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Glamour as Ovation Editor, Michael Effiong Becomes 33rd President of Rotary Club, Ikeja South

Published

5 years ago

November 12, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The banquet hall of the Sheraton hotel, Ikeja, came alive Sunday when the cream d la cream of the society gathered to witness the installation of the Editor, Ovation International Magazine, Mr. Michael Effiong as the 33rd President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja South as well as celebrate his golden jubilee anniversary.

The two-in-one event kicked off earnestly as guests from all walks of life trooped in in their numbers for what many has described as a mother of all events and a landmark in the life of Michael Effiong.

Beaming with unquantified joy, Effiong arrived the venue in company of his delectable wife and two adorable children with close friends, family members and colleagues cheering him on.

With a call to order by Immediate Past President Yinka Adeosun, the business of the day kicked off properly just as the Doyen of Past Presidents led the procession that ushered in the President-in-waiting after which he took his place among notable dignitaries as already recognised by the master of ceremonies, Comedian Tunde Adewale, better known as Tee A.

Giving his speech, the chairman of the event and Co-Founder, Eko Hospitals, Olorogun (Dr.) Sonny Kuku, described Mr. Effiong as a personality who has given his best to his profession and has affected the lives of as many that comes his way. Dr. Kuku encouraged him to continue be his original self and live his life to supply succour to all and sundry.

The event also saw the presentation of some Rotary traditions including raffle draws and rotary songs conducted by PAG Bade Oke shortly before a welcome address by Installation Chairman, PP Azuh Arinze was presented. Azu highlighted how the committee went about the task that manifested into the magnificent installation and appreciated all who turned up.

“I welcome you all…to this auspicious and momentous occasion, and on my honour as well as that of the ‘prestige of Rotary, particularly my fellow committee members who were exceptional and spectacular, working assiduously and conscientiously to make today both grand and great…” Azuh said.

The stage was set for the lecture of the day, which was undertaken by the guest speaker and Member, Fidelity Bank Board of Directors, Otunba Seni Adetu.

Otunba Adetu, whose wedding anniversary coincided with the installation ceremony titled his lecture Winning in the Corporate world. He 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.

Adetu also highlighted that for any leadership 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 and he was gifted a fabulous cake in honour of his 29th year marriage anniversary.

The moment everyone at the gathering was waiting for finally dawned as IPP Yinka Adeosun supported by past presidents and senior officers of the Rotary Society installed Mr. Effiong as the official president for 2019/2020 period amidst applause and screams.

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. While itemising his projects, he stated that “one of these is so close to my heart, and that is about the dilapidated state of Temidire Primary School, Olambe, Ogun State’

“I will call it our school because the story of Temidire Primary School is a testament to the spirit of giving that Rotary espouses. The school was established by Rotarian Remi Bello when he was president. He donated his farmland to the community and marshaled funds to establish a school…you will agree with me ladies and gentlemen that these students deserve better,” Effiong reasoned.

His speech was punctuated with a short documentary on the dilapidated state of the institution prompting dignitaries to make donations towards its rehabilitation. Among those who committed to the project were CEO, Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, chairman, Ovation Media Group, Bashorun Dele Momodu, Chairman Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo and Olorogun Sonny Kuku.

The night of class did not end without the recognition of awardees and induction of new members. Among the awardees were Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Olajide Adediran and Engr. Olasoji Olagunju of Hurlag Technologies Limited. The newly inducted members were Dr Elisha Attai, Fatima Aduke Mohammed, Nelson Ndubuisi Collins and Casmir I. Anyanwu. There was also the induction of the Board of Directors, which was the first official function performed by the new president.

The night was further spiced with quality music and virtuals from DJ Jimmy Jatt, De Potters and Saheeto while K Square Security was on hand to keep the peace.

With a vote of thanks by Doyen of the Club, PP Oliver Ogbonna, the grand ceremony wound down to a close.

Speaking to The Boss, a highly excited Mike Effiong said he feels very humbled, noting that while he expected his friends to turn up, he never knew it was going to be this huge.

“Could you imagine, I have friends from way back coming for this occasion. There are friends from my primary and secondary schools, from the University of Lagos, Nigerian Institute of Journalism and everywhere I’ve ever identified with and beyond. Honestly, it is massive. I sincerely appreciate everyone,” he said.

The roll call of influential guests at the event include His Royal Majesty, 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; 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, Hajia Bisi Shuabu, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, Benny Obaze, Arch. Biodun Faari-Arole, Mr. Abisoye Fagade, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Pastor Femi Faseru, Gbemisola & Kunle Aluko, Former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, Dayo Adedayo, Dr Reuben Abati, Femi Awoyemi, Lanre Ogunlesi, Benny Obaze, Charles Otudor, Ayo Animashaun, Ayeni Adekunle, Wale Adebajo, Debo Ayoade, Solomon Kolade Olotu, Fela Amosun, Hakeem Anjolaiya, Richard Akinnola, Mayor Akinpelu, Prince Damola Aderemi, Ayo Aminu & UBA’s Media Officer, Ramon Nasir.

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, Mojeed Jamiu, Steve Ayorinde, Femi Akintunde- Johnson, Abib Aruna, Azuka Ogujuiba, Kemi Akinyemi, Bayo Ogori, Kunle Afolayan, Mike Dada & wife, Dupe; Oye Balogun and Israel Opayemi.

The presence of the wife of former Senate President, Mrs Toyin Saraki, was felt as she sent a recorded goodwill message to the celebrant and guests.

Headline

Tinubu Presents N47.9trn 2025 Appropriation Bill to NASS

Published

5 days ago

December 18, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presented the proposed 2025 federal budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The N47.9 trillion budget saw a whopping N3.5 trillion allocated to the education sector.

Other sectors that got higher allocations include defence and security – N4.91tn, infrastructure – N4.06tn and health – N2.4tn.

“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished joint session of the National Assembly, the 2025 Budget of the National Assembly of Nigeria titled, ‘The Restoration Budget’ security peace, building prosperity,” Tinubu said as he concluded his 30-minute presentation at 1:10pm.

This budget highlights the government’s focus on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, in line with its ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ aimed at boosting the economy and addressing key national priorities.

The live broadcast of the budget presentation today revealed the government’s plans for the next fiscal year. With a strong emphasis on human capital development, the president highlighted the budget’s commitment to improving the nation’s economic foundation.

Education sector receives major funding

A significant portion of the 2025 budget is dedicated to education, with N3.5 trillion allocated to the sector. President Tinubu stated that part of this funding would be directed toward infrastructure development, including support for Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the establishment of nine new higher educational institutions.

“We have made provision for N826.90 billion for infrastructural development in the education sector,” Tinubu said.

This allocation aims to improve educational facilities and support ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system.

Focus on human capital development

During the presentation, the president emphasized the importance of investing in Nigeria’s human capital. “Human capital development, our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are breaking record investment in education, healthcare, our social services,” he remarked.

Tinubu also pointed to the N34 billion already disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to assist over 300,000 students.

The budget includes continued investments in healthcare and social services as part of the broader goal of enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.

Strengthening the economy and national security

Tinubu highlighted that the 2025 budget is designed to build a robust economy while addressing critical sectors necessary for growth and security.

“This budget reflects the huge commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing the critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision; and secure our nation,” he said.

The budget aims to tackle key challenges and foster long-term economic stability by prioritizing infrastructure and development in key sectors.

Healthcare and social services allocations

In addition to education, Tinubu focused on the allocation for healthcare and social services. The government plans to increase investments in healthcare infrastructure and services to ensure broader access to essential healthcare for Nigerians.

These investments are part of the administration’s strategy to improve overall living conditions and enhance public health across the country.

President Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget is said to reflect the administration’s commitment to achieving its development objectives, with a focus on economic growth, human capital development, and infrastructure improvement.

As the National Assembly reviews the budget, the president reiterated his administration’s resolve to address the nation’s most pressing needs.

Source: Nairametrics

Headline

Ghana’s President-elect Mahama Visits Tinubu in Abuja

Published

6 days ago

December 17, 2024

Eric

Ghana’s President-Elect, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence, Presidential Villa, State House on Monday.

Mahama won 56 percent of the votes in this month’s presidential election, compared to the ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent.

The landslide comeback for former president Mahama ended eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, an IMF bailout and a debt default.

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I Stand by What I Said, Kemi Badenoch Replies VP Shettima

Published

2 weeks ago

December 12, 2024

Eric

The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has lashed back at Vice President Kashim Shettima over the latter’s reaction to her comments about Nigeria.

Badenoch was born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents.

Badenoch, who attained age 16 in Nigeria before departing the country for the UK where she was elected Conservative Party’s leader, described Nigeria as a nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.

However, Shettima, while speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, December 9, 2024, accused Badenoch of “denigrating her country of origin” with her remarks.

The vice-president listed influential people whose families had migrated to other countries, commending former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a “brilliant young man who never denigrated his nation of ancestry.”

Reacting on Wednesday, Badenoch lashed back at Shettima, saying she doesn’t do “PR for Nigeria”.

Her spokesperson, as the Tory leader, according to UK Express, said: “Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the Leader of the Opposition in the UK.

“She tells the truth; she tells it like it is; she isn’t going to couch her words. She stands by what she said.”