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

Published

7 years ago

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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.

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Events

Wife’s Death: Mourners Throng Former Ovation Editor, Mike Effiong’s Home in Commiseration

Published

3 days ago

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March 16, 2026

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By Eric Elezuo

It has been a solemn atmosphere as a crowd of mourners continues to throng the Ogba, Ikeja home of Mr. Mike Effiong, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State (Lagos Liaison), Umo Eno, and immediate past Editor of Ovation International Magazine, following the death of his wife, Oluwakemi.

Kemi, as she is fondly called, died Friday night after succumbing to fatal injuries following a gas explosion in their home, as confirmed by her husband, Mr Effiong, in a statement on Saturday.

KEMI HAS GONE TO BE WITH THE LORD

It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss that I, on behalf of the James, Oyediran, Ojikutu, and Macaulay families, announce the passing of my very dear wife, OLUWAKEMI OYETEJU JAMES.

She was my bestie, dotting mother of our lovely biological children, Kufre and Aniete, and several other non-biological children, wonderful friends, aunts, cousins, and sisters.

Kemi exemplified her name. She was caring to a fault, hard when need be, and a philanthropist extraordinaire.

She passed after battling for weeks following a domestic accident. We are devastated, but we know that God knows best and she is in a better place.

We request your prayers during this incredibly difficult moment of grief.

May God continue to protect us all.

Michael Effiong James
Senior Special Assistant (Lagos Liaison) to Akwa Ibom State Governor

Among prominent callers to the home of the veteran journalist to commiserate with him are Chairman/CEO, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu; Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Representative of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Inemesit Eno; Mr. Funsho Adeagbo, Ken Caleb-Olumese of Niteshift, Members of the Rotary Club, Members of the 9JC and other professional bodies, the Ovation Family led by the Editor, Mr. Eric Elezuo, Nollywood Practitioner, Kunkle Afolayan, Azu Arinze, Gbenga Adeyinka, family members, friends, colleagues and a host of others.

The house of the Effiongs has been a beehive of activities since the death was announced early Saturday morning.

Kemi is survived by her husband and two children, Kufre and Aniete, among an avalanche of dependants, colleagues and associates and family members.

May her soul rest in perfect peace!

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Events

Glamour, Class As Adebola Williams Celebrates Stylish Ruby Jubilee

Published

3 days ago

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March 16, 2026

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By Funmi Ilelabayo

Family, friends and well wishers gathered at The Present House, Freedom Way, Lekki, Lagos to facilitate with Adebola Williams as he celebrates his 40th birthday with a thanksgiving service.

 

The birthday thanksgiving witnessed praise and worship, rendition of hymns, sermons, tributes, thanksgiving and prayers.

Adeyinka Alaseyori, Mercy Chinwo, Dare justified and Sunmisola Agbebi were on ground to thrill the congregation with electrifying and scintillating gospel performances, which got the star-studded environment erupting in joy.

With speeches, goodwill messages, and heartfelt prayers for the celebrant and his family concluded, the service ended with recessional hymn.

In attendance were the Ooni of Ife, HRM Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Former Minister of Education, and Solid Minerals in Nigeria, and Vice President of the World Bank’s Africa Region, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili; Erelu Bisi Dosunmu, and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu.

Others were former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and wife; Chief (Mrs.) Sade Okoya, Mr Kola Adesina, Mo Abudu, Toke Makinwa, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi and others.

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Events

Banigo Conferred with Life Patroness Honours As Rivers AWLO Relaunches

Published

2 weeks ago

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March 7, 2026

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The African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) Rivers State Chapter was officially relaunched on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the prestigious Osborne La Palm Hotel, in a vibrant ceremony marked by leadership renewal, recognition of excellence, and a renewed commitment to advancing women’s leadership across the state.

The landmark event welcomed dignitaries, leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders from across the region.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the decoration of Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Distinguished Senator and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, as AWLO Life Patroness. This prestigious honor recognizes her decades of unwavering commitment, advocacy, and remarkable achievements in advancing the cause of women and community development.

In addition to her decoration, Senator Banigo was unveiled as the Face of the 2026 AWLO Magazine, which was officially launched during the event.

The magazine celebrates impactful women leaders and chronicles inspiring stories of transformation and service across Africa.

The event was graced by the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and the Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Her Excellency Lady Valerie Fubara all ably represented by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, whose presence underscored the state government’s continued support for women’s leadership and inclusive governance.

Further underscoring AWLO’s commitment to inclusive partnership and male allyship in advancing gender equity, four distinguished gentlemen were formally recognized and decorated as AWLO HeForShe Champions. They include:
•Sir Siminalayi Fubara; Executive Governor of Rivers State
•Chief Nabil Saleh
•Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim
•Ambassador Clinton Fubara Snr.

This special recognition celebrates their outstanding support for women’s leadership, advocacy for gender inclusion, and demonstrated commitment to policies and initiatives that empower women across professional, civic, and community spaces.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Elizabeth Ekole charged women to embrace visionary leadership, resilience, and collaboration as catalysts for sustainable development. Her address emphasized the importance of strengthening networks that empower women economically, socially, and politically by strategically nurturing their health and wellbeing.

The ceremony also witnessed the formal admission of new leaders into the AWLO community, reinforcing the organisation’s mission of nurturing transformative female leadership at local, national, and continental levels.

The Honourable President and Founder of AWLO, Amb. Dr. Elisha Attai, described the relaunch of the Rivers State Chapter as “a strategic step toward deepening our impact and building a stronger ecosystem for women leaders in Rivers State and beyond.” He reiterated AWLO’s commitment to capacity building, mentorship, and strategic partnerships that elevate women into positions of influence and impact.

In attendance were esteemed members of the AWLO Executive Council, including the Dean of the AWLO Executive Council, Mrs. Theodora Ajegwu, as well as the State Chairperson of AWLO Akwa Ibom Chapter, Madam Elizabeth Etebom, who lent solidarity and regional support to the relaunch.

The relaunch marks a new chapter for AWLO Rivers State, positioning the chapter to expand its programs, foster cross-sector collaboration, and champion initiatives that advance gender equity, leadership excellence, and community transformation.

As AWLO continues to build a formidable network of women leaders across Africa and the diaspora, the Rivers State relaunch stands as a testament to the organisation’s enduring vision: empowering women to lead with integrity, competence, and purpose.

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