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Why I Want To Be Chairman of Kosofe LGA – Lanre Oladunjoye

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4 years ago

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Lanre Oladunjoye, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lived in Kosofe Local Government for almost all his adult life and knows the area like the back of his hand, the University of Lagos Masters Degree who currently serves as the Supervisor for Education in the LGA want to be the Chairman. He believes he has the experience and the expertise to serve with distinction of given the opportunity at the forth-coming LG Polls.

Tell us about Kosofe?

Kosofe as you know, is one of the 20 local governments in Lagos state. Although created in 1980, Kosofe was recreated and birthed on Nov 27th 1996 as an entity in line with the federal government policy for bringing local government to the people.

Kosofe is an interconnecting hub bounded by three local governments namely; Ikeja, Ikorodu and Somolu. It shares a boundary with Ogun state, on the Isheri end with a land mass of 18 square Kilometers. Kosofe Local government is under the Lagos East Senatorial District. It’s also made up of seven wards, namely, Ogudu, Ojota, Maryland, Anthony, Gbagada, Oworo 1, and Oworo 2.

What is your impression of Kosofe?

Kosofe meaning “Ko Si Ofe” Yoruba for “Nothing is free” finds its strength from its multicultural, cosmopolitan base. It is home to all. It is the road transportation gateway of Lagos connecting the hinter lands across Nigeria. Kosofe is a bustling commercial hub that never goes to sleep, from provision of agricultural products, to offering basic services, to access to retail outlets, and hospitality establishment, name it, there is always something for everyone.

The eastern part of kosofe has an extensive reach to the Lagos Lagoon by about 2km, which makes Kosofe a key stake holding entity in the Lagos state water ways master plan. The opportunities that lies here are vast and varying.

Why do you want to become Chairman?

I have always been driven by the passion to serve humanity. From my tender age I have always wondered what it would be to take responsibility and be the change agent, that man that will change the status quo in totality.

I have often asked myself, what does it really take to impact our society and bring the dividends of democracy closer to the people.? Barack Obama once said “We are the change that we seek”. What this simply means is that, if we do not put ourselves forward to serve, we might be doing ourselves and indeed our people a disservice. I have decided to put myself forward to offer service to humanity. So help me God.

What activities have you carried out in the past?

With God’s grace I am the Founder and key initiator of the Oluwaninshola Cup series, a non- profit initiative created over a decade ago using sports as a veritable tool for youth development, growth and harmony. Our major objective continues to be to strengthen communities by creating an environment for the positive engagement of youths through sports in Kosofe Local Government Council. This platform has also been a pivot for youths to start sporting careers in foreign clubs.

Over the last couple of years, I have served as a mentor to several youths in the Kosofe Local Government Council, helping them to start businesses and also nurturing them through the challenging landscape of entrepreneurship. As an advocate for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), I have been able to mobilize the interest of notable public makers and private sector partners who see sports as a vehicle to engage youths positively.

Youth engagement and employment are critical factors that plague the state and by extension any LGA, do you have specific plans for them?

My key plans towards youth engagement and opportunities would be implementing the “ISHESI” developmental action plan geared towards community engagement, growth and development particularly in the areas of women and youth’s empowerment.

Tell us about yourself?

As you well know, my name is Olanrewaju Musbau Oladunjoye popularly known as “Omo Oloore”. I am a devoted Muslim born on the 3rd of October 1981 in Epe, Lagos state. I am a Bachelor and Masters degree holder in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, currently running a doctoral degree programme in philosophy at the same university.

I am an entrepreneur, business consultant, and politician who has a deep passion in helping others to harness their inner potentials towards impacting their respective communities and also the society at large. I have a keen interest in playing and watching football, traveling, tourism, fine arts, culinary arts and loves to meet people for networking and knowledge exchange purposes. I am married to the most beautiful woman on planet earth and blessed with three lovely children.

Have you held any political position before? What was your role and impact?

Following my selfless strides towards grassroots political growth and development, I was appointed as the Supervisor of Education for Kosofe Local Government Council , a position I currently hold under the leadership of Hon. Afolabi Babatunde Sofola, the Chairman Kosofe Local Government.

Last year was terrible for Kosofe as you lost two political leaders, Senator Bayo Oshinowo (Pepper) and Hon. Tunde Braimoh, how close were you to these men?

Senator Oshinowo was not an only a political mentor to me, but he also played the role of a father to me. Hon. Tunde Braimoh was also one of my political advisor and coach. You are right Kosofe lost two political giants but luckily, those of us they left behind have been well groomed to carry the torch with pride.

How would their passing affect the political dynamics of Kosofe?

Their legacies live on as a guide in our everyday political drive, aspirations, affiliation, and associations.

I know you are a grassroots mobilizer, is this why you want a shot at the chairmanship?

My pursuit for the Chairmanship is deepened by my desire and passion towards the growth and development of Kosofe as a whole, with utmost focus on improving welfare, safety and security of the citizen’s and visitors of Kosofe. It is based on my original commitment to serve, give back to the people and impact the society.

How ready are you for the task ahead since LASEIC has fixed dates for the LG polls?

Prior to LASEIC fixing a date for the LG poll, my team and I have been putting structures and plans in place towards this with the hope of serving the people of Kosofe by grace of the Almighty God.

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James Barnor @96: Sights and Sounds of the 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit in London

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1 day ago

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June 23, 2025

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By Eric Elezuo

Friends, family members and well wishers last week gathered in Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, London, to celebrate Ghanaian born ace photographer, James Barnor, as part of activities to mark the 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit.

According to a post by the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, who participated in the 2-day intellectual fiesta comprising hearty lunch and fireside chats, noted that the “moving session is a heartfelt tribute to his extraordinary legacy, which spans over six decades of capturing the soul of African identity, fashion, culture, and Diaspora life through the lens.”

The post further stated that “Today’s chat is not only a journey through visual history but also a celebration of life, as we mark James Barnor’s 96th birthday, a testament to a life lived with purpose, vision, and enduring impact.

“The atmosphere is both reflective and celebratory, bringing together cultural leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are united in honouring a pioneer whose work continues to inspire generations. This event encapsulates the spirit of the Sankofa Summit sponsored by Svani Groups, looking back to honour, looking forward to preserve, and moving together to build.”

This is wishing a happy 96th birthday to a prolific image hunter.

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Yvonne Khamati: The Coming of a Presidential Amazon

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2 days ago

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June 22, 2025

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By Eric Elezuo

With a focused eye on the presidency of the Republic of Kenya, seasoned diplomat and thorough bred politician, Yvonne Khamati, is a force to reckon with. She is by every intent and purpose born for leadership, having started very early to mount saddles of political and diplomatic seats, dishing out first class acumen and sound ambassodorial gestures that have placed Kenya in better corners of the world map.

As the July 2027 date for the election of a new president for the Kenyan Republic draws nearer, young, seasoned and tested Yvonne Khamati, who was born in 1982, is ready to move the nation to a new level, having set standards, conquered diplomatic territories, developed new horizons, and is set for the task ahead.

Khamati was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where he started his early education, attending elementary school before joining Stretford Grammar School, in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she completed her O-Level studies in 1998. By 1999, she returned to Kenya and attended Peponi High School, for her A-Level education, which she concluded in 2001.

Setting her mind to acquiring the best of academic tutelage, she devoted the period between 2001 and 2009, among other things, for intense studying, studying at various institutions of higher education including the University of Nairobi, the United States International University Africa and the online American World University.

Consequently, she earned a Diploma in Sociology & Criminology, a Diploma in Political Science & International Relations, a Bachelor of Business Administration from San Juan de La Cruz University (Universidad San Juan de la Cruz) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Counselling Psychology.

In 2012, she returned to the classroom, and earned a Professional Graduate Diploma in Management from Cambridge Association of Managers.

Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Heroes Council, a parastatal under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, Yvonne, as close friends, colleagues and family members address her, is a full-blooded Kenyan, and was nominated to the East African Legislative Assembly as Member of Parliament by Ford Kenya Party (and the Kenya National Assembly) at the age of 21. Yvonne cut her political teeth at a very young age, which put her at a gracious advantage of thorough knowledge of thr country’s political and economic terrain.

Again, as a diplomat, she was appointed by then President Mwai Kibaki to serve as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to Ethiopia and African Union at 24. She is a typical example of catch them young, and has garnered thorough and home-based experience requisite for leadership.

She has also served in the past, as the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives and Rapporteur of the African Diplomatic Corp, in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has also worked in various missions. As at November 2018, she served as the Deputy Ambassador of Kenya at the Kenyan Embassy in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia.

Yvonne has a larger than life credential trailing her, thanks to all exploits. It is worthy of note that in 2001, at the age of just 19, she was elected to serve as the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy – Kenya (Ford Kenya) political party, a position she kept until 2006. Whe she was later nominated by the party to the East African Legislative Assembly in Arusha, the appointment bestowed on her the status of the youngest MP to be nominated to the house. From August 2003 till March 2006, she was a research fellow at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), working in the Sustainable Development and Food Policy Division. Again, from April 2003 till January 2008, she served as the Chairperson of the Youth Technical Committee for NEPAD, appointed by the then President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.In January 2008, she added diplomacy to her budding political career, when she was appointed by Kibaki, the then President of Kenya as Ambassador and DPR to Ethiopia and the African Union. She went on to became Deputy Permanent Representative of Kenya at the United Nations office in Nairobi, Kenya, working in that capacity until September 2012. In the same year, she was transferred to Kenya’s Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, as the Deputy Ambassador. She has served as Director FS in the Liaison Parliamentary and Senate Directorate at the Foreign Ministry HQ, Chairperson of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of UN HABITAT, Rapporteur of the African Diplomatic Corp and was Director FS in the Directorate of International Conferences and Events at the Foreign Ministry.

Khamati’s sterling performances over the years have drawn recognitions from.across thw length and breadth of the continent and the world at large. In December 2014, she was named one of “The 20 Youngest Power Women In Africa 2014”, by Forbes. A feat worthy of celebration.

In 2017 she was named among 100 top Africans under 40 by MIPAD (Most Influential people of African Descent).

On the side, she runs the YK Foundation which works on empowering women and the girl child in rural areas providing scholarships, sanitary towels, jigger treatment and feeding programs.

Khamati, who is married to Nigerian Oxford University trained lawyer, Laiwola Yahaya, and bless with two children; Zalika Kalani and Kazeem Yahaya, is a bundle of academic, entrepreneurial, diplomatic and leadership skills. These qualities set her apart to give Kenya the next leadership direction.

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The Life and Times of Gwogwogwongwo Crooner, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha (1930 – 2025)

Published

2 weeks ago

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June 9, 2025

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By Eric Elezuo
Legend has it that no matter how long it takes, a man’s hardwork will pay him, and so it was with traditional music maestro, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, who waited decades before he could substantially enjoy the fruits of his labour. The fruits he continued to enjoy even as death caught up with him on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the ripe age of 95.
Before his passing, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, in a viral dance video. 
Commending the legendary singer, Brain jotter, whose viral video reintroduced Ejeagha to a new generation, wrote: “39 years ago, he made magic, 39 years later, we dance to it again. Now he rests but his melody lives forever. Rest on, legend.”

This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artist to ever chart.

His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release. That was a turning point in his many decades of professional music craft.

Following his death, tributes have continued to pour in for the late highlife musician also revered as a cultural icon.

According to a News Agency of Nigeria report, his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artiste died around 8 p.m. on Friday following a prolonged illness.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.

His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).

Ejeagha was born to a father-civil servant, who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu, and at a young age, played ogene with his friends.

In 1945, he joined Coal Camp Boys, a local music group in Enugu. After completing his primary education in 1948, he continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1949, at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend, Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. He also learnt how to play guitar. Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950.

Following his performance, he was called for an audition by Atu Ona, who was the controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, and was later offered a radio program Guitar Playtime, where he performed on radio and produced musical programs. During this time, he formed Premier Dance Band.

During the Biafran War, Ejeagha disbanded his music group, but continued to perform a radio program Igbo paly on Radio Nigeria. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Prior to the war, Ejeagha had released several singles in collaboration with CT Onyekwelu, including: “The unfortunate lady” (1957), “colliery massacre” (1959), and “Ofu nwanne” (1959).

After the war, he was invited by the Nigerian Television Authority as a guest presenter for an Igbo program akuko N egwu in 1972; the program featured folksong lyrically composed by Ejeagha and his group. The program was a success and gave rise to the Igbo expression “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”.

Ejeagha plays his music with guitar and his lyrics were written in Igbo language. He has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.

In 2018, Nigerian singer Kcee visited him inorder to be permitted to use some of his songs, including: “Ome ka agu” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”. On 12 September 2022, Pulse NG reported that a documentary film about Ejeagha titled Gentleman was under production. In July 2024, his 1983 song, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter.

On September 2, 2024, Peter Mbah renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.

Ejeagha had a court case which was finalised in 2013 with his record label Premier Records, as a result of producing a music video without the label’s approval. The case was withdrawn when Enugu State Government intervened in the matter.
Ejeagha married his first wife in 1959, having three children before her death in 1963. He remarried in 1965 and had seven more children.
Leading the roll call of sympathizers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his condolences to the family, friends and admirers of legendary highlife musician and folklorist.
In a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu paid tribute to Ejeagha’s towering influence on Nigerian music and cultural heritage, describing him as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”

The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu stated.

In his tribute, a former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X: “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.

“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth, “he said.

He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.

“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.

“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.

Also, Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi, on X, expressed deep sorrow: “Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.

“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he said.

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.

“Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”

Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has since been burial in respect to his wishes.

May his soul rest in perfect peace!

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