The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • ‘Let’s eradicate crashes on our roads’

    The Corps Commander/Chief Executive Officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Mr Ayo Sangofadeji, has urged Nigerians to join hands in ending the frequent crashes on our roads.

    He spoke while delivering a lecture on safety at the Engineering Search and Disposal Regiment, Sappers Barracks, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.

    He said crashes on our road could be minimised if commercial transport unions, companies and individuals co-operate with the traffic management agencies to embark on regular safety training/workshop for their drivers.

    He said, TRACE is one of the traffic management services in Ogun State to solve the envisaged transport problems, checkmating and controlling traffic and to effectively manage the heavy traffic flow.

    He said: “Accident is an unexpected, unpleasant or undesirable occurrence involving automobiles, which in any manner, must involve vehicles, human beings or other properties. Noting that accidents do just happen without any cause, he said accidents are categorised in three categories namely minor, serious and fatal.

    “Minor accidents, he said, involved neither life nor injury, but vehicles or property may be damaged. Serious accidents, he revealed, do not involve loss of life but internal or external bodily harm. And in fatal accidents, there may be no scratch on the vehicle(s), yet life is lost,” he said.

    He urged motorists to always consider these three factors that cause accident, human/institutional factor (driver), mechanical (vehicle) and environmental (road or weather) to ensure the safety of lives on the roads.

    Other factors he highlighted that cause car crashes were poor driving culture, illiteracy, poor eye-sight, drunk driving, over-speeding, psychological, reliance on metaphysical powers, temperament and road rage, over confidence and economic factors, even as he said they also contribute immensely in car crashes.

    Sangofadeji also appeal to motorists to always follow the due process of buying tyres, insisting that manufacturing and expiry dates should be considered.

    He said tyres are made of chemicals whose components breakdown after a fixed period, either used or not.  Noting that date of manufacture is stamped on one side of the tyre and indicated by four digit numbers.

    Sangofadeji advised motorists to shun dangerous overtaking where there is mountains or valleys, sharp corners and mining areas.

    The Zone II Commanding Officer, Mr Kunle Ajibade, appealed to all road users to maintain discipline on the road as Christmas is approaching.

    He urged them to embark on defensive driving and shun hazard parking, overspeeding, drunk driving and highway trading to ensure crashes are eradicate on our roads.

  • ‘Govt’s approach to Boko Haram insurgency deceitful’

    Worried by the insecurity situation in the country, a security expert, Mr Abayomi Mumuni has expressed his dissatisfaction over the way the Federal Government is handling the Boko Haram insurgency. The author of Global Terrorism and its Effects on Humanity spoke while reacting to the killings of school pupils in Potiskum by the Islamic sect.

    Abayomi, who holds Post-graduate Certificate in Intelligence and Terrorism Profiling of Henley-Putnam University, San-Jose California, United States (US) and Advanced Diploma in Forensic Science from Stratford Career Institute-Champlain, New York, also said government is not sincere in prosecuting the war against the insurgents.

    According to him, government has allowed the once-insignificant group to become an albatross, warning that the group may become franchised to other groups or individuals if care is not taken.

    “Boko Haram is a small terrorist group that can be curtailed. I am very sure they have no affiliation with Al-Qaeda, but their modus operandi is similar to that of the Taliban group. Unfortunately, we have allowed them to grow big, and if care is not taken, they will be franchised and once they go franchise, the consequences will be unbearable to everyone,” he said.

    He noted that the ceasefire announced by the Federal Government was not real, insisting that it is not easy for terrorists to surrender just like that when they haven’t got what they want.

    The author said the ceasefire failed because government didn’t contact the right people to negotiate with the group on its behalf.

    “I still believe in negotiation. Members of the Boko Haram sect are reachable. American government used the same approach with the Taliban; using terrorists to communicate with terrorists. They have their contacts. Government should engage the right people who know the terrorists, instead of the wrong ones, who are just after their own selfish interest,” he said.

    If negotiation fails, Abayomi said, the next option should be fire for fire.

    He doubted the sincerity of the government to wage total war with the group.

    “Going by what Shekau said, the girls have been married off. What else are we waiting for? They have married our girls off, killed innocent people and taken over parts of Nigeria’s territory.

    “It is time government used external force and put an end to the Boko Haram insurgency. But the question is: do we have the political will and sophisticated weapons to fight the war? I don’t think so. The battle cannot be won if the government fails to hire experts and equip our soldiers with modern tools,” he said.

    He called on all Nigerians to support government in the fight against Boko Haram.

    “It is the responsibility of the government to provide security to its citizens. It is very important. However, government cannot do it alone; it needs the support of the citizens, because we are Nigerians. We know our country better than the foreigners. We should co-operate with government in bringing about peace and unity in the country. That is if government is serious. Government cannot do it alone. Boko Haram can be curtailed if government shows seriousness,” Abayomi said.

  • Oyo community launches N250m development fund

    A hose indigenous to Oke-Ogun of Oyo State, in their thousands stormed Okeho for the 5th Oke-Ogun National Day celebration to launch N250 million development fund and to canvass for state creation.

    Oke-Ogun community is made up of 10 local government areas. They include Irepo, Olorunsogo, Oorelope, Saki East, Saki West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola and Iseyin.

    The Oke-Ogun National Day was organised by Oke-Ogun Development Council (ODC).

    Among the many dignitaries that attended the programme was former Minister of Agriculture,  Chief Bamidele Dada, ýwho said the zone has been marginalised by past administrations in the state, stressing that they will not give up until their demands are met.

    Dadaý, who chaired the event, urged the people not to give up their demand on state creation and the establishment of a university in the area.

    “Some people are mocking us and marginalising us, saying that we are nothing. We are viable economically, socially and culturally. We are endowed with arable lands, cash crops, cultural heritage and man power.

    “Our population is about 1.5 million and it’s more than many states in the country. Creation of Oke-Ogun State is long overdue. I know our hope will be realised only if we do not give up in the pursuit of this course,” he said.

    Also in his remarks, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerindeý noted that to actualise their dreamed state, all hands much be on deck and there must not be an adversary, as have been noticed in some areas.

    The Asiwaju of Oke-Ogun land said they must be committed in the fight for the creation of their own state, which he said will ensure the development of their zone.

    Commenting on the proposed Oke-Ogun University, he said: “We need over N250 million as a deposit to enable us to start a university. This can only be achieved if we come together and contribute towards its kick off. We must work together and speak as one entity. That is the only way government and the National Assembly can consider our request. We are happy with the fully-fledged polytechnic given to us by the present administration, but we want it to be funded and not just abandoned.”

    Similarly, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Nationalý Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Seyi Ige who delivered a keynote address, urged the people to be united in their demand. He spoke on “Oke-Ogun: Journey towards Relevance in the 21st Century.”

    According toý him, Oke-Ogun region is the most populous in Oyo State and blessed with arable land, even as he said the area is the food basket with a prolific capacity to produce diverse agricultural products.

    Ige listed some key factors which he said must be addressed holistically in order to achieve the region’s aims and objectives. They are social order, peace and security, strategic economic emancipation and education.

    “Any aspiration of Oke-Ogun that is predicated on a divided people is dead on arrival. Divisions are manmade and can be overcome. Where there is division, investment does not flow.

    “We must break the walls of division if we want to overcome poverty and ensure a credible and sustainable region. We must figure out how best to leverage every possible tool at our disposal to transform our agriculture into wealth. Once our economy begins to boom at a global level, the world will be forced to reckon with us.

    “While university education is vital, the success of Oke-Ogun University will be as good as the intakes into the university. We must address primary and secondary education. Focus on critical subjects such as Mathematics, Science and English.

    “If we create social order, transform our economy a step at a time anchored on world-class scale and reach, if we establish our region to attain a world scale and reach, if we establish our region to attain above national average educational standard, there is no doubt that the aspirations of several decades for a sustainable, economically viable and political relevant Oke-Ogun will be achieved,” Ige said.

    Earlier in his opening address, the President of ODC, Prof. Jide Adeniyi, who was represented by Chief Oladoja Oladele, said there was need to actualise the Oke-Ogun agenda if the region wants to attain economic and social development.

    Among those honoured with award at the event were Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Moses Alkae Adeyemo, Okere of Saki, Oba Abimbola Oyedokun, ýthe late Sabiganna of Iganna who was honoured posthumously, Oba Atoyebi Folawuyo Alokolodo, Hon Sheik Mudachir Sekoni and all the Caretaker Chairmen of the 10 local government areas in Oke-Ogun zone.

    Other dignitaries present at the event included former Managing Director of First Bank, Mr Moyo Ajekigbe, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice M.O Abimbola, Commissioner for Land and Housing, Mr Isaac Omodewu, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Olaniyonu and Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Bonuola Azeez.

     

  • Free eye treatment for Oyo community

    Free eye treatment for Oyo community

    One of the objectives of establishing the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in 1973 was to help in the accelerated growth of the nation’s economy.

    In order to make this objective workable, corps members were made to belong to various Community Development Service (CDS) groups through which they would reach their host communities in terms of rendering services that would impact positively on their lives.

    In the course of carrying out this aspect of the assignment, one of the youth corps members who studied medicine has been applying the cognitive skills and training for the benefit of Oyo town, her host community and its environs.

    A batch “C’’ Corps member, Dr. Esther Irabor Agbator’s state code is OY/2013C/2345 and NYSC/BEN/242612. She is serving at Oyo-East Local

    Government Area and her primary assignment is at the state hospital Oyo.

    She is carrying out personal community development project which aims at enhancing the well-being of the people and further the objectives of the NYSC.

    The project which being carried out in three phases include equipping and reviving the moribund eye clinic in the hospital, providing  eye test and distribution of frames and lenses to residents who are suffering from eye problems.

    Until recently, residents who have eye problems had no access to health care services due to lack of facilities and qualified personnel.

    As a result, those in dire need of health care services travel to LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, the Bowen Teaching Hospital both in Ogbomoso, or the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

    However, Dr. Agbator resuscitated the eye clinic by procuring needed equipment, after which she organised an awareness campaign programme for the residents. This singular action went a long way in saving the lives of people who have eye problems from endangering their lives along the deadly Oyo/Ogbomoso Road.

    The humble, caring, dedicated and dutiful Optometrist, who hails from

    Ekpoma in Edo State, resumes work on or before 8:00 a.m. waiting for the patients to come for either eye test or treatment.

    To the surprise of patients, Dr. Agbator consults and provides eye tests free of charge.

    Frames and lenses were also distributed free for hundreds of indigent residents. Her fellow corps members were also not left out.

    The youth corps member is also an ardent crusader of Educating a Rural Child (ERC), a pet project of the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Ajimobi.

    Two of the patients, Mr. Nuru Ola-Oluwa and Mrs Lydia Ojoayo shed tears of joy after their eyes were tested and provided with eye lenses and frames free.

    Both women in their middle-age explained that they had spent a lot of money so much so that they are indebted to some hospitals where they visited for eye treatment.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Dr. Agbator said the personal effort provides her opportunity to contribute positively to the development of the ancient town and its environs, even as it enables her to appreciate other Nigerians.

    “You can do your CDS either individually or in groups. It is all-year-round, just like the primary assignment.  Individual corps members also carry out personal projects as a means of extending their love to their host communities and state of deployment at large.

    “I observed that a lot of people are really suffering from abject poverty and cannot afford the cost of their health care. We can’t watch them dying with the ailment but to show concern and assist even where government is seen to be lacking,” she said.

  • Foundation’s compassion for the poor

    Foundation’s compassion for the poor

    Christ Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), was established in 1993 by the late Professor and Mrs. Joel Adeyinka Adedeji, to help physically-challenged persons to realise their latent potential. Since its inception, it has brought hope to many who wouldn’t have been forward-looking through the collaboration of public-spirited Nigerians. In this report, OSEHEYE OKWUOFU examines the activities of the NGO.

    They are everywhere, and their story is the same. They are physically-challenged and often neglected. They are not restricted to a particular geo-political zone. From the East to the West and from the North to the South, you find them.

    In the circumstances therefore, it is not uncommon to find handicapped persons on the streets of Ibadan and other major cities soliciting for help. Like bees, they have invaded Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    For every visitor, the first sight on entry into the city is some men and women running after cars, asking for help to feed. Some of the disabled beggars go into this trade in an effort to make a living.

    Apart from brandishing plates, they also offer prayers for would-be helper to win their sympathy. Benevolent passersby would, in turn, drop money as almsgiving.

    Most often, most of them behave in a manner that depicts any assistance rendered to them is their right. The state and local governments have been making frenetic efforts towards ameliorating their problems by establishing rehabilitation centres where they could learn some trades for self-sustenance.

    Unfortunately, most of the physically-challenged persons seem to prefer life in the street and bowl-bearing to being self-reliant as some of them leave the skill acquisition centres for the streets to continue the act of begging.

    Not only helps from governments are available to them. Kind-hearted individuals also render helps to them. Through their kind gestures, some of the physically-challenged persons have received succour and have gotten off the streets for a while, even though some of them find their way back to the streets later.

    The trend became a source of worry to members of the Christ Foundation. But recently, the activities of some physically-challenged persons have attracted the attention of government at all levels. Some concerned individuals and organisations are not left out in the quest to better the lot of the downtrodden. They have shown commitment to give ray of hope to these hitherto hopeless and neglected young Nigerians.

    Some had reasoned that instead of giving cash gifts to the physically-challenged persons, who would go back to the streets to beg for alms, empowering them to be self-reliant would be a better option.

    In this instance, many of the physically-challenged persons had not only been encouraged to acquire some skills, they have also been trained in some professional trades so that they could be useful to themselves and the society.

    For instance, since inception, Christ Foundation has helped hundreds of disabled persons to leave the streets as beggars. Many had been rehabilitated and have better future.

    With enthusiasm and commitment of the trustees of the foundation to help the needy, the vision of the founders is still alive. It is still impacting positively on the lives of many less-privileged individuals in the society. In collaboration with well-meaning Nigerians, organisations and partners, there is a new vista in the lives of the physically-challenged as they undergo training programmes organised by Christ Foundation.

    In a chat with our correspondent on the activities of the organisation, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Mrs Phoebe Ajayi-Obe (SAN) said: “We invite them to our centre to let them know that God loves them and that they can turn their disability to ability. We help them discover their latent potential and capability. Then, we train, establish and integrate them back into the society.”

    Continuing, Mrs Ajayi-Obe said “some of those we have rehabilitated are now graduates, businessmen and women, tailors, cobblers, computer scientists, and are doing well in their chosen enterprises. Some are gainfully employed in the private and public sectors.”

    The foundation, which is solely dedicated to the rehabilitation and integration of talented physically-challenged, has assisted in the construction of two mobile shops to enable the physically-challenged persons move their goods to wherever they find a market for their products.

    “We are hoping that people will place order for some of our products. This will not only help us move forward but will also enable people who are physically-challenged to live comfortable lives,” she said.

    Noting that it is not only the disabled ones that benefit from the training programme, she added that the foundation has embarked on teaching sessions not only for people who are physically-challenged but also for parents of physically-challenged persons who may experience some difficulties in taking care of them. They are taught how to make poff-poff, fish rolls, egg rolls and buns, among other items.

    Mrs Ajayi-Obe said: “This will be followed by arts and crafts. Our instructor is a member of our board, Mrs. Taiwo Oluwasanya. Some of those who attended our programmes have started their own small businesses based on what they have learnt.”

    The items produced by the physically-challenged persons are on display on some supermarkets and shops and are in high demand because of their durability and beauty.

    The Assistant Coordinator of the group, Mr. Oluwasegun Ayotunde Akinlosotu praised the foundation’s contributions to the lives of the physically-challenged persons, saying it has succeeded in transforming the lives of many in the society.

    He said the foundation, through its various activities, has helped millions of people to appreciate the physically-challenged persons in their midst and also appreciate that there is ability in disability.

    Akinlosotu, a father of two, is a member of a musical band known as Voices of Hope, an arm of the foundation where some of the physically-challenged have discovered their talents as musicians and entertainers.

    He said: “We have performed and thrilled many spectators in many cities such as Abuja. In most cases, some people broke down in tears while watching us perform. They could not believe that a visually-impaired man could operate the piano very well. It’s because we learnt it like every other person, but more importantly, a physically-challenged person is very much gifted.”

    He appealed to Nigerians to support the foundation in uplifting the less-privilege in the society so that the society will be a better place for all.

    “We count on you the public to encourage us by placing orders for our products. Patronise and help us in giving publicity to our quality products,” he said.

     

     

     

  • Aspirant promises quality representation

    One of the aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ojo Federal Constituency, Mr. Mubashiru Hassan  has been described as the right person to represent the constituency in 2015 general elections. He is contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives.

    Members of the party who trooped out in large number to welcome Mr. Hassan during his visit to Ojo Local Government Area and two other local council development areas of Iba and Oto/Awori praised his past activities as a Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for local government of Lagos State, adding that as a “round peg in a round hole” he stands a better chance to bring the deserved development to the constituency.

    Speaking at Ijanikin, the chairman of the party in the local government area and former council chairman for Ojo Local Government Area, Hon. Musibau Ashafa described Hassan as the best man for the job in this dispensation.

    He said: “The era of mediocrity is gone, we are now in the dispensation of excellence and credible and reliable representation. Mr. Hassan is a better choice.”

    Similarly, one of the ward chairmen from Iba local council development area, Mr. Habeeb Hassan opined that with Hassan as the representative of the people of Ojo and its environs at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, development which has been a mirage in the area will be experienced by the community.

    Mr. Habeeb pledged the support of all APC loyalists in the LCDA for Hassan.

    Other APC leaders who praised the intension of Mr. Hassan included Mr. Awesu Quadri from Oto-Awori LCDA and the chairman for the 15 wards chairmen forum that make up the three council areas, Mr. Alayaki Sheidu from Ojo local government.

    Responding, Mr. Hassan assured the party supporters and the entire people of the constituency of a speedy development and total execution of all his good plans which he tagged “the contract.”

     

  • Monarch advises Nigerians on patriotism

    The Asiwaju of Ipokia Kingdom, Otunba (Chief) Babajide Titus, has urged Nigerian leaders to remain focused and let the love of the country be uppermost in their minds.

    He said the greatest hope of the country is to be on same pedestrial with advanced countries such as United States, Britain, London etc, and can be achieved through shunning and avoiding politics of crisis, bloodshed and assassination.

    Otunba, made the appeal while celebrating his birthday at his country home, Ajegunle, Idiroko in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State.

    Important dignitaries from far and near both within and outside the country stormed his residence in exotic cars in Otunba Titus Babajide (JP) Street, Idiroko, to rejoice with him and his household for the event.

    Speaking with The Nation, he said “All glory and adoration returns to the Lord, for added another year to my life and for keeping me and family alive in sound health.

    He gave thanks to the God, and however, pledged his loyalty to Him for the rest of his life.

    Babajide, appealed to Nigerian leaders to shun do-or-die politics, noting is practical demonstration of love that can lift the country

    “Nigerians should learn how to support whoever becomes winner of any election and contribute our quotas to build an enduring nation,” he said.

    He urged youths to avoid being used by politicians as a ladder to grab powers during the coming elections.

    He urged them to say no to lawlessness, thugerry and all forms of violence in 2015 election.”

    As a member of Special Marshal in Ogun State, he advised motorists to always check their vehicles before embarking on a journey to avoid preventable accidents on the road.

    He thanked Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for constructing and rehabilitating roads in the state, he is working for everyone to enjoy dividend of democracy.

    He urged drivers to maintain discipline while on the wheels and ensure safety of every road user.

    The Lagos and Ogun Zonal Commanding Officer, Mr Godwin Ogagaoghene, thank the Otunba for his support for FRSC.

    Present at the event were: Idiroko Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr David Irunoje, the Zonal Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, the Unit Public Education Officer/Protocol, Mr Niyi Niniola, Director, Ogun State National Tax Force, Alhaji Fatai Isiaka and many political stalwarts.

  • Council inaugurates health care centre

    Council inaugurates health care centre

    Before the expiration of his tenure in office, the former Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Abdlefatai Oyesanya inaugurated a public health centre for the people of Idera Ajegunle in Owode area of the council.

    The council chief said improvement in the health sector in the council was part of the fulfilment of his electioneering campaign promises.

    According to him, health issues have been his priority, even as he said it informed the inauguration of free drugs, free delivery packs for pregnant women and proper documentation of health records in the council.

    He said the free medical treatment was available in different locations across the council, adding that drugs and medical personnel are on ground to attend to patients at all time.

    “The provision of health care for the people is one of the major promises to the people during our electioneering campaigns before we came on board. Today, we have provided more than enough health care centres across the council and we promise to do more,” he said.

    Oyesanya therefore called on the people of the community to maintain the facilities at the centre so as to sustain it for the future generation.

    Speaking on behalf of the community, the Onikosi of Ikosi land, Oba

    Samuel Alamu Kehinde said the chairman had been contributing to the development of the community ever since he came on board as the

    council chairman.

    Describing the chairman’s achievements as giant strides, the monarch said he

    was not surprised that the council chief constructed the health centre for the people of the community because he has been working hard to improve the living standards of members of the community.

    He urged other council chairmen across the country to bequeath landmark achievements in their respective domains so that their names will be etched in the minds of the people when they leave office.

    “I want to advise other council chairmen to imitate him so that their names will not be forgotten as soon as they leave office,” the monarch said.

  • ‘Give automatic job to the needy’

    ‘Give automatic job to the needy’

    Worried by the pitiable plight of the physically-challenged persons in the society, especially in terms of unemployment, a philanthropist and President of Kilbra Islamic Propagation Centre (KIPC), Arigidi-Akoko, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir Kilani has advised the state government to give priority attention to the physically-challenged persons in Ondo State.

    He gave the advice in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while presenting some empowerment materials to some people living with disabilities through the Kilbra Islamic Propagation Centre (KIPC), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that caters for the well-being of the hearing impaired, visually impaired, the dumb and other physically-challenged persons.

    The state government is recruiting 2,000 new teachers to fill existing vacancies. The prospective candidates who applied for the teaching positions are anxiously waiting for the outcome of the exercise.

    He expressed his displeasure over the neglect of such people, particularly in the area of employment after they had graduated from various tertiary institutions.

    According to Kilani, the establishment of special schools for the physically- challenged in Ikare, school for the visually impaired at Owo, deaf and dumb school at Akure and school for the mentally retarded at Okeigbo would be meaningless if they obtain degrees and could not secure gainful employment with their degree certificates.

    “Are we expecting this category of people to become street beggars even when they are well educated?” he queried.

    The Muslim leader appealed to Governor Olusegun Mimiko to evolve emergency employment process for the physically-challenged people in a bid to absorb those that have academic qualifications.

    He also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to sign the bill on condition of service for the persons with disabilities into law.

    Among the dignitaries that attended the event was Prof. Ishaq Amoo of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), who praised the NGO for alleviating the suffering of the less-privileged in the society.

    Amoo urged well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the government to provide succour for them.

    Present at the event were the Olubaram of Ibaram-Akoko, Oba Segun Atibioke, the Regent of Akungba-Akoko, Princess Omosowon, the Amirah of FOMWAN in the State, Hajia Fausat Aliu, the Secretary, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko Northwest, Alhaji Sule Olaniyi and a host of other dignitaries.

  • Teaching hospital status for FMC, Ido-Ekiti

    Teaching hospital status for FMC, Ido-Ekiti

    In line with global best practices where universities use established hospitals as training centres for their medical students, the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), had applied to the Federal Government for the upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti for use as training centre for its medical students; just as University of Ibadan and Gombe State University use Adeoyo Hospital and FMC Gombe as their training centres for their medical students respectively.

    To this end, the former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu put machinery in motion to authenticate the plausibility of such upgrade. He mandated the National Universities Commission (NUC), the country’s regulatory body for tertiary institutions to find out how probable the proposed upgrade would be.

    After the initial visit, NUC was convinced that there was the need to upgrade the facilities at the FMC to meet the standards of a teaching hospital for the training of medical students.

    Having satisfied the NUC’s requirement, ABUAD obtained NUC’s and Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s (MDCN) approvals to commence medical programme in the hospital.

    After these approvals, Prof Chukwu set up a committee to assess the suitability of the facility for clinical studies. The committee discovered the place suitable for training of medical students, after which the minister recommended an approval of the said MoU.

    Based on this, the minister made recommendations to President Goodluck Jonathan for approval of the facility to be upgraded to a teaching hospital.

    In the circumstances, President Jonathan approved the upgrading of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti, to a teaching hospital, even as he approved the use of the hospital for the training of medical students and allied health professionals of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

    The letter of approval with reference number HMH/ABJ/450/Vol. IV/152 was dated October 15, and was signed by Prof. Chukwu.

    In the letter, Prof. Chukwu said the approval will be for a period of 10 years as stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government and the management of ABUAD.

    A similar letter to the Chairman, Board of Management of the FMC, Ido-Ekiti, by Prof. Chukwu urged him (the Chairman) to “kindly ensure that all necessary actions are carried out to actualise Mr. President’s approvals.”

    This informed ABUAD’s embarking on massive infrastructural development of FMC valued at over N2 billion. Such facilities include three-storey hostels for male and female students, dining hall, library, four fully-equipped laboratories, well-furnished classrooms, auditorium and sporting facilities. In the circumstances, the FMC wears a very distinct and appealing look.

    Reacting to the approval, the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) said: “We are pleased and excited to receive the approval of the MoU between the FMC, Ido-Ekiti and our university. We are indeed very grateful to President Jonathan, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu and several others who made this work.”

    Continuing, he said: “The achievement is indeed historic and groundbreaking feat. We are able to achieve in less than five years what it took some other universities between 15 and 20 years to achieve.

    “We will continue to set enviable records, and within the shortest possible time, we will give to Nigeria and Nigerians the best medical college in Nigeria which competes favourably with others in the global space…”