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KAYODE APONMADE
Renowned Nigerian Yoruba cultural ambassador and actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi popularly known as Olofa-Ina turns 70 on Saturday, 15 May, 2020.
Reputed for his proficiency in Yoruba proverbs and maxims, Chief Adedeji Aderemi Baba Owe was born into the family of the late Chief Abdul Salam Aderemi and Late Madam Aisha Aderemi of Jagun- Olukosi compound, Ede in Osun State on Monday, 15 May, 1950 during the reign of the Late Oba John Adetoyese Laoye, the then Timi of Ede Land.
Versatile Sobaloju of Ede land had his primary education at St. Peters Anglican Primary School between 1957 and 1962 and then proceeded to Baptist Secondary Modern School, Ode-Omu from 1963 to 1965. He later had his vocational training in carpentry and joinery at Olukorede Furniture Industry between 1965 and 1970.
Alongside his career in carpentry, Alagba Aderemi had a fair taste of both public and private services as he worked as a Grade II Officer with the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ibadan, Western State of Nigeria from 1970 to 1977.
Sagacious Olofa-Ina later worked as a Maintenance Officer with Daladson Hotel, Jericho Reservation, Idi-Isin, in Oyo State between 1977 and 1980 before he finally retired into full time Theatre Arts Practice in 1980.
Prior to 1980, he had earlier founded the Olofa-Ina Theatre Group in 1972 with the likes of Erinfolamin, Dasofunjo, Gbolagade Akinpelu and Late Oyetunji of Esinnla compound, Ede. He received his theatre training under the Late Oyetunji.
The Olofa-Ina Group recorded landmark achievements in the Theatre Industry by pioneering the staging of epical histories of the Yoruba Warlords of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Ibikunle, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro of Ilesha, Aare Kurunmi of Ijaye, Kakanfo Afonja and a host of others. These productions were recorded by Nigerian Television (NTV) Ibadan in the 70s and were narrated by late Dr. Babayemi then, of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan who later became the Oba Olufi of Gbongan, Osun State, Southwest Nigeria.
Olofa-Ina also recorded and produced Television series including Odetedo, Lakaaye, Kogun Maja, and Ade Oba among others.
Olofa-Ina also displays his God given talents in scriptwriting, script dialogue and directing in addition to his acting roles in Yoruba films and television series.
He featured prominently in production of Ija Omode by Korede Films, Idaamu Otunba by Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Ewe Orun by Korede Films, Kabiyesi Olodumare by Ogogo films and Mayegun by Yinka Quadri and others.
Olofa-Ina made his debut in film acting during the shooting of Ejo Ngboro by Tunbosun Odunsi Films, later featured in Lisabi Agbongbo Akala by Akin Ogungbe, Ayonmon by Hubert Ogunde, Mosebolatan by Alawada Films Limited, Taxi Driver Part I and II and Ehin Oku by Ade Love Films Ltd as well as Agbaarin by Jimoh Aliu Films Ltd.
Adedeji had a rare opportunity to feature on the first ever Home Video Production by Alade Aromire titled Ekun in 1989 and has -since become a celebrity and a household name in the subsequent Home Movies having remained one of the very best in acting with outstanding prolificacy in the use and good command of Yoruba Language. Act well your part for there all the honors lie. says an adage. Little wonder that Olofa-Ina has bagged many awards and recognitions which are too numerous to mention here.
Olofa-Ina has been able to successfully blend his acting career with other extra curriculum social activities as he is a strong and committed member of Positive Thinkers Club of Nigeria, among others.
Despite his expected tight schedule, Olofa-Ina has really paid his dues to his home town, Ede as he holds his domain in high esteem and this is evident in the fact that he is the President of Timi Agbale Descendants Union Mosifa Area, Ibadan Branch, where he lived until his return to his place of birth and home town, Ede.
It is on record too that Alagba Adedeji Aderemi Olofa-Ina was given a mandate to present a live performance of the history of Agbale Olofa Ina and Alapo Ti Emi Ti Emi at the 2010 Ede Day Celebration by the Professor Siyan Oyeweso led Ede Mapo Arogun Day Planning Committee.
He did a great deal of justice to the well attended stage production, another clear testimony that Olofa-Ina is a worthy patriotic son of the soil. Olofa-Ina, an accomplished Thespian enjoys his leisure on farming, driving, script writing and reading.
Olofa-Ina is also a great mentor to many aspiring and upcoming artistes, a fact which was attested to by Mrs. Tola Oladokun: I used to sell clothes before I started acting in 1983. I indicated my interest in arts and I was accepted by the veteran, Deji Aderemi, also known as Olofa Ina in Ibadan, Oyo State. I tried combining my business with acting. But at the time, I was envied by some of my peers then because I knew how to read and write; those were some of the challenges I faced. They tried to plot against me, but my boss, Olofa-Ina was always on my side.
Olofa-Ina was also one of the prominent artistes honored by the Osun State Government at the 20th anniversary of the state in 2011.
Olofa-Ina is also famous for the rich Yoruba proverbs and idioms that punctuate his lines in various films and stage plays including his April 2020 interview with BBC Yoruba.

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COVID -19: CHANGING THE PERSPECTIVES OF HUMAN EXISTENCE

Death, they say is inevitable, but to be candid, no person wants to die even with the undisputable notice. Ever since the menace of ravaging killer disease Corona Virus Disease, COVID-19 erupted, humanity across the globe has been living with apprehension, fear and uncertainties.

The reasons are not far-fetched. The corona virus has claimed almost 5% of the world population and the pandemic keeps ravaging across the world claiming lives on daily basis.

The genesis of this lethal disease emanated from Wuhan in The Peoples Republic of China and surprisingly, the highest casualty rose sporadically in European countries of Italy, Spain, France and England among others.

However, it was no sooner that the feared disease crept into Africa where it has also claimed a frightening number of lives.

In Nigeria, Covid-19 related deaths have risen to 58 as at the time of filing report. Today, Nigerians are apprehensive and jittery knowing full well that the long arm of Corona virus is no respecter of anyone regardless of status, colour, religion, race and position.

In a quest exterminate the intimidating disease out of the country, President Muhammad Buhari initially declared a two-week total Lockdown which was later extended to another two weeks and an additional one week respectively.

But, as the government strive to obey global preventive standard as advised by the World Health Organization, WHO, many Nigerians did not understand the motives behind the Lockdown complaining of hunger and suffering during the stay at home order.

A visit to many homes reveals the level of confronting poverty and abject lack. But, with the recent announcement by the President to ease the Lockdown order allowing conditional partial movement from Monday, 4 May, 2020, Nigerians became relieved a bit.

The partial movement, according to a cross section of Nigerians, will enable people work and recover part of the losses their individual businesses might have suffered during the COVID-19 holiday.

The COVID-19 pandemic has however exposed the ineptness and corruption of past administrations for failure to provide standard healthcare service for the discerning Nigerians.

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Following a divine call and instruction months back, prolific Saxophonist, music director and gospel musician, Demola Olota otherwise known as Demolta has dropped a new song titled Prayer For Nigeria.

Demolta claimed that he received a divine instruction to lead our nation Nigeria in organized prayers that would lead to Economic and Political prosperity.

In compliance with the divine instruction, he mobilized creative, human, financial and material resources to actualize the divine ‘National Project’, Prayer For Nigeria, featuring Juju music sage, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey.

Demola started a career in music as Organist in 1987 at St. Dennis Catholic Church, Bariga, headed by Rev Fr D.J. Slattery (SMA) during his final year at Bishop Howell’s Memorial Secondary School.

Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State born Demola Olota is the organist and choirmaster of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba.

He initially studied Computer Science, but his deep love for music and the arts generally took him to the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos, where he specialized in Music and Majoring in Voice.

He plays the organ for six masses every Sunday for several years before the church could get a reliable assistant due to the commitment and demand of the position. And he has since been the organist there till date, an engagement he never missed despite being in such high demand.

Olota founded his musical team of young talented musicians, De Clique Vocals, private choral group on 8 August, 1992, and later De Clique Band, a 15-piece which has since then performed for the American Embassy, Norwegian Embassy, French Embassy, opening ceremony of the Musical Society of Nigeria complex (MUSON) and Lagos State Government among others.

Meanwhile, he has dropped several hit albums including Iwo, Rhythm Of Praise, De Answer and Praise Party produced by Laolu Akins in 2006 among others.

In his quest to positively touch lives across the nation, Prayer For Nigeria is a vinyl with a plan to be distributed freely to Nigerians of mature age and status for national effectiveness.

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According to a popular saying,”kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see”, This singular act of Hon. Tasir Wale Raji, rescuing the accident victims on one of his numerous trips to his constituency was a rare act from the so called political elite and the rich. This further add to the many feathers he already had in his full cap of honor, it also helps him have an edge over other sons and daughters of the Lekki lagoon communities at home and in diasporas within the last one year.

LIVE SAVER

It is only the living being with a sound mind that can enjoy any sustainable development. This is what Hon. Wale displayed when he showed his kind heart to rescue some accident victims with his entourage on his way to his constituency at Lekki Epe Expressway, recently. He put down all the paraphernalia of an honorable and got involved in a rescue mission to save victims lives and also took them to the hospital. With this act he practicalize the teaching of Jesus that once shared about a good Samaritan man, who was robbed and left to die on the road, his fellow Jewish passed by and even a priest without rendering help and left him to die, But the good Samaritan put aside his hatred for the Jewish man and forgone all the differences, took him up, cleaned and took him to an inn where he paid for his upkeep.

With this singular act of his kindness and much more Hon. Wale Raji representing Epe Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representative, has won the heart of many and therefore, become the choice of the Editorial Board of Lekki Times for the Torch Bearing Lekkisian of the Month of June 2016, not because he is a politician with influence but rather a tender-hearted man. It is to begin a new phase in Nigeria to appreciate the good works of our sons and daughters when they are still alive and also to encourage them and correct the notion of “a prophet is not without honor in his own town”, by celebrating and encouraging our own who bear the torchlight in all spheres of life be it in medicine, politics, academics, sports, entertainment, science, research etc

If an elephant refuses to blow his own Turks, is it snail that will blow his own and the world will hear. By this token of recognition Lekki Times is recognizing and appreciating, while also saying we expect more like the popular Yoruba adage that says “yin ni yin ni keni se miran”, simply translated show of appreciation encourages the giver to do more.

Space is not enough for all his accomplishments but with this few highlighted ones anybody will agree with us that he has done more to engrave the policy of sustainable development, and it will go a long way if many other illustrious sons and daughters of the land emulate him.

VOICE FOR LEKKI LAGOON LGA’s, LCDA’s

Yes over the years the Lekki Lagoon LGS’s (Epe, Ibeju Lekki, Eti Osa) and LCDA’s comprising of, Eti Osa East, Lekki and Eredo etc have been electing representatives to represent them at the Federal and State levels. Most of them have roaring voices at the campaign grounds but become soliloquy at the red and green chamber of the National and State Assembly.

Hon. Wale Raji has become a thundering voice for the Lekki Lagoon communities at the highest level by many of his contributions and many people’s oriented sponsored bills at the House of Representatives.

Hon. Wale Raji has sponsored three (3) motions successfully in his short but productive stint

1. URGENT NEED FOR THE COMPLETION OF OMOTOSHO – EPE ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT TO SOLVE THE UNENDING POWER PROBLEM IN EPE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

2. NEED TO SET ASIDE DECEMBER 10 OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY DAY IN MEMORY OF THE STUDENTS OF LOYOLA JESUIT COLLEGE ABUJA AND OTHER VICTIMS OF AIR MISHAPS IN NIGERIA.

3. MOTION ON THE PERMANENT SOLUTION BETWEEN THE FULANI HERDSMEN AND THE LOCAL FARMERS IN NIGERIA.

and co-sponsored two with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

In recognition of his activities and performances in the National Assembly, he was favoured with position of the Deputy Chairmanship of the House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and a member of other Committees listed below,

1. House Committee on Health

2. House Committee on Agricultural Production

3. House Committee on Federal Character

4. House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debts Management

5. House Committee on Freedom of Information

6. House Committee on Government Institutions and

7. House Committee on Industry

8. House committee on Petroleum upstream

Within this period Hon. Raji has only recorded three (3) absences at the Plenary which were due to other assigned duties and oversight functions.

On some of his frequent constituency visit, some months ago, he paid a visit to the Primary Health Centre situated at Ibonwon, in Eredo LCDA with a view to assessing the facility and making recommendations to the appropriate quarters in order to resuscitate the Centre and makes it functional for the use of the People.

Hon. Raji has made further discussions with the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Ajewole on the issues and he promised to see to it that the facility would be rehabilitated as the Appropriation Bill which was the only excuse given has been signed by the President.

Hon. Raji has been able to present and do a follow-up with the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola on his sponsored motion on the Epileptic Power Supply to the Constituency. The Minister promised to expedite actions on it as soon as the backlog of issues is cleared or reduced on the National Power Gridlock.

Some months ago, when he was told the tale of Mr. Quadri Adewale Tairu, a Constituent from Odoayan, in Ward K1 of the Eredo LCDA, who suffered a neglect by the Ikeja Distribution Company (IKEDC) and the defunct Power Holdings of Nigeria (PHCN), after he lost his two arms from severe electric burnt and electrocution while on an official assignment was told. Hon Wale Raji has made sure his Petition was presented at the Plenary while he also made the recommendation that the Committee on Public Petition must as a matter of urgency look into his case and bring smiles to the face of the constituency young-man.

He has taken it further by presenting his case before the Executive Governor, of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and it is hoped that very soon, his agonies would be put behind him.

Furthermore, his prayers in his motion on the Fulani Herdsmen and the Local Farmers are forming part of the resolutions of the Federal Government on the impasse between the Fulani Herdsmen and the Farmers, Hon Wale Raji foresight and kind heart has played a role in helping him present the motion of Fulani Herdsmen and the Local Farmers before the House even before it became a national issue that requires urgent attention.

CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Hon. Wale Raji who is a humanitarian by nature always give to the less privilege occasionally and frequently but he will not allow this good part of him subdue his logic for empowering people. That makes him always echo the popular saying “that teach a man how to fish and once he learns and masters it he will never ask you for a fish anymore”.

This is what make Hon. Raji started his

Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), as soon as he came on board. He began to fulfill his Campaign promises to reduce poverty and youth unemployment to a minimum level at his Federal Constituency.

To achieve this in January this year, he arranged and signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Lagos State Vocational and Technical Education Board (LASTVEB) to train 100 Youths in different vocations skills such as Masonry, Tiling, Barbing, Cosmetology, Aluminium Fabrication, Domestic Electrical Installations, Photography, Video Recording, Event Decorations, Bead and Soap Making, Cookery and Pastry and Shoemaking.

Owing to the wide acceptance by the constituency and the enthusiasm/ encouragements from the Participants, he has to increase the number to 129 to cater for various interests and groups in the constituency from the initial 100 he had planned.

The 3-Month Training programme for the beneficiaries started on the 1 of February, 2016 and was concluded on the 29 April, 2016 at the Government Technical College, Odomola, Epe. “Their Graduation ceremony will soon hold if not before this publication in the month of June 2016” according to his aid. This day would also witness the distribution of various materials and equipment to the participants.

With his influence he has helped facilitated the employments of some graduates into the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Lagos State Traffic Maintenance Authority (LASTMA) and others to mention but a few.

With his gesture he has been able to empower youth on vocational training and more will follow suit as he promises, He has other times offer other assistance to individuals to cushion the effect of dwindling economy in the country at various times.

Hon. Wale Raji quest for sustainable development makes him have Legislative Interest in

1.Legislation for the Development of the Agric Sector of the Economy.

2. Development of Industry and Promotion Of Commerce with Focus on the Development of SME

3. International Relations

While his target achievement includes:

1. Attainment of Self-sufficiency in the Food Production/ Food Security.

2. Promotion of Non-oil Export.

3. Development of the Industrial Sector to create employment and boost Non-oil Export

A TORCH BEARING LEKKISIAN

As the adage of the Yoruba’s goes “omo ale lo ma fin owo osi juwe ile baba e”, paraphrased that” it is only a bastard that points to his father’s house with the left hand,” Hon. Tasir Wale Raji has been bearing the torch of Lekki Lagoon in particular Epe since his youth days and even when he broke into the political arena over a decade now. He refused to be like many indigenes who after a little success tend to relocate from their hometown and even naturalize to another country forgetting that before that success they were first indigenes of Lekki Lagoon Community, then Nigerian by birth and lineage.

So, for being a true son of the soil and not dragging the name in the mud and portray the people of Lekki Lagoon in the bad light in the comity of people not only in Lagos but in the world as a whole, we name Hon. Tasir Wale Raji Torch Bearing Lekkisian.

Lekki Times says well-done sir, accept our congratulations. you are indeed TORCH BEARING LEKKISIAN.

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