Birthdays

He started his career as Education Officer, in the defunct Western Region, 1955. In 1960, he became Regional Controller, Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (now Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN), and later, Director Television, 1963-68, and Programs, 1968-72. He was appointed Director General, Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, now Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding administrator, between1972-78. He was appointed Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, a position he occupied between 1984 and 1989 when he became Chief Executive Officer. He eventually became the Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc in 1993.

He was appointed member of the Presidential Committee on Failed Contracts, set up by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has been a member of the Institute of Communications since 1968,

and was its President between 1973 and 1975. He has also been a member of World Association for Christian Communication, since 1974 and was president of the organization between 1975 and 1982. Board Member, CSS Bookshop, Lagos; Former President, Food and Tobacco Employers Association, Nigerian Institute of Management, since 1988. In year 2002, he was appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he occupies to date. He is a member of the Metropolitan Club, Lagos and Lagos Country

Club, Lagos. In recognition of his contributions to humanity, he was honored with a Honorary Doctor of Civil Law, by the University of Sierra Leone, 1976.

IRABOR, Hon. Nduka, administrator and a journalist of International repute was 51 on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Born on December 9, 1958 . He hails from Ika in Delta State of Nigeria. _He was educated at St. Peter’s Primary School Benin City and Nigerian Baptist Convention School , Boji-Boji-Owa in Delta State. He did his Advanced Level Education at the Institute of Continue Education , Benin – City, Edo State in 1976. He acquired the following Profession Journalism Training: Certificate In Journalism from Times Institute of Journalism, Lagos 1979, Commonwealth Fellowship in Advanced Journalism from Commonwealth Fellowship work-study, British Media Organisation, 1986; Three months Sandwich Programme for Newspaper Managers in the United States of America, 1989. He worked in various capacities with Bendel Radio , Benin City. _The Observer Newspaper, Benin-City and Punch newspaper, Lagos . He eventually joined the Guardian Newspaper in 1978 where he rose to the apex editorial position as the Editor of the African Guardian Magazine. In January 1991, he was appointed to serve his country as the Chief Press Secretary to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Between September 1993 and October 1998 he was into Private Consultancy Services as the Managing Director of Noricomms Ltd, a Public Policy Consultancy firm. Also, the Executive Director, Godas Energy Ltd, a Service and Procurement Company for the Water and Energy Sectors. In June 1999 he was elected into the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Ika Federal Constituency. He is the Chairman of the Committee on Communications.

SARAKI, Dr. Bukola, medical officer, administrator, politician and Executive Governor of Kwara State was 47 yesterday. Born on December 19, 1962 into the family of Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the Turaki of Ilorin. He was educated at Corona School, Victoria Island Lagos, 1966-1972; King’s College, Lagos, 1973-1978. He was at Cheltenham College, Cheltenham in London between 1979 and 1981 for his High School Certificate. He proceeded to the London Hospital Medical College, University of London in 1982 and was there till 1987 when he obtained his M.B.B.S (London). He worked as a Medical Officer at Rush Green Hospital Essex, London between 1988 and 1989 and also Senior Casualty officer of Royal Free Hospital, London from 1988-1989 and Director, Societe Generale Bank (Nig) Ltd between 1990 and 2000. He was appointed by the Federal Government as a special assistant to the President on Budget in the year 2000. He worked in collaboration with the ministry of Finance and representatives of the National Assembly in ensuring early preparation of the year 2000 and 2001 National Budget from policy formulation to specific implementation strategies and capital appropriation. He has attended various courses both at home and abroad. _He is a member of the Nigeria Medical Council; British Medical Council; World Young Presidents Organization; Board of Trustees; John Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Washington and FITC Governing Council. He contested the gubernatorial election of April 19, 2003 in the State under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and won. He was sworn in as the 18th Chief Executive of Kwara State on 29th May, 2003.

EVENTS
Respected journalism teacher, editorialist and columnist, Dr. Olatunji Dare will deliver the 2009 Oluku Day Guest lecture on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009 in Kabba, Kogi State. He will speak on the topic: ‘An Agenda for Owe Opinion Leaders’. Prof. Dare, currently associate professor of Journalism at Bradley University, Peoria, United States, is expected in his lecture to identify some key socio-political and economic issues that should be pursued, as well suggest strategies to achieve desired goals. Oluku Day is an annual event devoted to, among other activities to discuss development issues and celebrate the contributions of persons and groups to the development of Oweland.

Christ Apostolic Church, Ibudo Agbara District Headquarters, Jeje Apete, Ibadan holds: A Monthly Power Packed Vigil. The programme titled: “Glorious Time” is a 24-hour revival prayer session which comes up on first Friday to Saturday, January 2, 2010 at the church auditorium. The host is Pastor D.A Afolayan and other officiating ministers are Prophet G.A Akinade, Pastor E.A Oki and Pastor J.K Aderohunmu and Gbenga Isijola. The event will also feature gospel singers like Segun Daramola, Lanre Teriba and Adegbodu Twins