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Ovation Editor, Michael Effiong Becomes President, Rotary Club Of Ikeja South

Published

7 years ago

July 5, 2019

Editor

Editor, Ovation International Magazine, Mr Michael Effiong James has taken office as the 33rd President, Rotary Club of Ikeja South, District 9110, Nigeria.

Past Assistant Governor/ Chief Of Staff to District Governor Rtn Anthonia Taiwo , Doyen, Rtn Oliver Ogbonna with Rtn Victor Ozomoge

Mr Kunle watches on as outgoing President,Rtn Yinka Adeosun with new President, Rtn Michael Effiong James embrace

The handing over ceremony, a cosy and lively affair, held at Adna Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos was attended by personalities such as Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu and Publisher, Encomium Magazine, Mr Kunle Bakare.

Past President, Adeniyi Otunuyi & Bashorun Dele Momodu enjoying a Rotary Song

Rtn Julius Nwokoro, Rtn Michael Effiong & wife, Mrs Oluwakemi James with Rtn Barth Ufoegbunam

In his handover speech, outgoing President, Rtn Yinka Adeosun thanked members for their support during the 2018-19 Rotary year and stated that his tenure recorded tremendous success in terms of membership growth and contribution to Rotary Foundation.

Rtn Michael James delivering his inaugural speech

He also revealed that Rotary Club of Ikeja South won Rotary Citation with Presidential Distinction from Rotary International.

Past President Azuh Arinze, Rtn Michael Effiong & District Governor Nominee, Rtn Remi Bello

Rtn Bayo Adesakin, Rtn Ibiyemi Eseyin with Rtn Akinbobola

Shortly after, he then performed the official hand over which elicited cheers from all present.

Mr Kunle Bakare, presenting his short talk

In his inaugural speech, Rtn Michael Effiong who joined the international service organisation in 2012, noted that the official installation will be held on November 10, 2019 to commemorate his 50th birthday, adding that he was humbled by the opportunity to serve humanity.

Rtn Yinka Adeosun, Rtn Olufemi Akerele, President Michael Effiong, Rtn Barth Ufoegbunam & Rtn Funmi Abe

Rtn Omolara, Segun Adebowale, GM, Ovation TV, President Michael Effiong with Rtn Barth Ufoegbunam

Pastor Adesoji Adeniran, wife Tolani & son, Imisioluwa with President

Rtn Azuh Arinze witj Rtn Anuoluwapo Oshunkeye

Rtn Bankole Shonubi

President Michael Effiong with Mr Remi Aboderin, Secretary-General, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control

Doyen, Rtn Oliver Ogbonna

Rtn James who is also Coordinating Editor, The Boss Newspaper, revealed that his projects will focus on such areas as Basic Education and Literacy, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation as well as Economic and Community Development.

Michael Effiong with younger brother, Asuquo James of TV Continental

Past President Azuh Arinze, President Michael Effiong with Past President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Rtn Ehi Braimah

Rtn Victor Ozomoge, President with Rtn Bayo Adesakin

Mr Shina Badru( far left) with other guests

Rtn Abiodun Adeloye, Rtn Barth Ufoegbunam with Rtn Kikelomo Oteri

Ovation’s Photo Editor, Adekoya Adegbite with Bianca Ugowanne, Presenter, Ovation TV

Rtn Rita Eze

Ovation Staff: Promise Osewa, Temitope Ogunleye, Anuoluwapo Openiyi & Tunde Bolarinwa

While promising to add 45 new members to turn RC Ikeja South to a mega club, he promised to introduce innovate ideas that will retain current members and improve the club’s contribution to the Polio Plus fund as well as Rotary Foundation.

PP Azuh Arinze, PP Julius Nwokoro, Mr Kunle Bakare with Presidemt Michael Effiong

Rtn Tosin Disu & Rtn Akunna Nworgu

Immediate Past President, Yinka Adeosun, President Michael Effiong, Club Secretary, Rtn Bernice Eriemeghe with club Treasurer, Rtn Omolara Omotosho

In the course of the fun-filled evening, where the District’s $1m Challenge was also launched, Mr Bakare delivered a talk on ” Grooming And The Secrets of Dressing Well”.

Past President, Rotary Club of Omole Golden, Rtn Abiodun Oshinibosi with District Governor Nominee, Rtn Remi Bello

Mr President, Rtn Funmi Abe, Rtn Abiodun Adeloye with Rtn Omolara Omotosho

Cross section of Rotarians:Rtn Abiodun Oshinibosi, Rtn Rita Eze, Rtn Akinbobola & Rtn Adeleke Yusuf

Rtn Yinka Adeosun, Rtn Durotimi Adeboye, President Michael Effiong &,Rtn Adebayo Adesakin

Rtn Kikelomo Oteri, Rtn Azuh Arinze, Rtn Joy Agbo,Rtn Yinka Adeosun, President Michael Effiong, Rtn Bernice Eriemeghe, Rtn Funmi Abe

Preident, GOCOP, Mr Dotun Oladipo & wife, Taiwo with Presilent Michael Effiong

R- l: Rtn Otunuyi, Rtn Durotimi Adeboye, Rtn Azuh Arinze with Preident & Past Assistant Governor, Adeniyi Adesanya

Guests in attendance included: Rtn. Abiodun Oshinibosi, Mr Dotun Oladipo, President, Guild Of Corporate Online Publishers Of Nigeria and wife, Taiwo, Secretary-General, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Mr Remi Aboderin, Pastor Soji Adeniran & wife, Tolani, Mrs Ayoola Ikhizama, Mr Kunle Rasheed, Mr Shina Badru, Mr Segun Adebowale, Ms Ladun Oyediran, Mrs Toyin Aiyegbusi, Mrs Bolaji Aina and TVC’s Asuquo James.

Pix by Segun Lawal for Ovation International

Featured

Supreme Court Verdict: ADC Chieftain Advises Tinubu to Kiss Aso Rock Goodbye

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2026

Eric

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has declared that it is over for the President Bola Tinubu administration following the Supreme Court ruling that restored the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the opposition party.

Eze, in a statement on Friday, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the INEC chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, asserting that they should be ashamed for acting as obstacles to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

He said: “The government led by President Bola Tinubu has tarnished the judiciary. Certain judges and courts are reportedly being systematically employed to undermine the leadership of political parties in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

“Even when all seemed lost, given the recent court rulings in political cases, particularly those involving opposition parties, Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment was a divine intervention.

“We express our gratitude to God Almighty for prompting the Supreme Court to overturn that disgraceful, distorted, and anti-democratic ruling issued by the Federal High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the misguided interpretation and decision of INEC regarding our party, the ADC.”

He stressed that the time has come for Tinubu and his alleged undemocratic associates in Aso Rock to return to Lagos.

“With Thursday’s ruling saving the ADC from destruction, it is time for Tinubu to begin drafting his handover notes and prepare for his return to Lagos State,” Eze stated.

Eze advised the ADC to concentrate on its primary function as a prominent opposition party in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as that the leadership dispute has been resolved.

He emphasized that stability at the upper levels of the party will result in improved organization, clearer communication, and enhanced participation in Nigeria’s political arena.

Notably, he asserted that the ruling will add to Nigeria’s expanding collection of case laws regarding political party governance, and urged the ADC to stay focused on its objective of reclaiming power from the APC due to poor governance.

“It highlights the judiciary’s role in interpreting party constitutions and ensuring adherence, which may affect how future conflicts are resolved,” Eze stated.

He praised the panel for upholding justice, remarking that any opposing decision regarding the ADC’s alleged leadership issue would have further entangled the Judiciary in the murky waters of arbitral corruption.

“Clearly, this ruling has set the stage for cohesion, unity, stability, and effective leadership within the ADC.

“With this issue now definitively settled, even though it should not have been justiciable ab initio, as it pertains to an internal matter of a political party, we urge all our members, stakeholders, and supporters to unite behind the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC to collectively reposition the party for greater national significance, viability, and visibility,” Eze said.

Featured

2027: We’re on Track, ADC Hails S’Court Ruling

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.

Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.

Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.

Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.

“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.

“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”

Featured

Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

The appointment followed the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service architecture, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her new appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, where she is expected to oversee the country’s foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance economic diplomacy objectives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Presidency noted that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency and stronger global engagement. It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s national interest, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs system and has held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen who has had a long career in public service and international diplomacy.

She was born on 5 August 1967 in Anambra State and studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Human Rights and International Relations from the Berg Institute, Madrid, and in Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters and later became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015, where she also represented the country at the UN World Tourism Organization. She earlier served as Ambassador to Ghana.

She was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, where she supported Nigeria’s external affairs portfolio, including diplomacy, consular engagement, and international relations strategy. She has now been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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