Ichie Azuh Arinze

26/12/2024

CHICO EJIRO: THIS IS ONE STORY I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD EVER WRITE

First, let me confess that I had to delay this because I was hoping that you would somehow come back to life. But alas, the reality is gradually dawning on all of us - especially after 24 hours.

Yes, you told me quite alright that you were not feeling too strong when we spoke about two weeks ago. As a matter of fact, I still remember you telling me right on your hospital bed to 'talk to Joy'.

We fixed an appointment for Friday or so, which as I write this, I am still trying to arrive at exactly what eventually happened, and why ultimately we never got to meet.

Yeah! It would have been our last meeting. And, of course, would have also been permanently etched in my memory. But I bungled it. Not you! Even Joy was waiting for my call as both of us were equally working on something else.

Fresh from the Christmas Mass of Friday, December 25, 2020, I noticed I had too many missed calls. And as a rule, I decided to return them, one after the other. The first was to my brother and colleague, Charles Nwagbara, who served me the sad news and thus my day was ruined. In fact, annihilated.

I still haven't recovered from the shock, and even without being told I know that I will never.

And the reason is simple - you were not just special to me, but also touched my life in innumerable special ways.

Meziakpono, my friend and brother, I owe you a special and proper tribute. But in the interim, permit me to excerpt a chapter, devoted to you in one of my new books, ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER, just so that many can see where we are coming from and perhaps understand why I am immeasurably pained by your shocking and sudden demise. It’s entitled JUST SAY IT and goes thus:

‘Notwithstanding how long ago it happened, I can still remember vividly how I met and 'fell in love' with Mr. Chico John Meziakpono Ejiro, the maverick filmmaker I decorated with the sobriquet, 'Mr. Prolific.'

‘It was at his elder brother and mentor, Mr. Zeb Ejiro's office, somewhere in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, and not long after Messrs Kunle Bakare and Femi Akintunde-Johnson, then owners of Encomium Weekly, deemed me fit to handle the Nollywood column, a two-page banger which I christened 'Celluloid'.

‘Very much on top of my game and ruffling feathers every week with my no-holds-barred stories and 'gists', I had sauntered into the office unannounced. Of course, I had my little notepad and pen, capturing and recording events as they unfolded and unfurled.

‘And from nowhere, he approached me. First, he reminded me that I could no longer sneak in and out of the vicinity as some people had already given me away 'as the small boy that's shaking the industry every Tuesday with his write-ups'.

‘Smiling, he asked me to follow him to his car, a gray Mitsubishi Gallant; opened the boot and handed me a VHS tape which he wanted me to review for him for the upper week.

‘Innocently, I informed him that I had neither a television set nor a VHS player as I just moved into a one-room apartment on 13, College Road, Ogba, Lagos. Hitherto, I had been living with my parents.

‘In his characteristic pidgin English, he exclaimed: 'Haba! How big boy like you no go get television and video for house? Any way, I wan go Idumota now go see Infinity (Mr. Dozie Eriobu of the Infinity Merchants fame). You go follow me make I go buy television and video for you...'

‘We jumped into his car and minutes later were sitting face to face with Mr. Eriobu. And true to his promise, Mr. Chico got me the two items, which upped my status as a bachelor, if you know what I mean. That singular act of generosity, above all, solidified our relationship, placing him on another pedestal in my life.

‘To say the truth, Mr. Chico Ejiro, unknown to him, contributed a great deal to whatever I have become today by also becoming along the line one of my go-to-persons back then as a movie reporter for anything about the industry. I can't count the number of times I passed the night at his Festac Town, Lagos home; the number of briefs he gave me to handle as well as the exclusive stories he obliged me.

‘While he was still wooing his highly industrious wife, Mrs. Joy Efetebore Ejiro, Mr. Chico would ask me to accompany him on his frequent visits to the University of Lagos to see her. I equally travelled with him to Delta State for their traditional marriage, after all the other contenders had lost out. I was equally there for the registry angle in Lagos.

‘And perhaps in fulfilment of that popular saying that one good turn deserves another, Mr. Chico and his wife followed me to Nnewi, Anambra State, when it was my turn to quit bachelorhood. They didn't miss the church wedding too.

‘Sincerely, Mr. Prolific and I have come a long, long way, and I could go on and on talking about our multiple and memorable encounters. But my primary lesson from them, however, remains that we should not be too shy to seek help or assistance. To paraphrase the renowned sports outfit, Nike, I say, 'Just Say It' and then leave the rest to God.

‘Yeah, some people may laugh you to scorn, but it doesn't really matter.

‘In my case, I disclosed to Mr. Chico that I had no television set and video player and ended up not only getting those two items, but also gaining a friendship and relationship that has benefitted me significantly. And this, of course, is still going strong.’

My heart goes out to your darling wife, Joy Chico Ejiro, your four wonderful children, your two elder brothers, Peter and Zeb Ejiro, the entire Nollywood family and all your fans and followers.

Fare the well, my dear friend and until we meet to part no more.

Adieu, Chico Ejiro! Adieu Mr. Prolific!

21/12/2024

ENCOUNTERS: THE UNFORGETTABLE FLIGHT

- By Azuh Arinze

Growing up in the university town of Nsukka, now in Enugu State and Maroko, in Lagos State, one of the few things that really, really fascinated me was the airplane. Unfortunately, I never got to see what the inside of any aeroplane looked like until I was in my late 20s.

Interestingly, the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Bar Beach and National Museum were among the major tourist attractions that my late father, Ichie Azuh Chimezie, took us to on our relocation to Lagos in the mid 1980s.

But I digress. During an interaction with one of my closest friends, Mr. Teco Benson, the ace filmmaker whom I was also honoured to be his Best Man the day he got married, it escaped from my lips, innocently, that I had not flown before.

Without my prompting, he decided to inform Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio, whom he was shooting a film (The Price) for then. And the woman of God and General Overseer of Liberty Gospel Church, with over 100 branches scattered all over the world, decided to make my dream come through.

Oh, how happy I was to have joined them aboard that Aero Contractor flight from Lagos to Calabar, Cross River State. The fear, the thrill, the excitement and ultimately the landing are still fresh in my memory.

I have since flown numerous times, traveling for business and family vacations to more than fifteen countries, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Kenya, Liberia and Ghana, to mention just a few.

Now, beyond the unforgettable flight with Ukpabio and Teco, we've had other memorable encounters too until the reporter in me, years back, almost ruined my friendship with the Lady Apostle. I had employed a screaming headline for a story that did not sit well with her. Reporting me to Apostle Anselm Madubuko and Mr. Teco Benson, she later told me that YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine shouldn't have attempted that because of our friendship. And I quite agree with her. Eventually, it took us some time to straighten things out, but that experience again showed me her good nature and large heart.

She demonstrated that kindheartedness with her presence at our second YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine Annual Lecture, and since then has not visited Lagos without getting in touch and occasionally asking me to join her at her events. In my own little way, I have also reciprocated her kind gestures by gracing her events too in Calabar.

It was Prof. Ahmed Yerima, the quintessential academic, playwright and former Director General of the National Theatre/National Troupe, who talked about the need for one to close both eyes in friendship in order not to lose a friend. Mrs. Ukpabio, I can say with every sense of responsibility, is a living example of how to shut both eyes for the benefit of friendship.

Thanks so much and see you again next Saturday.

- Azuh is a journalist, bestselling author and publisher of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine

18/12/2024

: Rev. Fr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe is our host No. 51

Fresh from the respected and renowned University of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America, where he just rounded off his PhD programme, our host, a Catholic priest, and of course my younger brother, couldn’t just wait to grab his own copies of the two highly acclaimed books, SUCCESS IS NOT SERVED A LA CARTE and ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER.

Wading through the ubiquitous Lagos traffic; first, to see me after so many years of being away, and secondly, to pick up his autographed copies of my new books, all through our discussion, interestingly and not unexpected anyway, his eyes barely left the books. Scanning swiftly through the over 500 pages, he assured me, amid pumping of hands and congratulations for a job well done, that he would be getting across his abridged summary of both books as soon as he got home.

And in keeping to his words, hours after his departure, my phone vibrated and upon checking what was responsible, I saw this:

‘I’m delighted to finally behold these top-quality, superbly-written, sumptuously-packaged double relish. What I wrote in my prologue to ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER remains true of the two books: These are captivating accounts that tell enchanting, engrossing, and enriching stories of positive as well as constructive human engagements and achievements.

‘Thumps up again, Baba ’Ryzona, for these stellar publications. You continue to demonstrate your passion and commitment to enriching humanity by ever feeding our minds with first-rate writings informed by your remarkable commitment to exceptional journalism. You always live up to the “Igwe Journalism” sobriquet! Congratulations!’

I must confess here that the finest of smiles had already overtaken my face even before I could get to the end of what he wrote. Not necessarily because he’s my brother, but because he is one of the few persons I know who don’t colour their words; Rev. Fr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe, SJ, always says it as it is. And not minding whose ox is gored. Thank you, Padre!

In the same vein, I also would want to thank all those who have bought copies of SUCCESS IS NOT SERVED A LA CARTE and ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER. But most especially, those that read and gave their verdicts for publication.

Finally, those who haven’t bought theirs can still do so. And we’ve made it so simple and easy. They can either text or call us on 08023002092. They can as well log on to www.theyesng.com, click on Books, make their payment and we deliver. They can equally visit our office at 29, Budland Street, Grammar School Bus Stop, Ojodu, Lagos or even pop into the bookshop at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos. Both books, plus delivery, throughout Lagos is N10,000. The two books are also on Amazon - for lovers of kindle books and our brothers and sisters who live outside our shores.

Looking forward to hearing from y’all and enjoy a fantastic and fabulous Friday!

07/12/2024

ENCOUNTERS: A TIME TO SAY SORRY

- By Azuh Arinze

It was one of those festive periods that I had chosen to spend with my kinsmen in Azia, Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Among other things, I needed to also observe some rest and bond with my immediate family, having been busy nearly all year round. Lounging in my country home one afternoon, I received a call from one of my mentors, also an Ichie, whom I couldn't say no to. He wanted me to put on my chieftaincy regalia and accompany him to a special occasion in a neighbouring village.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, showered, dressed up and soon his other guests and I were on our way to the venue - in a convoy.

Arriving to a tumultuous welcome, I was surprised when I got a tap on my back and upon turning to ascertain where that was coming from, lo and behold, it was Mr. Kanayo O. Kanayo, the legendary actor and producer. Instantaneously, we locked ourselves in a warm embrace and upon disengaging, allowed our hands to complete the remaining pleasantries.

Interestingly, and but for God, KOK and I would have ended up as sworn enemies. I had innocently hurt him with my pen. In fact, I can still remember the headline of the vexatious story very, very well - even though it was cast over two decades ago, and while I was still new at FAME Weekly.

It was a screaming headline and understandably hit the target very badly. "KOK STILL LIVES IN ONE ROOM… DESPITE HIS FAME!" was how my editors interpreted my encounter with the famous actor who recently completed his training as a lawyer. And no sooner did our magazine hit the stands that Monday than all hell was let loose. KOK, expectedly, was very upset. Of course, this was before the advent of GSM. So, he could not immediately call me to register his displeasure. Reporting me to all those he could in the interim, he waited till days later when I showed up again in Surulere, Lagos, to pour it all out. News, of course, had gotten to me that he had been enraged by what I wrote.

So, immediately we met, he went: "Azuh, I didn't expect this from you... I thought you were my friend and that was why I invited you to my house... But look at what you went and published..."

Because of how pained he was as well as the quantum of emotions he deployed in conveying his anger, I immediately began to apologize. The gravity of what I had done also dawned on me. In fact, I was close to tears at some point, but I somehow managed to arrest my emotions.

The beauty, however, was that on realizing that youthful exuberance and pressure from work deadlines must have contributed to my slip, KOK never allowed the incident to permanently strain our relationship. He forgave and forgot, even though it took him some time.

Our relationship eventually revved back to life, stronger and better. So much so that when he got married, both traditional and church, I was there and played a key role. Years later when it was my turn, he stormed Nnewi, Anambra State in a big way with Chief Tony Nkiruka and others. Months later also when the Almighty God blessed my wife and I with our first child, Nmesomachukwu, he equally came all the way to Akute, a border town between Lagos and Ogun, with his whole family, to rejoice with us.

That encounter with KOK taught me never to be hesitant about apologizing and to always say sorry when I am wrong. It doesn't make one a lesser person; but rather a better person.

Finally, we must constantly strive to up our game and never, never remain stagnant or stationary in life. Yes, KOK started out putting up in a room apartment, but today, at least, I can attest that he has a palatial country home in Mbaise, Imo State, among others.

Thanks so much for reading and see you again next Saturday!

NB: A link to one of our interviews - https://theyesng.com/2015/09/13/kok-cries-out-the-passion-with-which-we-started-nollywood-is-dead-common-mistakes-most-actors-make/

- Azuh is a journalist, bestselling author and publisher of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine

27/11/2024

: Mr. Ugo Emmanuel Ike is our host No. 48

Mr. Emmanuel Ugo or Chief Emma Ugo, like I enjoy addressing him, is a good example of 'customer dada.' But above all is the fact that he is one of my closest friends. In fact, a friend-turned-brother.

One of the owners of Emmalex Associates Limited, hitherto into home video production and distribution, but now into computers et al, I had visited his office in Abuja during our book tour of the Federal Capital Territory, majorly to say hello.

After exchanging pleasantries and handing him a set of the books, SUCCESS IS NOT SERVED A LA CARTE and ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER, what followed next simply blew my mind and also made my day.

'Beautiful books... How many copies do you say you have here?' I told him, and then he detonated the bomb: 'Let me have everything... I will share them to my friends...'

Having eventually digested both books, he again sent me this encouraging endorsement: ‘The books, SUCCESS IS NOT SERVED A LA CARTE and ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER, could be likened to an encyclopaedia or thesaurus - they both contain nuggets required for self actualisation. They are also not just books based on theories and unrealistic precepts, but rather contain candid life experiences of characters who can be truly adjudged successful.

‘Reading both books is like eating from the master’s table. How do I mean? It’s like when you are being given/served the practical experiences and steps taken by the featured characters, which crystallised ultimately into their successful status in life.

‘The most amazing and inspiring thing about the books, however, is the fact that over 85 percent of the featured characters were not privileged children; they achieved their success by dint of hard work, discipline and divine grace...’

Of course, there are still many other things and lessons to learn from both books. And you can have a taste by immediately getting your copies - either by texting or calling 08023002092 or logging on to our website, theyesng.com, clicking on Books and making your purchase. You can as well visit our office at 29, Budland Street, Grammar School Bus Stop, Ojodu, Lagos or even buying the soft copies straight from Amazon. A set of both books, plus delivery anywhere in Lagos, is only N10,000.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks so much and enjoy a prosperous day!

22/11/2024

Office Tour: Host No. 173

Popularly known as Black Arrow, my host today is Segun Arinze, actor, singer, voice-over specialist and more.

Unarguably one of Nigeria’s most talented souls, Segun, from Badagry, Lagos State also speaks our three major languages - Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba - very fluently.

A one-time President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, dozens of Nollywood flicks parade his exploits and inputs. Likewise some soap operas and stage drama.

We ran into each other days back, and after a feeble protest about not making the first edition of the highly acclaimed book, , he still gladly obliged us his endorsement.

‘Azuh, you know I’ve known you now for almost 20 years, so I know what you can do. Just flipping through the books, I must confess that I am very, very impressed. Although I wasn’t expecting anything less from you.

‘You are an old hand; you have also been around for long. A former Editor of Encomium Ng and now the Publisher of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine; you no fit fall our hand now’, he added jocularly.

Urging us to commence work immediately on the next edition of the book, he ‘warned’ that on no condition must he be excluded from that otherwise...

Copies of , with a foreword by advertising great, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo of Troyka Holdings, are still on sale. A set, comprising Volumes 1 & 2, with all of 90 super interviews cutting across professions and neatly arranged in over 800 pages, goes for just N10,000, inclusive of delivery anywhere in Lagos.

To get yours, interestingly, is so, so easy - just call 08023002092 or leave us a mail at [email protected].

Do it immediately and you will eternally be glad that you did.

Thanks so much and have a splendid day!

21/11/2024

Office Tour: Host No. 172

My host today is actor and director, Ejike Asiegbu.

A big brother and a friend, the erstwhile President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, shared a little secret with me, which I would also like to share with you before we proceed.

Rabbi, like most of his close friends enjoy addressing him, unknown to many, and according to the story, was a student union president at the University of Port Harcourt where he read Theatre Arts.

A major activity brought the revered Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to the school as a special guest. And the lot fell on Ejike to mimic and re-enact some of the late Ezeigbo Gburugburu’s war speeches and mannerisms.

He did it so well that besides getting Ojukwu, who rarely laughs in public to laugh so hard, the man instantly offered him automatic employment as his personal assistant whenever he was through with his studies.

Done with his first degree, Ejike joined Ojukwu in Abuja, where the latter was then serving in the then Constitutional Conference or so. It was also around that time that he formalised his controversial union with one of Nigeria’s finest women ever, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Now permitted a closer relationship and study of the Ikemba, coupled with what he had earlier garnered from books and amateur videos of the Nigeria/Biafra war, watching or listening to Ejike speak constantly and candidly reminds one of Ojukwu.

With his two hands neatly arranged behind him; eyes darting left and right, and his voice booming so loud, being in the company of this proud father of twins (just like Ojukwu) and Oge’s hubby really, really made our day.

Devoting enough time and adjectives to the two-volume book, parading all of 90 life-altering interviews and occupying over 800 pages; excellent, super, awesome, wonderful, brilliant, commendable and must-have were just some of them.

‘Any person who is interested in success must not miss this book. Even if you are already successful, you should also get it so that you can take your success to the next level. I, Ejike Asiegbu, the godfather and rabbi really, really recommend it to all. Thank you, Azuh and God bless you for this wonderful effort...’

Need I say more?

Okay, let me just add that copies of the highly acclaimed compendium, with subjects cutting across all professions, are still available.

A set, comprising Volumes 1 & 2, costs only N10,000, inclusive of delivery anywhere in Lagos.

Kindly call us on 08023002092 or shoot us a mail at [email protected] for yours.

Procrastinate not. Do it immediately and you will thank me later.

Cheers and enjoy your day!

20/11/2024

Office Tour: Host No. 171

My host today is Teco Benson, MFR. For those who may not know, Mr. Benson, from Ojoto, in Anambra State, is one of the biggest and most respected directors in Nollywood.

Among his popular works are The Price, State of Emergency, Highway To The Grave, Wasted Years, Felony, Scores To Settle, The Fake Prophet, Day of Reckoning, The Senator, Eye for Eye, Dirty Game, Accident, End of the Wicked, Formidable Force...

Of course, you can’t parade this number of quality works and don’t get featured and celebrated on a highly acclaimed book like .

Deservedly accommodated in the two-volume compendium, parading some of Nigeria’s best, Teco Benson II, was also at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos the day we presented the books to the public.

However, he wasn’t able to do his own endorsement before disappearing. Another event united us again over the weekend, and instantly the father of five cute boys accepted to salute our noble effort.

Not given to too much words or anything verbose, Teco B, like he’s popularly addressed, simply thundered, ‘This is the book!’ Upon being handed a set.

Smiling as he flipped through, he raised his head intermittently to give us a thumbs up. Plus some words of encouragement.

Describing it as a must-have, he had his eyes permanently fixed on the books, neatly tucked into over 800 pages and in an easy to read and understand format, all through our stay with him.

By the way, the great guy and my good self have come a long way. We used to be inseparable. As a matter of fact, about two decades ago when he got married to the love of his life, Uju Tecobenson, I stood solidly behind him as his Best Man. But I digress.

Copies of , with a Foreword by Nigeria’s czar of advertising, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo of Insight Communications, are still very much available.

A set, comprising Volumes 1 & 2, costs only N10,000, inclusive of delivery throughout Lagos.

If interested, kindly call 08023002092 or shoot us a mail at [email protected].

Thanks so much and have a terrific day!

15/11/2024

Face To Face With Death - But Alive To Tell The Story (2)

Olumide and I departed Owerri, Imo State, with two versions of what might have transpired that Thursday, November 10, 2022, around 11am.

The first is that our driver may have dozed off behind the wheel. The second, and the most plausible, is that he was moving at a top speed, a trailer was equally speeding right behind him, and from no where a Keke or Korope veered into his lane. To compound the situation, a crater occupied a major portion of that section of the road. Knowing that the trailer would crush us if he turned left; and that the Keke or Korope driver wouldn't have survived if he turned right, he ran into a massive median, and that was what led to the ear-piercing sound. The type I had not heard before in my 50 years.

Back to Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma: The reception was great. In fact, it became even greater after it was learnt that we were from the commissioner for health or better put, the Governor's Office.

The nurses quickly arranged two beds in the emergency ward for us. Olumide continued with his drip while we awaited the arrival and attention of the doctors. In no time, the first one, a likeable and lively soul that goes by the name of Okorie, appeared. Amid rib-cracking jokes he professionally attended to us. Thereafter, the second doctor came and after examining both of us insisted that we proceed immediately for a scan. Mr. Chuks Nwanne, editor of The Guardian on Saturday, happily relinquished the cab that brought him to see us and off we went.

Done with that and back at the hospital, one of the doctors took a look at the results and said he knew I had been masking my pains; that my injury was substantial.

To cut a long story short, a neck collar was also prescribed for me, just like Olumide. Then, we were moved to a private ward. The nurses there were as warm as those at the emergency ward. They attended to every of our need with this soothing smile that's infectious and, forgive the exaggeration, also sumptuous.

We passed the night there. And the day after, on Friday, my younger brother, Amatus and Messrs Dotun Oladipo and Gabriel Akinadewo visited again. This time, they had two hefty packs of food for us, which I immediately descended on. Former Lagos NUJ president, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, had stopped by on his way to the airport to see us. And also wish us quickest recovery. Same with Mr. Steve Ayorinde, former editor of The Punch and immediate past commissioner for information and strategy, Lagos State. Also in the hospital that morning to see us was Mr. Bolaji Adebiyi, vice president, Southwest, Nigerian Guild of Editors and a couple of others.

The doctor came in the morning to see us and after examining and ascertaining that we were no longer in bad shapes asked that we be discharged.

But to avoid stories that touch, we remained in constant touch and communication with him, from our hotel room at Immaculate.

Olumide was still in excruciating pains, forcing me to abandon my room for his. It continued till things started getting better and more people visiting to know how we were faring...

(To be continued)

- Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of the bestsellers, The CEO's Bible, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, A Taste Of Success, etc

11/11/2024

We all face challenges. In life. In business. In academics. Generally. Bishop Isaac Idahosa of Illumination Assembly in Lekki, Lagos has been running his ministry now for 35 years. In the exclusive interview below, he shared with me how he's been able to sustain it as well as their toughest challenge. Do sit back, relax and enjoy our conversation.

...

10/11/2024

Wondering what a born again Christian is doing in politics? Well, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, the general overseer of Illumination Assembly and running mate to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of NNPP kwankwasiyya in the last presidential election gave his reasons in the exclusive interview below. Do sit back, relax and listen to him. Also remember to like, share and subscribe to my YouTube channel, Azuh Arinze Live! Thanks so much and best regards.

...

09/11/2024

: Mr. Nasir Ramon Olanrewaju is our host No. 40

NRO, for the benefit of those coming in contact with the name and even the initials only now, is the head of corporate communications at Africa’s global bank - and that is talking about the Tony Elumelu-reengineered, rejuvenated, reinvigorated and reenergised United Bank for Africa (UBA). Elumelu, without meaning to digress, is the preacher/propagator of the gospel of Africapitalism. He’s equally one of Africa’s biggest philanthropists and employers of labour.

Back to NRO. Easygoing, soft spoken and always wearing a disarming smile, ever since our paths crossed, he has continued to show me love and amaze me with his kindness. In fact, his love for me and also my business has been indescribable. But I digress again.

Anyway, we met at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, over the weekend - and that was where copies of his own books - SUCCESS IS NOT SERVED A LA CARTE and ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER - were presented to him and the shots below taken.

Brightening up as he went through the pages, we didn’t need any prophet or even prophetess to confirm that indeed he was happy with what he got and saw. Raising his head after some minutes, he had quipped almost excitedly: ‘This is great, Azuh...Congratulations and keep the books coming...’

NB: Copies of SUCCESS IS NOT SERVED A LA CARTE and ENCOUNTERS - LESSONS FROM MY JOURNALISM CAREER could also be yours. And to have them is very, very easy and simple.

Text or call 08023002092. That’s No. 1. No. 2, log on to our website, theyesng.com, click on Books, make your order and we deliver. No. 3, visit our office at 29, Budland Street, Grammar School Bus Stop, Ojodu, Lagos and No. 4, get your copies on Amazon. A set of the two books, plus delivery anywhere in Lagos, costs N10,000.

We look forward to attending to your order. Thanks so much and enjoy a bright and beautiful week ahead.