NDIGBO PAY GLOWING TRIBUTE TO PA SHOJONWO

Tributes have not stopped going the way of Pa Alphonso Akanji Shojonwo, the Late Chairman Managing Director of Sunny Oluwanisola Commercial press who died after a brief illness on Good Friday, April 19, 2019.

We carefully selected some of these glowing tributes from Igbo Community. 

Eze Alex S.M Nwoye, Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo.

I met Pa Shojonwo many years ago as a member of St Peter Catholic Church Ejigbo. We all respected him for his calm and meek disposition. He spoke without noise but he was strong. As a long time member of our church, Pa Shojonwo did his best in the service of God and never wavered. He offered his advise to anyone who asked for it. I thank God for the life he lived and I know that God has welcomed such a man in his bosom. May his soul rest in peace.

Ezendigbo Ejigbo, Eze Alex S.M Nwoye

Barrister Emeka Ukachi( Chairman CMO St Peter Catholic Church Ejigbo)

Most times I often paused to ponder about Pa Shojonwo if he is an angel, a saint or an ordinary human being. I know that many people will feel like me. I know that there is no one who did not have enemies but I wonder if Pa Shojonwo had any enemies. 

He was a real gentleman, an astute Christian personified, a good father, a good friend, a good husband and very reliable. No wonder he is a patron to almost all the societies in the church. This is as a result of his exemplary life. His death has no doubt created a vacuum everywhere he belonged, the church, his home and in his business. 

Our solace is that he died in Christ and with Christ on Good Friday. Pa Shojonwo, kindly note that we all miss you, CMO miss you, St Peter Catholic Church Ejigbo miss you as your death brought absolute silence on our lips. Adieu Pa Shojonwo, a man of peace.

Barrister Emeka Ukachi

Mrs E.N Onuorah

Mrs. Elizabeth Onuorah whose late hubby was with Late Pa Shojonwo as one of the founders of the St Peter catholic church had this to say “I lack words to describe how I feel at your death. Daddy God knows the best for you. May his Angels lead you to His Throne in Heaven. Rest in peace.

Fred Iwenjora(Publisher, Ejigbo City Diary ECD)

Meeting and knowing Pa Shojonwo closely for a long period of time made me call him daddy because you were an exceptionally detribalized man. You lived for humanity if not how come a man not from your south west zone or Yoruba land could be your young friend whom you discussed your most secrets with.

He was one of the numerous supporters of Ejigbo City Diary in morally and financially boosting ways. You never wanted your Sunny Oluwanisola Commercial Press advert out of the front pages of ECD. That in itself is a big boost from your character.

 I recall our last discussion when I told him that we were going fully online and we may not print soon and he said “No my son..try to print once in a while” I will carry this advise forever. May your kind and gentle soul rest in peace .

Victor Eloka Onwusah

Pa Shojonwo was a good man to the core and left wonderful legacies for the living. His character made my family choose him as God father to my son. He will be missed by all.

Chief Dominic Ezekwobi(MD Links Investments)

News of the death of Pa Shojonwo hit me like thunderbolt. He was a very good man that all can testify. I doubt if any one would say he did him bad. Aside from being a member of St Peter Catholic church, Pa Shojonwo also printed for me because he was a painstaking man who abhors mistakes that most people are bound to make. May his soul rest in peace of the Lord. 

Chief Dom Ezekwobi

LAGOS, ABEOKUTA, IBADAN RAIL PROJECT TO COMPLETE MAY 2020

Chinese Officials during the briefing

The much talked about Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan rail modernization project being handled by China is set to complete May 2020.

Speaking with media during the a press briefing to appraise the just concluded Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing, China, Commercial officer of the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Nigeria Liu Jungsheng said the project which is being handled by CCECC, a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation CRCC is expected to extend to Apapa ports and will cost 1.581b dollars to complete.

Liu also said the Export Import Bank of China EIBC provides 80.14% of the funding which amounts to 1.267b dollars while Nigeria committed 19.86% which amounts to 314m dollars.

Guan Zhonqui, Acting Counsel General, Embassy of PRC Lagos

According to the diplomat, the three years project commenced May 2017 and will adopt the Chinese double track standard with a designed speed of 150km per hour.

He says “construction work commenced simultaneously in different sections of the project with over 10,000 foreign and local employees and over 1,600 sets of equipment on site.  The project has been progressing with safety, quality and efficiency despite the rainy season and various obstacles with over 80% of the job already done. 

Chinese Commercial officer Liu

With the rate of work going on at the pace of 2km daily, it is expected that the remaining 20% will be concluded by May 2020”

Earlier during the briefing, the Acting Consul General of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos Guan Zhonqui had enumerated the many gains of the Belt and Road Initiative conceived by the Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2013 adding that the second “Belt and Road Forum is the most important event in China in 2019”.

In his words “world leaders who attended the forum reached broad consensus on high quality cooperation delivering substantial results”.

By Fred Iwenjora

AFRICA’S FAMED TRAVEL GURU IKECHI UKO ON AFRICA TOURISM SITUATION FIRST QUARTER 2019

TRAVEL AND TOURS;

Celebrated African tourism guru Ikechi Uko has made what many consider as the most erudite analysis of Africa tourism for the first quarter of 2019.

Abia state Nigerian born Uko, Consultant at Jeddidah Promotions, organizer of Africa’s most authoritative travel expo; Akwaaba  African Travel Market  is also publisher of Akwaaba Travel Quarterly and most recently executive producer of Akwaaba Travel Tv and In simple terms, he dissected the African travel market from cape to Cairo. Enjoy his analysis.

“The Dubai Epidemic happened This year” he writes.
“This year should be unprecedented for Dubai. They crushed every other Destination for Nigerians this last month's.
In the last 2 weeks all tour Operators were either in Dubai or organising a package to Dubai.

Why did Dubai succeed so well so much so that some foolish pickpockets flew all the way to Dubai to steal from a Bureau the Change in full view of CCTV cameras.
First credit is that Dubai has a lot to offer Nigerians.

Dubai is easy to go to and very Cheap. 4 star packages can top just over $1000 for 3 nights plus flight ticket.
Dubai visa is max 48 hours easy.

*Dubai is it

Dubai has marketed like mad. 3 city Roadshow and huge outing at Akwaaba African Travel Market. Involved in Events and Movies. The Dubai team had hired a super smart Nigeria Kalanne Fubara with links and network to drill Down.

There are about 32 flights a day from Nigeria that finds its way to Dubai the access is huge.

Other Destinations dropped the ball. South Africa was the growing counter for Nigerian New money but shambolic Visa processes and bad press on account of attacks on Nigerians in South Africa seeks to wipe away 5 years of hardwork by South African Tourism in Nigeria. South African Tourism have had a great Template but it's job is being eroded big time. They need to retool and hope for some help from its embassy and media to reverse the trend. 

Johannesburg, South Africa; Disturbed by Xenophobia

Gambia was growing in Nigeria in the last 12 months until Air Senegal started Operations and stopped the 5th Freedom rights of Air Peace and other Airlines between Banjul and Dakar. Air Peace had to change Equipment to service only Banjul. 

Tanzania and it's beautiful island of Zanzibar was becoming the go to place for young Tour Operators until it changed suddenly the Visa processes for Nigerians. TZ scrapped Visa on Arrival all of a sudden and trapped some Nigerians on the wrong side of the law.

Ghana was going to be the biggest Beneficiary but it's hotels are priced in Dollars and compared to other destinations was becoming a little pricey for Nigerians. 
Kigali Rwanda is still a big draw from Nigerian Families. It is benefiting from the diversion from South Africa. Ethiopia is pushing very strong.

Kigali...still inviting

Summer is coming and if nothing is done by other destinations Dubai might be overflowing with Nigerian families. 

The recession has ebbed and family travels is coming back so Summer will tell a story of it's own.

Domestic travel that has been on an ascendancy since 2017 suffered a huge blow with the Kajuru killings. Let's hope the Nigerian Tour Operators do not give up on Domestic destinations. 

I congratulate Dubai for a good run So far. I expect a fight back from others soon.

  

CATHOLICS CONVERGE FOR PA ALPHONSO AKANJI SHOJONWO

Two serene communities of  Ejigbo in Lagos and Ijebu Igbo, Ogun state are currently agog in full celebration of the life and times of Late Pa Alphonso Akanji Shojonwo.

While members of St Peter Catholic church, Ejigbo and mourning one of the founding fathers of the church, Ijebu Igbo is mourning an illustrious son. 

Late Pa Shojonwo, a renowned printer and unwavering catholic who planted catholic churches wherever he lived died in Lagos on Good Friday April 19, 2019 at the age of 76 and will be buried Friday 10^th May, 2019 at his Ijebu Igbo residence.

According to family sources, Bishop of Ijebu Ode Diocese Most Rt. Rev. Dr. Albert Fasina will lead four other Reverend Fathers namely; Father Gabriel , Father Conrad as well as Father John Peter Idio in the requiem mass for the departed.

Already Ijebu Igbo sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora plan to be present at the burial of Pa Shojonwo.

Also members of St Peter Catholic Church Ijebu Igbo as well as St Peter catholic church Ejigbo where he lived (churches he co-founded) are in top preparations to witness the final committal to earth of a man considered good in these years in which all seem to have sinned and fallen short of Gods glory.

Buses were on hand to convey sympathisers frm Ejigbo.

As you read this, the entire Abode estate Ojowo, Ijebu Igbo is wearing a new look with posters and banners in expectation of the burial of a man of the people.

According to the family, Late Pa Shojonwo will be interred at his residence, Abode Estate opposite Popoola church, Ojowo,  Ijebu Igbo,  after a requiem mass at St Peter Catholic church Oke Sopen, Ijebu Igbo by 12 noon.

Before then, a well attended funeral mass held at St Peter Catholic church Ejigbo, Wednesday, 8^th May, 2019 at 6pm.

A  Christian wake is also set in his honor for 5pm, Thursday 9^th of May, 2019 at his Ijebu Igbo country home.

Until his death after a brief illness, Pa Shojonwo was Chairman/ Managing Director Sunny Oluwanisola Commercial Press with headquarters in Ejigbo, Lagos.

Watch out for tributes on the life and times of Pa Shojonwo by friends and associates

FUNERAL PLANS FOR FOREMOST PRINTER LATE PA ALPHONSO SHOJONWO RELEASED

Funeral plans for foremost Printer Late Pa Alphonso Akanji Shojonwo who died on Good Friday 19 April 2019 has been released even as sympathizers continue to throng his Ejigbo Lagos home to commiserate with the family.

According to the family, Late Pa Shojonwo will be interred at his residence, Abode Estate opposite Popoola church, Ojowo,  Ijebu Igbo,  Ogun state Friday 10^th  May 2019 after a requiem mass at St Peter Catholic church Oke Sopen, Ijebu Igbo by 12 noon.

Before then, a funeral mass will be celebrated at St Peter Catholic church Ejigbo, a parish he co founded on Wednesday 8^th May, 2019 at 6pm.

According to a family source, a Christian wake is also set in his honor for 5pm, Thursday 9^th of May, 2019 at his Ijebu Igbo country home.

Until his death at the age of 76, Late Pa Alphonso Akanji Shojonwo was Chairman Managing Director Sunny Oluwanisola Commercial Printing Press with headquarters in Ejigbo.

He is survived by his dear wife and seven children.

Watch out for tributes on the life and times of Pa Shojonwo by friends and associates

CHINA SCORES BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE VERY HIGH SIX YEARS AFTER

Chinese leader Xi Jinping

Six years after President Xi Jinping of China conceived and initiated the Belt and Road Initiative, the initiative that seeks to connect China with the rest of the world in the area of trade, infrastructural development and more, China has been counting its benefits saying it is a win win for all the countries involved.

Speaking at the special Leaders Round table at the close of the three days Belt and Road forum themed Belt and Road Cooperation ...shaping a brighter shared future, President Xi said the future of the BRF is very bright.

The three days event which held in Beijing from 25 to 27 April 2019 had 12 thematic forums,  CEO Conference meetings and a leaders round table chaired by President Xi himself.

In a press briefing to announce the event earlier, Beijing state Counselor and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi had explained how the Belt and Road initiative had successfully worked since inception adding that since 2017, over 50 cooperation agreements had been signed 88 joint statements released and that Chinese relationships and cooperation with many other countries had been on a high note.

According to Wang, trade volumes have increased just like booming construction culture in benefiting countries has escalated in construction of railways, airports, roads, power, telecoms etc to the benefits of all the countries.

Continued Wang “China has agreements with over 124 countries, 29 international agencies and many multilateral MOU have been signed.

Wang also said that some of the countries involved in the Belt and Road initiative are already benefitting in the all round connectivity through infrastructural construction.

These countries include Mongolia, Thailand, Belgium, Austria, Russia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya etc.

By Fred Iwenjora

...with agency reports

TWO EJIGBO BIG CHICS NABBED FOR STEALING N5.1M FROM COMPANY

Two Ejigbo based young women in the past few days have been explaining to the Nigeria Police as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission all that they know about a missing N5.1m in their company.

The duo were employed as cashier and secretary respectively by a finance company whose interest is in giving empowerment by way of providing tricycles (keke) to those who need them on hire purchase.

Their job was to receive and pay into the company’s account weekly remittances from the beneficiaries of the soft loan until they are liquidated.

ECD investigation reveals that as the years passed, company auditors discovered that the duo continued to siphon some of these funds and not remitting to the company’s account until the bubble burst with about N6m missing.

In the course of investigation, it was revealed that one of them blew these monies by organising frivolous parties, riding on chattered cabs and bikes, buying the latest fashion including a very costly Rolex watch as well as procuring tricycles for some of her male acolytes while the other used her loot to build a house for her parents in Ogun state, stocked her mother’s provision shop with a reserve of over N300k in her account.

Insiders say the homes of the two women have been sealed up while the Police say they will be soon charged to court after investigation is concluded.

EJIGBO FIRE DISASTER; VICTIMS STILL COUNTING LOSSES

Victims of the mystery Sunday afternoon fire which gutted a section of an auto mechanic workshop in Ejigbo are still counting their losses estimated to run into several millions of naira.

This is even as the suspected culprit who allegedly caused the fire has been arrested and cooling heels at Ejigbo Police station cell.

Neighbours noticed bellows of smoke rising to high heavens at about 4;30 pm Sunday evening at a mechanic workshop situated opposite the Ejigbo youth center (mini stadium)and started making frantic efforts at quenching it until it overwhelmed them destroying cars and other property in its wake.

Alfa...lost his bus

Eye witnesses suspect that a particular apprentice of the light repairs section of the auto workshop who had worked earlier in the day may not have quenched his fire properly.

ECD learnt that it took the intervention of the staff of the Lagos state Fire service who mobilized about four tankers of water to put out the fire which completely destroyed the entire light section with all the goods contained.

The losses also include two mini buses which were in ashes, three shops housing a restaurant, a fully stocked auto paint shop whose owner is bereaved and a carpenter’s workshop with several works on display.

Dayo...lost his bus

Again, an electrical and electronics shop was razed while a welders section with its heavy duty generator was also consumed.

Also the wheels section was not spared as goods including alloyed wheels worth millions of naira were gutted by the fire just as many tool boxes, auto spare parts went up in flames.

One of the eye witnesses simply named Emeka who was one of the earlier arrivals at the scene and had joined to salvage several of the many vehicles parked at the workshop  said “about 5 pm or there about I noticed a thick smoke rising up the sky. On a closer look I saw it was from the direction of the mechanic workshop where I work my car. In fact, my car was still there at the time so I rushed and saw the fire raging. First thing I did was to push and remove my car from the scene even if it was demobilised. I also joined in removing many other vehicles to safety. It was a hectic day. The heat of the fire was much that I considered what hell fire could be. I commend the Lagos state Fire service for the quick response”

Abuja...saved his car by God's grace

   Also speaking,  Abuja, a Toyota specialist thanked “God for making me arrive here on time if not my GMC bus will have been consumed by the inferno. It was like a film show. Fire was already catching up with my bus when I dared the fire which already had gutted my tool and spare parts box and was melting my fenders. When I entered unto the driver’s seat, the engine answered me and I reversed out of the compound. If not Almighty Allah, how could I have done with my bus which just returned from an interstate trip?”

 Abuja recalled that he saw the apprentice at about noon earlier on that Sunday and asked why he came to work on Sunday. “the reply I got was that it was an emergency so I left. I went off visiting a friend without my car. It was when I returned from that visit to carry my vehicle away that I saw a large gathering of sympathizers. On getting closer, I saw red hot fire. I still give thanks to Allah as no lives were lost. I also sympathize with my colleagues who lost much to this unfortunate inferno. One of my neighbours just returned from the funeral of her mother and just stocked her shop with goods which has been consumed by the fire. I pray God will console them”

Patron of NATA

One of the worst hit by the disaster is a man named Sunny said to be one of the most popular light experts in the area. He lost his well stocked auto light shop where he engages in repairs and reconstruction of broken auto lights. He was surrounded by friends and well wishers who came to sympathize with him. He seemed dazed by the loss and was just nodding as he was being consoled.

Patron of Nigeria Auto Technicians Association Ajani expressed shock at the disaster. According to him, “It is a big loss to us all”. He also said a thorough investigation is required to unravel the remote causes of the incident.