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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

Equity Health Group Acquires Europe Dental Ltd, to Launch Nationwide Retail Dental Clinics in Nigeria

Published

38 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

Equity Health Group Ltd has announced the acquisition of Europe Dental Ltd, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to build one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive and technology-enabled healthcare platforms.

The acquisition will enable the rollout of a nationwide network of retail dental clinics, expanding access to high-quality oral healthcare across the country.

Founded and led by Dr. Fadi Ibrahim Nadar, Europe Dental Clinic has built a strong reputation for clinical excellence, modern dental technology, and patient-centered care. Under Equity Health Group’s ownership, the Europe Dental brand will be scaled beyond its existing footprint to serve communities across Nigeria, addressing a critical gap in accessible and affordable dental services.

Speaking on the transaction, Dr. Fadi Ibrahim Nadar, CEO and Founder of Europe Dental Clinic, described the acquisition as a transformative moment for the company.

This acquisition represents a defining chapter in the journey of Europe Dental Clinic. Our founding vision was to deliver world-class dental care rooted in clinical excellence and trust.

Partnering with Equity Health Group allows us to scale that vision nationally, reaching millions of Nigerians who currently lack access to quality dental services. With Equity’s infrastructure and long-term commitment to healthcare transformation, we are positioned to set new benchmarks for affordability, accessibility, and clinical outcomes.”

The acquisition aligns with Equity Health Group’s broader ambition to create an integrated healthcare ecosystem spanning multiple levels of care. Beyond dental practices, the Group is executing a nationwide expansion plan that includes primary care clinics, specialist hospitals, eye clinics, containerised and mobile clinics, and AI-powered telemedicine platforms designed to extend care to underserved and remote communities.

Dr. Princess Ibe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Equity Health Group Ltd, emphasized the strategic importance of oral healthcare within the Group’s expansion agenda.

“The acquisition of Europe Dental Ltd is a deliberate and strategic step in building Nigeria’s most comprehensive healthcare platform. Oral health remains one of the most underserved aspects of public health, yet it is fundamental to overall wellbeing. Europe Dental brings strong clinical governance, a trusted brand, and proven expertise that align perfectly with our vision.

Our objective goes beyond individual clinics. Equity Health Group is building a scalable, technology-driven healthcare system that integrates clinics, hospitals, dental and eye care, containerised facilities, and AI-powered telemedicine. This approach enables us to deliver highquality healthcare efficiently, affordably, and at scale—across both urban and rural Nigeria.”

The integration of Europe Dental into Equity Health Group’s portfolio is expected to accelerate the development of standardized, retail-focused dental clinics, leveraging shared infrastructure, digital health tools, and centralized clinical governance. The rollout will support improved patient outcomes while contributing to Nigeria’s broader healthcare capacity and resilience.

With this acquisition, Equity Health Group reinforces its commitment to transforming
healthcare delivery in Nigeria through strategic acquisitions, innovative care models, and advanced technology, positioning the Group as a leading force in the country’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Featured

Nigeria Mourns As Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Who Sheltered Multiple Christians, Dies at 90

Published

12 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Nigerians are mourning celebrated Muslim cleric, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who is reputed for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State.

Abubakar, who held the post of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, passed away after a brief illness at the age of 92

Confirming his death, one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, said his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, 10 days after he was admitted.

Imam Abubakar, who was also a herder, left behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.

The late Islamic cleric rose to prominence following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead.

Following the announcement of his death, Nigerians from all walks of life including Christians, have risen stoutly to eulogise his life and times, crediting greatness, humanity and purposeful living to the nonagenarian.

Leading the long list of mourners, President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State just as Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have also expressed sadness over his death, describing him as a true hero of humanity.

Tinubu, in a condolence message shared on X by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the cleric as an extraordinary religious leader whose life was a powerful testament to faith, courage, and the sanctity of human life.

“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence, and conscience,” the President said.

He noted that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.

“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred, and embrace rather than rejection. His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large,” Tinubu added.

Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late Imam’s example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.

Atiku, in his message which was also shared on X, said the cleric lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity. The former vice president urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to recommit to the ideals the late cleric embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life.

On his part, Obi described the late Imam as a beacon of light, “reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.” He called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in honour of the late Islamic cleric, adding that what Imam Abubakar did was exactly the expectations of citizens from their leaders; protect life and property.

In a condolence message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.

Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”

Also expressing heartfelt sympathies, Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Yusuf Babayo, described the death of Imam Abdullahi as painful and a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah.

“It is difficult to get a leader like Imam Abdullahi. He was an elder statesman whose valuable contribution to peace in the state will be greatly missed,” Babayo said.

“He did not discriminate and treated everybody as his own, irrespective of religious differences. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled by anyone in the state.”

In his reaction on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Secretary Rev. Simon Julius, described the late Imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.

“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late Imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” Rev. Julius said. He also sympathised with the Muslim Ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter also expressed shock at his passing, while submitting to the will of Allah SWT. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, JNI described the late Imam as an exceptional leader who demonstrated compassion during a trying period for his community.

“He was credited with hiding over 200 Christians in his mosque during one of the most devastating ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State, the statement read.

“On behalf of the chairman and Emir of Wase, JNI extends its condolences to his family, Plateau State, and Nigeria. No doubt, we have lost a rare gem. Humanity will never forget his sacrifices, and history will remember him positively.”

Late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi has since been buried in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi LGA, the Jumma’at Prayer in his honour.

IMAM ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR IN BRIEF

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar was born in 1936 in Bauchi, Northern Region, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.

Imam Abubakar was the Chief Imam of Akwatti Mosque in Nghar, a community in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau State.

In 2018, there was an attack on Yelwan Gindi Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages where 80 persons were killed by suspected bandits.

The Imam was able to save the lives of 262 people, predominantly Christians from the Birom tribe, by sheltering them in his mosque as attackers roamed the villages.

In July 2019, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government, which is granted to supporters of religious freedom, together with four other religious leaders from Sudan, Iraq, Brazil, and Cyprus.

In August 2019, President Buhari authorized the inclusion of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar in the membership of the national Ulama committee and was part of an 80-man Ulama committee charged with the responsibility of educating Nigerian pilgrims in Mina during the 2019 Hajj.

Imam Abubakar received many other awards during his lifetime, including US International Religious Freedom Award (2019), Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and an Award of Excellence.

He died on January 15, 2026 after a brief illness.

Featured

Alaafin Kicks As Makinde Okays Olubadan As Chair of Oba Council

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Eric

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has faulted Governor Seyi Makinde over the announcement on the rotational chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, describing as incorrect the claim that he was consulted on the decision.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin said at no time did he meet with the governor or hold discussions with the Olubadan of Ibadanland or the Soun of Ogbomoso on the matter.

Governor Makinde, while inaugurating the reconstituted State Council of Obas and Chiefs, had announced that the chairmanship of the council would rotate among the Olubadan, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Alaafin of Oyo, with the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, emerging as the pioneer chairman under the arrangement. The governor had also said the decision was reached in consultation with the three leading traditional rulers in the State.

However, the Alaafin’s Palace countered the claim, insisting that the monarch neither met with the governor nor endorsed the rotational arrangement.

“The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state, the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso, on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs,” the statement said.

“The Palace hereby states clearly that there was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, held any meeting with either the state governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above.
“Also, the Alaafin did not tell the governor or make a categorical statement on his endorsement of rotational chairmanship among the three traditional rulers in the state.”

The Palace added that the position of the Alaafin and the entire Oyo community on the issue of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs had earlier been clearly articulated in a memorandum submitted to the governor by the Oyo Council of Elders, reflecting the long-standing historical position of Oyo on the structure and leadership of the council.
The development adds a fresh twist to the controversy surrounding the reconstitution of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs, which had generated intense public debate in recent weeks.

While the state government insists that the rotational system promotes equity, unity, and harmony among traditional institutions, critics argue that the arrangement undermines historical precedence and the traditional hierarchy in Yorubaland.

The Alaafin, regarded as one of the most influential and revered monarchs in Yorubaland, occupies a central place in Yoruba history as the head of the old Oyo Empire and a symbol of cultural and political authority.