adeleke’s approach to leadership. Many described the past two years as a period of renewed hope and tangible progress, particularly in rural communities like Ode Omu.

In Ode Omu, Abimboye listed the Governor’s impact has been particularly evident through targeted projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. These include the rehabilitation of two Primary Health Centres in the town as well as the total reconstructuon of the Oke-Eso Road which has facilitated easier movement of goods and people within the community.

Hon. Abimboye’s outreach in Ode Omu is reflective of the Governor’s broader commitment to grassroots engagement. By directly connecting with party members, the event reinforced the importance of unity within the PDP and underscored the administration’s dedication to inclusive governance.

Party members expressed their gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a reaffirmation of the bond between the leadership and the grassroots. One attendee remarked, “This is not just about food or cash; it is about recognizing our contributions and making us feel valued in the governance process.”

As Osun State celebrates Governor Adeleke’s second anniversary in office, events like the one in Ode Omu serve as a reminder of the administration’s achievements and the work that lies ahead. Hon. Abimboye’s gesture highlights the importance of fostering a strong connection between leadership and the people, ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt across every community.

With ongoing projects and a vision for a brighter future, Governor Adeleke’s administration continues to set a standard for transformational governance in Osun State. As celebrations extend across the state, the focus remains on building a more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable society for all.

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