The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • ‘People’s well-being our priority’

    ‘People’s well-being our priority’

    The Executive Secretary of Iba Local Council Development Area, Hon. Isiaka Yaya has said that one of the priorities of the council is ensuring that the well-being of the residents is guaranteed. This, he said, would be through making sure that the environment is healthy.

    According to a release signed by the Information Officer of the council, Mrs Jimoh Sharafat, the council chief stated this while sensitising residents to the importance of maintaining clean environment. This was during the environmental sanitation exercise which he and some council officials monitored at Iyana-Iba and Okokomaiko and their environs.

    Hon. Yaya, who said strict enforcement of council’s and Lagos State environmental laws, would go a long way in keeping Iba LCDA in particular and Lagos State in general clean expressed his dissatisfaction over nonchalant attitude of some members of the council towards the environment. He said incessant dumping of waste in unauthorised garbage sites is inimical to people’s health and that of the environment.

    At a garbage site near Okokomaiko, Hon. Yaya described it as a blot on the landscape, even as he advised the leader at one of the parks to ensure that his members keep the environment clean at all times. He also urged sanitary inspectors to make sure that residents stopped dumping of garbage there to avoid outbreak of epidemic.

    He said: “Human health has always been threatened by natural hazards such as storms, floods, fires, landslides and droughts. Their consequences are being worsened by a lack of preparedness and by human actions against the environment.

    “A clean environment is essential for human health and well-being. However, the interactions between the environment and human health are highly complex and difficult to assess. This makes the use of the preventive principle particularly useful. The best-known health impacts are related to air pollution, poor water quality and insufficient sanitation.

    “Major environment-related health concerns are associated with air pollution, poor water quality, poor sanitation and hazardous chemicals. The related health impacts include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer and asthma.

  • Pomp as Ogoga mounts ancestor’s throne

    Pomp as Ogoga mounts ancestor’s throne

    Eminent personalities from all walks of life thronged Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State penultimate week to witness the coronation of the Ogoga, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports that it was a colourful ceremony.

     

    Five months after he was appointed and presented with the instrument of office, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, celebrated his ascension to the throne in style.

    Oba Adu, who was presented with the instrument of office in May, had since been receiving homage in the palace and adjusting to his new status as the king of the second biggest town in Ekiti State.

    A week before the coronation, preparations were in top gear as community associations, unions and age groups met and made arrangements to ensure a successful event.

    The week-long coronation  featured speech presentations, cultural displays in form of dance, music, costume and folklore, among others.

    The rich cultural heritage of Ikere was on display as cultural dancers, drummers, gong beaters, traditional trumpeters and masqueraders thrilled the audience.

    Men, women, youths, students and other stakeholders in the town adorned themselves with colourful attires and exhibited their dexterity in their dance steps.

    They were so overwhelmed with joy because the last time they witnessed such occasion was 44 years ago; during the coronation of the last occupant of the throne, the late Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye.

    Music was blaring at some junctions of the town where youths enjoyed themselves and hailed endlessly each time they saw the eye-popping vehicles that brought the dignitaries to the occasion.

    Prominent musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi reeled off his evergreen songs to the delight of the teeming crowd.

    Dignitaries who attended the event included Governor Ayo Fayose, former Governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua;  the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; the Olugbo of Ugbo land in Ondo State, Oba Enitiolorunda Obateru Akinruntan and all monarchs in the state under the auspices of Ekiti State Council of Obas.

    Eminent Nigerians who sent representatives to the coronation included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, among others.

    Illustrious son of Ikere and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, served as the Chief Host of the coronation ceremony in his capacity as the National President of Ikere Development Forum (IDF).

    Fayose, whose arrival was heralded with great funfair, urged politicians and kingmakers to stop playing politics with the appointment of the monarchs, adding that the appointment of Regent is just a mere stop gap to installing a substantive monarch.

    The governor said installing a monarch remains a sacred duty that must not be politicised. He reiterated that he would not toy with or allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of a monarch.

    Fayose said: “Under my watch, I won’t allow any kingmaker to play politics with the selection of any monarch. When I assumed office, there were about 12 vacant stools and, to the glory of God, we have been able to peacefully resolve and install six monarchs.

    “The role of Regent is temporary and kingmakers will not be allowed to play politics with the selection of Obas. Within the last six months, we have installed six Obas. Any civil servant that meddles in the affairs of selecting an Oba will be dealt with. A kingmaker must be able to openly line up behind his choice,” he said.

    Fayose added that the choice of the new Ogoga was overwhelming. He called on people of the town to support him.

    He pledged that his administration would give the town the attention it deserves, vowing that in the next two weeks, the dual carriage way of Ado-Ikere Road would be extended to Ikere Township.

    Fayose, who revealed that he deliberately left the announcement of the road construction till the coronation day in order to honour the new Ogoga, also sought for further political co-operation from the monarch,

    He added: “I want to control Ikere politically with hard work.  I know you love Ikere and desires for great development for the town. I will support you.

    “By the power conferred on me, I affirm your appointment as the Ogoga of Ikere. I am one call away. From today, your enemies will be my enemies, those who fight you, I will fight them.”

    The Governor also inaugurated the N2 billion Empowerment scheme initiated by the town, even as he donated N5 million in support of the project.

    Chief Olanipekun commended the governor for not wavering in standing for the truth and transparency in the selection of the new Ogoga.

    The legal icon expressed gratitude to him on behalf of the Ikere people for his decision to complete the dual carriage way of the Ikere township road stretching from Ado-Ekiti.

    He presented some gifts, a plaque of honour and beautiful royal clothing which he said the governor should wear on the day he would inaugurate the road he had promised Ikere, adding that the Ekiti people and Ikere in particular are proud of him.

    Chief Olanipekun, who had earlier given a welcome address at the occasion, explained that the installation of the new Ogoga, Oba Adejimi, heralds the beginning of a new era of great developmental strides that the monarch would carry out.

    Olanipekun said:  “Undoubtedly, history is being made, enacted and recorded. We are breaking new grounds. We are moving and climbing to higher realms. We are marching into the future with greater fortitude and determination.

    “We are conquering our weaknesses and alienating the prejudices which have hitherto held us back as a people. We are bidding farewell and perpetual goodbye to nepotism, pettiness, rebellion and short-sightedness.

    “Joyously and gloriously, we are advancing to our Canaan; the land of fertility, buoyant harvest and prosperity, peace tranquillity, love and progress for our children, both at home and in the Diaspora.”

    Speaking about the fortunes that would come to Ikere with the choice of the new Ogoga, Olanipekun explained further: “It is always good to put the round peg in round holes. In these days of technological and scientific advancement, where the entire world has been rightly described as global village; nations, states, towns, communities, corporations and groups of individuals usually and normally search for able and capable personalities to lead their respective nations, states and organisations.

    “The reasons are obvious. A leader’s character, learning, ability, determination, dynamism, progressiveness, mission, passion, focus and orientation have direct bearing and impact on his people and followers. Put on the flip side, a short-sighted, unstable, rudderless, petty, self-centred corrupt, narrow-minded, or weak leader constitutes a monumental catastrophe and total liability to his people, followers or institution.

    “Bearing this in mind, and immediately after the end of the traditional three months mourning period for our late illustrious Oba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, Akayejo 11, the Ikere Development Forum (IDF) held series of meetings and interfaced jointly and severally with diverse stakeholders on the need to search for a progressively-minded successor to Oba Akayejo who reigned for 43 years.

    “To our highly revered monarch, his own charity begins at home. He built his first house in Ikere about 30 years ago, established a sawmill factory at Ado Road over 15 years ago to create job opportunities for our youths, he put up another sawmill factory at Akure Road subsequently.

    “He sits on the boards of various thriving companies all over the country and beyond, both in the oil and gas industry and other sectors of the economy. He has always been participating actively in Ikere affairs, both at Ikere cradle and all over. He single-handedly donated the N4 million worth power generating set about two years ago on the request of the IDF. The set powers the State Specialist Hospital in Ikere.

    “As at then, there was no vacant stool of Ogoga in contention. He was one of the few indigenes who, through their generous and kind donations, made it possible for us to organise a befitting celebration of the life and times of our immediate past Oba on January 24, this year.

    “Ikere is lucky to have this eminently distinguished and positively unique personality, who is well bred, well-groomed, well trained, learned, highly cerebral and adequately equipped paragon as her Oba.

    “The taste of the pudding is often said to be in the eating. Lawyers have a graphic manner of expressing an actuality by applying the Latin maxim: res ipsa loquitur, meaning ‘the things speak for it.’

    “It is beyond any peradventure that our people are not just tickled and excited in the choice and eventual ascension of this high flying personae to the Ogoga stool, but also very proud that a mariner extraordinaire who has sailed round the world, is their new traditional and paramount ruler.”

    Delivering his speech, Oba Adu, who was accompanied with his wife, Olori Olufunmilola, expressed profound gratitude to all who have graced his coronation, particularly, the monarchs and his colleagues in the maritime industry.

    The Ogoga used the occasion to extend Olive branch to Ikere indigenes who had expressed dissenting voices against his choice, saying he was ready to work with them as that is the only way meaningful development would be achieved.

    He, however, warned troublemakers to desist from acts of brigandage or wanton destruction, saying there are regulations that mete out due punishment to such acts.

    Oba Adu said: “I want to thank Governor Fayose for his transparency and true love for us, his people. Ikere is second largest town in Ekiti State and we have potential to be much greater than we are currently.

    There is only one monarch in Ikere and if we do not work in unity, we won’t progress. We started wooing those who have been against us and it has worked, majority of them are now on our side.

    “I have pledged to administer this kingdom with utmost decision for peace. I won’t shy away to rule Ikere in unity, I won’t allow the sacredness of this kingdom to be destroyed by people who think by spreading lies to destabilise us. They can succeed in causing rancour.

    “According to history, I am the 27th Ogoga, and after Ogoga, there is no other monarch in this town. I shall defend our history and the heritage with whatever it takes. Let those who do not wish us well take heed, as there are punishment for brigandage, destruction and fomenting of troubles.”

    Alaafin of Oyo, who recalled how he prayed with the articles of faith of the three widely practised religions of Christianity, Islam and Traditional religion for Oba Adejimi, prayed for a peaceful and long years of reign for the monarch.

    Oba Adeyemi, who expressed satisfaction with Fayose’s speech, added that the governor was only being maligned by the opposition in the papers outside Ekiti.

    The Alaafin added that by coming to Ekiti himself, he had seen the true Fayose who truly loves his people and as such is being hated by the opposition.

    The Alaafin said: “Our true son, intelligent and courageous, if I don’t come today, I would have missed hearing you. I have been hearing about you on the papers that you are troublesome. The works you are doing in Ekiti, God will reward you well.”

    The Olugbo, Oba Akinrintan, who described the Ogoga traditional stool as “very important royalty in the Yoruba race”, praised the new Ogoga and Chief Olanipekun for their efforts in seeking for the good of their town, Ikere.

    The Olugbo said: “This Ogoga stool is very important in Yoruba land. I know his history very well. He has a great history. Ikere and Ekiti should take care of your Oba. He is well read and I know all Ekiti are well read also.

    “As you are supporting him, I want you to continue to pray for Olanipekun. He has taken you to all over the world; the Ogoga is a foremost Oba. Kabiyesi with Wole (Olanipekun) you have everything.

    “He has been my backbone even in my business.  I want to urge all governors to emulate former Governor Olomilua for his uprightness and incorrupt nature. Such act of integrity is good for our development as a nation.”

  • Experts call for reform in media practice

    A don, Mr. Umaru Pate has called for media reform, even as he advised practitioners to be objective in their reportage.

    Pate, a Professor of Mass Communication in the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, was delivering a keynote address at the 60th birthday ceremony of the Dean, Lagos State University School of Communication (LASUSOC), Prof. Lai Oso.

    In the address entitled: “Issues in Media and National Integration in Nigeria”,

    Prof. Pate, who was the Guest Speaker on the occasion, reeled off issues that hinder the media’s capability to inspire integration to include absence of national rallying points on which the media are united; lack of funding as well as the common tendency of reporting inter-group conflicts in their fundamental contexts, among others.

    He said: “Areas of concern have emerged on the behaviour of the media in fulfilling its role in the process of national integration in the context of the country’s multi-cultural setting, particularly at critical historical moments when they ought to have demonstrated leadership positions. The reasons for that are many.”

    To reverse the trend, he recommended that the media should emphasise more on national problems rather than restricting their write-ups to defined boundaries of gender, religion, location or social status.

    He added that journalists should have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s complexities and demonstrate professional competence in dealing with issues of diversity ad multiculturalism to inspire media relevance, respect and trust.

    Continuing, Prof. Pate said: “The media should lay more emphasis on collective national problems; focus more on mindsets; deeper understanding of Nigeria’s complexities; license more national broadcast networks; encourage all existing media organs to go online; institute the teaching of diversity and multicultural reporting; provide continuous retraining programmes to practising; and increase the engagement with social media.”

    Also speaking, a Mass Communication scholar of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye emphasised the importance of objectivity and fairness in reportage to inspire younger generation in the same path.

    He said: “In this profession, we cannot compromise, because truth is constant and it is the cornerstone of good journalism. The younger generation need to embrace objectivity and fairness in reporting issues. Journalists should be the Fourth Estate of the Realm and not of the wreck; otherwise, they are not wrecking the profession or government but themselves. These are the couple of things you can learn from the celebrator who is very straightforward, articulate, and honest in his professional practice.”

    Akinfeleye praised the celebrator and expressed excitement at the calibre of personalities who attended the event.

    “This is an excellent event. Prof. Oso was able to pull enough crowd. This is the first time we have an assemblage of professors and scholars in Mass Communication. I am very proud to be associated with him and I wish him many returns of today. The younger generation can emulate his transparency, honesty, accountability and truth because truth is the cornerstone of good journalism,” he said.

    The celebrator expressed his gratitude to his colleagues who put the event together.

    “I am very happy and grateful to my colleagues and friends for organising this event. I am also very grateful to God for giving me the privilege to attain the milestone and for the grace to contribute to the profession,” he said.

    He, however, said the celebration was a challenge for him to do more so as to meet up high expectations from him.

    Present at the occasion was a LASUSOC lecturer, Mrs Lade Atofojomo, who described Prof. Oso as a father-figure who can be as supportive as he is a disciplinarian.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Cleric calls prayers for Buhari

    Cleric calls prayers for Buhari

    Nigerians have been urged to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari’s success.

    The Founder/General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church Wonderful Way, Pastor Bola Omosanya , gave the advice in Lagos, during the church’s 16th anniversary thanksgiving and induction of some Deacons and Deaconesses penultimate week.

    The cleric also advised Nigerians to shun tribalism, corruption, ethnicity and religious discrimination which have the tendency of affecting Nigeria’s growth.

    “Nigerians,” he said, “irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political inclinations, should encourage and support President Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade which aims at cleansing Nigeria to be a better country to live in.”

    The cleric further said for the promises of God to manifest in the country, Nigerians should assist the President with prayers for divine wisdom and knowledge.

    He said: “Prayer remains the only spiritual weapon that will bring about the much-needed change Nigerians clamoured for. We all should call on God to take over and direct the affairs of the country. We should pray for the President to be imbued with divine wisdom to be able to formulate and implement good policies and programmes that would transform all the sectors of the economy.”

    He appealed to President Buhari to ensure that Boko Haram is defeated, create employment for youths, eradicate corruption and make sure insecurity became a thing of the past. He also advised him to revitalise ailing industries in the country. Also speaking, the Superintendent of Argugu zone in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Pastor Sunday Akinlabi Omosanya, urged the leaders to always have the fear of God in all they do; noting that lack of fear of God caused Nigerian leaders to steal from the nation’s treasury with impunity.

    He also appealed to religious bodies across the country to organise periodic special prayers for the success of the new administration.

    Pastor Akinlabi advised the newly ordained deacons and deaconesses to work in unity and avoid anybody or any condition that could turn them to be obstacles to the progress of the church.

    Describing them as servants of God, he said their roles are to work for the growth and progress of God’s work. He warned them to eschew persecution, greediness and backbiting.

  • Group seeks public holiday for Hijrah

    The Kosofe Muslim Community (KMC) has called on the Lagos State Government to declare Hijrah (the Islamic New Year) a public holiday.

    Speaking at a Hijrah Awareness celebration, the Chairman of Kosofe Muslim Community, Alhaji Sherifdeen Idris, said it would show that Muslims have a history behind everything they do.

    He said: “We are not waiting for the government which is why we are holding an event such as this in order to sensitise the people to it. We just want the government to give it recognition as they do the New Year by declaring it a holiday.”

    He said Hijrah symbolises a transition from bad to good. He urged all Muslims to accommodate everybody and be good ambassadors of Islam.

    The chairman on the occasion, who is also the former KMC chairman, Alhaji Shamsudeen Ashubiaro urged Muslims to practise Islam the way it was practised during the time of the Prophet Mohammed.

    “You can see that anything evil is against nature and we should move against it. Everyone knows what is good and what is bad and we should be able to move away from bad deeds to good,” he said.

    KMC Deputy Chief Missioner, Alhaji Marufdeen Olawale said: “The meaning of Hijrah is abandoning the wrongs and accepting the rights. When you are in a position where you are not performing well, you should move forward to make amends and adjust to the desired norms so that you would be able to perform well. It is a moment where one can sit back and reflect on what he or she has been contributing to the Islamic world.”

    He also urged government to recognise the day as a public holiday so that it would create more awareness to the people.

     

  • Foundation trains 2,000 women on skills

    Foundation trains 2,000 women on skills

    There was excitement among the inhabitants of the ancient city of Badagry as they came out in droves to receive training in various skills. The Prime Women Builders Foundation of Nigeria (PWOBFON) had visited the town with its empowerment programme.

    At the event entitled, “An Enterprising Heart,” over 2,000 people, mostly women were trained in vocational and skill acquisition schemes.

    Apparently eager to break loose from the shackles of poverty, house wives;

    pregnant women; nursing mothers; school leavers and unemployed youths participated in the PWOBFON’s 2015 empowerment day.

    The early morning downpour did not deter the beneficiaries as they trooped to the local government council headquarters, Ajala, Badagry from different locations as early as 7:00 a.m., to be part of the one-day event which began with seminars in which the participants were taken through various vocational trainings.

    Focal points of the first segment were training on tailoring; soap making; wireworks; cake baking/icing; ankara designing; barbeque; household items; popcorn production; headgear knotting; bleach making; air freshener production and computer training, among others.

    The participants later came together for the second session of the programme which involved lectures and presentations by representatives of the participating companies who also educated the trainees on how to start their own businesses as agents and distributors of different products.

    This was followed by lectures by business management experts who took the participants on entrepreneurial spirit.

    Some of the major players in the manufacturing sector that participated in the event commended the organisers for their vision and commitment to poverty reduction and women empowerment. They also pledged their willingness to partner PWOBFON in its resolve to alleviate poverty among the people.

    For instance, Lucky Fibres Plc, makers of Nobel rugs and carpets, praised the foundation for its vision, promising to do business with the women. It equally assured the participants that with N25, 000, they could do business with the company from their homes.

    Other organisations that participated in this year’s empowerment day were Honeywell Flour Mill Plc; May &Baker’s Lily Water; Ozone Hair Relaxer; Klin Soap; Nipen Bic and Rite Foods, among others.

    Over the years, PWOBFON had been rotating its annual empowerment day to different areas of Lagos State. Councils such as Ikeja, Alimosho, Ikorodu and Badagry had benefitted from previous programmes of the foundation.

    •Mrs. Olofinkua addressing the participants
    •Mrs. Olofinkua addressing the participants

    The National President of PWOBFON, Mrs. Kemi Olofinkua expressed the intention of the foundation to extend the empowerment programme to other states of the federation.

    Fielding questions from journalists on the sideline of the event, Olofinkua called for concerted efforts towards poverty reduction in the society, warning that the current poverty situation in Nigeria portends grave danger to the country.

    She argued that collaboration among government, individuals and organisations was necessary in reducing the rising poverty level in the society, stressing that some men have also benefitted from the foundation’s scheme.

    “In the past years, we have seen men coming to our empowerment programmes; we don’t want to be seen as gender-partial. So, we decided to go on with the computer hardware training. It has been good because people are giving testimonies about this programme,” she said.

    Obviously elated by the success of the event, Mrs. Olofinkua commended the beneficiaries for their zeal and determination to creep out of the poverty ditch by embracing the training in their thousands.

    She said: “Today’s event is quite different from what we have been having in the past. It is quite different because for the first time, we saw great zeal among the participants. We ended the vocational training and started the second part which is the corporate session, yet the people refused to leave the vocational training.

    “And for the first time, I saw some children being desirous to do things by themselves. We witnessed a little child exhibiting creativity and the ability to do beadwork, I was impressed and I have promised them that we will come back to this local government to encourage them to realise that they can no longer rely on white collar jobs for their financial future.

    “Younger children that are less that 15 years old indicated interest in learning so many crafts such as bead making, shawama and other skills.

    It really elated my heart. The turnout was great; people came all the way from Ikorodu and other locations to participate in the programme. People really need this empowerment.

    “They need to be talked to, they need to be trained. We have done it in different local governments and each time we go out, we see people trooping out to be part of the programme.

    “For example, people gathered here before the scheduled time thereby demonstrating their willingness to learn how to break away from poverty which is holding them down.

    The PWOBFON’s boss said the foundation has been sponsoring the annual empowerment project solely despite the huge financial implications, stressing that she is being driven by the passion to see women empowered.  She urged the various tiers of government to take poverty alleviation seriously for the good of the society. Mrs. Olofinkua said she was satisfied in what she is doing for the good of the society notwithstanding the financial constraint.

    “Only God has been sustaining this empowerment programme. With the exception of this year, for the past seven years, I have been writing the governments each year concerning this programme but there hasn’t been any positive response. But we are not bothered about this.

    “Government should realise that people actually need this empowerment. We have been using our money to fund this project but we are not tired. This is an annual programme and I am already thinking about the next year’s event.

    “We have gotten an invitation to do vocational training in secondary school for the students. So, we are already thinking about how to catch these children young. Also, we are targeting the professionals who have indicated interest in this training. The vision is expanding and we are happy doing what we are doing.”

    One of the resource persons, Mr. Lanre Da-silva, praised the foundation and commended Mrs. Olofinkua for her determination to pull many people out of the poverty line.

    Da-silver said: “Each time I come, I sincerely wonder how she gets the crowd because the people keep coming. I have been with her to Ikeja Local Government Area; I have been with her to Alimosho Local Government Area and Ikorodu Local Government Area and now in Badagry and the people keep coming. That tells me that many people in the society need empowerment. It is an indication that so many people live below the poverty line and all they need to come up and get a regular income is just to tell them the right things to do.

    “Many women and young people keep coming to this event, so I am not surprised. She (Mrs. Olofinkua) is passionate with what she is doing and I wish that the corporate organisations should partner this woman in what she is doing as part of their own corporate social responsibilities where they can add value to the lives of these women in a small way.”

    One of the PWOBFON advisers, Rev. Emmanuel Olofinkua praised God for sustaining the programme since its inception seven years ago. According to him, the event was the expression of the desires and vision which God has laid in the heart of the organisers towards the people.

    “It is a thing of joy. But it is highly taxing because the work that we are doing is not something that we are paid by somebody or a venture that we are paid back. Again, many of the people that we used for this programme are volunteers; we thank God for those that He has used to make this vocational training a huge success,” he said.

    He called for concerted efforts to tackle unemployment in the country, saying: “Unemployment is increasing on an alarming rate. You have many graduates roaming the streets without job. Those that are able to get jobs are on contract appointments; they are not sure of permanent appointments, no hope for the future. “It wasn’t like that before and it calls for caution. I wonder how far the government’s poverty alleviation has impacted on the masses. But I can say that it has not really achieved anything. But with what we have done here today, I can testify that for over the years, some of the people that have come in contact with this programme are now doing fine.

    “Some of them are now successful bead makers, others are soap makers and they no longer depend on anybody to make ends meet. So, this is something I think that our government should look into.”

    Some of the beneficiaries also testified that the programme has been a tremendous blessing to them. Mrs. Ekwuagana  Oluchi Rosalyn told journalists that her life has been transformed since she came in contact with the foundation. She, therefore, advised other women to embrace the empowerment programme for their financial freedom.

    “I have been following them every year and for me to come all the way from Iyana-Ipaja is an indication that I love what they are doing.

    “My advice goes to women who call themselves housewives. There is nothing like housewives again because one can do things even in her one room apartment. It can be soap making, hand-washing soap or other things. She will sell whatever she produces because Lagos is the cheapest place to live in Nigeria,”she said.

  • NGOs seek financial freedom for women

     

    The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and Cherie Blair Foundation (UK), have urged the government to establish financial structures for supporting women to expand the frontiers of business development.

    Speaking at an event tagged “Evening of Celebration, Experience Sharing and Networking” organised by the foundation in Ikoyi, Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), Mrs. Aisha Murtala-Oyebode said there were a lot of challenges which budding women entrepreneurs experience. She added that if they receive help in terms of financial structures, their businesses will grow.

    Mrs. Aisha also advised the government not to make financial access difficult for women so that they would contribute towards the development of the economy.

    “It is important to create structures that will support women in terms of finance. Though they could have good mentors who help them in developing their businesses, if they don’t have access to finance, their businesses won’t grow.

    “So, what we need is the government to help us develop that capacity so that Nigeria women can attain their goals. It’s a one-year-programme and the women are doing extremely well.

    “It is not about financing alone; we have to stop making access to finance for women difficult. It is important that women maintain their families and keep their homes. At the same time, they need financial independence if they should realise their potential,” she added.

    She also advised women to be determined and not to be discouraged in their businesses.

    Continuing, she said: “We can do it and if we are determined, we are the ones who will help break some of those barriers that we talk about across the continent. We have the capacity; we can lead so that others will follow. Men should always support their wives.”

    In a chat with Southwest Report, Dr. Dotun Akande of Patrick Speech and Language Centre also called on the government to train and support women in different fields.

    He said: “What I think the government should do for women is the provision of capacity building which is key. When you train a woman, she trains the nation. It is important that government should continue to support women in terms of training in every field such as education, health, wellness and farming, among others. This is very important because if you support a woman you have supported the entire family.”

    During their presentation, women mentors from different fields complained about the Nigeria educational sector.

    President, International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Mrs Titilayo Adisa said the government should include thinking skill in school curriculum to help discover creativity and problem solvers among the students.

    “I want the school curriculum, from primary to the tertiary levels to include robotics planning in their curricula because if we are able to make thinking skill as part of our curricula, the thinking skill will allow us do creative and innovative thinking.

    “Again, we will have problem solvers. From youth, one can learn how to do other things because creativity is as important to education as literacy,” she said.

    Women should serve as change agent because the more we give to the society the more it gets better. It is not about the money but the passion.

     

  • Council sensitises residents on health

    Council sensitises residents on health

    As part of its commitment towards ensuring safe and healthy environment for the well-being of the residents, the Executive Secretary of Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon. Bola Badmus–Olujobi has advised members of the public to be dedicated in their garbage generation and disposal.

    Hon. Badmus-Olujobi gave the advice during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the council’s secretariat.

    At the meeting whose theme was “Community Advocacy Review on the Private Sector Participation (PSP) and Household Refuse Collection in Lagos State”, she expressed discontent over the unbridled manner in which residents litter the environment indiscriminately without minding the health consequences.

    She said: “I implore all communities to imbibe the culture of keeping our environment clean and healthy. All of us should patronise operators of Private Sector Participation (PSP) as they are the people that Lagos State Government has commissioned to cart away our garbage as at when due. Also, all households should cultivate the habit of bagging their garbage and dropping them at the designated points. They should not patronise the cart pushers (kole-kole).

    “All community heads should try and inspect their surroundings at all times and not only on Lagos State Environmental Sanitation days.

    “I want to inform us all that Meteorological (MET) office has forecast that rainfall in latter part of this year will be heavier than that of the previous years. We should recall the recent flood disaster in Kaduna that destroyed a lot of lives and properties.

    “Let’s imbibe the culture of dislodging our gutter and stay away from littering our surroundings. I would urge us all to embrace these causes so as to stay away from communicable disease.”

    Also speaking at the event, the representative of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Mrs. O. A. Osonuga said “through the advocacy programme, we have been able to influence individual and collective behaviours on waste generation and disposal. It is a continuous enlightenment campaign. We educate on waste sorting, reduce re-use and recycling for a cleaner and healthier environment. We are joining the whole world by having recovery facility to recycle our wastes and turn them into wealth.

    “The establishment of the resource recovery facility demonstrates the state government’s resolve to ensure a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in line with the vision of the Ministry of the Environment.”

    She advised the residents to take the programme seriously as it will assist them in staying safe, noting that waste bins are placed at strategic locations, while sweepers remove litters and bags for collection. The garbage bags were distributed to residents for proper waste storage.

    Some of the residents complained about the inadequate services of waste managers in the metropolis. They said evacuation of refuse was always delayed by waste collectors.

    However, some who live in Ade-Oshodi Street, Ijegun expressed satisfaction with the performance of waste managers.

  • New events centre opens in Ibadan

    New events centre opens in Ibadan

    Event planners in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have welcomed a new event centre into the city.

    The new event centre, Bashmol, which is tucked in Abayomi Estate on Old Ife Road, came with state-of-the-art facilities for users.

    With different sizes of halls and conference rooms accompanied with large parking spaces and security, Bashmol Event Centre adds to the beauty and economic life of the serene area with loads of incentives to all users.

    Aside providing a 250 KVA power generating set, the centre has its own 200 KVA transformer to strengthen and plug shortfall in public electricity.

    The Business Development Manager of the centre, Mr Olayiwola Suara, said the centre would meet the needs of those seeking decent, convenient and modern venue for their social, religious events and offer dial events in Ibadan.

    “We are just excellent in all key areas,” Suara said.

    He assured event planners and celebrators that maintenance and quality of service would be sustained.

    The event centre opened for business on July 26.

  • Road crashes: FRSC seeks partnership

    Road crashes: FRSC seeks partnership

    To succeed in its drive to minimise crashes, if not eliminate it, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has appealed for support from other military and paramilitary institutions. This, it said, would enable it to check indiscipline by motorists and other road users.

    RS.2 Zonal Commander Nse-Obong Charles Akpabio, made this submission after a meeting with the senior military and paramilitary officers at Idiroko Border, Ogun State, during his familiarisation/working visit to the area.

    He said: “The visit was part of my responsibilities of carrying out FRSC functions under my jurisdiction. This will enable me to interface with personnel of the corps, security agencies and other stakeholders for more collaboration.”

    Akpabio thanked the security agencies and stakeholders for their strong synergy and support since the establishment of the Corps 27 years ago. He, however, urged for more partnership, saying it is impossible for any agency to stand alone and deliver good services. He said safety should not be left for road safety administration and management agency only, as it is the collective responsibility of every well-meaning individual and organisation in the country.

    “For any agency to achieve its set goals, it requires the strong support from other government agencies in the course of dissemination of vital information, sharing of intelligence and enhances collaborations that would enable them to achieve a common goal for national development.

    “FRSC has discovered, through researches, that road crashes are preventable. It can be minimised or reduced. No matter how bad or worse our roads are the level of crashes that would occur on them would be based on how bad the motorists used the road. It has been discovered that 80 per cent of road crashes are caused by motorists who care less about safety or precautionary standards.”

    He appealed to motorists to embrace the culture of defensive driving and shun recklessness while driving.

    “Road crashes do not discriminate between ages and class. Nobody has immunity of road crashes. Therefore, drive responsibly for you to get to your destination safely,” he said.

    Akpabio urged motorists to always consider other road users as insane once they are driving.

    He appealed to uniformed men to avoid driving against traffic whenever the road is congested because they want to get to their destinations faster, advising them to consider the safety of other road users.

    He also urged them to always comply with traffic rules and regulations to enable them to show good example to other citizens. He noted that everyone has a role to play in the bid of eradicating the crashes in the country.

    He said if everyone can play individual role on daily basis, there is possibility of redeemed the nation from the incessant crashes.

    He pleaded that there should be commitment on the part of the personnel on the issue of road safety, even as he urged all officers to embark on training and re-training of their drivers and ensure their drivers possessed a valid driver’s license before allowing them to drive. He said driving license is the only certificate that permits any driver to drive on the road.

    “No company or agency’s identity card can be translated to be driver’s license,” he said.

    He urged the officers to shun patronage of touts or giving money to FRSC personnel for procurement of driver’s licence, whoever does that should definitely expect fake.

    Akpabio urged all vehicle owners to follow due process of obtaining the new number plate. He said vehicles’ number plates are now registered on vehicles’ owner name instead of the vehicles. This, he said, would enable the Corps and other security agencies to trace stolen vehicles or any vehicle that committed taffic or other crimes on the road.

    Akpabio pledged FRSC’s regular visit to the Idiroko Command and to train the officers on how to verify the original driver’s licence and number plates.

    Responding, the Customs Area Comptroller, Mr. Haruna Mamud, thanked the Zonal Commander for the visit and the enlightenment. He appealed to the officers to continue their supports to the Corps to enable it to tackle causes of crashes on the roads.

    He enjoined all officers to comply with traffic rules and regulations while on duty.