Connect with us

News

Elerinmo Of Erinmo Bags Oba Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye Award

Published

on

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

The Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi JP, Arowotawaya II  has been conferred Oba Atunluse Omoluabi Agbaye Award at the Omoluwabi Royal Icon Award 2023.

The award was conferred at the 5th annual World Omoluabi Day that took place on the 1st of May at National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos.

The organisers said “This honour was bestowed on Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi in recognition of his visions and noble goals that are in line with our Council’s guiding principles of uncommon Omoluabi virtues, simplicity, hard work, and dedication to the noble development and promotion of the Yoruba aesthetic cultural heritage, traditions, and values respectively.

Elerinmo of Erinmo Bags Oba Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye Award

His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi JP, Arowotawaya II became King as the Elerinmo of Erinmo Land an ancient historical town in Oriade LGA of Osun state (known for its spiritually potent mountains) in July 2014.

From the cradle of Yorubaland, Oba Arowotawaya II is a direct descendant of the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Ooni of Ife, Obalufon Ogbogbodirin and his son Obalufon Alayemore (who were the first King to wear the revered Ade Aare (Aare Crown now worn by all Oonis) in Ile Ife and the one who introduced beads wearing for royals). Oba Ajayi hails from two royal lineages in Erinmo namely, the Arowotawaya and Oboye Lekan Royal Ruling dynasties.

After a sterling career in the organized private sector which he started as a Management Trainee recruited fresh from the University into the Unilever Group by then Nigeria’s largest multi-national conglomerate, UAC of Nigeria Plc for about a decade and later with German Pharmaceutical giant – Nigeria German Chemicals Plc (formerly Hoescht) as the Head of Consumer Healthcare division where he personally relaunched popular Pharma/household brands like Abidec drops; Benylin Cough Syrup; Novalgin; Parazone bleach and Daga etc.

After a few years, he was seconded to Ghana to head the West African operations as Managing Director of AH Tradelink (a West African Pharmaceuticals Distribution Company), later switching jobs to become the expatriate Executive Vice President of US-owned Pharmaceutical manufacturing giant, Phyto Riker Pharmaceuticals overseeing the export of high-quality generic pharmaceutical products to over 20 African countries.

When he left paid employment he set up a Management Consultancy firm in addition to the importation and distribution all over West Africa high quality, own branded medical devices.

He was appointed the founding Director General of the Ghana – Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was the Founding President of the Forum of Nigerian Professionals and Business Executives in Ghana.

An alumnus of Bishop Smith Memorial Primary School, Ilorin, Government College, Ilorin, and Command Secondary School, Lagos, he has a first degree in Sociology with Accounting & Business Admin as a minor obtained from the University of Ilorin at the age of 20, an MBA in Marketing with first-class distinction from Lagos State University in 1998 and was awarded an Honourary Ph.D. degree in Commerce in 2014.

His Grandfather, the late Omo Oba Pa Job Ajayi was one of the main founders of the Christ Apostolic Church in Erinmo becoming the first Baba Ijo of CAC Headquarters, Oke Isegun in Erinmo for which reason he declined to be enthroned as King of Erinmo preferring to nominate his cousin when he was offered the throne.

Oba Michael Ajayi’s mother, a disciplinarian teacher and Pastor is an indigene of Igbara Oke in Ondo State who had a very strong Anglican background to which she was committed until her death a few years ago.

Incidentally, his forebear Oba Arowotawaya the 1st was the King when the very first church, the Church of England Anglican Communion came to Erinmo around 1908, and it is on record that he gave them the parcel of land on which the first church in Erinmo was built.

His father Prince Dr. Joseph Olubowale Ajayi, was the shining icon of his town, being the first University graduate in Erinmo and its environment. And for his remarkable support for youth development through employment and his several community development initiatives, he was honoured as the first (and to date the only) Asiwaju of Erinmo land.

Oba Arowotawaya II grew up his childhood as a staunch member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Sabo Oko Oba district headquarters in Lagos, and was ordained as a Special Apostle by His Eminence Most Reverend Samuel Abidoye Baba Aladura of CSMC in October 2015 in complete fulfillment of a prophecy dating back to when he was 14years of age which said he will become King and be ordained.

While working and residing as an expatriate in Ghana, he was a founding member of the Redeemed Christain Church of God, Ambassador’s parish where he held a prominent position as President of the men’s fellowship and Chairman of the Sardius family till his enthronement as King in 2014.

A lover of children, Oba Arowotawaya II has introduced and spent every Christmas day (December 25) and children’s day (May 27) in Erinmo hosting thousands of children to the educational funfair, entertainment, and refreshments since he became King some years ago.

He is a member, Board of Trustees of the Yoruba Oodua Union, a Board of Trustees member of Nigeria – US Trade Council, Patron and BoT of the Nigerian Youth Congress, and Patron of several other notable socio-cultural, socio-economic, and youth organisations in different parts of the world.

Oba Odunayo Ajayi is well traveled locally and internationally to several countries/continents of the world and he is a multiple award winner from different sectors with worldwide acclaim, becoming the first and only Nigerian monarch so far to be a guest at the opening bell of the world acclaimed financial headquarters, the New York Stock Exchange in April 2017.

Oba Arowotawaya II has written and published 5 books to date. A few of his acclaimed recognitions are :

• Most Outstanding Philanthropic Monarch of the Year 2019 in the South West
• Award of Excellence for Youth Empowerment and Building of Unity in Yoruba land
• Special Tribute & Proclamation from the Mayor City of Newark New Jersey
• Tribute & Joint Resolution from the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey 2016
• Golden Excellence Leadership Award as the Most Distinguished King in Yoruba Land 2018/2019
• Royal Patron/Ambassador of Stop Rape Campaign in Nigeria
• Award of Excellence by the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) Ghana Chapter
• Fellowship of Institute of African Royalty, South Africa January 2020
• National Outstanding Leadership Award as Trail Blazer by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)
• Nigerian Outstanding Traditional Ruler of the Year 2021
• Iconic Royal Father of the Year by Africa Youth Leadership Economic Summit
• Appointed Patron of the Oodua Redemption Alliance
• Grand Patron Cocoa Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter
• Oba Atunluse Omoluabi Oodua Agbaye Award

His Oba Arowotawaya Foundation has offered full scholarships to countless brilliant but indigent students in his domain while the vocational school he introduced gives free training to equip hundreds of youths and women with practical skills and work tools for their empowerment.

These are in addition to several infrastructural development projects like some of those listed below:

• Drilling of several modern boreholes across Erinmo
• Renovating the old palace to an acceptable standard
• Procurement of new electricity transformers
• Building a new ultra-modern market to boost commerce
• Empowerment of farmers with tools and equipment
• Annual foreign medical outreach to support the elderly and the sick
• Building and equipping a cocoa grading store to support the huge numbers of cocoa farmers in Erinmo
• Empowerment of women with trade support and cash for trade
• Establishment of a modern automated Garri processing plant
• Interest-free multi-million trading cash advance for women
• Setting up a thriving Arowotawaya Football Club which operates at various levels like Under 17, Female Squad, and the main Male Squad

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Nigeria Independence Fiesta 2023: Lagos Airport Hotel To Host Green And White Party

Published

on

Nigeria Independence Fiesta 2023: Lagos Airport Hotel To Host Green And White Party

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

A front-line Nigerian events and communications company, PRIMAA Productions and Promotions, has announced a 3-day unlimited and exciting fun-packed “Nigeria Independence Fiesta” in celebration of the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary.

The event has been scheduled to be held at the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja from Saturday, September 30 to Monday, October 2, 2023.

Speaking about the event tagged “Green and White Party,” the organisers led by Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare of Primaa Productions and Promotions, said the “event is designed for Nigerians to commemorate the 63rd anniversary and share a special day with families and friends in a very moderate but exquisite manner.

On her part, the General Manager, Lagos Airport Hotel, Mrs. Folashade A. Awe (FCA ) said; the “events are also aimed at providing a platform for an exciting get-together for associates, colleagues, families and friends on the national day is going to be fun parked days of celebration at the exclusive pool side of the prestigious Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The events are packaged to deliver an outdoor unforgettable and exciting social event in celebration of Nigerians’ uniqueness.”

“The 3-day event which is to be celebrated with Nigerian contemporary music and dance will have a good number of Nigerian musicians and comedians thrilling and entertaining their fans in spectacular ways. The artists include Don P,  Kenny J, Hismusic, Young Lop, ACENUNKY, LYRIKA, Helix, Oluwafrozy, Macqelin, Omalicha(BlazeG), Emoh Grand and many more.

MC MACAVALI and MC 525, with the reputable DJ AK, are going to be the DJs for the 3 days of unlimited fun of music, dance, comedy, swimming competitions, games, and many more.”

The event is supported by Fresh FM, Goldmyne TV, Landmark Media Limited, LASAA and exclusively packaged by 3P and Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja. It promises to be an exciting weekend with gate opening between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm daily and evening events from 7:00 pm till fade.

Interestingly aside from the entertainment galore and side attractions,  the Gate Pass also comes with specific benefits. While a child with N2,000 will have free drinks and an adult with N3,000 will be entitled to free drinks, a couple paying N5,000 gate pass will also get free drinks, and a family of four will get N10,000  and will get free drinks.

Every ticket also attracts a 20% discount on Airport Hotel rooms. Your ticket can also win you a weekend getaway at Lagos Airport Hotel. (With Terms and conditions)  The dress code for every attendee is a touch of Green and White.

For Sponsorship and Support, please call: +2348138661114 or +2348033077759.

Continue Reading

News

Sanwo-Olu Launches ‘Lagos City’s Inform Women, Transform Lives Campaign

Published

on

Owo Attack: Sanwo-Olu Commiserates With Akeredolu, Ondo People

Rashidat Okunlade Writes

As the world marks the International Day of Universal Access to Information, Lagos State on Thursday joined other 35 cities selected by the Jimmy Carter Foundation to launch the ‘Lagos City’s Inform Women, Transform Lives’ campaign, to make a difference in the lives of women in Lagos State.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Center, Alausa, Ikeja to launch the initiative, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the campaign is targeted at lifting the plight of several women in the society, especially at the grassroots in line with the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, which includes Social Inclusion, Gender Equality and Youth Development

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the aim of the campaign is to also provide a platform for women to seek and receive information from all tiers of governments irrespective of their status, tribe, and religion.

The Governor said the City of Lagos Inform Women, Transform Lives Campaign” themed: “Gender Equality and Inclusivity” would raise awareness on where and how women can easily get information about city services that would benefit them as his administration had upgraded its developmental agenda from THEMES to THEMES+.

“Two months ago, Lagos State participated in the Carter Centre competition with other 300 Cities across the globe and was among the few that got selected for the “Inform Women, Transform Lives” programme. The driving force behind our success at the competition was made possible through contributions by the Ministries of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Information and Strategy Youths and Social Development, Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment as well as Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters.

“It is my absolute delight to highlight the fact that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu upgraded the agenda of his first administration’s development agenda from THEMES agenda to THEMES PLUS. The PLUS represents social inclusion, gender equality, and youth engagement,” Salu-Hundeyin said.

Speaking earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who was accompanied by his Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment counterpart, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, and other state officials and stakeholders, said the inclusive campaign would be focused on information dissemination particularly to women and girls in order to transform their lives positively.

The Carter Center is a non-governmental organization helping to improve the lives of people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and human rights; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care.

The Carter Centre was founded in 1982 by Mr. Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, and his wife, Mrs. Rosalyn Carter.

The Foundation is committed to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering.

Among the cities participating in the campaign include Atlanta, Georgia; Amman, Jordan; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Chicago, Illinois; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Dhaka North, Bangladesh; Dublin, Ireland and Guatemala City among others. They are also launching their campaigns simultaneously today in line with Carter Centre’s directive.”

Continue Reading

News

Hon. Angadia Eminent Chides Gov. Diri Over Neglect Of Ogbotobo Community

Published

on

Hon. Angadia Eminent Chides Gov. Diri Over Neglect Of Ogbotobo Community

…caution youths against being used as political thugs

From Bassey Williams, Yenagoa

The Coordinator of Niger Delta frontiers and former State chairman of the defunct United Democratic Party (UDP) Chief/Come. Angadia E. Eminent has chided the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri over the neglect of Ogbotobo Community in Egboma clan of Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in the areas of development and lopsided appointments of indigenes into the positions of trust by the Prosperity administration of Senator Douye Diri in spite of their contributions and roles towards the miraculous emergence of Senator Diri as the governor of Bayelsa State.

Chief Eminent who stated this while interacting with newsmen in Yenagoa said Ogbotobo Federated Community of Egboma clan is an oil-rich community but has been neglected by both oil companies especially the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and the government of the day, stating that the result of the negligence affected the aged who should be taken care of by the government as claimed by the Miracle government are the ones feigning for themselves adding that the ten thousand naira monthly stipends of the prosperity administration for the elderly is not enough to cater for the needs of elderly.

Hon. Angadia Eminent Chides Gov. Diri Over Neglect Of Ogbotobo Community

Chief/Come. Angadia E. Eminent, Coordinator of Niger Delta frontiers and a former State chairman of the defunct United Democratic Party (UDP).

On the State of the gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State come November 11, Mr. Eminent advised the youths against being used by the politicians who will dump them immediately after being sworn into office, he equally impores the politicians to play the rules of the game as nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of anybody while calling on electorates not to sale their conscience by being induced financially inorder to make wrong choices.

Speaking further on the activities of the Niger Delta Frontiers the coordinator said the organisation is out to change the narrative of youth of the Niger Delta region from restiveness to skills acquisition dialoguing the group which is not influenced by political gladiators has mobilizers across the nine states of the Niger Delta region with coordinators at the grassroots who monitor activities and report same central.

Decriding the state of underdevelopment IP Ogbotobo community, the activist blamed the government for not being able to settle the crisis that rocked the community for over nine years not until he became the Community Development Chairman (CDC) that he brought peace to the community.

He described the acclaimed feat in educational and health sectors by the Prosperity government as lip services as pupils and students in both primary and secondary schools are sitting on the floors and under shady trees to learn with inadequate staff strength.

He advised the governor Diri led Prosperity administration to carry all the communities in Bayelsa state along irrespective of clan, religious, and party affiliations.

Continue Reading

Trending