By David Adeoye
The installation processes of the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, on Tuesday, climaxed with the presentation of staff of office/instrument of office to , Oba Ghandi Olaoye by Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Makinde, in his remarks, urged the 62-year-old traditional ruler to take steps that would ensure unity in Ogbomoso land.

He also enjoined that the new Soun to embark on activities that would fast-track development in the ancient town.

The governor, who noted that there wasn’t a central traditional council in the state, said that the new royal father should work toward ensuring that there was unity among traditional rulers in the state.

He particularly called Oba Olaoye to work assiduously to ensure that the State Council of Traditional Rulers became functional again.

Makinde said that his administration would soon reconstruct the House of Chiefs within the secretariat complex to allow the traditional rulers to hold their meetings in a conducive atmosphere.

He called other contestants to the Soun throne to put the experience behind them and support the new traditional ruler.

“I’m looking forward to seeing those who went to court to challenge the new oba withdrawing their cases as a show of love for Ogbomosoland,” he said.

In his address, Oba Olaoye appealed to all the stakeholders in the Ogbomoso land project to join hands with him to ensure that the ancient town attained its great potentials.

“It is a well known fact that the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso land are among the most industrious entrepreneurs in this country.

“No community can embark on any significant development that we want for Ogbomoso land without government’s inputs.

“We are thankful for the roles that the governments at all levels – federal, state and local governments – are playing in the development of Ogbomoso land,” he said.

He particularly appreciated the Makinde-led administration for the attention given to Ogbomoso since its inception.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the historic ceremony, which kick-started Oba Olaoye’s reign, was held at Ogbomoso Stadium.

NAN also reports that a galaxy of dignitaries from all walks of life, including former Vice-President Yemi Osibajo, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Kwara Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, witnessed the event.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, was represented at the occasion by Mr Olusekun Adekunle, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi were also present.

NAN recalls that the Soun stool became vacant after the passing away of Oba Jimoh Ajagungbade in December 2021 at the age of 95, after reigning for 48 years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

By Joshua Olomu

Mr Emmanuel Njoku, Entrepreneur and Managing Director/CEO of Prezzo Shed Investments Ltd, has urged workers across all sectors to shun ‘African time’ syndrome to ensure productivity in their organisations.

Njoku gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of End-of–Year Party and Awards ceremony organised for company’s workers in Abuja on Sunday.

According to him, a situation where workers justify lateness to work and other events hinders organisation’s growth and national development.

He said that lack of discipline in keeping time was a major cause of delay in accomplishing tasks within stipulated period.

This, he added, impaired progress, growth and development.

“Although, the African time is now normal in our system because when we go to meetings abroad, people talk about African time that we do not keep time.

“ I mean it should not be seen as an African thing, we should change the narrative.

“There should be an act of discipline, people should be punctual, because it is an act of discipline,” Njoku said.

According to him, Prezzo Shed is a leading provider of health equipment for humanitarian purposes, with a workforce that is committed to timely and effective service delivery over the years.

He said the End-of–Year party/Service Awards was to celebrate outstanding members of staff and inspire them for renewed commitment to duty in the coming year.

According to him, the categories of awards for staff include Punctuality Award, Long Service Award, Best Dressed Male and Female Staff of the Year and Accident-Free Award for the drivers.

“Today is the end of the year party for the workers and it is traditional, as they say all work without play makes Jack a dull boy.

“So, having worked from January to December, we have a way of coming together by reuniting the company with the families of the staff, our clients and our friends.

“In line with global best practices, we have a way of rewarding workers. So, for us, it is always saying kudos to people who are doing well because they say one good deserves another.

“Among others, the long service award is a way of motivating some members of staff so that they will do better in the coming years,” he said.

Also speaking, Ms Paschaline Akaleke, Administrative/Human Resources Manager of the company, said the recognition was a motivation for workers to resume duty on time, dress well to work, be of good behaviour.

“The award is to appreciate staff who have stayed with the company for five years, 10 years and 15 years to tell them that the company appreciates their input and dedication to duty.

“This will boost their moral, because in the next year everybody will be thinking there is something to look forward to at the end of the year,” she said.

Also, company’s General Manager, Dr Albert Anusi, who received the Long Service Awards, expressed appreciation to management on behalf of other recipients.

He said that the honour should be seen as a call for renewed dedication to duty.

NAN reports that highpoint of the event was the presentation of monetary rewards and plaques to all awardees.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Joan Odafe
A new movie titled, “Love and Life”,  produced by First Features Project premiered on Wednesday in Lagos.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the private screening of the movie, its Executive Producer, Dotun Olakunri, said, “Love and Life is not just a film; it’s a narrative tapestry woven with passion and dedication.”

NAN reports that ‘Love and Life’, directed by Reuben Reng, is a story of the healing powers of supportive friendships in love relationships and daily life.

The movie explores the relationship among three middle-aged women and how they are able to overcome their love and business challenges through the sisterly support of one another.

The movie also shows how challenges in people’s love lives can affect them and how they manage the situation.

According to Olakunri, the plot of the movie is not like any other love story because there are many facets of love.

“This is about grief;  it’s about life; it’s about challenges you face in everyday life and how you use friendship, sorority to tackle your problems.

“Each of them had challenges, not just with relationship challenges but at the end of the day, it’s important to have some sense of togetherness.

“It’s not just about love but about relationships and about the healing powers relationships have for us,” he said.

Olakunri said it was challenging bringing in experienced and new creatives  to work together and also moving most of the cast from Lagos to Abuja, where the movie was set.

He, however, said that bringing three actresses, Rita Dominic, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Michelle Dede, who were friends in real-life, helped because they were able to transfer their relationship into the movie.

According to him, the movie will be released on Prime Video on Dec. 29.

Olakunri called on Nigerians to develop and nuture healthy relationships that support and help them overcome life’s challenges.

Olakunri also urged government to support and encourage Nollywood by offering inducements and tax rebates.

“The movie industry is growing, employing many people and bringing a lot of revenue to Nigeria.

”Movie producers are given tax rebates when filming abroad.

“We are preparing to go and film in the UK and they gave us 50 per cent of our money back.

“It’s important government gets behind the industry because the industry picked itself, generated acclaim all by itself without support,” he said.

Anthony Monjaro, one of the actors, said that the movie addresses the role of friendship and relationships as support systems during challenges.

“This film touches on how friends come together to support one person who has gone through a bereavement and more of them lifting her up.

“When someone goes through that long of situation, they could be suicidal and those friends were going through things as well,” Monjaro said.

The First Features project, spearheaded by Nollywood producing duo, Steve Gukas and Olakunrin, is focused on nurturing and empowering a new generation of visionary film directors.

It provides training and funds the production of the first feature films by these new voices in the Nigerian film industry. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Akotonou Lynient

A Nollywood thriller, “A Tribe called Judah’’, is set to hit cinema screens across Nigeria on Dec. 15, its producer has said.

Ace Nollywood actress and producer of the movie, Funke Akindele, made this known on her Instagram page after the official premiere of the blockbuster in Lagos.

According to Akindele, the movie is directed by Adeoluwa Owu, popularly known as Captain Degzy and distributed by Film One Entertainment.

“The plot of the movie revolves around a woman called Jedidah Judah who has five sons from five different men, all belonging to different tribes.

“The story is so dear to my heart and it has a part of my late mum in it, and it represents the struggles faced by many single parents and mothers in society.

“There is often a stigmatisation surrounding women who have children out of wedlock, as they get labelled with unprintable names with the assumption that their children will amount to nothing.

“The film also sheds some focus on rebellious children, and when they start out being rebellious their families tend to give up on them.

“However, it is important to look for something special in your child; help them nurture their talents, and they will become great with it,’’ Akindele said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the star-studded movie features seasoned actors including, Nse Ikpe Etim, Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Ebelle Okaro, Uzor Arukwe, Genoveva Umeh, and Nosa Rex, among others.

Other cast include, Boma Akpore, Ebele Okaro-Onyiuke, Etinosa Idemudia, Fathia Balogun, Jide Achufusi, Olayode Juliana, Olumide Oworu, Paschaline Alex, Tobi Makinde, Uzor Arukwe and Yvonne Jegede. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Joshua Olomu/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Christmas: Wizkid gives Surulere, Makoko children cash gift

By Taiye Olayemi

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as “Wizkid”, on Monday gave out cash gifts to children in the suburb of Makoko and Surulere in Lagos.

The multi-award-winning star was seen in Surulere and Makoko, accompanied by security personnel, distributing money to children and youths while they sang in his praise.

The “Ojuelegba” crooner had pledged to kickstart this benevolent act in Surulere, where he spent his formative years.

Earlier, on his instagram page, he announced plans to gift N100 million to children for Christmas.

He wrote, “100M for the kids for Christmas! Lord bless us all 😇 start in Surulere tonight!

“All in Morayo’s name! The love of my life! ❤️❤️🕊️.”

The artiste, currently on a music hiatus, said he remains focused on making a positive impact beyond the realm of entertainment.

According to Wizkid, the sum of N100 million is for the honour of his late mother, Mrs Juliana Morayo Balogun, who died on Aug. 18. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu