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Popular Journo, Abiola Aloba @50: My Friend Comes of Age
Popular Journo, Abiola Aloba @50: My Friend Comes of Age
By Lanre Alfred
I was a starry-eyed advert executive at the Breeze, a defunct magazine owned by General Oladipupo Diya (rtd) in 2001 when my path crossed with Abiola Aloba’s. I recall with loving and longing fondness how we met inside Alade market, Ikeja, Lagos, while marketing my first book, Business Arcade (a business directory, just like the famous Yellow Pages). Smooth-talking and socially savvy, Alobsy, as I grew to call him, was also an advert executive at the Encomium. We saw a lot of each other before becoming friends. You cannot meet Alobsy and not get drawn to his trademark toothy smile and snow-white dentition.
My first impression of him was that, damn, this dude can dress! Over the years, that impression has been firmly reinforced and established. Even at 50, you can tell that he is at home with the de rigueur of fashion. Then, my book was new in the market, which made getting adverts and patronage very difficult while the Encomium was already a market leader. He won my heart when he convinced a client to advertise in my book without being formally acquainted with me, because, as he would later tell me, he had also been attracted to my well-ironed starched shirts and very strong perfume. A friendship that would survive the tempests, trials, tragedies, and triumphs of a lifetime sprouted from the underbelly of that jumbled market.
Being an advert canvasser entails being charismatic and persuasive; Alobsy effortlessly embodies those characteristics and more. Where I was quiet and self-effacing, my friend was gregarious and cosmopolitan, sprightly and silver-tongued, and could, to borrow the cliché, sell ice to an Eskimo. He speaks the English language with the mastery and drawl that would make you think he attended Harvard University whereas he graduated from the University of Ilorin. Alobsy makes friends easily. Then, he had friends in Alade market, just as he did in the swankiest fashion stores in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and everywhere in between.
Since I made his acquaintance exact 21 years ago, our relationship has blossomed into a bond emblematic of the best form of filial devotion and affection. I would discover that beneath the glitz and glamour of being a famous journalist with all the accoutrements of fame and power at his beck and call, he is humane and humble. He is imbued with nonpareil intelligence, a clear-thinking, analytical mind, quick wit and sheer oratorical skills. Aloba is one of the very few people I know that can never be blindsided or fazed by any eventuality. His calmness and infinite optimism even in the face of life’s greatest odds are inspiring and worthy of the respect and aspiration of younger generations.
Interestingly, he became my diurnal and nocturnal collaborator and confidante. We leaned on each other for strength and support. Hand in hand, we slapped the streets of Lagos during the day and savoured without inhibitions all the trappings of the city’s nightlife, especially on the Island, which later became our orbit.
Aloba and I rocked this town! While many were asleep as nature dictates at midnight, life takes on a vibrant hue for others in different parts of the metropolis. For some, it is purely for business. For many others like us, however, darkness provides the necessary cover for unbridled fun. We were always out at ungodly hours; that time of the night when the hosts of heaven, having completed their daily protective cycle on humanity, reluctantly step aside for the hounds of hell whose turn it is to dictate the pace of grave immorality which occurs unhindered at that time.
Honestly, if the pace of life on the mainland is measured and predictable, it is intense and pliable on the Island. We discovered the hangouts for the rich and the very rich; the upwardly mobile and nouveaux riches. We were making the right contacts and connections so we had access to some of these places on a nightly basis.
Despite that our social lives were a tad unrestrained, we were focused and daring because we had similar outlooks on life. We dreamt big. Our friendship blossomed as I moved on to City People magazine in 2002 where I started writing the column; Life on the Island. He later became the editor of Encomium’s fashion and style magazine. It was a no-brainer, therefore, that he was the best man at my wedding, a gesture I gladly reciprocated during his as one of the groomsmen.
Friendship is a form of love with trust and loyalty as its foundation. Loyalty means a lot to me, and Alobsy has proved to be more than a loyal friend. If I got lost at sea, I know he will sail day and night to find me. Twenty years after we became friends, it doesn’t seem like we have aged. We still shriek at the sight of each other as we used to in those madcap days of youth. We still gist excitedly when time and chance permits. But we no longer rock the town at ungodly hours again, alas. Lol!
Yes, there is melody in his back-story. You take everything in and get caught in its speechless rapture. There is a sparkle in the narrative too. The native of Ijebu-Jesha, Osun State, emits a rare shine that imbues the day with light and hangs upon the cheek of night, like luminous beams of lighthouses. Like the proverbial shiny jewel in an Ethiop’s ear, Aloba emits an uncommon glitter too rich to be ignored and too dear to be squandered.
Indeed, an understanding of Aloba’s story is essential in knowing the forces that shaped his life and moulded him into the man he has become.
Indeed, in his back-story, you encounter the musical embracing of history and rhythm, race and rhyme, melody and passion in an actual stunning event of a life unfurling. Even in this age of ubiquitous hyperbole, it can safely be said that he is one of the most inspiring forces of nature in the media industry.
Unlike too many individuals stuck in the role of minor casts or fleeting characters in their own stories, Aloba leaps from the pages of history as a fully formed and rounded character, cementing his place as one of the most daring and phenomenal creative minds of our time.
Knowing Aloba is never as cathartic as experiencing his exuberance and dazzle up close. It is as delightful as the bloom and rewards of the most tasking yet, successful endeavour. His wit would be intimidating if not for his natural and infectious charm.
Indeed, Biola Aloba is indeed a great guy from a good home! Growing up, Aloba’s parents accorded him no such indulgence. Rather than foster his descent into decadence, they raised him on a bittersweet diet of tough love and inexorable care thus, his maturation into a solid dude. Unlike most of his peers who were born into affluence and raised in verdant luxury, he wasn’t raised like a passenger on what was intended to be a pleasure excursion. Thus, he had not the luxury of time to find fault as soon as the journey became a little weary.
The characteristics of the spoiled child did not tarnish him in childhood neither did it mar his psyche through adolescence and his strides in adulthood. Yet, childhood ensconced Aloba like a garment that carries nobly the name of the proverbial wild Highland clan of minors and adventurous boys. If his lineage could be classified among such noble scions of dreamers and adventurists, he would maybe be counted among the clan from those hills where rain is not so much an incident as an atmosphere. No be lie!
As a child, his imagination was constantly lit by the tempestuous flame of youth; his thoughts flowered imaginatively as he engaged in a constant struggle to reconcile the wild, playful haul of his hormones with the ancient wisdom persistently drummed into his head and his mind by his conservative parents.
Therefore, adventurous and wildly imaginative as he was, my friend and brother could not yield to the arbitrary lure of juvenile wiles nor pretend to live in a verdant pavilion of affluent spoils and consequence-free whims. Thanks to his parents, a great deal of his childhood was spent imbibing and appreciating the moral rectitude and military qualities of the Highlander and conservative Christian in one breath.
Notwithstanding the moral strictures by which he was raised, his childhood in Gbagada and Ogba, Lagos, was blissful and memorable. He was a truly loved child.
Honestly, his parents had no trust fund to bequeath to him. The only fortune he inherited from them was a good character. They were uncompromising moralists and conservatives. He learnt a lot from his parents. From his father, he learnt humility, sacrifice, tact, wisdom, hard work and patience. Whatever he learnt from his father was reinforced by his mother. They taught him to value every human life and relationship.
Whenever the discussion segues to his parents, Aloba, like most of his peers that were raised by parents belonging to the conservative era, fondly relieved memories of the good old days when he enjoyed the rare privilege of the timeless wisdom of the ages from them. Having lived full lives of their own, they had added to their repository of insight before passing it on to him and his siblings and, in effect, subsequent generations of Alobas.
He considers himself very fortunate to have grown up in the care of such loving and moral parents. And he says that it helped him situate the fount of his parents’ uncommon humanity and capacity for tough love. His parents were both strong and outgoing. They were an uncompromising pair who helped make a success of the family’s moral code.
Indeed, we have come a long way and I cannot but thank God that Alobsy has been an integral part of my variegated journey. Now, we are living some of those big dreams that we dreamt of in our small cocoons.
Ordinarily, for my dear friend, no celebration would have been too grand to organise in his honour as he turns 50. But for a recent personal tragedy (losing his beloved first daughter to cancer), we will not roll out the drums. Yes, were things normal, we would have shut down a whole city anywhere in the world to celebrate his 50th birthday.
We would settle for pockets of mini-celebrations by family, friends, and associates while basking in the blizzard of good wishes and felicitations that would buffet him.
He will, however, always be one of the most important people in my life. Alobsy, thank you for the beauty and blessing of your friendship.
May God comfort you, bless your home and prosper you even more. May all your aspirations come to fruition. And may the decades ahead be more fulfilling and fruitful.
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Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos
In the pulsating heart of Lagos, the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos
stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment for female artists. This dynamic association, renowned for its diversity in musical genres, prides itself on bringing together talented women from all walks of musical life. Today, we celebrate its esteemed members, who number twenty-nine strong, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the Club.
Leading The Charge :
At the forefront of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos Club is Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola PQ1st (Omo Opeki), the President. Her leadership is a source of inspiration for many, guiding the Club with a vision of inclusivity and excellence. Supporting her is Alhaja Queen Halimot Ayinla Omowura, the Vice President, whose dedication ensures the smooth operation and growth of the association.
Alhaja Badirat Adunni Olaniyan (Just Like That) serves as the Treasurer, managing the financial health of the Club with precision. The Social Secretary, Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun (Omotayebi, Iya Kekere Eko), brings vibrancy and connectivity, fostering a sense of community among the members. Asiwaju Yeye Tosin Eniba (Fuji Queen), the Secretary, ensures that the administrative duties are handled efficiently, supporting the organizational backbone of the Club.
Valued Members :
The Club’s strength lies in its diverse membership, each woman a luminary in her own right. The following are the distinguished members of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos :
– Afonja Gbajoba
– Bisi Ewa Ogo Jesu
– Alhaja Jelilat Dupytie
– Ejire Akewi Oba
– Alhaja Aminat Itojuobi
– Alh. Fatimo Oseni Salawa Onigbongbo
– Alh. Tawakalitu Alagbada Tokotaya to nko Fuji
– Aishat Irepo Obi
– Olaleye Rahemot Arike (Akomolesin Agbaye)
– Alh. Dasola Abeke
– Ewebiyi Iya Oriki
– Ameerat Oninure
– Alh. Azeezat Otibiya
– Alh. Rukayat Bashirimi
– Alh. Mujidat Damilola
– Alh. Fatima Aljafaria, an Elder whose wisdom and experience enrich the Club.
– Alh. Taibat Omo Tayenfe
– Queen Muheenat Ijaodola
– Sakirat Yeye Oge
– Alh. Mariam Akiki Akanbi
– Queen Abebi Ayala
– Aweni Adepeju (Aweni Fuji)
– Fatimo Ajoke Cinderella
– Alh. Hafsat Sideeq, another Elder whose guidance is deeply valued.
A Legacy of Excellence :
The Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos is more than just an association; it is a legacy of excellence, a network of powerful voices that harmonize to uplift and inspire. Each member, from the executives to the distinguished members, plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of Lagos and beyond. Their combined efforts create a symphony of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that the future of female musicians in Nigeria remains bright and promising.
As we celebrate these remarkable women, we also look forward to the new heights the Club will achieve under their leadership and unity. Their commitment to their craft and each other stands as a testament to the incredible power of music and the unwavering strength of women.
Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu
… As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders
By Ifeoma Ikem
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2tr and urged him to sustain the tempo.
CGC said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.
He was represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades
“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.
“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves.
To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.
“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said
In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .
He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria;
it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.
Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty
He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.
According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.
Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.
“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.
“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.
“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025
“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.
“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement
“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded
Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited
The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.
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