NEWSWATCH
Celebrities
pages C6-C16
APRIL 28, 2013
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013 13
CELEBRITIES
Adeoye Bayo bayoolunla@yahoo.com
Celebrity Tinubu’s aide, Agunsoye celebrates 51st
At home with Paul ‘Play’ Dairo
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aul ‘Play’ Dairo is no doubt a household name in Nigeria’s music scene. He hit the stardom in 1999 when he released the remix of his late father’s song, Mo so rire. The young man is not only a talented musician but a very creative songwriter and producer. Why did you choose music? Well, music runs in the family and it wasn’t really farfetched for me. I started with a group called Calvary Singers (my father’s church) and from there, I formed a band with my brother and my cousin. It was an R n B group called l’agrafe. Later, I teamed up with Slam and Swave and we formed a group called The Clan. From there, I joined Oxygen. Oxygen was a group that had me, Tonero, Slam and Swave before I decided to go solo. What actually led to the break up? The future was bright for Oxygen but there was a problem along the line because we had this company from South Africa that wanted to sign us, so I think there was a breakdown of communication at the stage of negotiation with the company. The executive producer of the group didn’t like the terms of the contract and we didn’t like the fact that he turned it down. So, everybody went separate ways. It was a huge deal and we were supposed to tour so many places as a group, as well as shoot videos. But the executive producer of the group had other thoughts like he was supposed to get a bigger cut of the cake a er managing the group for four years. So, there was misunderstanding and everybody had to go different ways. You father was a Juju music maestro. Why did you choose R n B and not your dad’s genre? I didn’t choose R n B, I’ve got passion for R n B. Forget the fact that my dad was a Juju musician, my brother and I grew up listening to pop music because it’s what my brother used to buy. My brother is a music enthusiast. He used to buy pop, R n B and Soul albums and we got the house full of all sorts. So, I grew up listening to all of that than my father’s music. It is the orientation that ma ers. Although I listen to my father’s music and I love his music, I still play Highlife music and I enjoy listening to it. People still see me as a Highlife musician because I still play the style at parties and ceremonies generally. We still have a good number of people who certainly enjoy Highlife music and Juju music which I actually do as well. I did not run away from Highlife and Juju music they are it’s still part of what I do. But R n B is my passion and it’s what I really enjoy doing. Critics said that you don’t really stress yourself to write songs as your father had already taken care of that for you. For me, this is actually true because majority of your hits came from the re-make of your father’s classics. What’s your reaction? Well, I’ve been able to carve my own niche because I’ve actually released an album that is totally English and it’s full R n B. I think the album is a true example of what R n B is all about. If you’re saying R n B, you must ignore a local language or your mother tongue. I achieved that with the album and I believe I’ve been able to create a kind of revolution for myself. I’ve been made a pioneer in that regard and people actually told me that I’ve opened the door in that direction. Doing my father’s music is much fun for me. It’s something that I really enjoy and I’m not going to stop doing it. If people have said I’ve been banking on my dad’s songs; well, I’ve got an R n B album to show that hey, I’m not just about re-mixing my father’s music. I’ve got my own thing that I do as well. So, I think the critics wouldn’t have much to say there. With your dad’s fame, he must have had many women and you I know you went through a turbulent time especially as regards your health when you had a Kidney Turmoil. How did you overcome such a big challenge? It was God. If I say that this was how I handled it, I’ll be lying to you. It was just God that put me through everything. He saw me through from the beginning, to the operation down to the surgery. It got to a point I was hypertensive and was subsequently taken back to the Intensive Care Unit for like four days, but God just did it. There is no other way to explain it. I didn’t hear from anybody. I only heard from Gbenga Adeyinka and Omotola. The only musician that actually came to my house was Azadus. (Laughs) Well, there’s no hard feeling and that’s the fact. But I thank God Dr. Mike Adenuga was very much helpful, he actually took care of everything.
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otimi Williams Agunsoye, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Governmentt Affairs during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime, will be celebrating his 51st birthday today. The birthday, according to a source, will be graced by top politicians, government officials, s. businessmen as well as his friends and associates. The father of three is a grassroots politician who has paid his dues in the political circle in the country.
I Mike Aremu that Is b broke?
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ike Aremu is an award-winning musician who is recognized at home and abroad. He was bestowed with the Innovative Saxophone Composer at the TOMA Awards. S H has also won the AMEN award for Best He I Instrumental Album of the Year. Besides, he o once won the Best Gospel Music Video of the Y Year award. But reports reaching Celebrity Take Out a about the talented artiste, who has also been n nominated several times for the prestigious KORA Awards, is not so palatable, as he has been alleged to be a debtor at his Omole Estate, Lagos residence. Sources say that he’s been a perpetual debtor for some time now, as he has not been paying some required dues in the Estate. Aremu is alleged to be owing N34, 000.00k which, in the thinking of some people, he should be able to cough out without ba ing an eyelid.
K1’s daughter, Honey B, goes topless for new song
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ing of Fuji music, K1 de Ultimate, launched his daughter, Honey B, on the music scene in March, 2013, with the release of her debut single, UP Down. Musically, the young lady may have been following in her father’s footsteps, but it is strange that she has not imbued her father’s dress sense. K1 is reputed for his expensive and clean dress sense. And as a practising Muslim, he has always shunned nudity. But the light-complexioned girl seems not to appreciate this, as she strongly believes that nudity and sensuality are the pivots on which her budding career rotates. Recently, she took off her top for the cover of her first single, which is enjoying impressive airplay now.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
CELEBRITIES
TAKEOUT Mamora for Ogun State governor?
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f reports reaching us are anything to go by, then, the 2015 governorship election in Ogun State will be a serious ba le, as the stakeholders and those who call the shots in the state’s ruling party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), are ready to dump the incumbent governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for another relatively unknown candidate, Sen. Adeleke Olorunnibe Mamora. According to reports, the former senator, who hailed from Agbowa area of Ogun State, represented Lagos East Senatorial constituency between 2007 and 2011, until he was mandated to step down in 2011 for Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who is now representing the constituency at the Upper Chamber in Abuja. So, for his obedience and loyalty to the party, it appears the leadership of the party now wants to compensate him hugely. It is even being rumoured that he will be flying the party’s umbrella in 2015. However, the snag, as it is being expressed in some quarters, is that the medical doctor is not a popular candidate n in the state. Many are even doubtful of his claim to be a citizen of the state, though his home town, Agbowa, a nearby town from Ikorodu, is part of Ogun State.
Paul Adefarasin rehabilitates Area Boys
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harismatic preacher and Head Pastor of the House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, is already showing love to the urchins, otherwise known as Area Boys, across the country. Adefarasin, who opened his new church, an architectural masterpiece, last week, is said to be spending millions of naira to rehabilitate them. Within the new church complex, he has a section called Jesus Boys Church, where over 500 of the boys worship every Sunday. Celebrity Take Out gathered that during the weekly service, the boys are ministered to, fed and given expensive clothes and money. Also, they are trained in various vocations while those who wish to return to schools are helped through various tutorial lessons in preparation for their examinations.
Ganiyu Olowu, PR Consultant, donates books to mark 40th birthday
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aniyu Olowu, a Public Relations consultant and journalist, has donated 70 Mass Communication and other media-related text books to the Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, to commemorate his 40th birthday. Olowu, who turned 40 on Wednesday, April 17, said, “For me, turning 40 is not the big thing. But the lesson is for me to ask myself how far I have been useful to God and the reason for my creation. I think beyond all the rat race, it is time to be closer to God and be part of social development in Nigeria and beyond.” Olowu explained that 40 out of the 70 Mass Communication text books were symbolically donated to mark his 40th birthday, while the remaining 30 were to complement the volumes of books in the popular mass communication training centre.
Ayoola, Project Fame winner, debuts
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onths a er he won the coveted MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 5 music competition, Ayobami Ayoola Ayolola has made his debut with two singles, For You and Amin. Amin, which features Vector, is a danceable gospel song, while For You, produced by MasterKra , is R&B. Ayoola, who won the contest last October, had been widely expected to hit it big immediately. He, however, explained that he had to take his time to work on the songs so that they could meet the high expectations of his fans. Amin, one of the tracts he released a few days ago, was produced by Legendary Beats that produced Ara by Brymo; Emi Ni Baller (Chidinma); Azonto (WizKid); Koma Roll (Tillaman); Baddest Boy (EME All Stars) and Catching Cold (Tunde Ednut). Ayoola, a Biochemistry graduate of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, is expected to hit locations soon for the video of Amin, which will be directed by Clarence Peters.
Fun-lovers avoid Elegushi beach over death of UNILAG student
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he death of a University of Lagos medical student, Eniola Abiola, penultimate Friday, at the upscale Elegushi beach has changed the tide of happenings at the leisure place. Sources confirmed that the ever-busy spot appears to be speedily losing its allure. This is due to the growing fear of insecurity sparked off by the death of the 200-level student of the Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine, who was at the popular lovers’ beach for a birthday party of one of her school mates. Information revealed that Eniola was swept away by a powerful wave that knocked her down around 8.00p.m. Since the ugly incident, the beach has been tagged as ‘unsafe’. Consequently, this has led to huge loss of money for the operators of the beach.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
CELEBRITIES
Nigerian female legislators… their ante Sen. Esuene Helen Udoakaha, PDP,Akwa Ibom South
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his week, Newswatch Celebrity’s Sola Bodunrin-Sanusi concludes her chronicle of Nigerian women of valor in the Green Roof, the National Assembly, Abuja.
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his business executive turned politician had once served as a member of ECOWAS parliament and she is the Chairman, Women Affairs and commi ee member on Works in the assembly.
Hon. Folake Olunloyo Oshinowo, PDP
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he is representing Ibadan South West/ North West federal constituency. she a ended St. Annes Grammar School, Ibadan between 1981-85 and International School, Ibadan, 1985-1986. She later a ended Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, 1986-1990. She is the daughter of former governor of old Oyo State, Chief Omololu Olunloyo.
Sen. Kure Zaynab Abdulkadir, PDP, Niger South Constituency
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ure obtained a B. Sc in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1984. She worked as a civil servant in Niger State before running for senate, and rose to the position of permanent secretary. Her husband, Abdulkadir Kure was governor of Niger State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007. A er being elected, she was appointed to committees on National Planning, Capital Markets and Agriculture. She sponsored the National Grazing Reserves Establishment and Development Commission Bill, 2008 and the National Poverty Eradication Commission Bill, 2008. She contributes brilliantly to debates in plenary, and is very active and focused in commi ee works.
Sen. Margery Chibogu Chuba Okadigbo, PDP, Anambra North
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he legal practitioner turned politician is the widow of the Oyi of Oyi, former senate president, the late Chuba Okadigbo. For her, the road to the senate was not that smooth. She got back her ticket a er a long ba le at the Supreme Court in July 2012. She is the Vice Chairman Commi ee on Health.
Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim, PDP, Damaturu Gujba Gulani Tarmuwa, Yobe
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he 44-year old Khadija, was First Lady of Yobe State for eight years between 1999 to 2007. She is on her second journey in the House of Representatives having been first elected in 2007.
Hon. Maimunat U Adaji, PDP, Kwara State Baruten/ Kaima
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on. Adaji holds an NCE and is a school proprietress. She was once the vice chairperson of Kaima Local Government, Kwara State. She had her first stint at the national assembly in 20032009 when she was elected as a representative. She is a returnee. She is more concerned with women and youth empowerment.
i k OnyeHon. Nkiruka jeocha, PDP, Abia
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orn 1969, she represents Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi. She is the Chairman House Committee on Aviation. She holds a Masters Degree in International Affairs/ Diplomacy, Imo State University, Imo State and a Diploma in Social and Community Development, University of Nigeria Nsukka. This businesswoman-turned politician was once elected as the Chairman Ummunneochi Local Government of Abia State. She is a member of House Commi ee on Federal Capital Territory, House Services / Welfare, Navy, Petroleum Resources (Up Stream), Public Procurement and Women in parliament
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CELEBRITIES
ecedents, their strenghts (2) Hon. Aisha Ahmed Dahiru, PDP, Adamawa
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he represents Yola North/ Yola South and Girei local government. She is a qualified engineer with w a Higher National Diploma in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering and a Computer Certificate from University of Southampton, UK. She is a business woman before venturing into politics. She is the Chairman, House Commi ee on Constituency Outreach. She is also a member of other commi ees such as Appropriations, Land Transport, Millennium Development Goals, Petroleum Resources (Down Stream) and Public Service Ma er.
Hon. Nnenna Ijeoma Ukeje, PDP Abia State
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on. Ukeje is a second term member as she was first elected into the 6th National Assembly in 2007. She represents Bende federal constituency. She is the Chairman, House Commi ee on Foreign Affairs. She is also a member of various house commi ees.
Hon. Stella Uchenwa Obiageli Ngwu, PDP, Enugu
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he represents Igbo Etiti Federal Constituency at the House. Before she le all to tow the line of politics, she was the Chairman, Post Primary Schools Management Board in 2009-2010. She is a member of House Commi ee on FCT Area Council, Commerce, Ancillary matter, House Services/ Welfare, Petroleum Resources( Down Stream) and Women in Parliament.
Hon. Martha Bodunrin, PDP, Plateau State
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he 1952 born Martha was a teacher by profession before embracing politics. She holds a grade 2 Teachers’ Certificate and a Higher Teachers’ College Certificate (WTC) Katsina state in 1971. She represents Barkin Ladi/ Riyom Local Governments in the House of Representatives.
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Hon. Suleiman Nimota, PDP, Kwara
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on. Nimota was born in 1963 and she represents Ilorin West/ Asa Local Governments at the lower chamber. She was a teacher cum proprietress before she joined politics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education management and an NCE in Islamic Studies and Primary Education Studies. Before her election into the green roof, she had served her state in the capacity of a Commissioner for Women Affairs.
Hon. Peace Uzoamaka Nnaji, PDP, Enugu
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he represents Nkanu East/ Nkanu West Local Governments. She holds a diploma in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is the Vice Chairman, House Commi ee on Industries. She is a member of other commi ees such as Aviation, Housing and Habitat, Public Accounts among others. Before her election to the house, she has served her state in the capacity of a Commissioner for Women Affair.
Hon. Ibrahim Kaamuna Khadi, PDP, Borno
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he represents Jere Federal Constituency at the house and she is the Vice Chairman House Commi ee on Marine Transportation. Other house commi ees she is involved with include Aids Loans and Debt Management, Gas Resources, Industries, Steel and Women Affairs. Before joining PDP, Hon Khadi was a member of ANPP where she rose to become the Women leader, North East in 2003-2006.
Hon. Azodo Okwunna Eucharia, PDP, Anambra State.
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he represents Oguata Federal Constituency, she is no green horn in politics, and she was a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly where she served as the speaker, she had also served her state as State Coordinator of NAPEP. She also served her state as Chairperson, Women Affairs, member Local Government and Chie aincy Ma ers and Education Commi ee. She is a commi ee member of Appropriations, Banking and Currency, Culture and Tourism, Education and Women Affairs.
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DUBAI 2013
SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
...memoirs
e
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he Energy Group, led by Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR), held its 4th GMD Annual ConferenceDubai 2013 with the Theme: The Corporate Managers and The Burden of Crises in Turbulent Times; held at the Grand Midwest Hotel, Internent City, Dubai between April 7 and 11, 2013. Photos:Tunde Ogundeji
Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim OFR, delivering his paper during the conference.
Managing Director/CEO, NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Jegede (left) and Managing Director/CEO, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited, Mrs. Bridget Henry-Iyasere.
Executive Director, (Technical) NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Bayode Samuel (left), and the representative of the Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Abuja, Alhaji Baba Muhammed.
Managing Director/CEO, NICON Properties Limited, Barrister Olanrewaju Alonge and Managing Director, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Steve Ayorinde.
Manager, Nigeria Reinsurance Limited, Mr. Adeleke Adenusi (left) and Account Manager, NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Haliru Umar Farouk.
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DUBAI 2013
...memoirs
Bishop Dr. Jim Okewu and Rev. (Mrs) Dorcas Okewu.
Managing Director, Air Nigeria, Mr. Akeem Babatunde (left) and Chief Executive Officer, Sloane Communication, Mr. Sesan Ayeni.
L-R: Country Manager, Worldwide Fleet Consultancy, Dubai, Pastor Tolu Olubanwo, Finance and Accounts Manager, Aminat I. Baruwa and Customers Relations Manager, Abimbola Fadayomi.
L-R: People and Facility Manager, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Akinwunmi John; Business Development Manager (Academics), Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, Mr. Okeni Akintayo, and Resident Director, (Academics), of the university, Dr. Ossie A. Esiemokai.
Acting Head of Accounts, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Okocha Madukwe (left) and Sales and Distribution Manager, Mr, Oyebanji Abiodun.
Business Development Manager, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Ogundipe Olugbenga (left) and Company Secretary/General Manager, Legal, NICON Insurance, Mr. Williams Arorote.
Business Development Manager (Treasury), Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Adesina Adeboye (left) and Business Development Manager (Finance), Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, Mr. Akintemi Taiwo.
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DUBAI 2013
SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
...memoirs
L-R:Managing Partner, Topline Real Estate, Asfaq Hussain, Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim OFR, and Managing Partner, Topline Real Estate, Mr. Hanif Memon.
L-R: Group Managing Director, Energy Group, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim OFR (le ) and the representative of the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Abuja, Alhaji Baba Muhammed.
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs, NICON Insurance Limited, Mr. Ade Adesina (right) and Senior Assistant Editor, Newswatch Magazine, Mr. Dike Onwuamaeze.
Managing Director, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, delivering his paper.
Chief Executive Officer, Investcorp Capital, Mr. Adeniyi Elumoro, delivering his paper.
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DUBAI 2013
...memoirs
Business Development Officer, Accounts Department, Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Adetunji Aaron (left) and Manager, Environmental, NICON Luxury Abuja, Mr.Iroegbe Chigozie.
General Manager, NICON Hotel, Ondo, Mr. Thomas Olukorede (left), and Project Manager, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Faboyinde Babatunde.
Business Development Manager (Administration), Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe, Mr. Imoekor Steven (left), and Business Development Manager, Human Resources, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mr. Fabunmi Tolulope.
Managing Director, NICON Insurance Sao Tome, Mr. Titus Agboola, delivering his paper.
Business Development Manager, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mr. Segun Dosunmu (left) and Business Development Manager, Administration and Human Resources, Daily Newswatch, Mrs. Bukola Adewunmi.
Deputy General Manager, NICON Hotel, Victoria City Garden (VGC) Lagos, Bukola Sodipo (left) and Head, Corporate Banking, Energy Bank Sao Tome, Mr. Maizio Santos.
General Manager, NICON Hotel Victoria City Garden (VGC) Lagos, Seun Olatunji (left) and Business Development Manager, Marketing, Global Fleet Oil and Gas, Mr. Akiyode Olayinka.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
DUBAI 2013
...memoirs
Executive Director, Energy Bank Ghana, Ophelia Attobrah (left) and General Counsel, Daily Newswatch Newspapers, Ibilola Adefope.
Managing Director, Global Fleet Industries, Mrs. Abosede Jinadu (left) and Managing Director/CEO, NICON Luxury, Abuja, Mr. Gabriel Abiodun Olagbemi.
A resource person, Prof. Amos A. Idowu.
Resource Person, Prof. Taiwo Rufus Ajayi, delivering his papers.
Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim flanked by Head of Graphics, Daily Newswatch Newspapers, Mr. Olukayode Ogunjobi (left) and Head , International Business, Mr. Kirk Leigh.
Head , International Business, Daily Newswatch Newspapers, Mr. Kirk Leigh (left), and Head, Technical, NICON Insurance, Mr. Umajari Audu.
Senior Manager, Strategic Development, National Mirror Newspapers, Mr. Gani Kayode Balogun (left) and Regional Manager (South West), NICON Insurance, Mr. Sunny Beyioku.
Branch Manager, Energy Bank Ghana, Anita M. Affu (left) and Human Resources and Administration Manager, Naa Dedei Adjei.
Conference Chairman/Editor, Sunday Mirror, Mr. Bolaji Tunji (left) and Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Nigeria Re-Insurance, Mrs. Elizabeth Esiemokhai.
Front Office Manager, NICON Hotels, Victoria Garden City (VGC) Lagos, Mr. Femi Afanisolu (left), and Secretary to the MD/EIC, Daily Newswatch Newspapers, Mrs. Bola Fatoba.
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DUBAI 2013
...memoirs
L-R: Mr. Pires Dos Santos, of Nicon Insurance, Sao Tome, Graca Baia of Nicon Insurance Sao Tome and Gudalupe Dias of Energy Bank, Sao Tome.
L-R: Antonio Aragao of Nicon Insurance, Sao Tome; Waridunzia Trindade of Energy Bank, Sao Tome and her counterpart, Jose Rita.
Head, Special Risks, Nigeria Re-Insurance Limited, Eunice Ahagbuye (left) and Head International Relations, Amakun Nzewi.
Head, Personnel Department, Newswatch Magazine, Bose Fadayomi (left) and General Manager, Nicon Insurance, Mr. Akinsola Ale.
Regional General Manager, South East, NICON Insurance, Ogbuagu Edith (left) and Manager, Marketing, Mrs. Ahmed Adesola.
A cross section of participants
Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim with some participants
Participants on tour
On tour
Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim with some Newswatch Newspapers staff
SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
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DUBAI 2013
GMD Conference –
Dubai 2013:What participants think
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he corporate manager has got the onerous challenge of dealing with crises. What are the tools required to navigate the crises and face up with the brutal facts? These were the questions bordering the minds of corporate titans in the Energy Group as they headed for Dubai between April 7 and 11th 2013 to find answers in the 4th GMD Annual Conference. Now back from the retreat, participants agree that the Conference theme, ‘Corporate Managers and the Burden of Crises in Turbulent Times’ was apt as they look forward to applying the lessons gleaned from the confab. Here is what some of them think of the programme:
Comments, comments, comments Funso Jalaiya MD/CEO, Energy Bank Sao Tome and Principe
Agboola Pius CEO, NICON SEGUROS Sao Tome and Principe Life is an adventure. Barrister Jimoh has turned training and human capital development into an adventure. Not only that he was personally involved but he gave opportunity to the other managers to make their contributions. Hence, the conference was a mini-Harvard Business School. I bet you, nobody can take this away from Barrister Jimoh, he is simply an expert in transferring knowledge. The conference was good, relevant, well planned, well packaged and bridged knowledge gap. Though the financial outlay was huge, but the potential impact would out weight the expenses. The group will surely do be er if some salient ideas and principles learnt at the conference are put into practice by the officers of the group from below to the top. I simply called the conference A BRAINBRIDGE CONFERENCE. It was a great privilege for me to have been a participant, a facilitator and for given the Sao Tomeans working in the group the opportunity to participate in the conference/knowing Dubai. On choice of Dubai There is no doubt that the environment was unique and very suitable for such a conference. To me, the modern and state of the earth facilities/structures are not the issue but the short period (approximately 10 years) it took them to put those things together. The knowledge learnt is that with good leaders, strong systems, knowledge power (good plan) and commitment, wonders and miracles can be made. Using one of the message of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim at the conference and I quote; “Grace is given by God but knowledge is bought from the market”; DUBAI is a good market to buy knowledge.
Emmanuel Jegede MD/CEO, NICON Insurance The Conference was highly successful. Seeing the challenges Corporations and nations face daily as a result of the global economic crises of 2008, the conference could not have come at a be er time. As CEO, I have acquired more knowledge in using the instruments of research and development, customer loyalty, effective communication, balanced scorecard, e.t.c. to navigate turbulent times. We are also prepared and empowered to identify potential opportunities in turbulent times. As you are aware, knowledge is power.
I commend the effort of our GMD, Dr.Jimoh Ibrahim, OFR for this conference, which brought together managers from all subsidiaries of the group. We have been equipped to know that business and its environment are ever changing and susceptible to turbulence. Being out of one does not guarantee immunity to other future turbulence/ crisis .As corporate surgeons; we are now in position to know early enough symptoms of crisis and deal with them before they get out of hand and eventually consume corporations. Also, we were thought how to deal with crisis if they ultimately manifest, via various navigational tools and by extension, managing post crisis era. On choice of Dubai The choice of Dubai is good and appropriate judging from the fact that it is one of the fastest growing cities in the word. The people are warm, and the city evidently boasts of modern infrastructures which made all aspects of the conference close to perfection. Above all, the security is worthy of commendation and so much shopping to do a er the conference.
On choice of Dubai The environmental serenity together with political friendliness makes Dubai irresistible for international conferences of this nature. The Government of UAE showcases in Dubai the practice of visionary leadership, resolute courage and self belief. If a mere desert like Dubai could be turned into an undeniable seat of order, wealth and tourism in a space of 15years, you will agree with me that it should be a destination of choice for new learning.
Dr. Ossie A. Esiemokai
Resident Director- Academics, The Premier University of Sao Tome and Principe I have been in the organisation now for nine years and this is about the fourth in the GMD Conference series; the first one was in Abuja, the second one was held in Akure in Ondo State, the third was held in Sao Tome and Principe and I was one of the hosts and now this fourth one in Dubai. Besides these, there have been the Leadership Conference that took place in London; so its long in the series of such management workshop over the period and I would say that its actually these workshops, retreats the most important point in the rapid growth of this corporation. It started as Global Fleet Oil and Gas in 2003 when it was incorporated and with the launch of its first programme of acquiring filling stations and growing them till today when it has become an international conglomerate with offices in New York, London, Lagos, Sao tome and Principe, Ghana and Dubai and expectedly, the near future in Asia and other parts of North America. So the growth has been because of the development of intellectual capacity within the organisation. These are life changing programmes, very expensive and a major sacrifice by the Group Chairman to fund these important conferences. And the reward to the company is in the quality of the people, the intellectual capacity of the leadership, the Chief Executive Officers, the General Managers and the Business development managers is immeasurable in terms of the capacity development given to our nation. Because i have seen some of the staff that have been with the organisation all those years; how their personalities have grown, their intellectual capacities have developed beyond measure and even their capabilities and efficiency have been tremendously enhanced.
Ibilola Adefope General Counsel, Daily Newswatch Newspapers The GMD Annual Conference was a platform to think through strategies to further re-position the Energy Group for competitiveness on a global scale. The indepth presentation of the US Hertz Case Study enlightened delegates on current employment law issues. On choice of Dubai The Dubai venue was refreshing, a developing country that has achieved so much. The experience can only energise delegates to return to their various countries to strive for excellence in our various individual tasks for the greater good of our countries.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
MD/CEO, Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation The Conference and its theme – The “Corporate Managers and the burden of crisis in turbulent times” is quite apt considering the current global happenings – terrorist a acks, war, flood, earth tremors, etc., and their resultant impact on different countries and companies. One of the lessons learnt from the Conference is that even in the midst of crisis, there are opportunities: The successful manager is the one who can recognize the opportunity presented and make the most of it. One of the benefits I derived from the Conference apart from the knowledge gained, was the opportunity to meet and interact with colleagues from Subsidiary Companies not only from Nigeria but from other countries (Ghana, Sao Tome and Dubai).
Akeem Babatunde MD/CEO, Air Nigeria The Conference was really an eye opener in many respects. One major benefit is that it reminds you again of the need to be calm even when you are faced with a crisis situation. The choice of Dubai was quite good because it is a very serene environment and thus everybody had full concentration.
On choice of Dubai The choice of Dubai was excellent because apart from being a serene and relatively peaceful country, it was only appropriate to hold the Conference there were some major investments of the Energy Group are currently taking place.
Tolu Olubanwo Country Manager Energy Group, Dubai The conference and the issue raised to be addressed couldn’t have come at a time be er than this period. Many corporations are facing so many challenges inflicted either by the operators who are the managers of such corporations or by external factors beyond the control of the managers. These and many more challenges lead to change which naturally is resisted by corporate managers, thus brewing crisis in corporate environment. This is what the conference tried to find solution to on how to navigate out of crises-the out of radar approach. One major thing I benefited in the conference is that effective communication is one of the panacea to get out of crisis during turbulent time in corporate environment. Once there is effective and efficient communication from top to the last a stratum in the corporate environment, there is the likelihood that the effect of crisis will be minimal and corporate Managers were advised to make effective communication there watchword. On choice of Dubai The choice of Dubai is unique in every sense by the GMD in that you have about 200 corporate managers who visited a country where things seem to be working, infrastructures were in place, good road network clean environment etc. These are corporate managers who will in turn be the leaders of the country tomorrow and with the experienced garnered here, it will be shown to all that we can do it, we can make Nigeria work like Dubai UAE
Olukayode Ogunjobi Head Graphics, Daily Newswatch Newspapers Limited. The conference has come and gone; it was huge a success. Looking at the crises corporations and countries have been experiencing daily as a result of the 2009 recession, the conference was organised at a time the global economy is going into another recession, come 2014, when all mortgages are due for payment, so it came timely. As a manager, I have gained so much knowledge to say NO to recession and turbulence in the years ahead, relying on the knowledge of research and development, customer loyalty and effective communication to get away from all these problems whenever they rear their ugly heads. On choice of Dubai Dubai is blessed with a lot of economic opportunities. If within a spate of 30 years, a place known as a desert has been transformed into a mega city of such, to me, there is no be er place than Dubai for the conference. If you ask me where I would like to have the next conference, I will say Dubai.
Ophelia AĴobrah Executive Director, Energy Bank, Ghana The Conference was very well organized, and the Theme (“The Corporate Managers and the Burden of Crisis in Turbulent Times”) discussed was very appropriate given the current economic climate we face in the global world. The structure and topics discussed were hugely beneficial and I strongly believe it will set the pace for the Energy Bank (of which I am a staff ) and the Energy group as a whole for success. The key learning point was that change is constant, and we need to constantly assess our environment (business, political and social) to identify opportunities. Think out of the box to ensure we create the future to successfully achieve the vision of our various organizations. On choice of Dubai Dubai is great! The weather is lovely, infrastructure is more than adequate. The development of the country in such a short time is enviable. The UAE (Dubai) achieved their success, by coming out with a clear vision to make the State into a haven for Tourists. She (Dubai) has strategized to meet the needs of people from different cultures from all over the world. The leaders of UAE used a governing council made up of members (Professionals and Captains of industry) from all over the world to ensure the right strategies are put in place to achieve the vision for the country. I must say they have done a great job.
Comments, comments, comments
Isioma Chukwuma
Dubai 2013: What participants think
DUBAI 2013
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
DUBAI 2013
Welcome to the top attractions of Dubai
T
he desert city of Dubai is arguably one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai and the prime minister of UAE, is eyeing the fame of making Dubai among the top tourist destination in the world. Dubai is expected to a ract 15 million tourists from all around the world in 2015. Euromonitor released a ranking of the world’s 150 most visited cities by international tourists in 2009; Dubai ranked 7th, hosting a record 10 million visitors in 2012,, an increase of 9.3 % from the p previous y year.
According to Wikipedia, Dubai ranks number one for luxury homes in the world. According to tiptoptens.com, Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula. It has the largest population with the second largest land territory by area of all the emirates, a er Abu Dhabi. In the country’s legislature, only Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the veto power over the critical nal importance. The primary activity of ma ers of national opping pp but there are also other modern the tourists is shopping
The Dubai Autodrome is a moto r sports facility and constitutes a part of the Union Properties Motorcity deve lopment. It was first launched in 2004 and hosted the final round of the FIA GT Championship. The site inclu des an FIA sanctioned 5.39km circuit, a Race and Driving school and a CIK Carting track.
In the Dubai Desert Safari, one must use an off-road vehicle toset out for an exciting journey into the sand dunes. This is really a thrilling activ ity that requires relevant driving skills and experience to handle the car on the sand. The desert safari is wort h your try when in Dubai.
This is another set of man-made islan ds, so large that they can be seen from space with the naked eye. These islan ds are built in the shape of palm trees and there are houses on them to live in. It is splendour to behold.
and ancient a ractions in Dubai which are a tempting factor for the tourists to visit this place. Sunday Newswatch is proud to take you on a tour of what many would consider the top tourist destinations in Dubai. The following are, however, not numbered in any order of a ractiveness because everybody has his own taste about tourism.
joy the You can en the 828 meters. a also has suring over lif ea ha m K g, rj in Bu ild in the sky. is building. ’s tallest bu up th ld ) or of 0 w 50 th e ith 35 h 13 ni th (1 ( s er e a is the ze Burj Khalif r at 442 met ubai from e 122nd floo scenes of D tuated on th spectacular si nt ra au st st re world’s talle
construction in the world. Its Dubai and rst 7-star hotel fi of l d bo an t m sy les c tal ni the ico e looking at is 1999. It is the ar in u i ic yo y bl re pu e gu fi th The ed to and was open wed out sail. el with a billo started in 1994 abian Sea vess Ar an es bl m it rese
1200 and includes d on total area ,00000 (79,0 00 sq (79 ’s largest, base 0,0 rld 85 wo e e th th s; is ler tai d to haute hopping mall e sh k with 220 re dicated Souk de ld s re Go sto st This grandios ge 70 lar ith n e the world’s d (Avenue), w Oasis Fountai shops. In it ar ; Fashion Islan rtment store; twalk atrium Lafaye e depa s rie lle Ga m2) Fashion Ca s first Middle East’ couture; the rium. Waterfront At d an ll; rfa ate W
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DUBAI 2013
Dubai at night Dubai, in the opinion of many who have had the experience, has an excellent nightlife scene (except for Mondays, which tend to be pre調y dead) with a large choice of bars and nightclubs for visitors to be able to enjoy whilst there. A visitor to Dubai, li調le to do with his place of origin, can make this city home away from home, with its nightlife having a salient impact. A proper guide to Dubai nightlife can make that dream come true. As with any other place, according to ASIATravelTips. com, though, Dubai has numerous laws regarding clubs; they all must close at 3 am, you must be 21 to drink alcohol, 25 to enter a nightclub, and interestingly they are not allowed by law to refuse entrance to anyone, including members-only clubs. We invite you to have a fantasy of some of the night clubs and bars that give life to Dubai nightlife:
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, APRIL 28, 2013
Travelogue
DUBAI 2013
Dubai: Seeing a town of paradoxes Kirk Leigh
I
had been warned about the sweltering Dubai heat and lectured on how the desert country had been transformed into a phalanx of high-rise buildings. So my first inkling was to remove my jacket as soon as we got off the Emirates 777 airplane that landed my colleagues from the Energy Group and I safely at the Dubai International Airport. But the sweet air ferried by the airconditioned hyper airport cum tourist delight gently flailed on my senses, suppressing the idea of removing my covering of wool. Led by other passengers that seem more sure footed, we embarked a luxury box of an elevator which whisked 20 or so of us up another level. It was a short but pleasant ride, enough time for one of us to pronounce the need to do something about our leaders when we get back home. As we discuss the need for change when we return, we were struck at the forlorn looks by the immigration officials who wouldn’t return a greeting or a friendly smile. One was hostile to one of us for a reason we couldn’t tell as she could not speak English. ‘She couldn’t speak English!’ the thought hit us and it was hard; for a country that boasts of hosting over 10 million tourists in a year and which nurses ambitions of becoming a truly international hub. That to us was unacceptable. Sadly enough, this theme was to play itself over and over again. For instance, I needed to ease myself and I asked one of the airport officials, “Please I need to use the gents, where can I find them?” He shook his head to let me know he doesn’t know what I was talking about. I tried another and then another official who responded in the negative. Then in a last ditch effort, I practically accosted another, this time I had to follow my enquiry with elaborate gestures. He looked at me, bemused, he said, “Oh the toilet!” and pointed. On coming out of the airport to waiting buses, I was thankful I didn’t take off my jacket; Dubai was cold! It didn’t fit the mould I had come to expect. Someone promptly explained that it had rained heavily earlier in the day and the cold was only a residue of the inclement weather we missed while airborne. It was then that I recalled that at a point, the monitors on board our emirate airline flight indicated rains in Dubai. While remarking on the cold, someone pointed at the huge wall of a rock which engulfed the area and which spewed water akin to a spring. We were going to compare it to the falls at Ikogosi in Osun State when someone else cautioned that it was ‘artificial’. ‘Artificial?’ some of the more curious among us interposed. Indeed it was and so were several other landmarks, we were to learn later. The waiting buses now in motion and now housing us glided along to emerge at a flood of highways and ultra huge buildings, which made nonsense of my ability to multitask. It was difficult deciding which way to look and which to ignore. Ten lane highways and bridges raced past us in the opposite direction. But in the moment of deciding what to register,
my love for the culinary was betrayed as I caught, in 3D, the Emirate’s Catering building which stood tall on the right side; a sight which brought back, in a flush, the delicious meals served on board by the crew. Then I noticed a car covered in dust racing alongside us; it was about the fi h I had spo ed on that day. Then there were more and yet more so I was forced to ask what that meant. A er I had assured myself that it wasn’t the season for the Dubai desert Safari, which involves racing into the sand dunes. Someone answered with a shrug that the cars got their blankets of dust from the wind which preceded the rains and they haven’t got time to wash them off since their owners were just on their ways home. Look! That is a driverless train, someone pointed to our le , above us. We regarded it with some kind of awe and imagined the fate of a driverless train in a place like Lagos where power is an issue. We quickly dispelled the negative thought as it was time to get off the bus. We had arrived at our hotel, a superb place to be put. Grand Mid-Western Hotel, a 21 storey hotel apartment with all the comforts one can possibly conjure and where our gruelling lectures seemed like a walk in the park owing to the cheer luxury of the conference rooms and the delightful cuisine, hosted us for the next five days. But what really got me impressed about the hotel are the well trained staff who would smile at you and ask you if they can do anything to help. They manage to speak some English even if it’s Broken English. Ram was my staff of the week as he was always there to give me a hand whenever I needed it. I can just see him now in my mind, animated and delightful in his prim uniform. If ever I return to that hotel, it would be because of him. Our lectures lasted four days, and in those days I hadn’t the pleasure of seeing the city so with a colleague I set out to see what Dubai was all about; our destination was Dera Park. We had heard a lot about the place; that it is peopled by Nigerians who come to do business. Some even describe the place as a
mini Ibadan. That was the description that got us excited. We set out from the hotel in to the HEAT of Dubai that we had expected on our arrival. We make a joke about what might happen to us should we a empt crossing the ten lane super busy highway in front of us. We were wiser though and decided to take the overhead bridge, which we ascended via an elevator to the first floor even as we notice that it can also be accessed via a stairs. Once on the bridge, we felt the cold from the air conditioners before we realised that we were in a train station. Once again these elicited talks about what the light rail planned for Lagos might achieve and how outdated it has become even before it is completed. We saunter our way to one of the outlets where we exchanged our dollars for Dirams, the local currency, which at that time was going for 3.36 to the dollar. We joined a queue where we got tickets to our destination. We were instructed, upon enquiry, that we have to catch two trains to Deira Park-the Green and the Red line. The Dubai metro is probably the best way to take a tour of the city if you have a guide; it was a ride that seems to have the whole of Dubai rush towards us from the spectacular buildings of the Business Bay to the irresistible Mall Emirates. C u r i o s i t y nudged us towards where the ‘driver’ was supposed to be on a normal train; and there, we confirmed that indeed there was no driver. So we positioned ourselves in place of the ‘driver’ and took pictures. The trip cost us 16 Diram a piece both ways only for us to learn later that with 20 Dirams we would have go en a ticket to last us the whole day. Our journey in the Driverless train began at the Internet City where we
Look! That is a driverless train, someone pointed to our left, above us. We regarded it with some kind of awe and imagined the fate of a driverless train in a place like Lagos where power is an issue
lodged and terminated at Baniyas Square Metro Station where we hooked up with Akim, a resident and a Nigerian who had volunteered to help us with our shopping. Our first observation was that the market was nothing like Ibadan; it was clean, it was organised, it was welcoming. We entered shops a er shop, enjoying the haggling that was absent in the supermarkets we had visited on the night of our arrival when we needed ba eries for our cameras. Akeem was a master in dealing with the Indian traders who make up the majority of the traders. Akeem could get the guys to slash in more than half, the original price called out by the traders. Once again, the English spoken here is dreadful; the only word the guys seem to have mastered is the word ‘take’. You find them going, “hundred Diram. Take!” and your typical response would be, “no Eighty Dirams”, a er which he would go, “90 Dirams take!” And the haggling is on. As we enjoyed the haggling with the ever smiling Indians, we entered a shop where we met yet more Indians who recognised, instantly, that we were Nigerians and showed us some Nigerian currencies posted on their wall. There were a few Five hundred and two hundred naira notes perforated. The Indians at this shop were so familiar with Nigerians that they begged us not to ‘call Boko Haram for them’ if the haggling doesn’t favour us. Just as we were expressing surprise at his knowledge of Boko Haram, he said we should pay him, ‘Kia-Kia’. We had a good laugh not only because of his comic statements but also because he prides himself as having swag. Just when we thought we had seen and heard enough, an a entive shop keeper went stealthily to his music box and played Iyanyan’s Kokere. We were dub struck as we were fascinated. We obliged with a few dance steps whih he joined by mimicking the kokere dance movements. What a night! We felt we had to stay back but it was already 2.am, we had spent more than 10 hours in this part of town, besides ourlights were billed for 2pm in the a ernoon. Reluctantly, we le for our hotel. On the flight back home, I looked back at Deira and wished to come someday to my Indian friends but am almost discouraged by the airport staff who once again embarrassed one of our own just before boarding.