Left to
Right- Prof Ayo Aruya of Grup Dicco, Spain, Commissioner for Higher Education,
Delta State, Prof. Hope Eghagha, daughter of Drumbeat Publisher, Miss Gabrielle
Ijorogu, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on
Social Development, Mrs. Sarah Pane, Publisher of Drumbeat, Ms. Elsie
Ijorogu-Reed, son of Brig. Gen. Dominic Oneya, Emmanuel Oneya, Chief James
Egbedi, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) factional Chairman Lagos, Don
Pedro Agambi, Chief Mrs. Onokpasa, Former Member of the House
of Representatives and Executive Secretary of Anti-Corruption Network Otunba
Dino Melaye and actress Thelma Okhaz.
Niteshift
Coliseum came alive last Saturday evening, May 3, 2014, when Deltawomen, a
non-governmental organisation (NGO) unveiled Drumbeat to guests from all walks of life.
In fact, it
will be difficult for guests at the event to forget the exciting experience
they had that day as they were treated to scintillating performances from
popular artistes such as: Essence, Exotic Dancers, Chawa Khalic, Bishop 101 and
many others. There was no dull moment as comedians including Gordon the compere
of the event, Don Leo, Samzy Fresh and Virgin Boy, among others, also
entertained audience with rib cracking jokes.
Speaking at
the launch, the founder of Deltawomen (NGO) and the publisher of the
magazine, Elsie Ijorogu-Reed, said, Drumbeat, a quarterly magazine which hit newsstand last Monday, May 5,
2014, contains informative, educative and entertaining sections including
interviews, politics, tourism, career
guide and articles on relationships, health and living, fashion and beauty,
entertainment and lifestyle and so on.
According to
her, “One would think that today is an opportunity for me to stand up here
before all of you and brag about myself, or about Deltawomen, and the
achievements I have secured personally or at Deltawomen. One might think that
this is a day to showcase myself. But, I will not do that. I choose to use
today to give honour to God, my Lord without whose grace, I will not be here
today!” she said.
In
continuing, she stresses, “There is a saying that you cannot teach a person how
to get out of Sokoto if you have never been to Sokoto. There have been lots of
questions and rumours on why I do what I do. Some say that I am being sponsored
by a gubernatorial aspirant. Some say that I want to go into politics or I am
looking for a political appointment. I choose to use today talk about my
passion: the reason why helping the poor is so passionate to my heart.”
Ijorogu-Reed
told a story of what she went through when she got to the United States of
America before she found her feet there and decided to use her resources to
empower the less privileged in Nigeria.
“I want to
stand up for women and girls like me. I want to be there for the many people
that nurture hopes and dreams, but cannot immediately go through with them
simply because of all the demands that poverty makes. I have one person to
thank in my journey so far: and that is God. God made plenty possible for me,
and will unhesitatingly make plenty possible for each of his children. All it
takes is to believe in him, and to look in the right places.
“In my own
little way, I have empowered hundreds of the less privileged and provided free
medical eye tests, glasses and drugs to many people in Delta and Edo States. As
we release Drumbeat magazine onto the newsstands and waiting hands of readers
today, I hope many people will be informed, educated and entertained after
reading it because it is inspiring, innovative, special and full of life
changing stories. The magazine features both national and international
articles.
“In the
words of Benjamin Franklin, “Either do something worth writing or write
something worth reading,” let us endeavour to impart our generation, especially
at this period in our nation we are facing with the challenge of terrorism. We
shall overcome!”
Also
speaking, the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Social
Development, Mrs. Sarah Pane, said, “There are a lot to learn, millionaires can
be made from the magazine because it will be an inspirational magazine to the people. I really want to see
a wide circulation of Drumbeat because it informational and an eye opener.”
The governor
of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan eulogized Delta State’s illustrious
daughter, Elsie, for publishing such informative magazine.
Represented by
the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, Uduaghan
adds, “In time like this, Nigerians
needs to be informed, so there is no doubt that Drumbeat will play a
significant role in informing and reporting factual news about issues in the
country.”
Four people
namely Anthonia Oguah, Olutosin Adebowale, Gabrielle Ijorogu and Rita Okoye
received awards for their selfless service to people.
The colourful unveiling of Drumbeat, attracted many
personalities such as: Orodje of Okpe kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Major General
Mujakperuo (RTD), Chief Mrs. Onokpasa, Chief Dominic Oneya, Otunba Dino Melaye,
Lanre Ogunkoya, Pastor S. A. Olatunji, Barr. Emuobenuvie Majemite representing
Olorogun (Barr.) Fred Majemite and Prof. Ayo Aruya. Actors Guild of Nigeria
(AGN) factional Chairman Lagos, Don Pedro Aganbi graced the occasion with three
of his executives namely: Thelma Okhaz, Mike Okon, Chi White.
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