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VICTOR OLAWALE ARAOLUWA AKOMOLAFE 1956 – 2023

December 4, 2024 by admin

A year ago you left us without saying goodbye.The tragedy behind your death on the 4th of December 2023 is what we can’t still believe.But Allah knows best. Daddy,your kindness,love,wisdom and kind expression of sympathy and patience to all will be forever appreciated. Your legacies lives on in our hearts,always cherish the memories of laughter, stories, and time spent together. We express our gratitude to all friends,community, groups who stood by us during and after the burial.Your prayers and support in kind,gifts is highly appreciated. You’re fondly remembered by your wife children,Sisters,brothers Uncles and all AKOMOLAFE Dynasty home and abroad. Esther Omonike Akomolafe-Wife CHILDREN OLUWASEUN ㅐOLUWADAMILOLAㅐ OLUWATOBILOBAㅐ OLUWANIFEMI

Mike Bamiloye – Baba Gbenro’s Last Words To Me Before Hospitalisation

November 15, 2024 by admin

Nigerian gospel film director Mike Bamiloye has shared an emotional tribute to the late Moses Korede Are, popularly known as “Baba Gbenro,” following the actor’s passing. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Bamiloye, the founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, revealed what would be Baba Gbenro’s last conversation with him before he was hospitalised. Recounting, Bamiloye said, “When he was being taken to the hospital and we were talking on the phone, he said: “Please, greet my friend for me. Please, Daddy, I will be well, Don’t let this discourage you from calling me on film location o.” Reflecting on Korede Are’s dedication to gospel drama, Bamiloye wrote, “Dr. Korede Are has gone home to rest. Our employer in this vineyard is Jesus Christ. He alone knows our closing time at work.” The tribute post also revealed that Korede Are was working on the set of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 before his health took a critical turn. “We were on location of Abejoye season 8, we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard. He was on the film location of Abattoir 5, we never knew he was rounding off. “The Lesson for us all is: When will the Master call you to come home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME,” Bamiloye said, reflecting on the lesson of his friend’s sudden departure. The tribute post also revealed that Korede Are was working on the set of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 before his health took a critical turn. “We were on location of Abejoye season 8, we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard. He was on the film location of Abattoir 5, we never knew he was rounding off. “The Lesson for us all is: When will the Master call you to come home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME,” Bamiloye said, reflecting on the lesson of his friend’s sudden departure. Describing the actor’s passing as a “gain for Heaven,” Bamiloye wrote, “He died here and woke up there eternally.” Korede Are, whose memorable role in Abattoir as Baba Gbenro left an enduring mark on audiences, is remembered as a deeply committed servant of God who, according to Bamiloye, has now found peace “resting from series of movie shoots and learning of many lines.” The actor’s death was announced by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, on Thursday, who shared the sad news on his verified Instagram account.

Hon Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Oyo State NUJ Chairman Over Mother’s Demise

November 6, 2024 by admin

Adeleke Maria The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general election in Oyo State, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has commiserated with the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, over the passage of his mother, Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola. Madam Aweni Wulemot Babalola died at the age of 76 years on Saturday November 2, 2024 and was buried on Sunday November 3, 2024, according to Islamic rites. Hon Segelu, the Germany-based, Ibadan-born businessman, politician and ICT consultant, in a statement he issued, expressed sadness over the sudden departure of Madam Aweni Babalola. Segelu in a copy of the message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State, extends heartfelt condolences to Comrade Ademola Babalola and other members of the family. The statement reads: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Ademola Babalola, Oyo NUJ Chiarman and other members of the family over the loss of their Matriarch Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola, May God continue to be with the rest of the family and grant Mama Aljanna Firdous. “It is my prayer that God Almighty will grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable and painful loss. “Until her death, Mama was a devoted Muslim and respected Otun Iya Adeen of Palupo Muslim Community in Ona Ara Local Government area of Oyo State, and it is my belief that you’re a good testimony of the good legacies of Mama, and I pray that God will strengthen you to be able to sustain all these legacies she left behind. “Please accept my sincere condolences.” The deceased is survived by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, Dies At 63

November 5, 2024 by admin

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, has passed away after a brief illness. The sad news was confirmed on Tuesday by the Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Olanike Adegoke. In a statement released by the judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Oba, Adegoke paid tribute to the late Chief Judge, describing him as “a respected jurist who dedicated his life to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.” “The contributions of the late CJ to the judiciary and Ekiti State as a whole are immeasurable. His legacy will be deeply missed,” Adegoke stated. Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, Ekiti East Local Government Area, Justice Adeyeye was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He was appointed Chief Judge of Ekiti State in October 2021, a role in which he served with distinction until his passing.

Renowned Nigerian Filmmaker Biyi Bandele, Commits Suicide

October 18, 2024 by admin

New revelations have emerged regarding the death of Biyi Bandele, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker and novelist, who tragically took his own life in August 2022. The news follows an announcement made by his daughter, Temi Bandele, at the time of his passing, which occurred at the age of 54. The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed initially. According to a report by The Guardian UK, Bandele’s suicide came a day after an engaging conversation with his editor, Hannah Chukwu, about his latest novel, *Yorùbá Boy Running*. Following their discussion, he sent her a revised manuscript and, the next day, took the irreversible step of ending his life. The Guardian’s report highlighted the profound loss felt by the literary and film communities, as Bandele left behind a remarkable and diverse body of work. His contributions included the film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s *Half of a Yellow Sun*, which took seven years to complete, as well as stage adaptations of renowned works such as Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart*, Aphra Behn’s *Oroonoko*, and Federico García Lorca’s *Yerma*. Additionally, he authored several novels, including the poignant *Burma Boy*, which chronicles the harrowing experiences of his father as a British soldier during World War II. Temi Bandele reflected on her father’s final project, expressing her belief that he felt fulfilled with *Yorùbá Boy Running*, sensing it would be his last literary statement. “He wanted it to be the beginning of multiple conversations that would happen when he wasn’t here,” she noted, underscoring the depth of her father’s creative vision. Biyi Bandele’s sudden passing shocked friends, family, and colleagues worldwide, who have been mourning the loss of a talented storyteller and innovator in the arts. Born in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, to parents from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Bandele pursued his passion for the arts by studying Dramatic Arts at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). His poignant storytelling abilities first garnered recognition when he won the BBC Playwriting Competition, after which he relocated to England to further his career. Before his death, Bandele directed and adapted the screenplay for *Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman*, based on Wole Soyinka’s classic drama, which was produced for EbonyLife Films and released shortly after his passing on October 28, 2022. His legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the creative communities he left behind.

OONI @ 50: Palace Unveils Programme Of Events

October 16, 2024 by admin

The Ile-Oodua Palace of The Ooni Of Ife, Ile-Ife has on Tuesday unveiled the final programme of the events celebrating and commemorating the 50th birthday anniversary of the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, The Ooni Of Ife. This second phase of the Ooni’s 50th birthday anniversary programme is contained in a statement signed by the Director of Media & Public Affairs to the Ooni, on behalf of the palace and the planning committee. According to the statement, the second phase and final activities will kickstart on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, with a charity support programme organised by the Birthday Planning Committee at the Solid Rock Orphanage Home, Ibadan Road, Ile-Ife by 1pm. Thursday, October 17th, 2024, will witness the birthday grand finale when His Imperial Majesty will be host top dignitaries including fellow traditional rulers, guests, family members and other personalities at the Ojaja Arena, Ife Grand Resort, Ile-Ife by 2pm. The birthday activities will be rounded off with a Special Jumu’ah Prayer at the Ife Central Mosque Enuwa, Ile-Ife by 1pm. on Friday, October 18, 2024 as well as a Thanksgiving Service, at the St. paul’s Anglican Church, Aiyegbaju, Ile-Ife by 10am. on Sunday, October 20, 2024. It will be recalled the 50th birthday anniversary of the Ooni had started a week ago with special traditional prayers (IWURE) offered by a league of over 30 traditional chief priests led by the Araba Agbaye and Obadio of Ife at the Ooni’s palace, this was followed by commissioning of The 2..7 kilometer road, equipped with solar-powered streetlights which Ooni Ogunwusi named after the Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi TINUBU and donated to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Also same day, a standard hostel complex OJAJA HOSTEL constructed by the Ooni was unveiled by the visiting wife of the President who was also double honoured by the Ooni with a Pavilion named Oluremi Tinubu Pavilion within the hostel complex on Thursday, October 10, 2024. There have been series of activities of the first phase of the Ooni’s 50th birthday anniversary including the Maiden Convocation ceremonies of OJAJA University, Eyenkorin, Kwara state attended by top government functionaries including Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo state, eminent academic scholars, captains of industries and top Nigerian traditional rulers including Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar of Sokoto, Emir Zulu Gambari of Ilorin, Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Laoye, Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole and a host of others where Ooni Ogunwusi as Chancellor and proprietor of the university called for a holistic review of education policies to meet up with contemporary challenges of Nigeria.

Former Nigerian GoalKeeper In Critical Condition, Seeks Financial Support

October 9, 2024 by admin

Former Nigerian national team goalkeeper, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, who is fighting for his life at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State, currently needs urgent financial assistance for transfer to Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. The 1968 Olympian and veteran sportsman, has been struggling with health issues, sparking concerns among Nigeria’s sports community. A fellow sports legend, and former Super Eagles captain, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, who disclosed via a WhatsApp message the current health situation of Fregene, expressed frustration over the lack of support for retired athletes, highlighting the need for a welfare scheme to care for their health in old age. He said that Fregene requires urgent medical attention at Oghara Teaching Hospital, Delta State but faces financial constraints. According to him; “The attached picture was taken yesterday afternoon at Obule Medical Centre in Sapele, Delta State. “It is of Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, a 1968 Olympian, and former goalkeeper who kept goal for Nigeria’s national football team across three decades, the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. I am frustrated because I am publishing this ‘horror’ picture, wishing I could do what needs to be done for a colleague without having to resort to yet another public appeal to the same few Nigerians that have, through the years, intervened in the matter of ill-health of a few retired, suffering Nigerian football heroes. “By now, we must have exhausted any remnant of ‘goodwill’ we have with Femi Otedola, Mike Adenuga, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Babatunde Fashola, Benson Ejindu, Allen Onyema, and a few other Nigerians that often came to the aid of a few lucky sports heroes several times in the past. Even if they have not complained, we are ashamed to go back to them again. Why don’t we have, or why can’t we set up, even on our own, a simple welfare scheme for active and retired athletes across all sports in the country, to take care of our declining health in old age, long after our sports careers? “Doing so does not require knowledge of rocket science. What is needed are the will, hard work, and a few good and committed people of integrity. “The danger now is that the number of retired aging sports heroes languishing in poverty, neglect, and ill health is legion already, and growing. Their stories are ugly and shameful. The evening of our lives is dark and dank (forget about the ‘packaging’ and ‘coded’ optics). “The government has demonstrated time and again that Sport is not a priority. 64 years after Independence they cannot and will not see it differently, period. “So, Peter Fregene is a reminder to us all again. As I look at him lying comatose on a hospital bed in Sapele and experiencing the suffering he must be going through, my frustration is mounting. “It appears doing something for, and beyond, Peter is a responsibility that ‘fate and metaphysical aid’ seem to have put around my neck. So, we shall see, as our people would say when they do not know what’s coming next. So, what is the situation with ‘Apo’ now? He is still waiting for help to come to be moved by ambulance to the Oghara Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State. He has been waiting since yesterday. He expressed optimism that Globacom, which had previously supported his medical needs, wouldn’t relent in coming to his aid again, saying that a friend appealed to him for assistance., Tony Ojesina, has donated funds for the ambulance.

Hon Olayinka Segelu Losses Elder Brother, Oluwadamilare

September 28, 2024 by admin

A Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Olayinka Segelu, has announced the death of his elder brother, Oluwadamilare Oladimeji. Olayinka, a Germany-based businessman and ICT consultant aspiring to occupy the governorship seat of Oyo State in 2027, in a statement said his late brother was a cherished and respected member of the family. The statement reads: “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my elder brother, the firstborn of our beloved mother. He was a cherished member of our family and leaves behind a deep void in our hearts. “As one of three men and three women born to my mother, I now stand as the only surviving brother, with both of my siblings Oluwadamilare and Olukunle having left us to join our mother and father. “This loss is particularly heartbreaking, as I dedicated myself to caring for him through many years of illness, including a leg amputation done in the hope of making him live. “Despite my efforts, the challenges he faced became insurmountable. My heart is heavy with sorrow as I reflect on the bond we shared and the memories we created. ‘I am deeply saddened by his passing and will carry his spirit with me always. RIP Oluwadamilare D-Segelu Motors.”

Oro Is Vital For Yoruba Monarchs To Exercise Authority – ICIR President

September 22, 2024 by admin

The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Mogaji Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, has declared that for any Yoruba monarch to establish territorial and social authority in their domain, the Oro deity is an essential tool. Fakayode said any Oba that fails to give the Oro adherents their due respect will lose control of his domain and become irrelevant. He said this on Saturday evening at a special lecture organized to commemorate the 2024 World Oro Festival at the Aseyin palace, Iseyin, Oyo State. Dr. Fakayode added that any Yoruba community that gives recognition to Oro has the opportunity of being in peace, because evil-minded people will desert such area. While discussing the topic of the lecture, titled: “Waning Moral Values and The Role of Tradition and Yoruba Culture,” the ICIR President opined that the prevalence of electoral crisis, contract killing, economic downturn and insecurity, reflected a society that is at the threshold of anomie and according to historical facts, the Yorubas of old used Oro to reverse the trend. “Our bad attitude towards the way of our ancestors is responsible for our current ordeal, our ancestors have invented a system to implant peace and harmony in the society. Oro festival is one of the devices that our fathers of old developed to make the land conducive for living. “Oro is a male Orisa, he is one of the Orisas who descended from the celestial realm. Therefore, Oro is an Imole, whose real name is Ita. When he was co-existing with other Orisas, he liked emphasizing the relevance of sacrifices initiations and rituals to maintain development and ward off iniquities, which made him popular and well respected among his peers. “It is important to note that Oba, the King, owns the land, he is the second in command to the Òrìṣà. This means Oba is the authority on earth, because he is the representative of the ancestors and the Òrìṣà. If the Oba is the authority, how does his authority be effective? “Here we are talking about real Obas in Yoruba land like Aseyin of Iseyin, Alaafin of Oyo, Oonirisa of Ile-Ife, Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso, we are not referring to the misfit who call himself Emir in Yorubaland, besides Ilorin on which we need to beg our ancestors to reclaim for us. “Oro has become a symbol of the King’s authority. This is why the Kings of towns where Oro is celebrated are always powerful and have strong authority. Whenever people want to render a King powerless, whenever they do not want him to have control of his domain any longer, they will campaign against Oro festival of the town. If they are successful in their evil plan, the King has lost his authority, which will reflect in prevalence of social vices and predominace of dangerous crimes and people will manifest. “Oro is a system of security and protection of the community. Those who don’t understand our tradition think it is a thing of darkness. Even nowadays, the Police, the Army and others who provide security for our communities must always keep their activities confidential.” Mogaji Fayemi called on political, religious and leaders of thought in Yorubaland to urgently seek the help of Oro and other Isese adherents to right the current wrongs that he said have become pervasive and bearing damning consequences. Present at the event were traditional Chiefs, youths organizations, Civil society members and students from public and private schools, who provided entertainment for the audience.

I Started Practicing Photojournalism Using My Android phone At NYSC Camp – Nigerian Photojournalist

September 20, 2024 by admin

By Adeleke Maria Citybuzznews in an exclusive interview with Mr Joshua Ojo,an official photographer to the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport who has been practicing photojournalism in the past 6 years Can we meet you? My name is Joshua Ojo. I’m the first of five children, a Nigerian Photographer, and a photojournalist. I currently serve as the official photographer for the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Where are you from? I’m from Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Oriire Local government to be precise. What did you study in school? I studied Urban and Regional Planning at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. When did you start photojournalism? I started my career in photojournalism professionally in the year 2019. When I finished secondary school in the year 2010, my Dad enrolled me immediately in the pre- degree program of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. Though, I actually put in for Mechanical-Engineering because I fell in love with some of the topics we did in physics and chemistry, but by the time my admission was out, I was given Urban and Regional planning. I really wanted to forfeit the admission then, but people kept reminding me about how difficult it can actually be to gain a University admission and more-so, as at the time, Lautech had to increase their school fees from forty thousand naira to around a hundred thousand naira. So, I also nursed the fear that if I didn’t study then ,I might have to pay more for school fees as I believe it will keep increasing. At that time, I didn’t really have a mind of my own, because I didn’t want to waste the efforts of my parents in getting me schooled, so I studied what was given to me because I believed it was the best choice for me. After my graduation from LAUTECH, I got mobilised by NYSC to Potiskum camp in Yobe State, that was in the year 2018. At the camp, we were advised to be serious with the development of a particular skill we were very passionate about, a skill we can build upon after the compulsory three weeks of regimental in-camp activities. This was, according to the then State NYSC Coordinator – Madam Grace Adzar, because there is no sustainable supply of white-collar jobs to accommodate the ever-increasing number of graduates in Nigeria. I went for the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) lectures, and I put in for Photography which I had been practising with my phone earlier. That was where my photography journey started. When I returned from Camp too, I enrolled for the postgraduate programme of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja at their study centre here in Ibadan, Iyaganku Area to deepen my knowledge of story-telling with my lens. Why did you choose this path? I’ve always had a passion for creativity. As a child, I was drawn to the pictures in newspapers, and I realised that I could better understand stories through images. Photography allows me to tell stories visually, which has always fascinated me. Who were your mentors in photography before you started? In Nigeria, I looked up to and followed photographers like Taibat Ajiboye, Bayo Omoboriowo, Tolani Ali, Ayo Adeagbo, and Samuel Ojo, among others. Can you describe your experience in Photojournalism and your most notable projects or assignments? My experience in photojournalism has been rewarding and full of growth. Some of my most notable projects include capturing images of road constructions, road terminals, and bridges, which have been well-received for their quality and impact. How did you get to work with the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport? When I was done with my three weeks camping at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Potiskum,Yobe State, my Uncle, RT Hon Joshua Olagunju Ojo, who was the Speaker of Oyo State,made a call to the NYSC State Coordinator to make a case for my redeployment to the Oyo State House of Assembly. Here, I eventually served at the Office of the then Director,Planning Research and Statistics who later got promoted as the Deputy Clerk of the House, Madam Yetunde Awe Oludara (now retired as a Clerk) as a graphic designer and a computer operator, which added to my growing knowledge in photography. By the time I was done with my one-year compulsory service, my uncle was done serving as the Speaker of Oyo State. At that point, I didn’t just want to go back to sit down with my parents and go about in search of a job. I was really disturbed by these thoughts that he gave me headache and sleepless nights for days. So, I approached Madam Yetunde Awe, and she really calmed me down and asked what I wanted and how I wanted to go about it. I explained all to her, and since I’d started my journey in learning more about photojournalism, she referred me to the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transport and that was how I became their official photographer. Is photojournalism a lucrative one? Yes, it is lucrative, especially for those who know their craft. While there are ups and downs,the rewards are worth the efforts. What equipment do you typically use for photojournalism? I use a Nikon Full Frame Camera D750 and a DJI Mini 2 Pro Drone. These are my personal gadgets. Can you describe an example of a challenging situation you faced while on an assignment and how you handled it One challenging situation was when some “area boys”at Sango, Ibadan, snatched my camera and demanded money to return it. I had to give them some of my transport money to get it back. This experience has taught me to assess the environment before taking out my camera. Can you describe your process for selecting and editing photographs for publication? I choose the most captivating and creative pictures that tell a story at a glance. I often set my camera to take multiple shots per second and then select the best ones during editing. How do you handle criticism or feedback on your work? As much as I get positive feedback almost all the time, I also get negative feedback. I only make … Read more