The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • How LAUTECH plans to tackle Ebola

    How LAUTECH plans to tackle Ebola

    Despite the clean bill of health given to Nigeria by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the battle against the Ebola Virus Disease, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso is stepping up efforts to combat an outbreak of the disease in the area. BODE DUROJAIYE reports.

    Determined to compliment Oyo State Government efforts on Ebola,the management of Ladoke  Akintola  University of Technology Teaching  Hospital, Ogbomoso, has put in place precautionary measures to prevent any outbreak of the deadly  virus across the state.

    To this end, the teaching hospital has set up a high- powered body known as Ebola Action Committee comprising of community health physicians, epidemiologists and virologists .

    The committee headed by a renowned epidemiologist Professor Bayo Parakoyi has embarked on sensitisation and enlightenment programmes for residents of the metropolis through the media and town hall meetings.

    Heads of both public primary and secondary as well as proprietors of private schools are not left behind in the preventive and precautionary measures by the health institution.

    Medical and health workers have also been trained and sensitized with standing operational procedures on how to recognize Ebola virus and what to do as basic precautionary measures. Anti-Ebola kits worth millions of naira were also procured.

    The kits include Ebola suits, infrared thermometer, masks, goggles and preventive foot wears.

    Visitors as well as workers irrespective of status coming into the hospital must  undergo screening with infrared thermometer, while  water mixed with chlorine is placed at strategic places for everybody to wash their hands.

    Addressing journalists in Ogbomoso, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor OIadele Sijuwola said:  ‘’The outbreak and unfortunate spread of the Ebola Virus Disease  requires the commitment of every Nigerian, especially  a health facility like the LAUTECH  Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso

    ‘’We do not need to wait till we have a case on our hand before we prepare to contain such. The management appreciates the readiness of our health personnel to work with commitment irrespective of the sensitivity of medical case.  It is, therefore, an issue of responsibility to provide the necessary equipment and the enabling environment for our doctors, nurses and other allied staff to attend to the health needs of the people. We already have anti-Ebola kits which include Ebola suits, infrared thermometer, masks, goggles and preventive foot wears,’’ he added.

    Sijuwola also said the hospital was partnering with other stakeholders to sensitise Nigerians on how to contain the virus.

    “Adequate dissemination of information is key in this battle against the deadly virus that we have on our laps. It is indeed a challenge, but the spread can be checked.

    ‘’It is only when people are well informed and educated that they can protect themselves and by extension curtail the spread of the disease. There has been a lot of misinformation since the virus unfortunately found its way into Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Sijuwola added that a temporary observation/isolation rooms have been created besides the accident and emergency unit of the hospital.

    He explained that person[s] with abnormal temperature after the screening will be taken to the observation/isolation room through another gate different from the main gate.

    The CMD said such person(s) will later be taken to the State Ministry of Health in Ibadan with a standby ambulance for further examination and intensive care.

    The permanent observation/isolation centre for Ebola cases is under construction adjacent the hospital.

    On the on-going projects, professor Sijuwola who commended the Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led administration in the state for its determination in ensuring that the teaching hospital remains one of the best in the country hinted that about N1.3billion would be required to complete all the projects.

    The CMD announced the approval of N40million by Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the completion of a dam project located at Oke-Owode area to boost water supply in the hospital.

    When completed water supply to the institution would no longer be a problem. Water is being piped to serve the hospital from the dam which is nearing completion and can supply two million litres of water per day, with additional storage of 1.4 million-litres capacity in the overhead tank.

    A water heater has also been completed to ensure that the hospital functions at optimum capacity. For now, there are four functional boreholes for use at the hospital.

    On community health service, Professor Sijuwola disclosed that three health care centres had been established to cater for primary health needs of the people.

    Corroborating this, Head of the Department of Community Health Medicine, Dr. (Mrs) Olugbenga Bello Adenike said each of the three health centres located  at Kajola, Kotangua and Jabata has catchment areas covering no fewer than twenty-two [22] villages of over  10,000 population.

    Dr. Bello stated that the Kajola health centre had been upgraded to a comprehensive health facility, with  intensive health  education, screening of residents of neighbouring villages and hamlets for hypertension, diabetes and malnutrition.

    According to her, ‘’we also embarked on home visitations in order really ensure that the people adequately benefitted from the community health medicine. We also observed that most problems that brought patients to the hospital has environmental components, hence our determination to provide the needed assistance to guarantee disease-free and hygienic society’’.

    On the ownership of the institution and staff welfare, the CMD cleared the air that the teaching hospital is no longer jointly owned by Oyo and Osun State Governments, but now wholly controlled by the Oyo State Government.

    While commending the entire staff for their sacrifice and steadfastness, Sijuwola asserted that in spite of all odds the teaching hospital got accredited within one year, including its post-graduate programme.

    ‘’Welfare of staff will continue to be accorded utmost attention not only by the hospital management but the owner state government. Diligence, perseverance and sacrifice of the entire workforce, including the medical personnel are highly appreciated.  The teaching hospital has  come to stay and your continued support  coupled with concerted efforts  of the management will ensure unhindered accomplishment of the state government in transforming the institution to an enviable status.’’

    On the hospital’s annex in Oyo town, Sijuwola hinted that both the management and state  government teams had visited the site  for thorough inspection with a view to facilitate its completion.

    According to him, ‘’unknown to the people, the state government had not abandoned the annex. Most of the facilities and equipment needed at the annex had been supplied by the contractors. The materials were kept here in Ogbomoso pending the full completion of the  annex.

  • Disabled persons demand their rights

    Nigerians living with disability have called on the government and their able bodied compatriots to readdress the way disabled persons are being treated in the country.

    Speaking through the Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD), Mr. David Anyaele, they said that the government has a role to play in the lives of disabled persons who are often neglected, threatened and afflicted.

    He spoke during the Disability Awareness week. The annual programme tagged: “Insecurity in Nigeria and the Plight of Persons with Disabilities” was held recently at the Chevron Recreation Centre, Gbagada, Lagos.

    Mr Anyaele who lost his two hands to the rebel warlords in the Sierra Leonean civil war of the 90s said the programme was borne out of the on-going Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria and the military response it.

    He expressed CCD’s concern at the seeming invisibility surrounding issues affecting citizens with disabilities in the areas where the insurgency is at its highest with bombs exploding almost on a daily basis leading to the disability of those who survived the blasts.

    According to him: “When disability occurs, it could lead to loss of self esteem, loss of financial earnings, exposure to abuse, harmful practices, stigma and discrimination.”

    He therefore appealed to the National Assembly to speedily harmonize the Disability Bill so as to reduce the pains and agony of living for those concerned.  “This is why CCD, a nonprofit organization for people with disabilities is working to promote independent living, educate, sensitize, show human rights and social inclusion, counsel, mobilise support and empower people with disabilities”.

    Mr Anyaele said the objective of CCD is to increase public knowledge of an inclusive society that is free from discrimination and exclusion on the grounds of disability and to enhance understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of all living with disabilities and their families.

    “The government and federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development should not to be silent on the issue of bomb blasts causing disabilities to the victims or soldiers who have suffered disability in responding to insurgency but, rather make effort in having data and provision for them,” he said.

    The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Zainab Maina who was represented by a deputy Director in the ministry Mrs. J.A. Mohammed said the improvement of security in the country lies on the citizens and government. “People with disability should create awareness among themselves in support of the government.

    “The present administration realizes that the security of all persons in this country requires the contribution and efforts of both government and the citizens. Government has adopted lots of measures to achieve peace and adequate security, in this regard persons with disabilities, specialized Agencies and Organisation like the CCD which appear to be the most effective vehicles for meeting the needs of this vulnerable group must come forward and set up actions to assist government by providing necessary information on ways of fighting insecurity in the country.

    “You are aware that the issue of insecurity is assuming a new and frightening dimension; persons with disabilities and female members of our society are now being used to carry out nefarious activities. I strongly implore persons with disabilities to scale up their advocacy drive by creating awareness among their members on the issue of insecurity in the country”. She said.

    Speaking on the barrier faced by people living with disability, one of the resource persons Mrs. Jan Knight lamented that disabled persons suffer different kinds of bad reaction from people and that the environment they find themselves is not welcoming due to discrimination, lack of information, communication, employment and justice.

    She urged the society to treat such people with equal right, help those of them in need. Interact and create relationship with them.

    The guest speaker at the occasion, deputy Country Director, Mac Arthur Foundation Mr. Dayo Olaide, who was represented by Election Development Consultant Mr. Jide Ojo said everyone is disabled in as much as they are having one problem or the other, noting that disability increases daily in the country with an estimated 22 million persons, representing 10 per cent of Nigeria’s population living with disability.

    Speaking on the issue of discrimination which occurs among family and relatives, Olaide said: “Disability is mostly, a social construct where individuals with disabilities have been socially classified as outsiders throughout history. According to the 2013 State of Human Rights in Nigeria report, persons with disabilities faced social stigma, exploitation and discrimination, and relatives often regarded them as source of shame. Many families viewed children with disabilities who could not contribute to family income as liabilities and sometimes severely abused and neglected them. Many indigent with disabilities begged on the streets”.

     

  • Activist sues FRSC for alleged extortion

    Activist sues FRSC for alleged extortion

    An Akure lawyer and activist, Charles Titiloye, has sued the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to the Federal High Court in Akure for alleged extortion of money by its operatives  from motorists.

    He particularly criticised the fines allegedly being collected from traffic offenders without trial before the courts as provided for under Chapter 4 of 1999 Constitution.

    In an application for the enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights of a driver, Joshua Orunto and other drivers and road users in Nigeria, Titiloye averred that the FRSC issues a charge sheet which allows it to collect fines without trying a suspected offender in line with the mandatory provision of the Constitution.

    The lawyer said vehicles of citizens are usually impounded by the Corps and a custody fees of N200 charged on the vehicle per day until payment of unilaterally imposed fine without recourse to any court of law.

    He said mobile courts for trial of offenders no longer exist adding that FRSC also created many non-existing offences to punish motorists.

    He said “offences like deflated extra tyre which is unknown to road safety regulation is now being used to extort money from motorists

    Titiloye therefore urged the Federal High Court to declare the refusal to charge the applicant and other road users to a court of competent jurisdiction on allegation of committing an offence and the unilateral imposition of fines by FRSC without trial as a violation of section 36(1)(4) of the Constitution.

    He urged the court to declare that FRSC are duty bound under section 36 and 44(1)(2b) of the constitution to prosecute an offender before imposing fine and impounding their cars.

    The activist asked the court to declare as null, void and unconstitutional the notice of offence sheet issued by FRSC which contains clauses allowing a suspected offender to waive his constitutional rights to trial before the court by paying fine.

    He contended that section 36 and 44 of the constitution made fair hearing in criminal trial before a court mandatory before conviction and payment of fine.

    Titiloye prayed the court to perpetually restrain FRSC, an executive agency from imposing fine and extorting money from the applicant and other motorists without proper court trial.

    He urged the court to direct the FRSC to refund the fines paid to its designated bank account without trial and conviction of suspected offenders.

    The lawyer requested for N10 million damages on behalf of the applicants.

    Hearing in the case by the Federal High Court Akure has been fixed for November 5.

  • Lagos council chiefs empower physically-challenged, artisans

    Lagos council chiefs empower physically-challenged, artisans

    For Medinat Azeez, a physically challenged mother, it was all smile Thursday last week when her name was mentioned as a beneficiary of a hair dryer and an electricity generating set at the community empower programme organised by Conference 57, the umbrella body of chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

    The event which held at Teslim Balogun stadium saw scores of physically challenged persons, artisans and youth going home with empowerment tools that would help them start up their own business.

    Azeez, a hairdresser, who was assisted to the venue by her 18year old daughter, told The Nation that it meant a life changing experience for her and family.

    The visibly excited mother said she had depended solely on sporting activities before now to cater for the needs of her family adding that with the latest development the family can now have additional income that would help improve their status.

    Also Kazeem Waheed, another physically challenged person, a tailor who received tools for tailoring alongside a generator to power his shop described the gesture as very noble.

    He commended the chairmen for considering the physically challenged in their programme saying that it will go a long way to change their situation.

    Lagos State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale who presented the tools to the beneficiaries said the problem of corruption in Nigeria will be a thing of the past when the party wrest power from the Peoples Democracy (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.

    Ajomale said the APC has decided to tackle the menace of corruption in the country and focus on three cardinal areas like; Women Development; Youth Development and Care for the disabled.

    According to him:”The issue of corruption must be eliminated by an APC government when the party gets into power. This is very important and key to our programmes when it comes to elections in 2015. When the APC takes over government from the PDP, these are the programmes that form part of our manifesto that would be tackled first.”

    Harping on the empowerment programme Ajomale said “we are distributing this because we want the average Nigerian to live comfortably. Every Nigerian is a stakeholder in government and we must see to it that everyone gets a chance to develop.

    “I want to specially thank the chairmen for this gesture. The equipment that they are giving you is for you to start up (your business). It’s a complete set with generator. If there was electricity, there would be no need for generators, but the federal government has failed to give us power.  I want to encourage all the beneficiaries of this laudable gesture to use these items effectively to better your lives and your future.”

    He warned people against selling the empowerment tools, urging them to use them to generate more income.

    In his address at the event, Chairman of the Conference 57 chairmen, Hon. Sulaimon Akeem  noted that poverty seems to have become a natural phenomenon in the country, adding that  it has persisted even though successive governments in Nigeria have made efforts to alleviate it.

    He said the conference embarked on the exercise due to the success of the first exercise which he said was carried out in August, 2014.

    According to him, the empowerment which saw residents of the state carting home items like sewing machines, battery charging machines, vulcanizing machines, generator sets, dryers, refrigerators and food stuffs, among others was the second phase.

    He said, “We followed up the materials given to those that benefited from it (the first phase), they actually used it for the purpose the items were meant for as seen in the development of their business that have brought about economic improvement.”

    Akeem noted that the program was in fulfillment of one of the promises made to alleviate poverty in Lagos and country.

    “You will agree with me, that sourcing for skilled labour from lesser developed countries around the world  shows that given the right support,  our people will help to develop human capital base , skills, resources and materials that can help to kick start small and medium scale business for the overall development of our society”, he said.

  • When Odu’a honoured its retiring staff

    When Odu’a honoured its retiring staff

    It was a fun filled event at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan when Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) honoured two of its retiring top executiveý at a send forth party.

    The retirees were the Executive Director, Finance and Investment; Alhaji Niyi Badmus and the General Manager, Business Development Mr Bola Badmus. Between them, they had accumulated 55 years of meritorious service to the company.

    At the event, which was chaired by the Group Managing Director (GMD) of OICL, Mr Adewale Raji, were other members of staff of the company who were  there to rejoice with their former bosses  retirement.

    In his address, Raji commended the retirees for a meritorious service to the company. He described them as diligent, hardworking and committed employees who worked tirelessly over the years to build the company to its present state.

    “They have contributed their quota to sustain the legacy of the company. The contribution of the employees is very essential in the progress of the company, and these two gentlemen have played a pivotal role towards ensuring the growth of OICL. People will come and go in this company but the greatest thing they can leave behind is the solid landmark, which these two have left behind” the Odu’a GMD said

    According to him, ‘we are a conglomerate and we need to play at the national level and not just at the southwest regional level; we need to impact the nation economically as a whole.”

    Presenting the retirees to the audience, the General Manager, Human Resources, Mr Abimbola Ilori said Mr Jaiyeola started work at the company in 1988 but left in 1999 to join Ikoyi Club only to return later in 2005 and was until his retirement the General Manager, Business Development. Ilori described him as a distinct, stylish and premier personality.

    On Mr Badmýus, Ilori said: “He joined the company on November 1, 1985 as the accountant at Western Hotel, now Premier Hotel and rose to the position of the Executive Director, Financeý and Investment till 2014 when he retired. He was a problem solver, very focused, and thinks deeply.”

    Other members of staff also commended the retirees, especially their wealth of experience. According to one of their subordinates Mr Femi Oni, “they are good people whose absence would be felt at the company.”

    Corroborating ýOni’s statement, another staff Mr Seun Shodun, described one of the retirees, Mr Bola Jaiyeola as a very nice and accommodating man that any worker could approach anytime, anywhere and anyhow for an advice.”

    In their responses, ýthe retirees appreciated the reception organized in their honour, stating that it showed how valued the company appreciated their selfless service.

    Jaiyeoba noted that their good deeds as expressed by their former colleagues and other staff, would serve as stimulants for them to do more where ever they found themselves.

    According to him, “this is a conglomerate; I want the GMD to always be available, whenever the need arises for ýthe staff.”

    Badmus advised the staff to be more committed and diligent in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities to the company.

    He cýharged the GMD to continue to add value to the work of the founding fathers and also make the welfare of his staff paramount on his agenda.

    Awards and gifts items were later presented to the retirees by the GMD,

    Mr Raji.

     

  • Diamond Bank Hosts first Woman Summit

    Diamond Bank’s Head, Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Propositions Chima Nnadozie has said the bank has restructured to focus on women.

    He spoke at the first Diamond Woman summit in Ibadan held at Mauve 21 Event Center, Ring road.

    He said the bank was working with women but is now prepared to take an advanced step with the Diamond Woman package targeted at women in all sectors.

    The event started with a lecture from Dr Tola Owolabi of the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan African University.

    Speaking on “Pricing:Getting it Right from the Beginning”, Owolabi said: “Pricing is one of the best strategy of advertising and promoting your business and optimality is the key to ensuring happiness between the businesswoman and her customer.

    The Regional Head, Southwest, Diamond Bank, Akin Ogunleye, said importance will be attached to empowering women because when they are empowered there will be development. He added that Ibadan was chosen for the first summit because the women are quite enterprising and very productive.

    “The invitation is not only for the Diamond Bank customers alone, because we believe that once a woman is really convinced of her benefits from a product then you have a good ambassador with that woman,” Ogunleye said

     

  • Ifako-Ijaiye women urge ex-lawmaker Adefolabi to re-contest

    Women in the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State have called on Hon. Morufudeen Adeola Adefolabi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to intensify his efforts in his bid to return to the House of Representatives in 2015.

    Hon. Adefolabi was a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011.

    Chief (Mrs) Ganiyat Ololade Gbajumo, the Iyalode of Adegolu Town in Ojokoro Land, made the call on behalf of the Ifako-Ijaiye for Adefolabi Organization during a courtesy visit to the house of the former lawmaker.

    Chief Gbajumo said: “Hon. Morufudeen Adeola Adefolabi is a man of the people, and he attained this status through hard work, diligence, generosity, love for his people, honesty, understanding of his people’s problems and other good qualities. He is a man of his word. If he says this is white, it is white. If he says this is black, it is black. We all love him. We all believe he will lead us well”

    Continuing, the Iyalode said: “Hon. Adefolabi was a member of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011. Before he became a member of the National Assembly, he was a councillor, local government chairman, LCDA executive secretary and LCDA Chairman.

    When he occupied these positions, he performed excellently. All the promises he made were promptly fulfilled. This is the kind of person we want as our representative. He performed to the admiration of all in the past, and this is why we are all calling on him to come out again to lead us.

    “Another attribute of Hon. Adefolabi is the fact that he is accessible. If you want to see him, you don’t have to book in advance. Everybody is welcome to his house at anytime of the day. He is a real grassroots person. I am for Hon. Adefolabi, and most women in the Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency are for him.”

    Chief Gbajumo itemized some of the achievements of the former lawmaker by saying: “As the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Chairman and a member of the House of Representatives, he drove away sorrow from the lives of many people. He replaced sorrow with joy for all of them. He gave out scholarships; he fed pupils free; he introduced poverty-alleviation projects; he took care of widows and their children; he constructed roads and repaired many; he built classrooms; he built libraries and embarked on other projects that made life easy for Ifako-Ijaiye citizens”.

    Hon Adefolabi expressed his gratitude to the women for believing in him and promised to continue in his crusade of making people happy in politics of peace and progress.

  • Day of rage in Ekiti

    Day of rage in Ekiti

    Hoodlums went on the rampage in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital last week, burning, looting and brutalising people. A judge was beaten up and his suit torn. Courtrooms were turned upside down, provoking outrages across the country. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN reports.

    IT was not a good week for Ekiti State.  For three days last week, hoodlums were on the rampage, wreaking havoc on the High Court, some judges and politicians.

    It all started on Monday when thugs believed to be loyalists  of Governor-elect Ayodele Fayose stormed the Ekiti State High Court for the hearing of a case bordering on his eligibility to contest the June 21 election which he won. The things disrupted  court proceedings and what after the judge.

    Justice Isaac Ogunyemi, who was spirited away by the Police.

    They returned on Thursday when the election petitioners tribunal was to hear the petition of the  All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging Fayose’s election. They moved into the court premises when the Fayose was allowed in by securitymen. Without wasting time, they went round, ransacking the court rooms, smashing windows and beating up anybody who came their way. They beat up Justice John Adeyeye and tore his suit. In  the night of that day, the immediate past chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chief Omolafe Aderiye was killed.

    His death sparked last Friday’s skirmish during which properties including campaign office of Governor Kayode Fayemi and the secretariat of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) were destroyed.

    A dusk-to-dawn curfew has since been imposed on the state to stem the violence. Two days, before Omolafe’s death, the house of former chairman of the Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (RTEA) Rotimi Olanbiwoninu aka Mentilo and six of the cars parked in his compound wee burnt. Most parts of Ado Ekiti are gradually returning to life, but in area like Ijegbo and Ikere Federal Polytechnic roads, passerby are being checked by soldiers and other armed security personnel.

    In  the beginning

    That Monday in court, the hoodlum numbering over 100, brandish tree branches and some letter weapon attacked those they regarded as ‘opposition figures’, dragging them on the floor, slapping them and dealing them blow on the head, face, chest and stomarch. They invaded almost all offices in search of their victims. A target, who attempted to escapte through the windwo was pulled back and brutalised. No fewer than 20 men with canes wept in till body became sore. But he escaped.

    The ‘scene’ of the Justice Ogunyemi, who, also escaped, was his rulling early that day on the application of E-11, a social cultural group in the state, assuming the jurisdiction to hear the case on Fayose’s eligibility to contest the June 21 Governorship Election. The group is claiming that Fayose is yet to discharge the burden place on him by his 2006 impeachment by 2/3 majority member of the then House of Assembly.

    The following day peace seem to have returned and people taught the war was over. But Aderiye’s death on Thursday night altered thing is killing in front of his home in Ajilosun in midst of his friend spark violence on Friday as early 7 am hoodlums poused on supposed said on the enemy of the Governor-elect, who they suspected on masterminded the killing of Aderiye who was Fayose’s ally. The hoodlums tourched the offices of APC, shops/business of those identiify with party including Fayemi’s campaign office and party’s main office adjascent to it on Ikere road in Ajilosun.

    THE MENTILO

    CONNECTION

    Olanbiwoninu  aka Mentilo was a target of the mob, but, he escaped.  According to him, the destruction of his house at Oke Ila and burning of his vehicle came as surprise

    Olanbiwoninu, who said he travelled to Abuja two days before Aderiye’s death, stated: “I was his close friend, although we belonged to different transportation unions”.

    He added:“I didn’t know about the development when I was leaving for Abuja on Tuesday and I was there (Abuja) till Thursday evening when I returned to Ado.  My return was even to attend a burial on Friday. I was in my house that Friday around 9:30 am when this multitude came. I did not even think they were coming for me. I just thought they were protesting Aderiye’s death.

    “I was a bit at rest when I saw a police van coming behind them but I could not identify the vehicle’s registration number. At a point I heard them mentioning my name in a song they were singing.

    “I was in front of my house. I overheard them chanting abusive words and singing songs against me. Then it became apparent they were coming for me. I decided to run. But what I sensed was that although the police were with them, the hoodlums were many and the police could not have overpowered them when they were setting my property on fire.

    “In five minutes, they called to inform me my house was on fire, alongside my vehicles. In all they destroyed 11 vehicles. I was not around to salvage even a pin from the house. All I have worked and laboured for in my life is gone. Now, I have continued to receive threats from factions of the transporters that they are still coming for me and that I should be writing my will. I have no hand in the death of Omolafe. Ekiti State Government, the Nigeria Police and all well meaning Nigerians should come to my rescue. I know nothing about the death of Aderiye”.

    On the streets of Ado Ekiti are tell tales of the mayhem-black patches on roads, razed buildings and burnt vehicle. But the curfew imposed in the state seems to have restored sanity. The curfew is being enforced by a  combined team of soldiers and policemen, who are protecting sensitive institution and roads around Ijegbo and Ajilosun. There are also police pick-up vans parked at strategic corners to deter trouble makers.

    There are rumours of renewed skirmish, but troublemakers are warned daily to desist from such action or face the consequences of that action.

  • CAC pastors seek God’s favour for Nigeria

    CAC pastors seek God’s favour for Nigeria

    An annual retreat by pastors and other clergies in the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) came up last Thursday at the Babalola Memorial Miracle Centre, Ikeji-Arakeji in Osun State. DAMISI OJO was there.

    The 2014 edition of the annual Pastors’ Conference of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) was not only a spiritual avenue for Pastors within the church’s fold to renew their knowledge and teachings of the holy scripture, but also a platform  to seek God’s face for a better Nigeria and Nigerians.

    This year’s conference which had as its theme “giving and receiving” was attended by pastors in the South West including Edo and Delta states.

    President of the CAC worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun took some time to pour out his mind on the state of the Nation.

    According to him, the burning issue of Boko Haram in the country today has not been laid to rest because of favouritism by the powers that be.

    “This Boko Haram matter, I don’t know why it is very difficult to be uprooted, even in the time of Shagari, Maitashine (a similar band of terrorists) you will remember was eliminated within two years of the Shagari administration, and they were no more in existence”

    “We don’t know why this Boko Haram is so difficult to uproot, I think it is because of favouritism, they don’t want to touch some people,” Pastor Akinosun said.

    The CAC president expressed concern over the fate of the 200 Chibok school girls still in captivity by Boko Haram, stressing that terrorism is a great crime against God.

    He lamented that “it is disheartening to note that Boko Haram has continued to breach our security at random. A group which started with guerrilla tactics has become so audacious that is now taking territory and naming it its caliphate.

    “Let us say this for emphasis, the government should rise to the occasion and retake the towns already seized by the murderous gang, no inch of Nigeria must be lost to these insurgents”

    While commending the men of the Nigerian Army for their fight against the insurgency, he expressed dissatisfaction on the mutiny attempt on a General Officer Commanding (GOC) by some soldiers serving in the theatre of war in the north east.

    The CAC President, however pleaded that the soldiers involved who have been condemned to death by a military court martial should have their sentences commuted to jail terms.

    He equally urged the Army council to investigate the reasons behind the 400 soldiers who recently deserted the battle front.

    According to him, the soldiers should equally be tried by a court martial, but said if indeed they fled because their weapons were no match for the enemies, the process of procurement of weapons by the military should be reviewed.

    Pastor Akinosun further warned politicians to stop addressing the issue of insecurity in the country from partisan standpoint.

    He said politicians must depoliticize the issue of insecurity entirely, stressing that whatever ambition they have can only be realized when the country is at peace.

    Pastor Akinosun noted that in the event of war, there is no nation in the West African sub region that would serve as place of refuge for Nigerians.

    Speaking on 2015 general elections, the pastor said “the 2015 general election is around the corner, we must all start praying for a successful exercise. We call on politicians to make their campaigns speeches temperate, they should tell us what they have to offer rather than run their opponents down.

    “They should shun campaign of calumny and embrace that of issues, they must shun violence in all its ramifications if indeed, their intention was to serve us.

    “Nigerians are also urged to vote according to their conscience, they should not be swayed by money or any other base consideration, they should realize that with their votes, they can change the system for the better if they vote wisely”

    Pastor Akinosun lamented the lop-sided distribution of wealth in the country, stressing that the gap between the poor and the rich is widening every day.

    “There seems to be no concerted effort to reverse this dangerous trend. The poor lives in shanties while the rich and the wealthy live in palatial buildings. The poor, day-in day- day out barely eke out a living in a nation that is, proverbially, flowing with milk and honey” He said.

    The man of God charged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on employment with a view to creating jobs across the country.

    “Declaring a state of emergency would enable the government to take emergency steps to decongest the job market within a short time. Under this arrangement the government may acquire lands in all parts of the federation and establish emergency farm settlements.

    “Government should also review existing manufacturing policy, Nigeria should ban importation of certain products that can be produced locally; for instance Nigeria has a fair comparative advantage in textile production” Pastor Akinosun advised.

    Speaking on the theme of the conference, the CAC president revealed that the reason why some Christians are poor today was because they lack the habit of giving.

     

  • Soka gets health centre

    Soka gets health centre

    While the stigma of hosting the forest of horror in Ibadan before it was dismantled by government still lingers for residents of Soka in the Oyo State capital, the people of the community are moving on with their lives as they recently commissioned a health centre they built. TAYO JOHNSON reports.

    Not many expected any good news to come out of Soka in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital so soon after the infamous discovery of an ‘evil’ forest littered with decomposed bodies and dozens of human parts in the community.

    But residents of the Oluyole Local Government Area community capital seem to have put the stigma of that discovery behind them and are moving on with their lives.

    A couple of weeks ago, the residents in their hundreds converged on Ire Akari Estate in the area to commission a Community Health Centre, the foundation of which was laid on June 8, 2010. The facility expected to serve the primary health needs of the people of the estate as well as 27 other communities comprising of 140 villages in the area was officially commissioned by a former chairman of the estate, Mr. Olayele Fasedemi, a business mogul.

    The businessman made some promises at the ceremony which include; donation of a bus, electricity generating set, drugs, medical equipment and money to the health centre.

    The residents were over joyous when the medical officer in Oluyole Local Government, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, announced that the council had transferred a midwife to work at the health centre. Hamzat also said the council would look into the possibility of sending doctors to the health facility soon.

    Although the residents expressed joy at the opening of the health facility as they would no longer have to travel for about 10 kilometres to access public healthcare, but they were still very sad that the road that leads to the health centre was in a bad shape.

    They wanted the government to adequately equip the health facility in order to complement the hospital beds, tables and chairs, examination couch, drugs and other medical equipments donated by individuals and corporate organizations to the centre.

    They therefore appealed to the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Mr. Abass Aleshinloye, and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State to come to their aid.

    Lauding the initiative, the Chairman, Ire-Akari Landlords Association, Alhaji Abdulrasaq Fadahunsi, told The Nation that he “used to go from here to Ring Road to access medical care. But the presence of this health facility has changed that now. In the centre, we have delivery bed, examination bed, drugs and we are still looking up to government to provide major equipment for this centre.

    “Everything we have here is on personal donations by individuals, groups and through communal efforts from the residents. The estate donated the land and we did the foundation. The government erected the building and painted it. We still want to do flooring of the compound and the fence. Also, we need a borehole from the government for the centre.ý But the major cry of all residents of this area is the deplorable state of the roads in the estate. We have sent a SOS message to the chairman of the local government, Mr. Abass Aleshinloye. He has promised that he would do it. But he has not done it.

    “The roads are almost impassable now. From Idi-Mango where we have the health centre to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the journey used to take about five minutes when the road was good, but now it takes at least 20 minutes.”

    Also, the pioneer general secretary of the estate, Mr. Olawale Smith Ogunlaja, stated that the foundation of the health centre was laid on June 8, 2010, after the community sought the assistance of the Community Development Council of Oluyole Local Government, under the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.

    According to him, the benefits attached to the presence of the health centre in the estate will cut across all the nooks and crannies of the area.

    Recalling the situation before the opening of the health centre, Ogunlaja said:”In the past, we were without health centre within this area. Then, we used to take our wives and children to Academy, where we had the nearest Primary healthcare Centre of Oluyole Local Government. It is about 10 kilometres to this estate.

    “Since the inception of this area, we have never benefitted anything from the government. I am appealing to the government to fix our roads. We want the government to fix Abuja Way, which links Ire-Akari to Idi-Mango Road. It is about two kilometres. Then, the road that comes into the community through Soka also needs urgent attention,”

    Vice chairperson of the community, Mrs. F.F. Akinwande, said since the foundation of the health centre was laid four years ago, little or nothing was done until a prominent member of the estate, Engineer Fawole, decided to leverage on his influence to ensure the erection of the building.

    “To set the health centre in operation, the landlords of Ire Akara Estate have done a tremendous work both in cash and in kind. Some individuals surprised us by their donations both in cash and kind. Some of the churches and the Central Mosque within the estate also played vital roles by their donations.” said she

    Former chairman of the estate, who began the project, Mr. Olayele Fasedemi, said the health centre would serve the eight communities in the estate, and 19 other communities, comprising 140 villages.

    He also expressed his sadness on the deplorable state of the road that leads to the health centre which has not been fixed by the government, adding that the stretch of the road from Soka to Ire-Akari Estate has become an eyesore.

    Fadesanmi said:”We want the government to please look at us with mercy. Nobody wants to come and visit us any longer because of the deplorable road. We can’t invite our friends because we are ashamed to invite them to our houses because the roads are impassable. To get to Soka from my place, which should take five minutes, now takes about 20 minutes,”

    Some of the highlight of the ceremony included a lecture on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and hypertension by Dr. Zainab Hamzat, the medical officer at Oluyole Local Government.

    On EVD

    She enlightened members of the community on preventive measures against the virus such as personal hygiene, cleanliness, environmental sanitation, regular hand washing with soap with running water and avoiding contact with faeces, urine, vomits, sweat and saliva of sick persons.

    “Anyone who has open wound should please cover it so that the wound will not contaminate the environment. EVD does not have cure for now, but early detection of it will help in curtailing the spread of the virus. So, if anyone in the community manifested symptoms suggestive of EVD, the community should urgently contact the local government,” Hamzat advised.

    The doctor also described hypertension as a common ailment that does not show on faces of people, urging adults to ensure regular medical screening to know whether they are hypertensive or not.

    “If you want to prevent hypertension, the importance of lifestyle modification cannot be overemphasised apart from administration of drugs. What we eat has a lot to do with our health. I advise adults to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. They should avoid smoking and taking alcohol and they should do a lot of exercise. This will also help hypertensive patients to respond to treatment.” Hamzat stated.