Connect with us

Society

Remembering a Consummate Mobiliser, Chief R.O Ore, 25 Years After

Published

on

For youngsters and even the old, who grew up and lived in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government area of Kogi State in the 1980s and early 1990s, the sight and sound of a megaphone wielding Chief Raphael Olorunfemi Ore will most certainly and always bring back fond memories of nostalgia, of their early years growing up and the sheer conviviality and serenity of their beloved hometown.

Though Ayetoro Gbede is home to several iconic figures and men who distinguished themselves in the service of the community and humanity in that era, Chief R.O Ore, as he was fondly called, stands out for many reasons.

Two of the very popular songs many will always remember Chief R.O Ore for include omi ero l’Ayetoro Gbede and Ayetoro Day, Ayetoro Day, songs that drummed support and encouraged government to give the fast expanding town pipe borne water and also mobilising indigenes and residents for the annual Ayetoro Gbede Day celebrated on the 26th of December.

It was common place to see the revered chief go from street to street with his megaphone singing and mobilising indigenes and residents alike, with youngsters trooping to watch him do his thing with admiration.

Early Life, Education and Work

Chief R.O Ore was born to the family of Chief Abraham Elea Ore and Mrs Mesele Ore in Ayetoro Gbede, now in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State in 1935

Like every other child in that era, Chief R.O Ore grew up in the farmstead, helping his father in the farm, but off course, he had his eyes on being educated. 

He started his education at LEA primary School Ayetoro Gbede before proceeding to Offa Grammar School, Offa, Kwara State. He however left Offa Grammar School in 1958 to become to become a teacher  at Ayeh Gbede, where he taught for 3 years before proceeding to Gombe Teachers College

After his studies at Gombe Teachers College, Chief R.O Ore was posted to Iluke Bunu as head master.

As a man who knows the value of education and cherished self-development, he was not satisfied yet with his level of education, as he again, proceeded to the Rural Education Collage in Bauchi, Bauchi State for further studies from Iluke Bunu for three years.

After his studies at the Rural Education College, Bauchi, Chief R.O Ore taught at the St Monica’s College, Kabba for a while, before his quest for more knowledge and qualifications took him to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. From ABU Zaria, he was posted back to St Monica’s College

Chief R.O Ore’s working life was such that he was in high demand, with schools where he served always eager to have him back, as evidenced in his recall back to St Monica’s College, Kabba after a stint as a headmaster in Effo Amuro, in then Kwara State in 1970.

A Consummate Unionist 

Chief R.O Ore was not just a great teacher, who impacted knowledge to the next generation after him but one that took the welfare of teachers and issues after the teaching profession seriously.

This trait made his colleagues in the Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers {NUT} elect his as the NUT National Representative in 1983.

His sterling qualities and commitment to the welfare of teachers, bestowed on him greater responsibilities, as he was subsequently elected the Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the NUT, a position he occupied till the creation of Kogi State in 1991, before the end of his tenure.

Knowing his capacity and commitment to their welfare, the NUT in the newly created Kogi State retained him as their Chairman, from where he finished his tenure. 

Not done with his contribution to the teaching profession and education, the Kogi State government, appreciating his contributions and off course, sterling qualities, appointed him as Parmanent Member 1 of State Primary Education Board {SPEB}

Selfless Politician

As a man who was committed to the development of his community, Chief R.O Ore recognised that participation in politics is one of the effective means of bringing development to the community. With this realisation, he was active in politics, as he contested election and won as Councilor for Ward 2, Ayetoro Gbede. 

Aside this, Chief R.O Ore was in the forefront of giving direction politically in Ayetoro Gbede for the good of the community, as his idea of politics is primarily targeted at using it for the good of his people and not for selfish goals.  

Community Mobiliser

If there is anything indigenes and residents of Ayetoro Gbede will always remember Chief R.O Ore for, it is his selfless service to the community and his unique mobilisation efforts.

Late Oba Johnson Akanmode and his council of chiefs, no doubt held him in high esteem, alongside others like Major Oba and Chief I.I Bello, as they provided great support structure for the peaceful reign of the late Oba, during which the town witnessed monumental development.

For many in the community, Chief R.O

Ore was a consummate mobiliser, a development advocate, a change agent and a man who was sold out to the service of his community.

He was in the forefront of clamouring for boreholes for clean and safe water for the community, good and motorable roads, leading most times in the community’s self effort at grading the roads in town and many other laudable projects he spearheaded or mobilised for. He was a man who took the affairs of the town as if his life depended on them.

In recognition of his immense contributions to the community, he was conferred with the title of Elegah of Ilotin Quarters. He was also honoured with the title of Baba Ewe of Ayetoro Gbede by late Oba Johnson Akanmode, Olodoa the II, a title that underscored his contributions to education and youth development in the community.

In order to further give bite to his passion for clean and safe drinking water, Chief R.O Ore’s children, weeks ago, commissioned a solar powered borehole for for the Ilotin Quarters of Ayetoro Gbede, with full compliments of solar lights that has brought life and brightened the people. The projects were fully funded by them.

There is no doubt that Chief R.O Ore’s contributions to the Ayetoro Gbede community is reason his name keep exciting emotions and fond memories even 25 years after his journey to the great beyond!

13 / 100
Continue Reading

Society

Tayo Ayinde, other topshots, Honour Ikeja APC Chairman At Son’s Wedding

Published

on

By

 

It was an atmosphere filled with love when the families, friends and associates of Mayegun Adekunle Dally-Adeokun, Olori-ebi of Adeokun-Olaboyede(Olisa) royal family, Ijebu-Ode honoured him and his beautiful wife, Evangelist Olayide, in Ibadan, Oyo state at the walimatul-Nikkah of his son, Lukmon Adekunle Jnr to his beau, Faahidat Omowunmi, delectable daughter of Alhaji Suleyman and Alhaja Tawakalit Balogun on Saturday, 23 November 2024 .

The colour of the day, Teal Green and Magenta ruled the hall of the Citron Events Centre as guests turned out glamourously to celebrate with the couple.

The solemnization of the union was done in a strict Islamic tradition. Nikkah lecture was given by Sheikh Dr. Bashir Ayodeji Eleshinmeta, Ansar-ud-Deen Society, Missioner, Oyo State. Are Dr. Abdul Rafiu Ademola Sanni, President, Ansar ud deen Society( Nigeria and overseas) was the father of the day.,

Distinguished guests at the wedding included: Oba Abdul Rasheed Adesanya, FCA, Olisa of Ijebu-Ode; Hon. Tayo Ayinde, Chief of staff to Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu; Hon Seyi Lawal, member, Lagos House of Assembly, representing Ikeja State Constituency I; Hon Damola Kasunmu, member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ikeja State Constituency II; Alhaja Afusat Abioro, Iyasuna of Ikeja; and Engr Mojeed Balogun, Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Area among others.

The Nikkah was followed by a classy reception and after party where guests were treated to continental and traditional dishes even as drinks flowed freely

 

Continue Reading

Society

Oando Boss, Wale Tinubu, Celebrates Alake of Egbaland at 80

Published

on

By

Alake of Egbaland

The Group Chief Executive, Oando Group, Mr. Adewale Tinubu, CON, has felicitated the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, on his 80th birthday.

The oil mogul, in a message made available today, Thursday  September 14, 2023 congratulated the revered and respected monarch, who is also the Chairman of Oando Group, on the milestone.

Tinubu wrote: “I felicitate the Chairman of Oando, His Royal Majesty, the Alake of Egbaland, on his landmark 80th birthday.

Kabiyesi, your leadership and wisdom have been a beacon of inspiration to us all, and we, who have been privileged to know and work with you, have been positively impacted by you.

“80 years is truly a blessing from God, and I wish you good health, and many more years of impactful leadership.

“May your reign be blessed with continued success and your legacy forever etched in history. Kabiyesi o.”

10 / 100
Continue Reading

Society

When High Flying Personalities gathered to Honour Iyalode of Lagos, Bintu Tinubu at 80

Published

on

By

‘’Of all the gifts that life has to offer, a loving mother is the greatest of them all’’ so says a popular quote.

To say that Oando boss, Wale Tinubu and his siblings were blessed with a loving mother is like stating the obvious, their mother, Chief (Mrs.) Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, the Iyalode of Lagos is a one a million whose love and care has guide them to who they are today.

Her love is  sweeter than flower of love.

To appreciate the loving, selfless and hardworking mother, her children Wale, Shola, Iyabo, Kunle, Jide and Olu yesterday gathered the world when the celebrated the woman as she clocked 80 in a blaze of glory.

For the children,  the attainment of the ripe age of 80 is  worth celebrating, particularly in a country, where death is so cheap.

It was a great moment for the Edo State-born businesswoman as her families, friends and business associates gathered to share her gladsome moment with her.

The birthday party is no doubt would be described as a blowout, lively, sparkling, fun, exciting, and enjoyable, it is simply the best so far  in the year 2023.

Trust the Tinubus, they are  detribalised Nigerians whose circle of friends cuts across the various Nigerian tribes that they has built over the years.

They   showcased their  hospitality side as they hosted Who- is-who in high society, including captains of industry, monarchs, politicians, socialites and celebrities, yesterday Sunday, July 2nd 2023 at  the Grand Ballroom, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was indeed a night for the high-networth,  high profile and highflying  eminent personalities.

It was obvious that they have a commanding sense of hospitality. It was upscale and finest in all ramifications.

 From the catering to the ushering, no stone was left unturned. Ushers were brought in to perform different tasks; from assigning seats to guests to taking their meal requests and even ensuring that the place was immaculate and clean.

The hall was colourfully decorated with balloons and other aesthetic materials to give it a regal look. The foods were incredibly rich, flavoursome and magically moreish.

Premium and top-quality drinks only meant for the elites flowed like an endless river. Indeed, the gaily guests had no reason to complain as everything was well taken care of.

There was no dull moment as Vintage Band was there to serenade the gaily dressed guests.

The party go to its peak with the King of Juju music, King Sunny Ade that proved that he is still on top of his game as he livened up the atmosphere with his world class beat while guests danced until their legs could no longer carry them. 

Some of the guests at the birthday bash include, the governor of Lagos; Babajide Sanwoolu with his wife, Ibijoke Sanwoolu, Ogun State governor; Dapo Abiodun, Kwara State governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, Senator Gbenga Daniel with his wife, Yeye Funke Daniel  Senator Ibikunle Amosun with his wife, Funsho Amosun,  Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Hajia Bola  Shagaya, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki with his wife, Toyin Saraki, Babagana Kingigbe, Folly Coker, Wale Edun, Mo Abudu, Founder and Coordinator of Tinubu Support Group; Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Segun Awolowo, Hajia Abbah Folawiyo, Yomi Awobokun, Among several other eminent personalities.

11 / 100
Continue Reading

Trending News