The Chairman of Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos Chapter, Alhaji Taoreed Tyson and Dr. Musa Ismail of THE University of Lagos (UNILAG) have enjoined Muslims to adhere to the teachings of the Holy Quran, even after the Ramadan period.
They gave the advice at a lecture ENtitled: “Good Governance, its Elements and Expectations with Relevant Islamic References”, organised in Lagos by MAN.
Tyson said the essence of the lecture was to “learn more about the teaching of the Holy Quran and also the Hadith of Prophet Muhammed, so as to enable us to follow them and make sure that most of the things laid down there by ways of dos and don’ts are followed to enable us live happily”.
“The teachings are not meant for Ramadan period alone. We are enjoined to abide by that teaching, even after the Ramadan because after the Ramadan, the faith remains and the religion remains. So, there is no need for a Muslim to say that I must observe the teachings only during the Ramadan, and after the Ramadan, I will not observe them. If they can continuously observe all this teaching of both the dos we must follow and don’ts we must avoid, you will see that before or after the Ramadan, the country will be very peaceful,” he added.
The Muslim leader seized the opportunity to plead with the politicians and Federal Government to fulfill the promises they made to the masses before they were elected into office.
In his words, “promise is a debt and Allah does not waste his time on those who promises and don’t fulfill them. So, they should try and fulfill the promises they made to the electorate”.
Ismail urged the Muslims not to fail in their responsibilities to humanities, as this is a trust ordained by God.
Failing to carry out ordained responsibility, the don said, would lead to a severe punishment by God, who has entrusted them with the responsibilities.
“Islam is all about truth; truth to yourself, your community and to the entire nation. We also mentioned that governance start with self. How do I govern myself? What do I do with my head? What thought is there? What should I do with my hand, my leg, eye etc? On the day of judgment, Allah (SAW) will ask you what you did with your body,” Ismail said.
The lecturer urged Nigerian leaders to ensure that those that will work them are selected on merit because they cannot do it alone.
His words: “They need people to join hands with them to be able to deliver on their promises and they should not be too far away from the people and they should ensure they consult with people on issues affecting them.
“Mutual consultation should be the basis of the relationship between the leader and the followers. They should ensure that they consult with the people to be able to establish their needs and on the basis of that, they will be readily guided and do what they are expected to do.”
In the same vein, retired Permanent Secretary and chairman of the occasion Otunba Nurudeen Ojora Adejiyan advised the Muslims to cooperate with leaders.
“The leaders do not have monopoly of wisdom. They should not deny them of their informed advises as at when due,” he said.
Adejiyan admonished the Muslims to go through due process as Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran and “they should have it in mind that whatever they want to do should be done with honesty and justice”.
Until recently, the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State had always been violent. SIKIRU AKINOLA traces how the union became synonymous with violence and how it achieved peace in the past four years.
Ayinde Ewu (pseudonym) couldn’t say precisely when he became a member of the Oyo State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). But his narrative of the event that preceded the death of the late business mogul and acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, it is obvious that he has been a member of the union for over two decades.
In a bid to prevent his ‘chairman’ from being ousted from one of the motor parks in Iwo Road, which is regarded as one of the richest branches of the union in the state, he escaped death but didn’t go without sustaining injuries.
“I got to the motor parks very early in the morning and had made huge sales until I saw one of our boys running towards me, advising me to take to my heels or get killed. Before I could ask what the matter was, I saw these people in large number, with dangerous objects moving towards our office.
“There was no charm on me. I ran for my dear life but thank God the people were not armed with gun. They continued to run after me and when they caught me, a thought came to my mind and I ran inside one petrol station, hijacked the nuzzle from the attendant, pressed a little petrol and brought out a lighter from my pocket.”
Scratching his head, he continued: “At that point, they stopped and moved backward. I was relieved and encouraged. I threatened that if they dare move nearer, I would press nuzzle and set the place ablaze. We did this for a while before I scaled the fence,” the 37-year-old father of seven told Southwest Report when asked about his experience as an executive member of the union.
The activities of the NURTW in Oyo State were, especially in the years before Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, brutal. Killing, thuggery, maiming and all forms of anti-social behaviours characterised the union. Apart from killing their members, innocent citizens who were unfortunate to be at a wrong place at the wrong time were not spared. Major parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, were always seized whenever they strike. You dared not pass through Iwo Road, Ojoo and Olomi area where its state headquarters is located.
Whenever there is about to be a change in leadership, it is not without bloodshed. The event of August of 2011 is still fresh in the memories of those who lost relatives or sustained varying degrees of injuries. Over 10 people, including the President of the Nigerian Medical Students, were killed, after two factions of the union that were embroiled in leadership tussle engaged each other, using dangerous weapons freely.
Many described the week-long incident as a ‘seasonal film’ as major areas were deserted for fear that the factional groups of the union may be involved in reprisal attacks. Before security agents could nip it, many shops have been looted and burnt while many cars were either vandalised or burnt. Many road users had to abandon their cars for fear of being killed.
NURTW, which has its national headquarters in Abuja and chairmen at geo-political and state levels, is believed to be an association of operators of commercial buses and cabs. It also has chairmen at the local government level.
At will, they smoke Indian hemp in public, looking tattered and unkempt. The selling of locally brewed gin (ogogoro) which they mix with other substances, near their parks doesn’t help matter.
Money, catalyst for violence
Members of the union, especially its leadership, are said to be credit worthy due to the enormous income that comes in every day. For example, drivers plying Olodo on the outskirts of Ibadan to Bere in the heart of the city pay more than N700 before they get to their terminus. You’ll pay at Olodo, Iyana Church, Iwo Road, Gate, Oje and Bere.
From this daily dues, certain amount is allocated for some executive members, especially the chairmen for daily upkeep, while there is also a fixed amount which is taken to the state headquarters, depending on the financial strength of the branches and units.
It is not difficult to see some of the executive members displaying their wealth. Automobile dealers are quick to sell cars and buses to the union members and allow them to pay by instalments. In choice areas of the state, especially where only the rich can afford, their mansions are located with the latest sport utility vehicle. Some are into oil business, farming and automobile. Worst is that they get recognition from politicians. During elections, they use them to intimidate perceived enemies.
From violence to peace
Since 1993 when Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (Tokyo, now Oloruntoki) was said to have hijacked power from the then NURTW chairman and boss, Chief James Ojewunmi, who was elected in 1983 to succeed Alhaji Bashiru Adigun, who served for nine years, the union has been enmeshed in leadership crises. Tokyo was chairman of inter-state unit at Agodi Gate, Ibadan and was deputy to Ojewunmi.
•Ife/Iwo Road garage in Ibadan,
Until Tokyo overthrew him, his tenure was said to be peaceful as he approved loans for members.
Violence became more pronounced during Tokyo’s reign in Oyo State and later in the whole of Southwest.
He started his tenure by not allowing commercial vehicles belonging to his former boss and those loyal to him into the park. They roamed the streets looking for loyalists of Ojewunmi, grounding and towing vehicles in sight. He was in power till 2003 when former Governor Rashidi Ladoja was elected.
Alhaji Wasiu Abubakre (a.k.a Tawa), a loyalist of Ojewumi and one of the few who challenged Tokyo’s high handedness was unanimously elected but his tenure was truncated 30 months after. Tokyo, in his characteristic manner, hijacked power again, this time, through the help of the late strongman of Ibadan politics, Lamidi Adedibu.
Tokyo later met his waterloo as he was later fingered in the murder of an Ogbomoso-based leader of the union by the administration of Rashidi Ladoja. He was arrested and remanded at Agodi Prison.
This, and other acts considered antagonistic by the Ladoja’s administration, drew the ire of Adedibu. The battle line was drawn. He enlisted the support of Tokyo’s ‘lieutenants’, especially Lateef Salako (Eleweomo) and Mukaila Lamidi (Auxiliary).
For 11 months, before Ladoja’s re-instatement, the state was thrown into confusion. After Ladoja was illegally impeached, the process for the release of Tokyo from remand was fast-tracked. Relief came his way as he was released during the administration of Ladoja’s estranged deputy, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, who took over from him.
Governor Akala was said to have struck an agreement with Tokyo’s ‘chief of staff’, Eleweomo who was later to be killed during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward congress at Olunloyo area of Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Ibadan.
The Alao-Akala’s administration later proscribed the activities of the union but Tokyo and his men stayed put at the Olomi secretariat of the union. Attempts by the Alao-Akala’s administration to demolish the secretariat proved abortive as Tokyo’s men repelled the government’s demolition squad. But Alao-Akala, after losing his re-election bid, lifted ban on the activities of the union, an action many described as an attempt to set a booby trap for the incoming government of Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The Ajimobi administration came on board and the union was still entangled in crisis. This time, it was between Tokyo and Eleweomo’s deputy, Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a Auxilliary’). Tokyo was hell-bent on returning to his position but Auxilliary was not ready to accept him. They continued until five days after Governor Ajimobi was sworn in. That night, Iwo Road was a theatre of war. Many innocent people, including a final year Medical student of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, were killed.
End of violence in Oyo NURTW
Governor Abiola Ajimobi without waiting proscribed the union. The violence was against his agenda of peace. After the sad event of June 5, 2011, when many people were murdered during a fight between two factional members of the NURTW in Ibadan, Governor Ajimobi banned the activities of the union and he ensured that the two factional leaders were not allowed to operate again.
For over a year, the union had no leadership. Later, influential members of the society prevailed on the government to lift the ban as the members of the union were hungry and ready to have a change of heart.
•Oyerinde (Fele)
Later, Ahaji Taofeek Oyerinde (aka Fele) was presented by the stakeholders as the acceptable candidate to fill the vacant chairmanship slot.
Harvest of peace: the Fele years
The activities of the union have been peaceful since Fele was inaugurated over three years ago. The once-war torn Iwo Road is now peaceful. Today, apart from the beautification project by the state government; many firms now have offices located in Iwo Road.
Fele told Southwest Report that he warned them against being hired by politicians to foment trouble during the last election.
“We were able to maintain neutrality through various means. We sensitised our people on the implication of such deadly action. This is the first time election will hold in Oyo State and none of our members was killed. We behaved according to the dictates of the law.”
On how he got rid of paraga sellers from motor parks, he said: “We understand that reckless driving, most times, is due to the influence of hard substances. So, we sent away those selling the substances and warned them about the implications of smoking. Though we have not been able to achieve 100 per cent success, we’ve moved away from the age-long tradition. Now, you will see our members neatly dressed while they are not left out on the social media. We also encouraged them to cultivate the habit of saving money. Some of us are even back in school to further improve ourselves.”
Fele disclosed that as a means of giving back to the society, the union would embark on corporate social responsibility which included sinking of boreholes, patching of potholes and renovation of schools. All these, he said, are in line with the restoration agenda of Governor Ajimobi.
“Governor Ajimobi has always been a good inspiration for us. He would always counsel us and encourage us to improve ourselves. He would tell us the importance of seeing ourselves as one.”
The union recently distributed 40 cars to its branch offices across the 33 local government areas.
Continuing, Fele said: “Before now, guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons were procured with the union’s daily income and same were distributed to motor parks to unleash violence on rival union members and hapless citizens. Scores of innocent citizens of the state and visitors have been killed, a development that peaked in 2011 culminating in the killing of a medical student and others at Iwo Road Motor Park.
“We are borrowing a leaf from other organised associations to truly impact positively on the welfare of members. We would continue to pursue peace through prayers, deeds and actions capable of promoting peaceful co-existence among all union members.”
The Bishop of Ido-Ani Diocese (Anglican Communion), Rev. Ezekiel Dahunsi has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to intensify the war against terrorism and corruption.
The cleric noted that the Boko Haram insurgency is affecting the peace and stability of the country, even as he opined that the present economic hardship in Nigeria was caused mainly by unbridled corruption among political office holders and public servants.
He spoke at this year’s Trinity ordination and inauguration of Lay Readers held at St. Matthew’s Church, Imeri in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Rev. Dahunsi expressed grief that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of all sectors of the nation’s economy, urging President Buhari to fight the menace with all seriousness.
He also challenged the Federal Government to take decisive stand on fuel subsidy to check corrupt practices in the oil sector.
According to him, apart from making pronouncement on subsidy removal, government should also put in place appropriate machinery to further prevent untoward practices that are prevalent in the oil industry.
He advised the Buhari-led administration not to regard some people as sacred cows in the fight against corruption, stressing that his anti-corruption war should affect all sectors of the economy.
Bishop Dahunsi also said the President and the governors should uphold democracy and ensure that politics, tribe or religion do not impede the country’s growth and development.
He decried a situation where the peace of the country was being threatened by activities of the Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast and kidnapping in the Southeast, which is fast spreading to the Southwest.
Rev. Dahunsi called on the leaders to trust God. He enjoined the citizens to support the leaders in all things which are just and morally good.
In his homily at the ordination service, Ven. Sanmi Ajiboye from Ijebu Diocese in Ogun State gave reasons why men of God are needed in God’s vineyard.
According to him, they need to blow the trumpet of warning against evil deeds.
He admonished the newly ordained men to ensure that they teach their congregation the way to salvation.
Ven. Ajiboye said people were called to the ministry so as to transform the lives of those who they have been called to shepherd order to enter into the Kingdom of God.
The cleric urged them to mediate on behalf of the people as anointed men of God.
Two Deacons, Messers Ogunlere Mola and Abbah Friday as well as two priests, Awodogun Ayodele and Adeyeri Akinyemi were ordained during the church service.
The Ido-Ani diocese would hold the third session of its Synod at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Ido-Ani between August 6 and 9. The theme of the session is “Godliness with Contentment.”
According to a statement by the Diocesan spokesman, Isaac Obiniran, the Synod would be hosted by the family of Chief J.O. Oshati, the Majekobaje Okunrin of the Cathedral Church, Ido-Ani.
Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko will be special guest of honour at the official opening of the ceremony while many religious leaders, synod delegates and clerics within and outside the diocese will be in attendance.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness, they say. This aphorism played out at the biggest auto spareparts market in Ladipo Lagos State; where the traders have set three days aside every week to clean their market and its environs.
Though, the Lagos State government has, over the years, earmarked environmental cleaning exercise every Thursday in a week for the cleaning of every market, traders at the Ladipo Central International Market clean up their area thrice every week; on Sundays, Thursdays and one Friday every month.
When Southwest Report visited the market during the monthly sanitation held last Friday, all the stalls were shut. Every trader was seen with either a broom, rake or disposable bag. They combed the streets and evacuated the gutters of water bottles that block the water channels.
President of the traders’ union, who was also involved in the exercise, said it is some of the measures they put in place to ensure a clean environment and complement the efforts of the state government in ensuring a healthy environment and well-being of the residents.
“We are conscious of our environment and that is why we will leave no stone unturned in making sure we are neat not only in our homes, but also in our business place.
“This is the rainy season and much drainage system flow through the market.
Precautions have been put on ground to ensure the debris and rubbish are constantly evacuated,” he said.
He also lamented that the market is yet to have an apportioned space for it to dispose its refuse on a daily basis.
He also urged the state and local governments to come to their aid, demanding a car park for its customers so that they don’t constitute nuisance to people in the area.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, has ascribed the peace in Sagamu in the past five years to his success in ridding the town of “cultism and other vices among some carpenters and bricklayers.”
Sonariwo said business operators in Sagamu and surrounding communities also go about their businesses without fear of harm to their lives and investments while residents also sleep with their two eyes closed.
The monarch, who spoke through the Asiwaju of Remoland and Chairman, 25th Coronation Anniversary Committee, Solomon Onafowokan, added that banks now open on week days without disruption by bandits.
He recalled that prior to 2011, the town experienced a situation where, aside the students, some bricklayers and carpenters were dabbling into cultism and causing security breaches in Sagamu until they were checked.
The Paramount Ruler said the menace of cultists and other criminals were addressed when the town’s Security Council met and re-invigorated the Vigilance security system; making them more proactive and effective at restoring peace and sanity in the town.
According to him, cultists and miscreants have since been driven away to places such as Ikorodu and other regions of Ogun State; hence the relative peace being savoured in Remoland.
Onafowokan, who revealed this while answering questions from some reporters ahead of the coronation anniversary of the Akarigbo, said the grand finale of the event and award ceremony slated for July 25 at the Akarigbo Complex Sagamu, would be chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
He also revealed that the feat would not have been possible for him and his people without the determination of Governor Ibikunle Amosun who, upon assumption of office in 2011, pledged adequate security in the state and followed it up with practical steps.
An investigation on activities in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during the Eid-el-Fitr on Friday indicates that the residents have a peaceful celebration.
Southwest Report gathered that in spite of the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the celebration, there were security personnel at strategic places.
Such strategic places included all entry points to the city, recreation centres and other public areas in the state capital.
Although the centres of attractions in the city which used to be busy on ordinary days, witnessed light traffic and massive presence of policemen and other security agencies.
During the celebration, commercial activities in the city were low while residents who are Muslims prayed at various Eid grounds.
Some of the Eid grounds visited included Agodi-Gate, Ojoo, Olorunsogo, Molete, Yemetu, Moniya, Sabo, Eleyele and Olomi.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Oyo State, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu said enough personnel were deployed to the city for the celebration to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
According to him, every personnel deployed was working to ensure that there was no violence in the city.
Ajisebutu assured the residents of adequate security arrangement during and after the Eid-El-Fitr.
Operators and members of staff of some recreation centres within Ibadan complained of low patronage of fun-seekers during the celebration.
One of the officials of Agodi Gardens, Ibadan Mr. Tosin Babalola attributed the low patronage to the harsh economic situation in the country.
It is obvious that many civil servants are yet to be paid their salaries; so, how does anyone expect them to come out and celebrate with their families Celebration is all about spending money and the government should find the means to pay workers’ their salaries.
“At least, they can still join in the celebration since we are yet to celebrate the Ileya festival, “he said.
But at Trans-Amusement Park, one of their officials who spoke in confidence said the low turnout could also be attributed to the fact that most people might have travelled or decided to rest at home with their families.
“They might also have decided to stay indoors in order to avoid much stress and spending of unnecessary money. The low patronage can also be attributed to cash crunch in the country,” he said
He said in spite of the discount given to customers during the festive period, there was still low patronage.
He said money would have been the barrier for most families not being able to come out to celebrate.
It was another remarkable day for the people of Ward C of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other communities in Orile Agege Local Council Development Area when Hon. Ishola Ibrahim Obanla donated food items such as rice, vegetable oil, ram and cash to them for the 30 days celebration of Eid-El-Fitr.
Obanla said the aim of the gesture was to assist individuals and less-privileged people within the community to enable them to participate in the celebration of the Eid-El-Fitr.
Ibrahim, a former student union president of University of Nigeria Nsukka and also former Speaker of the Students’ Union Government, Akoka, Yaba and currently the coordinator for All Progressives Youth Frontier Movement, Agege chapter said the experiences he has garnered during his tenure as leader of these association, is to give service to humanity. He as as dynamic youth, he believes that everybody in our country should enjoy the dividends of democracy and good govenance.
Alhaja Ajala said: “I came to rejoice with my son. Obanla is a good young man who has been contributing to the well-being of the community and the APC in Agege. I pray that the Almighty God should protect him as He is protecting Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon Mudasiru Obasa, Hon Adaranijo Taofeek and Hon Ogundimu Yinka.”
Contributing, Alhaji Balogun Mohsood, Ward C APC chairman stated that when he sees a good candidate as a leader, he will encourage him or her. So, Obanla is one of the good candidates we have in Orile- Agege, because he has touched the lives of people within the community.
One of the the benenficiaries, Mrs Idowu Ife said she was delighted by Obanla’s gesture because she has known him as a good young man who likes tourching lives of women and children within the ward.
Another beneficiary, Miss Ajowofowoba Eniola, a student of Ideal Primary School Orile-Agege, said: “Today is a great day for me. I appeal to all politicians and other wealthy people in Orile-Agege to emulate Hon Obanla who decided to touch lives of the downtrodden with the little he has.” She prayed that God should protect and bless him.
Speaking, Obanla said if two or three people are alreay living in poverty, what chance exists for those coming after them? He thanked everyone that came for the ceremony, especially the leadership of the APC, APC executive of Ward C, the elderly who managed to grace the occasion, youths and children.
Those that attended the event were Alhaja Mojisola Ajala, Alhaji Moshood, High Chief E.A Alabi and Obanla’s team, among others.
Conscious of the negative impacts which unchecked environmental degradation have had on our environment, governments and groups the world over have come to terms with the need to prevent or mitigate their effects for a safer world. One of the means through which man harms the environment is through felling of trees for cooking.
In the circumstances, therefore, government at all levels has intensified action toward ensuring that there is less attack on the environment through tree planting. This, it is believed, would enhance cleaner environment.
It was against this backdrop that the Oriade Local Council Development Area embarked on sensitisation campaign to enable the citizens to embrace tree planting; in commemoration of this year’s tree planting exercise of the Lagos State government.
Addressing the indigenes of the area at Learning Field School, Assembly Road shortly before the exercise, the Executive Secretary of Oriade Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bola Badmus-Olujobi urged residents to imbibe the culture of tree planting as panacea to environmental problems.
The council chief urged the people to take the exercise seriously as a way of complementing the efforts of the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in tackling the menace of flooding and other environmental hazards.
Badmus-Olujobi also advised the residents to join hands with her administration in making Oriade LCDA a tree-friendly one.
She said aggressive awareness campaigns which the council carried out on the importance of tree planting have yielded positive results.
‘’We would continue to mobilise the residents the best way we can. Our achievement is that the people of Oriade have taken ownership of the trees and are taking care of them,’’ Badmus-Olujobi said.
Tree planting, she said, would also generate employment for our teeming unemployed youths.
On the benefits of plants, the council chief said “apart from beautifying our environment, the people have bought into the vision of the Lagos State Government in creating a greenery Lagos through tree planting. This year, the council will plant more trees while individuals will continue to plant in their various homes and offices.”
The theme of this year’s tree planting exercise; ‘’Tree: the Lungs of the Earth’’ signifies the importance of trees in sustaining human life through air purification.
While encouraging the people to complement government’s efforts at tackling some environmental problems that are life-threatening, Governor Ambode revealed that the yearly tree planting exercise has generated over 96,000 jobs in the state for all categories of artisans and professionals. The governor also said the state has planted over 5.9 million trees.
Represented by Mr Agoro Adekunle of the Ministry of the Environment, Governor Ambode said indiscriminate falling of trees in Lagos State is a crime and anyone caught will be prosecuted.
Dignitaries at the event were the Council Manager, Mrs Florence Peters, Oba Isaac Olayemi, Oba Akinwnmi Fatai and Alhaja Tawakalitu Koyawola, among others.
The importance and functions of the human kidneys cannot be underestimated. These organs keep the composition of the blood stable; allowing the body to function optimally.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist and are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine.
Every day, the two kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about one to two quarts of urine, composed of wastes and extra fluid. But then, sometimes certain medical conditions can occur to alter the optimal functioning of these organs.
Some of the functions of the kidneys include, but not limited to prevention of the build-up of wastes and extra fluid in the body; keeping levels of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and phosphate stable; making hormones that are helpful to the body system; regulating blood pressure; making red blood cells and helping the bones to be strong.
For 49-year-old father of five, Olanrewaju Abimbola Olaoba, these optimal functioning of the kidneys are no longer the same and for about seven months now, life has not been the same for him.
In February this year, Lanre Olaoba was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), even as he is also a hypertensive patient.
He lay on his sick bed at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) helpless. The result of the kidney diagnosis shows that the organs, as at February, are still in normal location and orientation but the renal sizes are reduced in keeping with the condition of chronic infection.
For Olaoba, who only recently lost his wife to breast cancer, life will be back to normal after he must have undergone major surgical procedures to replace his two damaged kidneys.
According to the medical report issued by the Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. O Aremu of the EKSUTH, Olaoba has been having sessions of hemodialysis “but grossly inadequate due to financial constraints”.
Aremu, in February, placed Olaoba on twice weekly session of hemodialysis which cost N20, 000 each at the hospital, regular checks and medications for his hypertensive condition among others all at the cost of N147, 000. He strongly recommended that there was an urgent need for a transplant to save his life.
Six months after, Olaoba now undergoes renal dialysis thrice a week at the MTN Renal Clinic of the hospital.
A member of his family, Rev. Olaitan Olaoba said: “The enormous financial burden of the weekly dialysis he undergoes to keep him alive since January 19, this year, is currently crippling the family financially. I am desperately in need of financial help from good-spirited Nigerians. Olaoba is soliciting for the sum of N7 million to undergo an urgent renal transplant either in a Nigerian hospital or in India.
To save Olaoba Olanrewaju, financial help can be rendered thus: FCMB Ado Ekiti branch – Account Number – 2864 069 015. For further information, call Rev Olaoba on 0803 3966 560. He will also need to continue the maintenance hemodialysis until he gets the kidney transplantation done.
We, therefore, plead for financial assistance from good public-spirited individuals; governments, non-governmental organisation (NGO) and corporate organisations towards the three-time weekly dialysis and the final kidney transplantation.
Olanrewaju’s condition is quite pathetic as he hasn’t been able to run his restaurant business since January this year. To compound issues, he lost his wife in March this year to breast cancer. More so, the five children are currently in school.
Ire Ekiti, a rustic community in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State came alive last Wednesday when its illustrious son and former House of Representatives member, Bimbo Daramola, handed over an ultramodern hospital he built in memory of his mother to the management of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.
•A cross-section of Ire Ekiti indigenes at the ceremony
The rustic community of Ire Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State came alive last Wednesday when former member of House of Representatives, Bimbo Daramola, donated a hospital he built in his hometown to the management of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).
The former House of Representatives member, who is an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, built the hospital and named it after his late mother, Mrs. Joan Taiwo Daramola, who died on October 26, 1995.
The foundation stone of the hospital was laid by former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on December 22, 2011 while it was commissioned by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, on November 8, 2014.
•The late Mrs. Joan Taiwo Daramola
Since the Joan Taiwo Daramola Hospital was commissioned, it has not been opened to public use hence the transfer of its management to EKSUTH for effective utilisation and bringing healthcare delivery nearer to the people at the grassroots.
There was joy on the faces of the people of Ire when the management and staff of EKSUTH stormed their town to take delivery of the health facility.
With the handover of the hospital, the EKSUTH now takes full charge of its day-to-day running and management.
The handover of the hospital, to ensure effective management of the facility was performed on his behalf by his father, Francis Daramola.
Dr. Kayode Ajite receiving the keys to the hospital from Chief Francis Daramola, father of the donor, supported by his son, Rev. Tope Daramola.
The keys to the hospital was handed over to the Chief Medical Director of EKSUTH, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, who was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr. Kayode Ajite.
The 36-bed hospital has state-of-the-art facilities like Consulting Room, X-ray and T-Scanning room , Seminar Room, modern Laboratory, Theatre, Emergency Unit, separate, Male, Female and Children’s Wards, Neo-natal ward and others.
The hospital is expected to serve neighboring communities, such as Oye, Ilupeju, Itapa, Osin, Ayegbaju, Imojo, Itaji, Oloje, Afao, Igbemo and Ijan.
Speaking on the conception of the project, Dr. Yomi Osatimi, said the idea came from Daramola himself when he (Daramola) consulted him (Osatimi) on what he could do for the people on Oye/Ikole axis.
He disclosed that a 20-bed hospital was initially conceived before the capacity was increased to 36 beds to allow more people have access to qualitative healthcare.
Dr. Osatimi added: “The foundation was laid in 2011 and equipment were installed and by June last year, it was ready for inauguration.
Scanning room at the hospital.
“Some facilities at the hospital include reception hall, seminar room, consulting room, laboratory, male, female and children wards, neonatal wards, incubators, maternity, operation theatre, accident and emergency ward, among others.
“The management of the teaching hospital was approached on the management of this hospital and the inspection team recommended that the management of this hospital be taken over by EKSUTH”.
The former federal legislator who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 between June 2011 and June 2015 described the hospital as a non-profit project aimed at decongesting EKSUTH visited by various categories of patients rather than those with critical complaints.
While praising Governor Ayo Fayose for approving the handing over of the hospital to the State Government, Daramola pleaded for the construction of Ado—Afao-Ire and Ijan-Igbemo-Ire roads for easy accessibility to the medical facilities and the site of Ire Burnt Brick Company.
Daramola said: “Since this hospital was commissioned on November 8 last year, it has remained unutilized but today, it is being handed over to EKSUTH.
“To Bimbo Daramola, this is a great breakthrough. We appreciate Governor Ayo Fayose for granting the request.
“We thank the CMD and the management team for their sacrifices, coming to inspect the hospital and it was their recommendation that made this dream possible.
The hospital
“We appeal to the Ekiti State government to hasten the rehabilitation of Afao-Ire Road, Ilupeju-Ijan-Ire Road where this hospital and Ire Burnt Bricks Industry are located. It is not a luxury but a worthy investment.
“It will improve the economy of this area and reduce pressure on EKSUTH. We also thank the Ileku Family in Ire for giving us this land free of charge”.
EKSUTH boss, Dr. Ogundipe, hailed Daramola for contributing immensely to healthcare delivery in his home state saying the facilities would assist in training medical students and bring best medical care nearer to the grassroots.
Dr. Ogundipe said: Honourable Bimbo Daramola is a rare breed, he did not think of establishing this hospital in Lagos or Abuja, if our leaders and political office holders can do same, our state will continue to develop.
“He had the opportunity of siting this project in Abuja or Lagos where he can make more profit. If he had decided to do this, this opportunity would have eluded us. This shows that our leaders are beginning to think rightly.
“Ekiti would have moved forward if our leaders could think in this progressive manner. But before arriving at the process, we consulted with the governor and all processes were followed.
“We are happy to receive the keys to this hospital on behalf of the management of EKSUTH. We came here three times and we wrote to seek the approval of Governor Fayose to ensure that we carried out this task.
“We are taking delivery of this hospital on behalf of the Ekiti State government and this place will be a centre of service to humanity.
“Medical, dental and nursing students will be brought here to receive training. It’s like bringing a university to this community.
“This facilities will help in delivering service to humanity. It will also help in the training of medical students , while all specialists in various fields will be visiting for adequate healthcare for our people.
