Monday, July 23, 2012
SEVENTY VIRGINS
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
OUT OF THIS WORLD REDEEMER’S DAY
The Redeemers’ day celebration or better called founder’s day for the year 2011 was such that was superb. The event that was greeted with much enthusiasm by the enter teachers and students of RIS.
On Wednesday 9th of March, athletes and some members of staffs left for the Redemption camp in order to prepare for the heats of the sport event. One needs no interview to know the excitement of the athletes as Chioma Mutol couldn’t wait to conclude her work and Aboaba was cut running sideways and hitting his foot against one another.
Thursday 10th of March was the day for the exodus of the larger group. Some came as early as 7am just as the staff devotion was about to commence as Mrs. Asimi got out of the staff devotion on more than two occasions to tell the pupils were they are expected to keep their well labeled bags.
For the pupils going to redemption camp, the day was long and unending. They flooded the Arts Room and won’t stop asking, when are we going? Alas! A long bus drove into the school premises and the pupils bags were moved into it, but the children were downcast when they were told it was not yet time.
The tension rose again in the early hours of noon, when Mrs. Asimi called all the kids going to camp together as they were led to the waiting room to have their lunch which didn’t exclude they staffs going for camp. While swept their plate clean, others had few grains left in other to be a perfect gentleman.
At about thirty minutes after meal, the pupils were asked to enter into the air-conditioned buses and the journey commenced at last.
In the long bus, Mrs. Oluwatade commenced the prayer that was rounded off by Mr. Wey who pleaded to God for Journey mercy. Shortly after we hit the road, anxious Samuel Agbasi asked if the Journey will be long and Mrs. Oluwatade responded that ‘what is the need for the question if the journey wouldn’t be long, that means you already presuppose that the journey will be long.’
The journey was quite long, no little thanks to the traffic congestion and the poor state of our road. Several pocket discussions continued as every pupil wanted to tell their neighbor that he know one thing or the other. This was curtailed by Mrs. Oluwatade and other teachers.
We got to camp and drove straight down into our white suits chalet that cannot but remind one of the American White house, home of President Barack Obama. Pleasantries were exchanged from the newly arrived pupils and the athletes that had being in camp a day before. Camp commandant, Major General Nwabulue (Mrs.) with the help of the able hands of Mrs. Azeez and other teachers distributed the kids into pocket groups, with an average of four pupils to a teacher for thorough supervision.
After the collection of keys, then ‘…to your tents oh Israel’ or sorry, I meant to your mansions ooh RIS. The coordinators of each room read out their dos and don’ts. Pupils were admonished to take their showers and sleep, but the butterflies in their bellies won’t allow them sleep. The cookies and packs of bottled water came and we had to move to the field for primary school variety night. Each pupil had a cookies and a bottle of water to be eaten on the field but some forgot their but it was later communicated to them on the field, no little thanks to Mr. Gideon.
At the field, the population was massive, the praise and worship was greeted with dance by the pupils as Mr. Olusesi and others motivated the children to dance to God by initiating funny dance steps. The excitement continued with debate, recitation of memory verses among other electrifying presentations.
Mummy G.O. Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye wife of the General overseer of the Redeemed Christian church of God gave everyone a warm welcome. She prayed for everyone and we moved back into our Air conditioned tight, internet enabled mansion. Before we could say Jack Robinson, dinner of Jollof Rice and a giant chunk of fish each was served. After the meal, it was few minutes of rest and then shower and off to bed. Some teachers were forced to sing bed side songs as their boys wouldn’t sleep and it worked like the crystal balls.
Friday morning started with morning prayers at exactly 5am and all kids were hurried to do their morning rituals of using the toilet after a glass of water-water therapy (in some rooms), washing their mouth and taking a warm shower. All then wore their already ironed school uniforms and later removed it as they took their breakfast of yam and fish stew with warm tea. Some lost appetite had to be found by the kids themselves as some teachers change their smiling faces to straight faces to enable the kids find their appetite. Statements like ‘if you don’t eat, I will feed you and you must finish your food’ were issued and many complied.
About forty five minutes after meal, we were on the field. The pupils participating in the march past were given their gloves, hats for the girls among others. RIS’s Joy Udembe commenced the event by lighting the touch that was started by Mummy G.O. This was greeted with cheers from the RIS stands.
The march past commenced and RIS was the fifth school to march. The voice of Lieutenant Ojo Ayokunle was loud, firm and assertive, ‘hands in a fist! Swing your arms! Shoulder level!’ Lieutenant Ojo doled out instructions.
The events commenced in earnest and RIS qualified for three events, the four by 100metres relay that RIS fielded her 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th at the fastest runner race; obviously their getting to the finals was applaudable, 100metres flat race by upper primary females, and 100metre flat race male for upper primary. In the four by 100metres boys, RIS was third in her heat and was disqualified due to her time.
Before the race, the athletes moved to a special tent for athletes and Tobi Aboaba confessed, ‘I a little scared,’ others affirmed to it too. Tobi complained that she was full and the teachers asked them to do light exercises, then she was asked if she will give it a try and she said yes. The athletes were informed that they should look around as others are pointing at them and are scared of them, so there is no need to be scared of the people that are scared of you.
RIS’s event started with Joy Udembe’s 100metres flat race. Every sleeping Jonah under RIS tenth was wide awake. ‘On your mark! Set!’ and next was the gun shut. Someone beat the gun and the race had to start again. The person was yellow carded. ‘Thank God it wasn’t Joy,’ a teacher mentioned. They had to start again and RIS staffs and pupils started praying for Joy Udemba, and we were praying with our eyes opened. The gun shut was loud and the race begin, Joy was leading in the first 10 metres and we all stood still, 70 metres and she was still first, our hearts wont stop beating, the prayers continued, eyes opened, even Mr. Obiora that wasn’t feeling fine was now hale and hearty, his once weak eyes were as wild as a hungry Lion. Suddenly, upon approaching 85 metres Joy chipped, lost balance and almost, fell. ‘Haaaa!’ someone shouted, the once bright faces of staffs turned sour but they had to brazen up for their pupils. As if the teachers were absence, the pupils started confirming, ‘Joy almost fall flat, she would have being 1st.’ ‘Yes’ a teacher replied.
The next race was Tobi Aboaba’s flat race 100metre, the gun went and before he approached 20metres, Aboaba (Our King of the track 2011) chipped and almost fell. He was about the last three. He picked up and continued the race, he was not disappointing, and just too determine. Aboaba upon approaching 100metres mark, Aboaba was 2nd. The applauds from the RIS stand was louder than the roaring of a thunder. Our King Aboaba didn’t disappoint.
Temisan Aberen saw the relay teams coming our and cried, ‘Why didn’t we qualify, I feel miserable.’ The RIS female relay team were set and with fresh determination. Joy Udemba wasn’t wearing a broad smile as her face was on the finish line. The gun went and prayers started. Tobi Omotosho was the first leg and her pace was unbeatable, second leg runner Fisola Ifabiyi was a Cheetah, the most dramatic was the third leg with Chizy Aranonu as she was running opposite RIS stand. The girl competing with her in the 3rd leg was a giant, she was almost three times bigger than Chizy, the giant girl was initially ahead of Chizy but Chizy ran the fastest race of her life and outran the giant girl. RIS stand led by Mrs. Azeez started shouting ‘Chizy! Chizy! Chizy!’ until she gave the baton to Joy Udemba, whose strength double and will not stop until she was declared second after the finish line.
After the race, Tobi Aboaba said, ‘I will have preferred Gold but Silver is okay, it is something.’ For Joy Udemba, she said, ‘Before the race my eyes was on Gold, when the race started and I was ahead of others, that was the 100 metres flat race, I was thinking of finishing 1st, but when I chipped and practically fell, I was downcast. I am happy that we won the relay, that compensated for the loss.’
Chizy Aranonu said, ‘Before the race, the giant girl boosted and said, I was too small to run faster than her. That challenged me and I’m happy that I won her and more importantly that we won a silver medal. This is my 1st time ever to competite in Redeemers’ Day and I won a Silver medal, I’m happy!’ She spoke with a soft broad smile. Fisola Fabiyi acknowledged that the race was no work over but was interesting.
After the even we were in our White house, and lunch was served. It was African delicacies with Eba, Amala or semovita, with varieties of soup based on pupil’s choice. Oliver Twist were encouraged and given not only a loud ovation but the food they demanded for extra. The Likes of Temisan, Chiemelie and others were given on request. With our tanks filled pupils were not ready to sleep as our counterparts from another school where playing outside the compound. Pupils resulted to exchange visits with other in other rooms and play with their friends.
Evening meal was served and it was fried rice and chicken and we made way for the field for secondary schools variety night. The variety night ended and teachers went for seminar. Children sat a circle for a special moonlight presentation. Head girl Tobi Omotosho gave a fantastic Christian musical performance that got the wild applauds of others pupil. Joy Bankong also gave another soul lifting performance that no one wanted her performance to end. Games like don’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was performed and the excitement wouldn’t stop. The night ended with a story that was brought to an abrupt end due to our teacher’s presence. We flew home and it was bedtime.
‘Pack you things! Forget nothing! Who used the toilet and didn’t flush! Bring your bags out! Who owns these socks?’ All this were statements from one room or the other on Saturday morning. Meal of bread, fried egg and tea was served and all ate. We were all in our ceremonial dress as the boys were in their bow-tie looking exactly like the perfect gentle man that they are, the girls were equally looking radiant and beautiful.
We were on the field for the closing ceremony and we all marched and offered our gifts to Daddy G.O. The bus got moving and we were back in RIS compound after taking our launch.
On Wednesday 9th of March, athletes and some members of staffs left for the Redemption camp in order to prepare for the heats of the sport event. One needs no interview to know the excitement of the athletes as Chioma Mutol couldn’t wait to conclude her work and Aboaba was cut running sideways and hitting his foot against one another.
Thursday 10th of March was the day for the exodus of the larger group. Some came as early as 7am just as the staff devotion was about to commence as Mrs. Asimi got out of the staff devotion on more than two occasions to tell the pupils were they are expected to keep their well labeled bags.
For the pupils going to redemption camp, the day was long and unending. They flooded the Arts Room and won’t stop asking, when are we going? Alas! A long bus drove into the school premises and the pupils bags were moved into it, but the children were downcast when they were told it was not yet time.
The tension rose again in the early hours of noon, when Mrs. Asimi called all the kids going to camp together as they were led to the waiting room to have their lunch which didn’t exclude they staffs going for camp. While swept their plate clean, others had few grains left in other to be a perfect gentleman.
At about thirty minutes after meal, the pupils were asked to enter into the air-conditioned buses and the journey commenced at last.
In the long bus, Mrs. Oluwatade commenced the prayer that was rounded off by Mr. Wey who pleaded to God for Journey mercy. Shortly after we hit the road, anxious Samuel Agbasi asked if the Journey will be long and Mrs. Oluwatade responded that ‘what is the need for the question if the journey wouldn’t be long, that means you already presuppose that the journey will be long.’
The journey was quite long, no little thanks to the traffic congestion and the poor state of our road. Several pocket discussions continued as every pupil wanted to tell their neighbor that he know one thing or the other. This was curtailed by Mrs. Oluwatade and other teachers.
We got to camp and drove straight down into our white suits chalet that cannot but remind one of the American White house, home of President Barack Obama. Pleasantries were exchanged from the newly arrived pupils and the athletes that had being in camp a day before. Camp commandant, Major General Nwabulue (Mrs.) with the help of the able hands of Mrs. Azeez and other teachers distributed the kids into pocket groups, with an average of four pupils to a teacher for thorough supervision.
After the collection of keys, then ‘…to your tents oh Israel’ or sorry, I meant to your mansions ooh RIS. The coordinators of each room read out their dos and don’ts. Pupils were admonished to take their showers and sleep, but the butterflies in their bellies won’t allow them sleep. The cookies and packs of bottled water came and we had to move to the field for primary school variety night. Each pupil had a cookies and a bottle of water to be eaten on the field but some forgot their but it was later communicated to them on the field, no little thanks to Mr. Gideon.
At the field, the population was massive, the praise and worship was greeted with dance by the pupils as Mr. Olusesi and others motivated the children to dance to God by initiating funny dance steps. The excitement continued with debate, recitation of memory verses among other electrifying presentations.
Mummy G.O. Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye wife of the General overseer of the Redeemed Christian church of God gave everyone a warm welcome. She prayed for everyone and we moved back into our Air conditioned tight, internet enabled mansion. Before we could say Jack Robinson, dinner of Jollof Rice and a giant chunk of fish each was served. After the meal, it was few minutes of rest and then shower and off to bed. Some teachers were forced to sing bed side songs as their boys wouldn’t sleep and it worked like the crystal balls.
Friday morning started with morning prayers at exactly 5am and all kids were hurried to do their morning rituals of using the toilet after a glass of water-water therapy (in some rooms), washing their mouth and taking a warm shower. All then wore their already ironed school uniforms and later removed it as they took their breakfast of yam and fish stew with warm tea. Some lost appetite had to be found by the kids themselves as some teachers change their smiling faces to straight faces to enable the kids find their appetite. Statements like ‘if you don’t eat, I will feed you and you must finish your food’ were issued and many complied.
About forty five minutes after meal, we were on the field. The pupils participating in the march past were given their gloves, hats for the girls among others. RIS’s Joy Udembe commenced the event by lighting the touch that was started by Mummy G.O. This was greeted with cheers from the RIS stands.
The march past commenced and RIS was the fifth school to march. The voice of Lieutenant Ojo Ayokunle was loud, firm and assertive, ‘hands in a fist! Swing your arms! Shoulder level!’ Lieutenant Ojo doled out instructions.
The events commenced in earnest and RIS qualified for three events, the four by 100metres relay that RIS fielded her 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th at the fastest runner race; obviously their getting to the finals was applaudable, 100metres flat race by upper primary females, and 100metre flat race male for upper primary. In the four by 100metres boys, RIS was third in her heat and was disqualified due to her time.
Before the race, the athletes moved to a special tent for athletes and Tobi Aboaba confessed, ‘I a little scared,’ others affirmed to it too. Tobi complained that she was full and the teachers asked them to do light exercises, then she was asked if she will give it a try and she said yes. The athletes were informed that they should look around as others are pointing at them and are scared of them, so there is no need to be scared of the people that are scared of you.
RIS’s event started with Joy Udembe’s 100metres flat race. Every sleeping Jonah under RIS tenth was wide awake. ‘On your mark! Set!’ and next was the gun shut. Someone beat the gun and the race had to start again. The person was yellow carded. ‘Thank God it wasn’t Joy,’ a teacher mentioned. They had to start again and RIS staffs and pupils started praying for Joy Udemba, and we were praying with our eyes opened. The gun shut was loud and the race begin, Joy was leading in the first 10 metres and we all stood still, 70 metres and she was still first, our hearts wont stop beating, the prayers continued, eyes opened, even Mr. Obiora that wasn’t feeling fine was now hale and hearty, his once weak eyes were as wild as a hungry Lion. Suddenly, upon approaching 85 metres Joy chipped, lost balance and almost, fell. ‘Haaaa!’ someone shouted, the once bright faces of staffs turned sour but they had to brazen up for their pupils. As if the teachers were absence, the pupils started confirming, ‘Joy almost fall flat, she would have being 1st.’ ‘Yes’ a teacher replied.
The next race was Tobi Aboaba’s flat race 100metre, the gun went and before he approached 20metres, Aboaba (Our King of the track 2011) chipped and almost fell. He was about the last three. He picked up and continued the race, he was not disappointing, and just too determine. Aboaba upon approaching 100metres mark, Aboaba was 2nd. The applauds from the RIS stand was louder than the roaring of a thunder. Our King Aboaba didn’t disappoint.
Temisan Aberen saw the relay teams coming our and cried, ‘Why didn’t we qualify, I feel miserable.’ The RIS female relay team were set and with fresh determination. Joy Udemba wasn’t wearing a broad smile as her face was on the finish line. The gun went and prayers started. Tobi Omotosho was the first leg and her pace was unbeatable, second leg runner Fisola Ifabiyi was a Cheetah, the most dramatic was the third leg with Chizy Aranonu as she was running opposite RIS stand. The girl competing with her in the 3rd leg was a giant, she was almost three times bigger than Chizy, the giant girl was initially ahead of Chizy but Chizy ran the fastest race of her life and outran the giant girl. RIS stand led by Mrs. Azeez started shouting ‘Chizy! Chizy! Chizy!’ until she gave the baton to Joy Udemba, whose strength double and will not stop until she was declared second after the finish line.
After the race, Tobi Aboaba said, ‘I will have preferred Gold but Silver is okay, it is something.’ For Joy Udemba, she said, ‘Before the race my eyes was on Gold, when the race started and I was ahead of others, that was the 100 metres flat race, I was thinking of finishing 1st, but when I chipped and practically fell, I was downcast. I am happy that we won the relay, that compensated for the loss.’
Chizy Aranonu said, ‘Before the race, the giant girl boosted and said, I was too small to run faster than her. That challenged me and I’m happy that I won her and more importantly that we won a silver medal. This is my 1st time ever to competite in Redeemers’ Day and I won a Silver medal, I’m happy!’ She spoke with a soft broad smile. Fisola Fabiyi acknowledged that the race was no work over but was interesting.
After the even we were in our White house, and lunch was served. It was African delicacies with Eba, Amala or semovita, with varieties of soup based on pupil’s choice. Oliver Twist were encouraged and given not only a loud ovation but the food they demanded for extra. The Likes of Temisan, Chiemelie and others were given on request. With our tanks filled pupils were not ready to sleep as our counterparts from another school where playing outside the compound. Pupils resulted to exchange visits with other in other rooms and play with their friends.
Evening meal was served and it was fried rice and chicken and we made way for the field for secondary schools variety night. The variety night ended and teachers went for seminar. Children sat a circle for a special moonlight presentation. Head girl Tobi Omotosho gave a fantastic Christian musical performance that got the wild applauds of others pupil. Joy Bankong also gave another soul lifting performance that no one wanted her performance to end. Games like don’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was performed and the excitement wouldn’t stop. The night ended with a story that was brought to an abrupt end due to our teacher’s presence. We flew home and it was bedtime.
‘Pack you things! Forget nothing! Who used the toilet and didn’t flush! Bring your bags out! Who owns these socks?’ All this were statements from one room or the other on Saturday morning. Meal of bread, fried egg and tea was served and all ate. We were all in our ceremonial dress as the boys were in their bow-tie looking exactly like the perfect gentle man that they are, the girls were equally looking radiant and beautiful.
We were on the field for the closing ceremony and we all marched and offered our gifts to Daddy G.O. The bus got moving and we were back in RIS compound after taking our launch.
Monday, June 6, 2011
OUT OF THIS WORLD REDEEMER’S DAY
The Redeemers’ day celebration or better called founder’s day for the year 2011 was such that was superb. The event that was greeted with much enthusiasm by the enter teachers and students of RIS.
On Wednesday 9th of March, athletes and some members of staffs left for the Redemption camp in order to prepare for the heats of the sport event. One needs no interview to know the excitement of the athletes as Chioma Mutol couldn’t wait to conclude her work and Aboaba was cut running sideways and hitting his foot against one another.
Thursday 10th of March was the day for the exodus of the larger group. Some came as early as 7am just as the staff devotion was about to commence as Mrs. Asimi got out of the staff devotion on more than two occasions to tell the pupils were they are expected to keep their well labeled bags.
For the pupils going to redemption camp, the day was long and unending. They flooded the Arts Room and won’t stop asking, when are we going? Alas! A long bus drove into the school premises and the pupils bags were moved into it, but the children were downcast when they were told it was not yet time.
The tension rose again in the early hours of noon, when Mrs. Asimi called all the kids going to camp together as they were led to the waiting room to have their lunch which didn’t exclude they staffs going for camp. While swept their plate clean, others had few grains left in other to be a perfect gentleman.
At about thirty minutes after meal, the pupils were asked to enter into the air-conditioned buses and the journey commenced at last.
In the long bus, Mrs. Oluwatade commenced the prayer that was rounded off by Mr. Wey who pleaded to God for Journey mercy. Shortly after we hit the road, anxious Samuel Agbasi asked if the Journey will be long and Mrs. Oluwatade responded that ‘what is the need for the question if the journey wouldn’t be long, that means you already presuppose that the journey will be long.’
The journey was quite long, no little thanks to the traffic congestion and the poor state of our road. Several pocket discussions continued as every pupil wanted to tell their neighbor that he know one thing or the other. This was curtailed by Mrs. Oluwatade and other teachers.
We got to camp and drove straight down into our white suits chalet that cannot but remind one of the American White house, home of President Barack Obama. Pleasantries were exchanged from the newly arrived pupils and the athletes that had being in camp a day before. Camp commandant, Major General Nwabulue (Mrs.) with the help of the able hands of Mrs. Azeez and other teachers distributed the kids into pocket groups, with an average of four pupils to a teacher for thorough supervision.
After the collection of keys, then ‘…to your tents oh Israel’ or sorry, I meant to your mansions ooh RIS. The coordinators of each room read out their dos and don’ts. Pupils were admonished to take their showers and sleep, but the butterflies in their bellies won’t allow them sleep. The cookies and packs of bottled water came and we had to move to the field for primary school variety night. Each pupil had a cookies and a bottle of water to be eaten on the field but some forgot their but it was later communicated to them on the field, no little thanks to Mr. Gideon.
At the field, the population was massive, the praise and worship was greeted with dance by the pupils as Mr. Olusesi and others motivated the children to dance to God by initiating funny dance steps. The excitement continued with debate, recitation of memory verses among other electrifying presentations.
Mummy G.O. Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye wife of the General overseer of the Redeemed Christian church of God gave everyone a warm welcome. She prayed for everyone and we moved back into our Air conditioned tight, internet enabled mansion. Before we could say Jack Robinson, dinner of Jollof Rice and a giant chunk of fish each was served. After the meal, it was few minutes of rest and then shower and off to bed. Some teachers were forced to sing bed side songs as their boys wouldn’t sleep and it worked like the crystal balls.
Friday morning started with morning prayers at exactly 5am and all kids were hurried to do their morning rituals of using the toilet after a glass of water-water therapy (in some rooms), washing their mouth and taking a warm shower. All then wore their already ironed school uniforms and later removed it as they took their breakfast of yam and fish stew with warm tea. Some lost appetite had to be found by the kids themselves as some teachers change their smiling faces to straight faces to enable the kids find their appetite. Statements like ‘if you don’t eat, I will feed you and you must finish your food’ were issued and many complied.
About forty five minutes after meal, we were on the field. The pupils participating in the march past were given their gloves, hats for the girls among others. RIS’s Joy Udembe commenced the event by lighting the touch that was started by Mummy G.O. This was greeted with cheers from the RIS stands.
The march past commenced and RIS was the fifth school to march. The voice of Lieutenant Ojo Ayokunle was loud, firm and assertive, ‘hands in a fist! Swing your arms! Shoulder level!’ Lieutenant Ojo doled out instructions.
The events commenced in earnest and RIS qualified for three events, the four by 100metres relay that RIS fielded her 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th at the fastest runner race; obviously their getting to the finals was applaudable, 100metres flat race by upper primary females, and 100metre flat race male for upper primary. In the four by 100metres boys, RIS was third in her heat and was disqualified due to her time.
Before the race, the athletes moved to a special tent for athletes and Tobi Aboaba confessed, ‘I a little scared,’ others affirmed to it too. Tobi complained that she was full and the teachers asked them to do light exercises, then she was asked if she will give it a try and she said yes. The athletes were informed that they should look around as others are pointing at them and are scared of them, so there is no need to be scared of the people that are scared of you.
RIS’s event started with Joy Udembe’s 100metres flat race. Every sleeping Jonah under RIS tenth was wide awake. ‘On your mark! Set!’ and next was the gun shut. Someone beat the gun and the race had to start again. The person was yellow carded. ‘Thank God it wasn’t Joy,’ a teacher mentioned. They had to start again and RIS staffs and pupils started praying for Joy Udemba, and we were praying with our eyes opened. The gun shut was loud and the race begin, Joy was leading in the first 10 metres and we all stood still, 70 metres and she was still first, our hearts wont stop beating, the prayers continued, eyes opened, even Mr. Obiora that wasn’t feeling fine was now hale and hearty, his once weak eyes were as wild as a hungry Lion. Suddenly, upon approaching 85 metres Joy chipped, lost balance and almost, fell. ‘Haaaa!’ someone shouted, the once bright faces of staffs turned sour but they had to brazen up for their pupils. As if the teachers were absence, the pupils started confirming, ‘Joy almost fall flat, she would have being 1st.’ ‘Yes’ a teacher replied.
The next race was Tobi Aboaba’s flat race 100metre, the gun went and before he approached 20metres, Aboaba (Our King of the track 2011) chipped and almost fell. He was about the last three. He picked up and continued the race, he was not disappointing, and just too determine. Aboaba upon approaching 100metres mark, Aboaba was 2nd. The applauds from the RIS stand was louder than the roaring of a thunder. Our King Aboaba didn’t disappoint.
Temisan Aberen saw the relay teams coming our and cried, ‘Why didn’t we qualify, I feel miserable.’ The RIS female relay team were set and with fresh determination. Joy Udemba wasn’t wearing a broad smile as her face was on the finish line. The gun went and prayers started. Tobi Omotosho was the first leg and her pace was unbeatable, second leg runner Fisola Ifabiyi was a Cheetah, the most dramatic was the third leg with Chizy Aranonu as she was running opposite RIS stand. The girl competing with her in the 3rd leg was a giant, she was almost three times bigger than Chizy, the giant girl was initially ahead of Chizy but Chizy ran the fastest race of her life and outran the giant girl. RIS stand led by Mrs. Azeez started shouting ‘Chizy! Chizy! Chizy!’ until she gave the baton to Joy Udemba, whose strength double and will not stop until she was declared second after the finish line.
After the race, Tobi Aboaba said, ‘I will have preferred Gold but Silver is okay, it is something.’ For Joy Udemba, she said, ‘Before the race my eyes was on Gold, when the race started and I was ahead of others, that was the 100 metres flat race, I was thinking of finishing 1st, but when I chipped and practically fell, I was downcast. I am happy that we won the relay, that compensated for the loss.’
Chizy Aranonu said, ‘Before the race, the giant girl boosted and said, I was too small to run faster than her. That challenged me and I’m happy that I won her and more importantly that we won a silver medal. This is my 1st time ever to competite in Redeemers’ Day and I won a Silver medal, I’m happy!’ She spoke with a soft broad smile. Fisola Fabiyi acknowledged that the race was no work over but was interesting.
After the even we were in our White house, and lunch was served. It was African delicacies with Eba, Amala or semovita, with varieties of soup based on pupil’s choice. Oliver Twist were encouraged and given not only a loud ovation but the food they demanded for extra. The Likes of Temisan, Chiemelie and others were given on request. With our tanks filled pupils were not ready to sleep as our counterparts from another school where playing outside the compound. Pupils resulted to exchange visits with other in other rooms and play with their friends.
Evening meal was served and it was fried rice and chicken and we made way for the field for secondary schools variety night. The variety night ended and teachers went for seminar. Children sat a circle for a special moonlight presentation. Head girl Tobi Omotosho gave a fantastic Christian musical performance that got the wild applauds of others pupil. Joy Bankong also gave another soul lifting performance that no one wanted her performance to end. Games like don’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was performed and the excitement wouldn’t stop. The night ended with a story that was brought to an abrupt end due to our teacher’s presence. We flew home and it was bedtime.
‘Pack you things! Forget nothing! Who used the toilet and didn’t flush! Bring your bags out! Who owns these socks?’ All this were statements from one room or the other on Saturday morning. Meal of bread, fried egg and tea was served and all ate. We were all in our ceremonial dress as the boys were in their bow-tie looking exactly like the perfect gentle man that they are, the girls were equally looking radiant and beautiful.
We were on the field for the closing ceremony and we all marched and offered our gifts to Daddy G.O. The bus got moving and we were back in RIS compound after taking our launch.
On Wednesday 9th of March, athletes and some members of staffs left for the Redemption camp in order to prepare for the heats of the sport event. One needs no interview to know the excitement of the athletes as Chioma Mutol couldn’t wait to conclude her work and Aboaba was cut running sideways and hitting his foot against one another.
Thursday 10th of March was the day for the exodus of the larger group. Some came as early as 7am just as the staff devotion was about to commence as Mrs. Asimi got out of the staff devotion on more than two occasions to tell the pupils were they are expected to keep their well labeled bags.
For the pupils going to redemption camp, the day was long and unending. They flooded the Arts Room and won’t stop asking, when are we going? Alas! A long bus drove into the school premises and the pupils bags were moved into it, but the children were downcast when they were told it was not yet time.
The tension rose again in the early hours of noon, when Mrs. Asimi called all the kids going to camp together as they were led to the waiting room to have their lunch which didn’t exclude they staffs going for camp. While swept their plate clean, others had few grains left in other to be a perfect gentleman.
At about thirty minutes after meal, the pupils were asked to enter into the air-conditioned buses and the journey commenced at last.
In the long bus, Mrs. Oluwatade commenced the prayer that was rounded off by Mr. Wey who pleaded to God for Journey mercy. Shortly after we hit the road, anxious Samuel Agbasi asked if the Journey will be long and Mrs. Oluwatade responded that ‘what is the need for the question if the journey wouldn’t be long, that means you already presuppose that the journey will be long.’
The journey was quite long, no little thanks to the traffic congestion and the poor state of our road. Several pocket discussions continued as every pupil wanted to tell their neighbor that he know one thing or the other. This was curtailed by Mrs. Oluwatade and other teachers.
We got to camp and drove straight down into our white suits chalet that cannot but remind one of the American White house, home of President Barack Obama. Pleasantries were exchanged from the newly arrived pupils and the athletes that had being in camp a day before. Camp commandant, Major General Nwabulue (Mrs.) with the help of the able hands of Mrs. Azeez and other teachers distributed the kids into pocket groups, with an average of four pupils to a teacher for thorough supervision.
After the collection of keys, then ‘…to your tents oh Israel’ or sorry, I meant to your mansions ooh RIS. The coordinators of each room read out their dos and don’ts. Pupils were admonished to take their showers and sleep, but the butterflies in their bellies won’t allow them sleep. The cookies and packs of bottled water came and we had to move to the field for primary school variety night. Each pupil had a cookies and a bottle of water to be eaten on the field but some forgot their but it was later communicated to them on the field, no little thanks to Mr. Gideon.
At the field, the population was massive, the praise and worship was greeted with dance by the pupils as Mr. Olusesi and others motivated the children to dance to God by initiating funny dance steps. The excitement continued with debate, recitation of memory verses among other electrifying presentations.
Mummy G.O. Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye wife of the General overseer of the Redeemed Christian church of God gave everyone a warm welcome. She prayed for everyone and we moved back into our Air conditioned tight, internet enabled mansion. Before we could say Jack Robinson, dinner of Jollof Rice and a giant chunk of fish each was served. After the meal, it was few minutes of rest and then shower and off to bed. Some teachers were forced to sing bed side songs as their boys wouldn’t sleep and it worked like the crystal balls.
Friday morning started with morning prayers at exactly 5am and all kids were hurried to do their morning rituals of using the toilet after a glass of water-water therapy (in some rooms), washing their mouth and taking a warm shower. All then wore their already ironed school uniforms and later removed it as they took their breakfast of yam and fish stew with warm tea. Some lost appetite had to be found by the kids themselves as some teachers change their smiling faces to straight faces to enable the kids find their appetite. Statements like ‘if you don’t eat, I will feed you and you must finish your food’ were issued and many complied.
About forty five minutes after meal, we were on the field. The pupils participating in the march past were given their gloves, hats for the girls among others. RIS’s Joy Udembe commenced the event by lighting the touch that was started by Mummy G.O. This was greeted with cheers from the RIS stands.
The march past commenced and RIS was the fifth school to march. The voice of Lieutenant Ojo Ayokunle was loud, firm and assertive, ‘hands in a fist! Swing your arms! Shoulder level!’ Lieutenant Ojo doled out instructions.
The events commenced in earnest and RIS qualified for three events, the four by 100metres relay that RIS fielded her 1st, 5th, 6th and 7th at the fastest runner race; obviously their getting to the finals was applaudable, 100metres flat race by upper primary females, and 100metre flat race male for upper primary. In the four by 100metres boys, RIS was third in her heat and was disqualified due to her time.
Before the race, the athletes moved to a special tent for athletes and Tobi Aboaba confessed, ‘I a little scared,’ others affirmed to it too. Tobi complained that she was full and the teachers asked them to do light exercises, then she was asked if she will give it a try and she said yes. The athletes were informed that they should look around as others are pointing at them and are scared of them, so there is no need to be scared of the people that are scared of you.
RIS’s event started with Joy Udembe’s 100metres flat race. Every sleeping Jonah under RIS tenth was wide awake. ‘On your mark! Set!’ and next was the gun shut. Someone beat the gun and the race had to start again. The person was yellow carded. ‘Thank God it wasn’t Joy,’ a teacher mentioned. They had to start again and RIS staffs and pupils started praying for Joy Udemba, and we were praying with our eyes opened. The gun shut was loud and the race begin, Joy was leading in the first 10 metres and we all stood still, 70 metres and she was still first, our hearts wont stop beating, the prayers continued, eyes opened, even Mr. Obiora that wasn’t feeling fine was now hale and hearty, his once weak eyes were as wild as a hungry Lion. Suddenly, upon approaching 85 metres Joy chipped, lost balance and almost, fell. ‘Haaaa!’ someone shouted, the once bright faces of staffs turned sour but they had to brazen up for their pupils. As if the teachers were absence, the pupils started confirming, ‘Joy almost fall flat, she would have being 1st.’ ‘Yes’ a teacher replied.
The next race was Tobi Aboaba’s flat race 100metre, the gun went and before he approached 20metres, Aboaba (Our King of the track 2011) chipped and almost fell. He was about the last three. He picked up and continued the race, he was not disappointing, and just too determine. Aboaba upon approaching 100metres mark, Aboaba was 2nd. The applauds from the RIS stand was louder than the roaring of a thunder. Our King Aboaba didn’t disappoint.
Temisan Aberen saw the relay teams coming our and cried, ‘Why didn’t we qualify, I feel miserable.’ The RIS female relay team were set and with fresh determination. Joy Udemba wasn’t wearing a broad smile as her face was on the finish line. The gun went and prayers started. Tobi Omotosho was the first leg and her pace was unbeatable, second leg runner Fisola Ifabiyi was a Cheetah, the most dramatic was the third leg with Chizy Aranonu as she was running opposite RIS stand. The girl competing with her in the 3rd leg was a giant, she was almost three times bigger than Chizy, the giant girl was initially ahead of Chizy but Chizy ran the fastest race of her life and outran the giant girl. RIS stand led by Mrs. Azeez started shouting ‘Chizy! Chizy! Chizy!’ until she gave the baton to Joy Udemba, whose strength double and will not stop until she was declared second after the finish line.
After the race, Tobi Aboaba said, ‘I will have preferred Gold but Silver is okay, it is something.’ For Joy Udemba, she said, ‘Before the race my eyes was on Gold, when the race started and I was ahead of others, that was the 100 metres flat race, I was thinking of finishing 1st, but when I chipped and practically fell, I was downcast. I am happy that we won the relay, that compensated for the loss.’
Chizy Aranonu said, ‘Before the race, the giant girl boosted and said, I was too small to run faster than her. That challenged me and I’m happy that I won her and more importantly that we won a silver medal. This is my 1st time ever to competite in Redeemers’ Day and I won a Silver medal, I’m happy!’ She spoke with a soft broad smile. Fisola Fabiyi acknowledged that the race was no work over but was interesting.
After the even we were in our White house, and lunch was served. It was African delicacies with Eba, Amala or semovita, with varieties of soup based on pupil’s choice. Oliver Twist were encouraged and given not only a loud ovation but the food they demanded for extra. The Likes of Temisan, Chiemelie and others were given on request. With our tanks filled pupils were not ready to sleep as our counterparts from another school where playing outside the compound. Pupils resulted to exchange visits with other in other rooms and play with their friends.
Evening meal was served and it was fried rice and chicken and we made way for the field for secondary schools variety night. The variety night ended and teachers went for seminar. Children sat a circle for a special moonlight presentation. Head girl Tobi Omotosho gave a fantastic Christian musical performance that got the wild applauds of others pupil. Joy Bankong also gave another soul lifting performance that no one wanted her performance to end. Games like don’t say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ was performed and the excitement wouldn’t stop. The night ended with a story that was brought to an abrupt end due to our teacher’s presence. We flew home and it was bedtime.
‘Pack you things! Forget nothing! Who used the toilet and didn’t flush! Bring your bags out! Who owns these socks?’ All this were statements from one room or the other on Saturday morning. Meal of bread, fried egg and tea was served and all ate. We were all in our ceremonial dress as the boys were in their bow-tie looking exactly like the perfect gentle man that they are, the girls were equally looking radiant and beautiful.
We were on the field for the closing ceremony and we all marched and offered our gifts to Daddy G.O. The bus got moving and we were back in RIS compound after taking our launch.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
DO BA LE: Cultural or Counter-Cultural
The subject of ‘Do ba la’ is currently controversies among OAU students. Some see it as culture and others see it as degeneration. Afolabi Oni, just concluded his final examinations in OAU writes.
For students in part six Medicine, they do not know when it all started. It gained ground day by day, just like the Bamboo tree and now is a pronounced and prominent act in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. This is an act of demanding for respect from any artiste or invited guest in OAU as they are told to prostrate before they perform at all, if a male and go on bended knees on the ground if a female. This is usually echoed by boys residing in Awolowo hall who do not only come to the event ground to be entertained, but also to entertain their fellow students with their aroism in other to ensure that there are no dull moments. They encourage well performing artiste and dust their hands off for the artiste that isn’t getting the audience attention as sign that his absence on stage is needed.
On the 27th of November, 2010, EniObanke music festival was stage in OAU and organized by beautiful Nubia (Segun Akinlolu). Beautiful Nubia started singing from amidst the students and when he moved to the raised platform, he said, ‘Greeting’. Awoites and other students demanded that he should prostrate but he continues with his performance. Upon being asked to prostrate and when the tension had increased, he said, ‘In the yoruba culture, only a bastard will prostrate for someone younger than him, I know my age, I am over 42.’
The President of the Student Union Fredrick Joel came up stage stating categorically to beautiful Nubia with all humility, that it is a tradition in ife for any artiste to prostrate as a sign of paying homage to the students. He however said if that connoted sense of disrespect to Beautiful Nubia, Joel and other Central Executive Council officials prostrated to Beautiful Nubia right on stage and advised him to do the same to the students. Beautiful Nubia called that he coming back on stage to perform but that Pa Olandowo Julius should perform. All these happened after Jimi Solanke had performed.
Students sensed that it was just an antic and that Beautiful Nubia wanted Pa Olandowo Julius to play before they packed there things and left. In the cause of the tension as he wasn’t given audience by students who wanted him to prostrate, Beautiful Nubia said, ‘Okay, you want me to do ba le, let the Chairman of Awolowo hall come, I will do ba le for you. Sebi u want do ba le.’
Another member of his crew who beautiful Nubia felt has a right to express himself said, ‘This is not the culture in Ife, and it is degeneration. It wasn’t like this when we were here.’ The programme came to a halt when beautiful Nubia left the stage after inviting the next guest artiste and some of his crews were packing some musical instrument. Arguments continued as the Director of Socials and Culture, Babawale Olayinka countered what the President said and did say that it was not cultural and he was on the side of Beautiful Nubia. Some students asked him if he did prostrated or not before presenting his manifestos to the students as all the aspirant didn’t only prostrate but also affirmed that it was a tradition.
Adeolu Adesakin, 300level student of Sociology and Antropology criticized Babawale for supporting an artiste against the students, based on the fact that he has a personal relationship with the artiste. However, Ola Osebikan disagrees that to say do ba le is a tradition is subjective and restrictive. He recommends that it should be done away with as it is anachronistic.
After minutes, the President of the Students’ Union, Fredrick Joel appealed to students’ as well as Awolowo hall Chairman and they both prostrated again to fraying nerves asked Beautiful Nubia to apologize to the students and continue with performance. Beautiful Nubia apologized for his perceived harsh tone, arrogance and use of ‘provocative’ words and said they where all perceived as he didn’t do it on purpose but was just misconception. This calmed down the students and he didn’t do ba le but still performed ‘arewa’. Olando Julius thereafter preformed to the thunderous applause of the students and Beautiful Nubia was carried should high by Awoites after the show.
The students are not just interested in your do ba le but humility on stage. The cry for do ba le is just to send signal to the artiste that he is not in control of the stage but the students. The last time an artiste was in charge of the stage, was in the early 1991, when Shina Peter was in Amphi theatre to perform and he requested that a lady to suck his male genital on stage. The female student was however rusticated after the show and nothing was done to Shina Peters. Students after the incidence resolved to demand respect from artistes and guest irrespective of where they come from.
Many have raised eye-brows saying that it will discourage popular artists from coming to OAU, as TU-Face Idibia said in an interview with Babawale, ‘Why would you think I would like to prostrate at any show? Nigerians need to respect us; we are on the same level with Artistes they see on Channel O and MTV base. We deserve some respect. Should it be Akon who will ask him prostrate?’
Adeabgo Matthew replied Tuface that it is just pride that will not make you yield to the demands of your audience. The audience opinion needs to be respected. Should Akon come to OAU, he will prostrate. When Tuface further asked, ‘What will I tell the world when they see the pictures on facebook and twitter?’, Adeagbo replied that Tuface that he should tell them that he is respecting the people in their own way, it is not debasement, but humility.
Although, the controversy continues among students whether it should be struck out or not, but for now, pending the congress, that is even if subjected to debate at the level of the congress because it is beyond the parliament, artiste and guest coming to OAU should not forget to prostrate upon the students request.
08036126690
Saturday, December 4, 2010
MOURINHO DYMISTIFIED
The el-classico as it is fondly called is the match between FC-Bacelona and Real Madrid was played on the 29th of November, this year at a time students of OAU students were writing their exams, yet they shunned their books to watch and discuss the el-classico. Afolabi Oni writes.
It was the talk of the town, the bone of contention and the bull’s eye of discussion in especially the male halls of residence in Obafemi Awolowo University. Many agreements ensued as sweated justifying reasons why either of the club will win.
Most English premiere League fans were not unsupportive for Real Madrid (The Galacticals). For FC Chelsea fans, many of them were supporting their former team coach, Jose Mourinho, who is the current team coach of Real Madrid and by extension supported Mardrid. For the Manchester United fans, they have soft spot for their former play-maker and striker, Christiano Ronaldo who now plies his trade with Madrid. For the Gunners fans (Arsenal FC), it was time to revenge their 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Quarter final Stage of last session UEFA champions’ league, and they want Madrid to help them out.
Others that aren’t English clubs fans reminded Barcelona Fans that, Portugal defeated Spain 3-0 and most Barcelona fans are part of Spain’s starting eleven and Christiano Ronaldo is of Portugal and the playmaker of Real Madrid. This same fate may repeat itself with Barcelona losing.
In the rooms, many predicted a loss for FC Barcelona or at most a draw in camp nou, the home of Barcelona. Many Barcelona fans refused to wear their jersey due to the many persons that gave it to Real Mardrid. All T.V. rooms in all halls of residence was already crowded as at 8pm for a match that to commence by 9pm.
Even Mozambique Hall girls were watching the match rather than their usual African Magic or MTV. When Campuslife asked Ibukun Olaiya, a 100 level student of Nursing, residing in Moz, she said, ‘I don’t like watching football, but there has being to much talk on this match. I have examination in tomorrow, but I will read overnight. Even if I go to the library now, I wouldn’t concentrate and I will only be deceiving myself.’
Adefemi Olayinka, the Assistant Secretary General of the Students’ Union said, ‘My father just called me now, he said that I shouldn’t read but that I should go and watch the el-classico. I don’t support either of the clubs but any football lover will not miss this match.’
Calls were exchange with distance friends in places like Lagos as many praised and prayed for their team, but none of them could play. The match analyses on supersport Charles Anazodo and former super Eagles forward gave it to Real Madrid because of their team coach, the special one, Jose Mourinho and the fact that, the last time Mourinho met Barcelona, he triumph over Pep Guardiola, the Coach of FC Barcelona (The catalans), also coupled with the fact that Mourinho was an assistant coach in Barcelona when Guardiola was a player.
At the start of the match silence filled the TV room and everyone was doing a study of the match. The first real chance came in the 3 minute for the Catalans as Lionel Messi, world best player as he beat cassila only to hit the woodwork, may Barcelona fans screamed at the close effort and were better optimistic that Barcelona will win.
At exactly 7 minutes into the match, there was power outage and students ran to new buka as if they where changing successive lecture to a small class that can contain only 150 students but a class size of 1500 students, which is a common sight in OAU, especially for courses like EGL 101 1nd CHM 101 among others. Some wanted to watch the match in Fork and Finger at the students’ union building that had their generator on, but they cared less about corporate social responsibility and they switch off their TV set and removed it inside and brought a spoiled plasma TV out all because they don’t want their restaurant to be overcrowded. The Union president, Fredrick Joel was called and he went inside to tell them to bring the TV out. Although he was lobbied to watch the match inside like other CEC official like the Welfare Director, Ige Ayodele and Adefemi Olayinka, the Assistant Secretary General at the expense of his fellow students, but he rejected. Joel begged the students to allow the persons eating to sit while they stand and the students obliged. Just five minutes after the TV was switch on, electricity was restored and all the students went to the TV room as Joel, switched on the TV’s in the Students Union building.
The students that had seen online that Barcelona had scored unreplied goal concluded the first half. They goals came off the feet of Xavi and Pedro. The goals continued in the second half as David Villa put two into the back of the net and substitute, Jefferson rounded off the match as he sent home the cross from Bojan, another substitute. Lionel Messi, made three assist although didn’t score. The special one, Mourinho was quite although the match.
Wole Monebi, a two hundred level student of pharmacy asked, ‘Who said Mourinho is not a special one, isn’t losing unreplied goals to FC Barcelona special? The match was one sided, but that doesn’t mean that Barcelona has won the league.’
Students’ reactions to the emergence of Aregbesola
It was jubilation and expectation galore for some students of Obafemi Awolowo University, especially indigenes of Osun state at the declaration of Rauf Aregesola at the Appeal Court Ibadan as the winner of the 2007 Governorship election, Afolabi Oni, media practitioner and 400level student of Education English writes.
The political atmosphere in Osun state weeks before the 26th November judgment had being tensed as many cannot await the verdict that will determine if election will hold for the office of the executive Governor of Osun state come April 2011. Just two days before the declaration, some students had photocopied and pasted copies of releases of Aregbesola Rauf and Osun defender in halls of residence.
For OAU students, it was time for justice as students who registered for the 2007 general election but where not campus are yet to be awoken from the fact that over 30, 000 votes were gotten from Ife. More so, the fact that her former students’ union president, Akinola Saburi’s arrest cannot be disconnected from the political imbroglio made OAU students more interested. More so, the fact that her former union President, Akinola Saburi had to spend three and the half months behind the walls of Ilesa prison was another motivating factor for Students. He was arrested on his was to testifying in the law court assert the fact that OAU students were not on campus during election and over 30, 000 votes from OAU was out of place. On the 26th, many students were gathered at the Students’ Union building waiting for the verdict. Despite the fact that it wasn’t broadcast live, students’ exchange calls with friends and relatives and upon declaration it was jubilation galore as expectations are high.
Speaking with the formal students’ Union president, OAU, Alaje Paul an indigene of Irewole Local Government, a four hundred level student of Economics said, ‘The greatest crime that any man can ever committee is to steal the people’s mandate. If you don’t steal the people’s mandate, you can’t have the opportunity to steal the people’s money at the expense of basic infrastructure that the people need to make life more comfortable. While we celebrate the return of the stolen mandate, we shouldn’t forget to chastise the thief in other to serve as deterrent to other politician.’
While many are happy, others aren’t, Awoyeye Opeola, a two hundred level student English and Social Studies, Osun State college of Education, Ilesa is pessimistic about the new government, he says, ‘Politicians are all the same, we celebrate their emergence and they do nothing. If he can take after Babatunde Fasola, then I can start celebrating. Let him, solve the problem of LAUTECH upon assumption into office, let him reduce the school fees of Osun state University between thirty and fifty thousand, let him bring Law and order to Osun state and halt the problem of environmental pollution. Let him organize competitions at all levels of education; oratory, debate, essay among others for indigenes in Osun State. Let the people’s basic needs be met, then, we can have cause to celebrate,’ he challenged.
The President of Federation of Origbo Students’ Association of Nigeria, Afolabi Kolawole, a student of OAU, said, ‘The verdict by the appeal court is a pointer to the rebirth of justice in Osun state, and at the same time, this shows oppression to our common existence. Imagine few cabals, ganging up and being in custody of our mandate. At a point we lost faith which is now renewed by the judiciary. This judgment is an indication to the total collapse of the PDP.
Oluyomi Olaoye, a 100 student of Sociology and Social Statistics said, ‘Politics to me is a film and the script writers are the cabals. While Omisore’s Senatorial Election was annulled, due to electoral irregularities, better called electoral mal-practices, he did contest in the rerun and won yet again. These cabals know what they are doing. They just want to give Oyinlola enough time to campaign in his senatorial zone, Osun East. We have started seeing the postal and Omisore, who has started campaign for the governor of the State, will be compensated with a ministerial appointment, probably the minister of finance, because he is currently the Chairman, house committee on finance. They decided to lose Osun state Governorship for a more juicy meat.’
Opeola further added, ‘Oyinlola has nothing to lose, he has collected loan that is more than enough for his campaign and I am sure that the Aregbesola will be declaring the debt incurred by Oyinlola. The truth is that the Owaobokun of Ijesaland will now have more political relevance in the state because he supported Aregbesola more than the Oni of Ife who was always on the side of Oyinlola. The silence that was forced on him based on the several insults of Oyinlola will be broken.’
‘That students spend four years on campus only to receive bursary once in OAU is disgusting. A bursary that cannot cater for the needs of students for a month (N5, 000) is expected to last for four sessions. If this vices is corrected the celebration will be worth a while. But for now, let us thank God that the stolen good is back, and we hope it wouldn’t be stole again. If Aregesola doesn’t perform, it would mean that Oyinlola Olagunsoye stole illegally while Aregbesola is stealing legally. Legally or illegally, stealing is stealing,’ those were the words of Demola Adeyeye, a 400 level student of Crop production and Processing, OAU.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The CEC Election
The Student Union election; The Drama
In 2008, the ban on the students' union was lifted after a session and the major drama during the manifestos was when 'SMAT' name unknown, a presidential aspirant with one of the best publicity said, 'if great Ife students are intelligent', in 2009 'Agenda mama', Joyce (Surname unknown) was the first female to prostrate, rather than knee during her manifestos, 2010 has her drama and AFOLABI ONI views it.
The debate started on Monday 1st, Nov, with the Association of Campus Journalists OAU, giving the aspirants quiz questions as well as debatable questions. The same thing continued on Tuesday, with the remaining offices. On Wednesday the aspirants were to give their manifestos and the hall was contested.
The aspirants gave their manifestos after journalists had read their manifestos and at a particular time frame. Any attempt by any aspirant to say 'of the greatest Ife', the response will be F-JAY. While some aspirants like Adelu James and Babaeko Kelvin hired band set others had their teaming supporter shouting. Any aspirant not loved will receive the gesture of sarcastically dusting the hands and asked to leave. The aspirant for the post of the Secretary General, Awelewa Wilson was the only aspirant that forgot to prostrate and the audience refused to give him attention.
The aspirants for the office of the president were dramatic. Babaeko did not use more three minutes to give his manifestos despite when they were given six minutes each and when Balogun Ademola was taking trying to exhaust his time, the crowd used his nickname against him, shouting, 'G.O. go!' Fredrick Joel had the loudest applause and the Oluwayemi Olalekan, (the PRO of the students' Union 2008/09, OAU) had to remove his suit before giving his manifestos. Lekan was the only aspirant that didn't paste posters. Adelu James the outgoing PRO didn't stop shooting two fingers in the air as his fans carried him after his citation. Adamolekun Johnson closed his eyes and was rushing down his manifestos and the crowd started saying 'Amen' because they mistaking him to be saying prayers rather than give his manifestos.
Their effort was rewarded after elections on Thursday. Chima Victor who was contesting for the office of the PRO lost the 2nd time despite having 2, 057 votes to Adeyemi Adetola, no little thanks to the other aspirant who weren't good contenders. Fatile Wale won the office of Sport Director with 3236 votes and second place Nwosu Markanthony. Olayinka Babawale won the office of the Director of Socials and culture with 4489 votes and his opponent Asifa Ayodele had 1551.
Olaoye Adeola a 200 level student of Management and Accounting said, 'His success cannot but be linked to the mirror he bought in the halls and his vibrant manifestos.'
Adefemi Olayinka won the Assistant General Secretary office, and the closest margin was the Financial Secretary as Adebayo Sikiru (2110) won Fasanmi Kayode (1984) by 26 votes. The next closest tie was the office of the Secretary General as Mandela Benjamin (1925) won Ogunne Kinsley (1888) by 37 votes. For the office of the vice president, Olupona Tolulope was the only aspirant that won in all faculties and 2nd placed Thompson Ayoka. The Office of the welfare director was won by Ayodele Ige with 1,885 against Olanrewaju Oluwaseun who had 1580.
Fredrick Joel emerged with 3605 votes which was almost 2.5 of what his runner up Adelu James, the outgoing PRO had. The Presidential aspirant with the least votes was Balogun Ademola with 75 votes.
Speaking with Campus life, Oluwayemi Olalekan a 400 level student of the faculty of Law said, ' I want to use this opportunity to express my hearty congratulation to Fredrick Joel for his landslide victory, I want to enjoin all Great Ife students and all aggrieved contestants to support his leadership, irrespective of differences and our political leaning and belief.
Afolabi Oni
08036126690
OAU
IGBO WEEK in OAU
In Obafemi Awolowo University from 3rd of November to 6th, five eastern states and the entire igbo community in OAU had her Igbo week which was the first of it kind as they usually have it at state level. Afolabi Oni, a 400level student of Education English reports the story.
The theme of the programme was, 'Igbo tradition in the 21st century, a need for a redirection', and the week concentrated more of how best to promote the Igbo culture.
Speaking with campuslife the Financial Secretary, Federation of Igbo Student 2009/10, Nzekwe Chukudalu said, 'the four day programme was indeed a success. The 1st day took the campus by storm with our publicity, especially Igbo students who hide themselves, while the 2nd day was 'Eri be agwuagwu na egwu onwa' meaning abundance to eat and moonlight dance respectivel where Igbo students came out in thier traditional attires and they told folklors admist eating and drinking beside moremi hall. the 3rd day was a publicity to the Igbo community in Ile-Ife and other students residing off campus. while day 4 was the cultural day that had the lunching of the magazine, the 'ada ndi Igbo' contest and two lectures.
Prof. Pita Ejiofor, a former Vice Chancellor of Unizik was one of the guest lectures and he said, 'There is a need to ensure that Igbo language doesnt go into extinction and the only way to ensure that is to speak the language. There is a need for Igbo students to embrace the language and see that it doesn't go into extinction.' Prof Pita added, 'Eastern universities are doing their best to ensure that igbo language doesn't goes into extinction by using it as their general studies course, which every student must pass before graduation. Unizik is an example. More so, for eastern students, credit is required in Igbo language before admission into higher institution. We should do virtually everything in our language because English makes us faceless. People have started making Invitation cards, birthday cards among others printed in Igbo language and we should patronize them in order to encourage them.'
The title of the second lecture was 'oya ji asusu igbo' meaning 'the dillemma of the Igbo language, by Mr Kalu Onuma, the Adminisrative Secretary, Ndigbo lagos said, 'When you ask a yoruba girl for her name, she says Sola, but an Igbo girl will say Benedicta, which makes it impossible to identify her as Igbo. Our goal should and must be to push the frontiers Igbo civilization into the world consciousness and take it to the next level. In most Igbo folklore death predicts living; living depicts the continuum of the soul, an endless journey through many lifetimes and comings, in-between is the allotted time to produce and this attitude of production is what marks the Igbo mind with that unalloyed approach towards work and a deep disgust towards indolence.'
The 'Ada ndi Igbo contest was keenly contested and won by Nkechi Ubakeze from Anambra state, an 100 level student of the department of Foreign Language. The judgment was based on the understanding of your native language, eloquence in Igbo language, intellegence and beauty.
Adanma Obondokwu said, 'Th programme was a okay, especially for those of use that we prefer English names rather than rich Igbo names. The truth it, this can be traced to colonization, because catholic dominated eastern Nigeria. the average Igbo is more catholic than Igbo and most of us prefer to bear names with saints. This lecture is timely.
Afolabi Oni
400 level Education English OAU 08036126690
Student encourages students
Solid link Educational Foundation, a non governmental organization, founded by Aikulola Abiodun a post graduate student of Economics organized a standard test for students to ascertain their preparedness for the forth coming examination on Friday 5th november, in OAU. The test was basically ICT, Economics and English. 34 schools participated with 3 representatives from each school within Ife-Modakeke area.
Taiwo Damilare from Modakeke high school was first, Adetunbi Adetayo of Royal High School was 2nd and Adedare Micheal of St. Phillips coming 3rd. The prizes were distributed immediately.
Tiawo Damilare said, 'This should come up as often as possible so as to keep us on our toes band create room for health academic rivalry that will indirectly solve the problem of examination malpractice.'
Aikulola Abiodun in a chat with campuslife said, 'The foundation is built and focuses on students who are less privilege in acquiring qualitative training and to promote institutional educational quality through standardized information that educate the energetic youth within the nation towards economic and social development.'
Afolabi Oni
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