Winners Emerge In Maiden Writing Competition of Saint-Olawale Jimoh's Literary Foundation for African Children

The Saint-Olawale Jimoh's Literary Foundation for School Kids, the first of its kind in West Africa has announced the winners of the just concluded writing competition among school kids in Ijebu North East Local Council Area of Ogun State. The competition/award is the maiden edition since the establishment of the Foundation by Saint-Olawale Jimoh, a literary enthusiast, published author and a multiple award-winning writer. Speaking about the award, Olawale says the Foundation is a self-funded project and borne out of his undying passion to encourage writing, reading and ignite the literariness in school children. According to him, the maiden competition is limited to a Local Government Area, out of the 20 Local Government Area in Ogun State because of limited resources available as at the time of birthing the idea, though efforts are already in place to make the subsequent editions spread throughout Ogun State and beyond. The 2021 edition was first announced on 2nd of June, 2021 and the organising committee headed by the Founder, Saint-Olawale Jimoh began receiving entries since the first week of announcing the competition online and on social platforms till the expiration of the deadline on 30th of July, 2021. However, only the selected winners were contacted and rewarded accordingly. The winners are: Ikuerowo Precious Ayomipo from Crystal Model College Ogbogbo-Ijebu who came first. Adelaja Iyanu from Brilliant Edge Elementary School Ilese-Ijebu emerged Second Position while Ashaolu Samuel from Bliss Nursery & Primary School Ilese-Ijebu and Toluwani Olawale Abigae came Third & Fourth respectively. Of the total of 209 entries submitted, 15 were outrightly disqualified based on judges’ decision while the selected best 5 entries emerged from the remaining 194 entries.

ERELU TINUADE MABEL ONANEYE: International Cultures Icon Turns 60. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

From the continent of Africa came a giant that wax great with each passing season, a veritable torchbearer of African traditional practices, a global custodian of Yoruba cultures, Erelu Tinuade Mabel Onaneye who turns 60 today. Turning 60 is not an unusual occurrence but for a woman variously described as an uncommon philanthropist, an icon of rare kind, a role model, a pathfinder, a woman with the heart of gold and a pillar of African traditional cultures, it's a big deal. Here's a woman whose epithets and stories of her good works could fill a house. Her mantra, centred around making life better for the people, has continued to resonate loudly across her State of origin and indeed beyond. Yes ago, one Ms Comfort Adefulire, one of the beneficiaries of the free health care services carried out by a team of medical experts from Texas, United States flooded social media with posts eulogizing Erelu Tinuade, who brought the team to Ms Adefulire's community in Irele, Ondo State. This and many others best captured the essence of Erelu-Oodua Tinuade Mabel Onaneye The said free medical service was first of it's kind and was fully sponsored by this US-based businesswoman and philanthropist, who decided to take up the challenge of bringing free medical experts to Nigeria with more concentration on Ikale and Ilaje people of Ondo State who have been marginalized for so long and denied the genuine dividends of democracy most especially in the area of health care delivery. She started this in 2012 and it went on successfully till November 2016. Every visit was a huge success with many beneficiaries shedding tears of joys seeing how the wonderful team cured their age-long diseases and sicknesses. It was just too good to be true as everyone witnessed these August events, unlike the fictitious ones Nigerian government only announced in newspapers but were never carried out. Asides the free medical services, there are several philanthropic gestures credited to this woman of virtue and substance. During Covid-19 lickdown, her relief packages for the aged and needies reached every home in her beloved Ode-Aye town and immediate communities. The Federation of Aye Students will remain eternally grateful to her for cash gifts to all indigenous students of higher institutions belonging to the association. We have equally heard of how she had consistently stood to render finacial assistance to other students at all levels who for one reason or the other couldn't pay their tuition bills. Sources close to Erelu have repeatedly maintained she usually frown at the idea of making her activities in this regard public. Her private life guiding principle lies in words of renowned English Author and Philosopher, Albert Pine which says, 'what we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others and the world remains and it's immortal Her tenacity of purpose coupled with unquenchable thirst to leave the Nigerian society, most particularly her beloved Ondo people better than she met them is the reasosn her people would never stop seeking for her intervention anytime government failed them. It's a known fact that many whose paths have crossed that of Erelu may have cringed, recoiled or cried inside at one time or another when it suddenly would have hit them that this great philanthropist will not be around forever. Yes, nobody lives forever but footprints are forever. Her indellible legacies would never be forgotten. I wish more leaders and politicians will learn from this rare being, the beauty of selfless services and the imperatives of transcendental leadership. Dear Ma, you sacrificed so much, you have blessed so many lives, you have lived for others and haven't depised anyone. The world is watching you. Many have been inspired by you to live and to dare. To stand and to stand firm. To give and to give even more. To uphold lofty ideals and observe the priceless principles. On behalf of my family, my team at Observers' Reflection International and Metropolitan Mirror, I wish you a happy 60th birthday celebration. May God spare your life to do even more for humanity.

INELG 2021: Folusho Badejo, The Long-Awaited Answer.. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

In the last few weeks, I have read reactions from different quarters about how the two frontline political parties chose their chairmanship candidates for the on-coming Local Council election for Ijebu North East Local Government (INELG) from Ilese. Of all the reactions, the commentary from our towering patriot and a contributing stakeholder to INELG project, Otunba Kunle Kalejaye SAN stood out. Otunba demanded for the one who would push the interest of our immediate community better if the two candidates are placed side by side. But on a grander scale, I want a legacy builder, who will not only better our immediate community but set a standard in terms of economic growth and infrastructural development in Ogun East, whose records will become benchmark. This golden opportunity given to Ilese must not be taken for granted and that's why it's pertinent for us to support a competent candidate for the task ahead. One with hopeful insight into developmental issues. Who can inject new ideas and knows how to source finance to execute them. Foluso Badejo (BF) is a widely acknowledged private sector expert and capacity builder, focusing on private and public companies' financing, SME administration, project development and management, auditing of multinational establishments and financial institutions with experience that spanned over 27 years. Fact is, to set a standard means it won't be 'business as usual'. While anyone can boast of excellent delivery if given chance, we must also put on our thinking caps to evaluate situations based on the candidates presented. This article is not intended to bring anybody down but no matter how many years of experience one gathered in his local communities, he is still a local champion. Exposure count! BF is one Nigerian with multiple competencies. A well-travelled finance guru who has consulted for all many institutions and offered professional advice and recommendations that revived formerly dead companies. And to crown it all, he's humble to a fault, kindhearted and a good listener. He discards no opinion, but respects individual differences and love to be around his people. A vote for Foluso Badejo is indeed a YES to better, greater and quality representation and genuine governance.

Like Dele Momodu, Like Kunle Oduah.. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

I love people who relate and mingle effortlessly. They make life easier and unify the world. This generation has a whole lot to contend with but proud people would only add to the problem. Having a good human relations is indeed a huge asset and that's why those with this trait travel through all classes of the society without issues. This is the singular reason why the likes of Bashorun Dele Momodu will continue to soar higher. Someone once twitted, 'People can debate Dele Momodu's choices but for me, I admire his uncommon ability to keep friends and access to every level of society intact.' Fact is, no journalist has more access than Bashorun Dele Momodu. He's a king in the game. Almost all African leaders and Presidents are his close friends. He feels completely at home at almost all Presidential Villas all over Africa. He knows and have access to all the who's who in Nigeria and beyond. From Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Late Anthonio Fernandez, Adenuga, Otedola, Elumelu, Atiku to Tony Blair, Kuffor, George Bush, Clinton,Rabbi Aryeh Deri and many others. Closely following Momodu's footsteps is Lagos socialite and media personality, Adekunle Oduah. A proud Lagosian and untiring advocate of better Lagos. I first saw him at a function in Lagos where I covered for a new digital magazine. An event attended by the Lagos Governor and his deputy, our big brother from Ijebu Ode, Chief Lekan Osifeso, K1 De Ultimate and many others. Judging from his activities in the gathering, it was obvious he is one of K1's allies. Later I paid close attention to his online activities and found he's one of the very few media personalities who pays meticulous attention to all that has to do with Lagos. That he's gifted with a magic wand is an understament. He knows his onions when it comes to Lagos social circle. He has unrestricted access to many Lagos bigwigs. He is a respected visitor to the palaces of Oniru of Iruland, Oba Wasiu Lawal Omogbolahann, Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi and Eleko himself. He gets along easily with the company of the Akinshiku of Lagos, Chief Olamilekan Dosunmu, the highly revered Canadian-based Lagos socialite, Chief Ajani Bolaji Basia and the King of Fuji music, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal. By every standard, he's a classy man, sociable and polished. Well-known for his brilliance, admirable comportment and professionalism. Over the years, he has grown in leaps and bounds from small beginnings, toiling and rising in Lagos inner circle to become a Senior Legislative Aide to The Speaker of House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. In few years to come, Kunle Oduah might just become another Dele Momodu traveling through world social circle, winning and conquering.