...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
UT H
& RE A S O
L A I C E P S tion edi
N
SUNDAY, March 3, 2013
TR
Ibikunle AMOSUN
bill clinton nduka obaigbena
e h t t a z t i l G th Annual 18 AY Awards D S I TH
Our 18th THISDAY Awards have come and gone but I must admit this particular one left behind a lingering memory because it brought attention to some of our unsung heroesteachers! As we all know, the making of greatness is in the strength of its genesis. Many of us cannot underestimate the value of good sound education because it is this knowledge that arms us with enough ammunition to face the future and its challenges. Education is key to the growth of any nation and for that, it should never be compromised. The best gift any parent or guardian can give a child is this armour. Our guest speaker, the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, reiterated this in his speech emphasising that strengthening the economic power of its citizens will be made possible via education, ultimately moving the nation forward. He advised on various ways to increase Nigeria's earning power and also how to look inward and invest in our various talents, maximise on our produce, embrace the new wave of technology thereby making existence here more rewarding for us and our youths of tomorrow. Being the charmer that he is, he fondly recollected the impact some of his own teachers had on him citing one in particular who, though not very attractive, woke up every morning, looked into his mirror and told him reflection that he was beautiful! This attitude, Clinton said, extended to his teacher’s positive outlook in life, which in return, impacted on the students he taught. Now, for a former President of the United States, once one of the most powerful men in the world to still recollect such an individual, just goes to show what strong impact teachers have made in the lives of the students that have passed through them. So acknowledging their roles and rewarding them for it and also encouraging those that still play these roles is a very moving gesture. Also touching was the unbridled pleasure of these recipients especially as the award came in form of a cash gift of N2M. Now, no price can be put on the value they have
added to the lives of millions but knowing they can use this gift to touch even more lives makes it most poignant. Another thrill of the evening were the speeches given by the Lifetime Achievement awardees, all of whom are the pillars of society and iconic figures the younger generation look up to because of their inspirational stories and climb to success. The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was the perfect host and he left no stone unturned to ensure his guests were given the utmost attention. All in all, the event was well attended by the private sector of well meaning individuals, highly respected in their various fields. It began at 11am sharp and was over by 3pm after which sumptuous lunch was served and a few lucky ones got to meet President Clinton and take pictures with him. I believe this process has opened doors and created platforms for more unsung heroes to be celebrated in future. We look forward to the 19th THISDAY Awards!
Style Team EDITOR
RUTH OSIME
STYLE CORRESPONDENT
FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
STYLE CORRESPONDENT
KONYE NWABOGOR
STYLE CORRESPONDENT
MOJI DANIEL-ALLEN
STYLE CORRESPONDENT
AYODEJI ROTINWA
GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION
ALEX OVIAZEE
ART DIRECTOR
OCHI OGBUAKU II
HEAD, PRINTING PROD.
OBI AZURU
Contributors RUKAYAT MOMODU EDIRIN OKUMAGBA FOLARIN ODUBEKO
Photographers ABIODUN AJALA KUNLE OGUNFUYI MUBO PETERS AKINWUNMI IBRAHIM
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
The 18th Annual THISDAY Awards Honouring Mind Moulders, Lifetime of Meritorious Service to Humanity
Fola Adeola
Oby Ezekwesili
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B y
A y o d e j i
he town of Abeokuta, Ogun State, was stirred, 26th February 2013, when a legion of Nigeria’s aristocracy, occupants of the corridors of power, captains of industry; Ogun State’s highly revered sons and daughters, of whom she is most proud; the odd celebrity and two former presidents, President Bill Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, two-term President of Nigeria, came together to celebrate the occasion of the 18th edition of the prestigious and highly acclaimed THISDAY Awards. The event was hosted by the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, honouring the country’s finest teachers and lifetime achievers. The venue was the hallowed chambers of June 12 Cultural Centre, an impressive monument to the now storied date, indelibly etched in Nigeria’s history and unrecognized electoral triumph of Ogun State’s greatest export and shining star, even in death, M.K.O. Abiola. The ceremony kicked off with Publisher/ Chairman, THISDAY Newspapers, Nduka Obaigbena, making opening remarks in which he saluted Ogun State, for being the home of journalism (Nigeria’s first newspaper, Iwe Iroyin originated from there) and the cradle of education in the country. These he said, were the impetus to arriving at the choice of Abeokuta as the host city for this year’s edition of the awards (after having considered other cities such as Port Harcourt and Asaba) as the nation’s best teachers were being honoured. He also gave special
R o t i n w a
mention to the work of Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo who owns a Presidential Library headquartered in Abeokuta, the first of its kind in the country. Mr. Obaigbena then touched on the issue of security and challenges we face and the need for us to work collectively. Closing his speech, he then introduced to the stage, for the ceremony’s keynote speech, President Bill Clinton.
The Awardee Panel
The panel heads who oversaw the nomination/ selection of the recipients of the Nigeria’s Best Teacher Awards were former Vice President of World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili and Fola Adeola, former C.E.O., Guaranty Trust Bank. They intimated all present as to how they went about the process. Readers of THISDAY Newspapers were asked to nominate teachers worthy of the award. These nominations were then reviewed exhaustively by the panel which whittled the number from thousands, down to 750 and then 100. These 100 names were then returned to a reader panel, online, for final selection, out of which 15 were picked for the award. Both panel heads stressed that each teacher was eligible for the award by virtue of being one and that every teacher did deserve an award but to find the most outstanding the criteria was simple- how has the teacher impacted the student’s learning outcome? It was via this yardstick and overwhelming feedback expressing the same point, that the final 15 recipients were selected.
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
n o i t a c u d E n O , n o t n i l C l l i B t n e d Presi e lved into th , e d e h , y tr n cou ople d about the essed that we, as a pe by o o g is tr universal hand. He s income and prosperity l t le a b e a u il s a is v a er wil e our mak e g s, only increas rance. ‘’Economic pow y of f we could ithout divisive feelin n a c w unit igno education y ’s empowering ducing our o maximise the opport hnology re a t d wh f tec to seize to the world ’s brightes go to those this age, ignorance o He , y g n lo -i techno an procure. logical ducation’. c e it s , .” ie s it d a n rd e u o no port days lie ah did not at all mince w dand the op resent to key into tech a time e n lk to ta p n in li tll enjoined a nt stating that we live ted, one President C ch on the world’s mos nd e a ca e e e p g s a empowerm can be sufficiently edu ted that basing his event- the ucation. d e s s u c o is e n -d d where if on . Continuing, he also about, hotly t of technology- and e DAY e IS n will overcom advanceme his appreciation of TH g what n g First showin s mandate of celebrati it d n Awards a
‘’I
tical ral and poli u lt u c e g d ri ill also b Nigeria. education w er quite particular to is. His att th divides, a m a sterling example of olds a ,h ve He then ga linton Global Initiative Hult y C , b n d foundatio r sponsore s are set a e y ry e v e n competitio ol in which universitie ideas, ho us c S Business with ingenio edition p u g in m o the task of c orld problems. In one rsity e rw solutions fo tition, a New York Univ group e e h p of the com d in Abu Dhabi won. T n o se campus ba ted the campus that w n that represe
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
t n e m r e w o p m E l a c i g o l o n h c e T d n a nt ’’ operators… of his speech, Preside iew , n akista At the close aged in a short interv India and P tries f o ts n e r ng d tu fs linton was e baigbena and Senato tate. irs of coun e a C p consisted o e s e h (t O r. nS aiwan ict) Th session by M sun, Governor of Ogu used China and T of deep-seated confl ere as o po w ry Ibikunle Am their questions, he es otential have a histo ident Clinton, stressed perate p g s o-o In answerin a country with great , which students, Pre ir education, able to c torical is ty a e is securi that Nigeri a result of th ther, see beyond the h find blems of in e countryro p e th o d d n n a a and liste with one countries plaguing th poor , ir n e io th in g n p e in o e g n tw a were, in his ent of oil resources, impasse be ffer positive, world-ch rrowed n o b ro p n , managem the North-South regio e the is h m t, solutions in o p . is nt of ner, E.A ttress h manageme ideas. To bu 2-time Nobel Prize Win d to coge a quote from arth has always belon E Wilson “ The
e rain drain. H be b d n a e c n bala could economic im the Northern region nomic t if eco opined tha in terms of d e e ep s to p a divide-th d n a brought u th u o e called ith the S progress w abandoned, which h hared s ch pie approa gy ’, prosperity can be nation’s te e a a ‘losing str maintained that if th ined in ta o ls re a inds were by all. He m t n ia ll ri b broad, a lot le innumerab stead of remaining a uld be in o the country ment and progress w p . lo more deve e country, as a whole th recorded in
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
The
HONOU
G
overnor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and the host, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State were also awardees on the day. They were recognized for their achievements in their
The
LIFETIME A
These eminent personalities w of dedicated service to the
OBA OTUDEKO
HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN OF DELTA STATE.
Veteran industrialist and chartered accountant, he is a corporate juggernaut that sits and heads several blue-chip companies including First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Airtel Nigeria Limited and Honeywell Group.
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
OUREES
respective states, in the educational sector. Special mention was made of their spirited efforts in making sure teachers are given dedicated care and their remuneration swiftly attended to. Their effort in the foundational levels of education was also especially recognized.
ACHEIVERS
were recognized for their lifetime e development of our country.
OBA ADEDAPO TEJUOSHO
He is a medical doctor by training, industrialist of note and had blazed a trail in these professions before his ascension to the throne.
HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR IBIKUNLE AMOSUN OF OGUN STATE
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
LAZ EKWUEME
His is a name that is evergreen in Nigeria music industry’s hall of fame. A renowned musicologist, he has employed music in the promotion of African culture.
ALHAJI RAZAQ OKOYA
He is an industrialist, a real estate maven and the Chairman, Eleganza Industries, a wholly indigenous company that has provided a means of livelihood for thousands of Nigerians.
ALHAJI IBRAHIM DASUKI (REPRESENTED)
He is a former Sultan of Sokoto, the 18th in history whose stellar leadership improved the lives and welfare of his people.
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
NIGERIA’S BEST TEACHERS
F
ifteen teachers were honoured on the day and the selection cut across different levels of education in Nigeria- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. The teachers were further gifted the sum of N2 Million Naira in recognition of their years of passing on knowledge and moulding minds of the nation’s future leaders. All were profuse in their thanks, expressing heartfelt gratitude on account of being bestowed with the honour.
A WELL DESERVED
N2,000,000 CASH PRIZE EACH!
DANIEL OSSAI
Rev Angus Fraser
uzodike nkiruka eunice (represented)
Yakubu Dimka
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
Christie Ade Ajayi
Dotun Oyewole
Reuben Majekodunmi
John O. B. ADEAGA FRANK UGIOMOH
Dorothy Ugwu
Ahmed MOHAMMED Bawa Faskari Hadiza Mohammed Thani
Victoria Jolayemi
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
Vote of Thanks
S
enator Ibikunle Amosun, Chief Host of the ceremony and Governor of Ogun State, at the end of proceedings, in a closing speech, congratulated the Award recipients on their lofty achievement and expressed his gratitude to the Leaders & Company, publisher of ThisDay Newspapers for having brought the event train to Ogun State. He underscored the importance of the state as the home of education which has recorded many firsts in the field- 1st Secondary School in Nigeria was established in 1908, in Abeokuta, the 1st Bible to come to Nigeria, was received in Abeokutaand has produced many worldrenowned national icons such as President Olusegun Obasanjo,
Professor Wole Soyinka, 1st black African Noble Laureate, Prince Bola Ajobola, former Judge of the World Court. He impressed upon all not to lose sight of the symbolism of the Awards ceremony being held in Ogun State, on account of these. The 18th Annual ThisDay Awards was a memorable occasion for all those who attended. It brought to the fore, persons, who, otherwise, may not gain any adequate recognition, rewarding them for their selfless years of hard work- teachers and celebrated those who have given immeasurably to our development as a nation- lifetime achievers. One can only guess on whom, what sector of our fledging nation, the honour would next be bestowed, come 2014. Till then.
er t n u nco E An us
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
with
g n A aser Fr
G N I N N -WI AWARD
Angus Fraser was born on Saturday April 18th 1931 into a modest country home, in St. Vincent and Grenadines at Cane Grove House in the Buccamount Valley. He started schooling at Clark Primary School, and then went to St. Vincent Grammar School where he would later convert from his Anglican faith to Catholicism. He moved to the neighboring Trinidad and Tobago where he attended Mount Saint Benedict Secondary School located in Tunapuna, way up in the mountains. From Mount Saint Benedict Secondary School, which was run by the Benedictine monks, he proceeded to St Mary’s College in Port of Spain, there in Trinidad, where he got enrolled for his Higher School certificate. This latter school which was run by the Holy Ghost Fathers, was to present the young Angus Fraser his inroad into the priesthood. After completing the HSC programme, the young Angus and a number of other youths were now ready to do their novitiate, the primary stage of the long walk to the priesthood. Fraser was sent to begin his Novitiate in a place called Lac Au Saumon (Lake of Simon) in French Canada in the province of Quebec. After three years in Canada, he was appointed to do his “prefecting” as a teacher at his former school where he had done his HSC - St Mary’s College in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad. After the three years as a prefect, Angus Fraser was posted to Holy Ghost College in Dublin, Ireland, which was in effect the home of the Irish Province of the Holy Ghost Fathers. After his theology, he was ordained a Catholic priest with over 30 others on the 12th of July 1959 in the chapel of Clonliffe College. Angus Fraser’s posting was to the Diocese of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. He arrived Nigeria on the 7th of March 1961 and was posted to Stella Maris College, Port Harcourt. An extremely hard working and principled man, he worked and taught at the college in the daytime - coaching the students in English Language, and later French - and worked as the Bishop’s secretary at night. Nine years was spent in this dual capacity before Father Angus Fraser got posted to the Holy Ghost College in Radlett, England. It was a Holy Ghost College located in the north of London intended for use by Holy Ghost seminarians. Fraser was the bursar in charge at Radlett where he was until after the Nigerian Civil War. He got a visa to return to Nigeria in July 1971. On his return, he was posted to Mt. St. Gabriel’s Secondary School to serve as the principal where he has remained till date. Many of his staff and former students attest to the fact that they act in several ways today only because of Fraser’s exemplary leadership. They attend mass regularly, say the rosary, share good humour, abstain from being bossy and domineering, all because they see these attributes in Angus. They are also prudent, considerate about other people who are less privileged, diligent in their endeavours, interested in reading widely, all as a tribute to Angus. It is commonly said that no one ever met Angus Fraser and remained the same. Style Correspondents Funke Babs Kufeji and Konye Chelsea Nwabogor caught up with him at the just concluded 18th Annual THISDAY Awards ceremony where he received an award and spoke about his love for the teaching profession.
When did you come to Nigeria? I came to Nigeria on the 11th of March 1961, a year after the independence. Was your sole purpose here to teach? Yes, it was. I was posted here as a Holy Ghost father to teach and I have been doing that till date. The first nine years of my stay here was spent at Stella Maris College in Port-Harcourt, and then thereafter I was posted to Makurdi in Benue state to Mount Saint Gabriel secondary school to serve as the principal. I started work there on the 1st of July 1971 and I have been there ever since. What were some of the challenges you faced when you first got here? I would start by saying I have been teaching elsewhere before I got here, so it wasn’t particularly difficult. But one thing I noticed here was that the students in Nigeria were very keen on learning and acquiring knowledge. I like Nigeria and over time, I have really enjoyed my stay here. How were you able to cope with the change in culture? Well, I am from the Caribbean and 95% of the population in St. Vincent is of African descent. During my primary education I was the only white person in my class. Our people are all originally of African descent so there wasn’t such a huge difference at all. It might surprise you to know that I feel more at home here in Nigeria than I do in England or in America. Were there times when you were tempted to run back to your country? (Laughs) No, not at all. I do go back from time to time to visit but whenever I am away I always look forward to coming back home to Nigeria. What advice do you have for young people who intend to take up teaching as a profession? I would advice them to regard teaching as a vocation rather than a job. They should have a genuine passion for imparting knowledge to the young ones and also should do everything in their power to do let the children imbibe the knowledge they have. Most importantly, from time to time they should go for more training to refresh themselves. What do you think is the one challenge education faces in Nigeria? The biggest challenge we face here is that most of our schools lack proper infrastructure, for instance properly equipped laboratories for science classes. We also need good teachers, not just teachers who need a job, but teachers who are ready to teach. How do you feel about this Award today? I feel elated and overjoyed. I don’t think I am worthy of this award but I am indeed very grateful.
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
Our Fair ladies
T
By KONYE NWABOGOR & Ruky Salako
hese women of high style standing were stately and prim in bedazzling floor-length attire worthy of the Oscar red carpet. They brought a certain pizzazz, balancing out nicely the heavy indigenous presence
Angela Adeboye
This navy blue-black lace dress‌ there aren’t enough superlatives to describe. The choice of earrings and cuff is ace. This is award ceremony magic!!!
MISS Okoya
Muka Nwokedi
Drapes are forever!!! This is silk elegance at its finest. Tres bien!!!
It takes a daring diva to pull off an all white outfit. From the peplum to the perfectly matching accessories, she rocked this look to perfection. The red lip colour is also a nice addition.
Eugenia Iwegbu
This Ankara and velvet combination although a bit unusual is winning! The embellished top is something to admire.
THISDAY Style Vol. 17, No. 6522 Sunday, March 3, 2013
ronke shokefun
Our African Queen!!! The camera doesn’t even do justice to the craftsmanship that’s going on with her dress. We are in awe!
BIMBO Okoya.An
effortless, yet classy look. A very wise choice on the big waist belt. Not forgetting the beads well seated on her neck. Good job ma’am.
Nina Agwuna
This floor-length lace number is as prim as it is alluring. The chunky earrings are a beautiful added touch.
Stephanie Okereke
OREZI ESIEVO
We like the subtle war of prints going on here. It may seem a bit too much at first glance but on closer inspection, it meshes nicely.
This is one fierce bodycon that is hitting all the right notes. The lace cover of her décolletage is nothing short of style genius.
Fa c e s At t BUKOLA OLAPADE Yomi Finnih
SHINA & NICHOLE WILLIAMS Ms Olokpade
Abande ITOPE EGHAGHA & CHIKE OGEAH Yeni Kuti
DUROJAYE TUNJI OLORIN
Adebayo Fari
Mr & Mrs Yusuf Tuggar & Mohammed Ciroma
ERELU DOSUNMU
OBY EZEKWESILI
the Event
Olusegun Osoba Mrs Olusegun Obasanjo Olusegun Obasanjo
First Lady of Ogun State, Olufunso Amosun
MOJI TEJUOSHO LANRE TEJUOSHO
ALHAJA OKOYA, SHADE OKOYA & DUPE OGUNTADE
WOSILAT SERIKI
Fa c e s At t
CHIKE MUSTAPHA OYE HASSAN ODUKALE
SEGUN ADESEGUN , KUFORUJI OLUBI & SURAJ ADEKUNBI
THE OloriS OF OBA Tejuosho GBENGA OTENUGA KAYODE AKINKUGBE
YEMI OGUNBIYI & MR SHOYINKA Seyi Adegoroye
Olumbe Akinkugbe
IMOR OYEWOLE
OREZI ESIEVO
Benneth
the Event D.D AMODU & OKOYE IKEMEFUNA Ms Ogunsanya
TUNJI OLORIN
Teju Philips SAM AMUKA Abdulsamed Dasuki
Miss Abiola
BELLO MACcIDO
Linus Idahosa
Tunde Ayeni & JOHN DARLINTON
Bimbo Ashiru Fola Adeola
WALE ABODERIN
Faces At the Event
Eniola Bello & Ijeoma nwogwugwu
TUNJI AMBIMBOLA Olumbe Akinkugbe
ABIOLA OTUFALE & FRED ARMAND
Olusegu Odubela OLAWALE SHITTU & OLAIDE OSHIFESO
KAYODE KOMOLAFE
Gbolade Shomuyiwa, Mike Okeke & Yusuf Olaniyonu
STYLE TEAM
Gboyega Ransom Kuti
Ruth Osime
Royals Fathers of the Day
DAGBUREWE OF IDOWA & ELEPE OF EPE
AWOJALE OF IJEBU LAND & OLOWU OF OWU EGBA
OBA T.O ADEBAYO & OBA SAMUEL OLADELE
ALAKEOF EGBA LAND
ALAPERU OFB IPERU OLU OF ISIWO
ONITORI OF ITORI