The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • How Ibadan got 32 new obas

    The administration of Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi made history on Sunday when it crowned 21 of the 32 obas whose thrones were newly created by the review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration. BISI OLADELE gives details of how the thrones were created amidst misunderstanding and power play

    When Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi inaugurated a commission of enquiry to review the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration on May 9, this year, some stakeholders within the high echelon of the city’s traditional system raised eyebrows. They  accused him of attempting to tinker with the 50-year-old system for political gains.

    They said Ajimobi was planning to prevent some people from ascending the throne of the Olubadan, rupturing the peaceful ascendancy system and ultimately creating confusion among indigenes.

    Former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is also the Osi Olubadan, sued the panel and the governor to court. The plaintiffs prayed the court to issue an order restraining the panel from sitting or taking any decision on the Declaration.

    While the court followed the process of hearing the case, Ajimobi sought an audience with the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the 12 members of the Olubadan-in-Council, explaining to them what he described as the pressing need to review the 50-year-old system to reflect modern realities.

    According to him, he made them see very clearly that he had no hidden or political agenda for making the efforts.

    Consequently, the Otun Olubadan, the then High Chief Lekan Balogun, who is the next-in-line to the throne of the Olubadan, withdrew from the suit, leaving only Ladoja as the plaintiff. Balogun told reporters that after listening to Ajimobi, he saw his sincerity and the great benefit the review would bring to the stool of the Olubadan and Ibadan as a town.

    The panel completed its sitting and submitted its report which created 32 new stools for Obas earlier in August.

    But Ladoja is still in court, pursuing his opposition to the review on the strength that the Declaration is purely traditional, hence only the Olubadan-in-Council and other related Ibadan interest groups can tamper with it. Ladoja told our correspondent on Friday: “The Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration is a native, local law, not a state law. So, the state government has no right to tamper with it. It is the business of only Ibadan people.”

    On why he did not show up to collect his letter as one of the new Obas, he quipped: “I am not interested in anything they are doing because it is illegal,” referring to the subsisting court case.

    However, 21 of the 32 Obas were coronated in a mass ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall on Sunday.

     

    Why the review

     

    In an advertorial published by the state government on Sunday, it explained that the decision for the review stemmed from attempts by previous administrations as well as request to do so from the majority of members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and other major stakeholders. The government recalled that attempts to review the system began in 1974 during the military era, and that the changes brought to the system were effected. The same happened in 1981.

    “The Oloko Commission of Enquiry was set up on April 1, 1993 by Governor Kolapo Ishola to review Chieftaincy Declarations across the state. The recommendations were accepted by Governor Lam Adesina. Upon becoming Governor, Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja suspended the White Paper and ultimately the recommendations of the Oloko Commission were abrogated by him.” The advertorial read in part.

    It further explained that Ladoja’s administration also set up another commission whose recommendations did not ‘see the light of the day.’

     

    Details of the new system

     

    All 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-Council, are now Obas with the title ‘His Royal Majesty.’ But they still retain their original titles of ‘Otun Olubadan,’ ‘Osi Balogun,’ ‘Ekerin Olubadan,’ ‘Ashipa Balogun’ among others. Because they retain their ranks within the Olubadan-in-Council, they will ascend the ladder until the next-in-line mounts the throne after the death of any current Olubadan.

    Besides, each of the Royal Majesties has a local government in the city as his domain. There are 11 local governments in Ibadan. Because they now wear beaded crowns, only a beaded-crown Oba is eligible to become Olubadan from now.

    With the review, the Olubadan is now known as His Imperial Majesty because he has lower Obas under him. He also retains the consenting and prescribed authorities for the entire Ibadan land. Consequently, only the Olubadan has ‘of Ibadan land’ in his title, meaning that all other Obas, who include former baales, are traditional rulers of their communities which are in Ibadan land.

    The implication is that the Olubadan is the supreme ruler of Ibadan land.

    For emphasis, the White Paper states: “Any Oba in Ibadan land who shows disregard or disrespect to the position or authority of the Olubadan through refusal to pay necessary customary obeisance and flouting of superior customary authority shall be investigated by a committee of traditional chiefs and appropriate sanction will be recommended against any guilty offender. A very serious infraction of the tradition can be reported to the state governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.”

    With the review, the two lines to the throne of the Olubadan (Olubadan and Balogun)  are retained but with the Olubadan line now known as the Otun Olubadan line.

    While the 22 steps in Otun Olubadan line have been reduced to 11, the rungs in the Balogun line have also been reduced from 23 to 12. The reduction was aimed at allowing younger people to emerge as the Olubadan.

    The senior chiefs, who are next to the high chiefs in rank, have also been elevated from customary senior to recognised chiefs “under Part II of the Chiefs Law in order to maintain the customarily cherished seniority of the senior chiefs over the various baales who are already recognised under the Part II of the Chiefs Law, including ancient baales.”

    The Olubadan-in-Council has been changed to Council of Obas in Ibadan land.

    Those coronated at the weekend were His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Senator Lekan Balogun -the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land; HRM Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin – the Balogun of Ibadan land; HRM Oba Tajudeen Ajibola – the Osi Balogun of Ibadan land; HRM Oba Eddy Oyewole – the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadan land; HRM Oba Latifu Gbadamosi-Adebimpe – the Ashipa Balogun of Ibadan land; HRM Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi – the Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadan land; HRM Oba (Dr) Kolawole Adegbola the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadan land and HRM Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    While two high chiefs died in the last two weeks, Ladoja, who is the 11th member, shunned the elevation. The Iyalode of Ibadan land is the 12th member of the council.

    The elevated baales were His Royal Highness (HRH) Chief Lasisi Akano – the Onijaye of Ijaye; HRH Oba Ismaila Opeola, Oniroko of Iroko; HRH Oba Moses Akinyosoye; the Onikereku of Ikereku; HRH Oba Mudasiru Adebayo, the Ololodo of Olodo; HRH Oba Victor Okunola, the Elegbeda of Egbeda; HRH Oba Gbolagade Babalola, the Onido of Ido; HRH Oba Olabamiji Thomas, the Alakufo of Akufo; HRH Oba Wahab Okedina, the Oloke of Okelade-Okin; HRH Oba Dauda Omotoso, the Alawotan of Awotan; HRH Oba Adeboye Salako, the Olofa of Offa; HRH Oba Rafiu Alawusa, the Onilagun of Lagun; HRH Oba Tiamiyu Ladipo, the Alaba of Aba-Nla and HRH Oba James Obisesan, the Alakanran of Akanran.

  • Cultural splendour at Udiroko Festival

    Cultural splendour at Udiroko Festival

    The Udiroko Festival holds annually to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. This year, the ceremony lived up to its billing throughout last week as indigenes and visitors savoured the excitement which the festival presented. The event attracted dignitaries from other parts of the country. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    Indigenes of Ado-Ekiti, and guests who came from far and near had something to cheer over the weekend when they trooped out in their thousands to celebrate this year’s Udiroko Festival.

    The week-long fiesta, which began on Monday, August 21 with prayers by clerics and press conference, reached its peak on Saturday, August 26 when a mammoth crowd gathered at the ultra-modern Palace Square to pay homage to the Ewi, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III.

    For the first time in the history of the festival since Oba Adejugbe ascended the throne of his forefathers in December 1990, two state governors in Nigeria were honoured with chieftaincy titles for their contributions to the development of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole.

    They are Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State who received the title of Apesin Apogunpote of Ado-Ekiti and Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State who was honoured with the title of Akinmuagun of Ado-Ekiti. His wife, Hajia Ummi Adama received the traditional title of Yeye Akinmuagun.

    Member of the House of Representatives representing Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu, was honoured with the title of Ajirosola of Ado-Ekiti while his wife, Mrs. Adenike Omolola Adebutu was honoured with the title of Yeye Ajirosola of Ado-Ekiti.

    A new ultramodern Palace Hall constructed by the Fayose administration was inaugurated during the festival, while a book on Ado-Ekiti History written by renowned historian, Prof. Isola Olomola was launched.

    The book was reviewed by Prof. Eddy Olanipekun.

    Fayose, Dankwambo and Adebutu launched the Ewi Palace Endowment Fund. Yoruba culture promoter, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, delivered a public lecture to mark the festival.

    Other activities used to mark this year’s Udiroko Festival included a Health Awareness Enlightenment programme, Ewi’s Football Cup Competition, visit to the sick and the aged by the chiefs, ayo olopon and draft game, Princes and Princess’ Night, Eredun and church thanksgiving service at First Baptist Church, Okeyinmi, Ado-Ekiti.

    Dignitaries who attended this year’s festival included former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu; former Benue State Governor, Dr. Gabriel Suswam; Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola; former President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Olabode George; among others.

    The event was attended by traditional rulers, political office holders and other prominent citizens of Ekiti and Gombe states.

    Fayose turned the event to a campaign ground by boasting that he would install a successor to continue his legacies in office.

    The Udiroko Festival emanated from Ajase Ewi, which was staged to celebrate Ewi’s supernatural power of conquest and also fell on the New Year day on the Ado-Ekiti traditional calendar.

    But the modern Udiroko Festival has transformed to Thanksgiving Day for Ewi and his subjects and planning for development projects to be executed either in the palace or in the kingdom for the benefit of the residents.

    The Ewi, Oba Adejugbe, has upped the ante of Udiroko by making it a national and international festival which attracts interest from within and outside the country.

    To the monarch and his subjects, Udiroko has become the New Year festival of the community.

    Ado-Ekiti was throbbing on the day of the grand finale of Udiroko (August 26). Musicians hired by some chiefs and other residents were dishing out music in many parts of the town while the quarter chiefs in their regalia danced round with their followers to the palace.

    By 12 noon, the terraces in the palace square were already filled to capacity with various cultural groups dancing to the delight of the audience.

    The emergence of the Ewi from the inner chambers of his palace at 2:25 p.m. sparked a staccato of gun shots from local hunters who continued their shooting till the end of the show.

    Fayose arrived at the venue with Dankwambo, Adebutu and other guests at 2:44 p.m. and moved round acknowledging cheers from the crowd some of who clutched placards announcing his presidential ambition for 2019.

    Delivering his speech, Oba Adejugbe advised indigenes and residents of his kingdom to go back to the farm in order to fight hunger and unemployment. Oba Adejugbe further explained that walnut and kolanut which were used to celebrate the Udiroko Festival in the past were products of the rich agricultural heritage of Ado people.

    The Ewi said: “Our society today is faced with the serious problems of unemployment and starvation. It is heart-rending to see thousands of our youths roaming the streets every day without any visible means of livelihood.

    “Many people starve while many others manage to keep body and soul together. The underlying reason is that our people have refused to face the reality of our environment.

    “We are mainly an agrarian community; as long as our people run away from farming, these problems are likely to endure. What an irony! Nature has been particularly kind to us in this part of the country, such much so that with little effort tilling the soil, we can feed well. Once again, I appeal to everybody to take to farming.

    “May I strongly advise that government at all levels should find a way of motivating our people to develop interest in agriculture which is the main occupation of our community.

    “Apart from solving the immediate food requirements of our teeming population, excess food produced from our farms can enhance the industrial take off of our community.”

    Oba Adejugbe also advocated constitutional roles from traditional rulers, saying: “what is in operation today is that whenever there is a crisis, we remember traditional rulers as acceptable leaders of the people whose appeal could pacify the aggrieved people and not the politicians.”

    The monarch said Fayose was honoured with the title because of the landmark projects he is executing in the town which have changed the face of the state capital. These include the flyover, Oba’s Market, new Governor’s Office, new High Court complex and township roads.

    He also said the Ado-Ekiti community was grateful to Fayose for what he called “unprecedented projects in the palace” which include the open arena, new ultramodern hall and palace extension.

     

     

  • A teacher’s regrets – and joy – at 85

    A teacher’s regrets – and joy – at 85

    Old students of Ajuwa Grammar School, Okeagbe-Akoko in Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of Ondo State and the entire community gathered to celebrate with Chief Guy Gargiulo, an Anglo-Italian who is a former headmaster of the school on his 85th birthday. The event was an opportunity to reminisce on the octogenarian’s legacy of selfless service since his arrival in the community in 1960. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    FOR the octogenarian, it has been a fulfilled life – of moulding youths into responsible adults and uplifting the poor.

    But Chief Guy Gargiulo, a British-Italian, there is a fringe of regret – his beloved profession, teaching, is in a bad shape.

    “Teaching is no longer going on in Nigeria,” he told The Nation on the sideline of a swimming competition to mark his 85th birthday at Ajuwa Grammar School, Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State.

    He was born in a comfortable family and studied in some of the best schools in the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland. But his love for adventure and quest to serve humanity brought him to Nigeria on January 5, 1960.

    He took up a teaching job at Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos.  In 1963, he left for a far-flung rural community of Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State – a decision that shocked many.

    Chief Guy Gargiulo was convinced that the decision was sound as it was to mould future generations and contribute his quota to manpower development in Nigeria.

    Gargiulo, who has made Okeagbe his home, has no regrets. On arrival in the community, he was appointed Principal of Ajuwa Grammar School; a position he held for 15 years.

    Gargiulo, fondly called “GG” by his students, was born on August 13, 1932 in Port Vale, United Kingdom to an Italian father and a British mother. He attended the University of Cambridge where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Natural Science, Physics/Geology after which he obtained his Master’s of Arts (M.A.) in the same discipline.

    At Igbobi College, the octogenarian was the Head of Mathematics/Physics Department. He also served as Housemaster and Games Master in the college.

    An Okeagbe indigene, the late Chief Stephen Ajayi Ogedengbe and other well-meaning individuals initiated Gargiulo’s transfer to Ajuwa Grammar School which was on the verge of collapse at the time of his arrival.

    Gargiulo was the principal between January 1963 and September 1978. In appreciation of his service to humanity, he was honoured with chieftaincy titles by three traditional rulers who were once his students.

    The titles included Adekowajo of Okeagbe, Atunluse of Ugbe-Akoko and Aare Atayese of Erusu-Akoko.

    To many of his admirers, it is surprising that despite his over five decades’ stay in Nigeria and selfless service, Gargiulo is yet to be given any national honour.

    After retiring as Principal of Ajuwa Grammar School, Gargiulo worked in other places between 1979 and 1994 when he retired from active service. His giant strides in education include the introduction and implementation of Continuous Assessment in Ondo State Ministry of Education, which he began in Ajuwa Grammar School.

    Gargiulo also introduced vocational education in Ajuwa and Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo town where he served as Director of the Computer Centre.

    Gargiulo is the foundation Chairman of the Ondo State Swimming Association and was honoured by Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) with a Certificate of Merit in 1991.

    Okeagbe, which is now the headquarters of Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, was agog from August 12  to 13 when the Ajuwa Old Students’ Association (AOSA) threw a birthday party for Gargiulo, who clocked 85.

    Many of the students who passed through Gargiulo are making waves in various fields. There are traditional institution, clergy, academia, military, police, law, Foreign Service, oil and gas, medicine, civil service, media and sports.

    Gargiulo expressed his regrets at the state of teaching in Nigeria. He noted that “teaching is no longer going on in Nigeria” as the same modus operandi is used by teachers at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

    He is delighted that his old students came around to celebrate his 85th birthday with him and declared that he would love to spend the rest of his life in Nigeria and have his body cremated when he dies.

    Gargiulo said: “I am feeling good and I am at this poolside to see how these young ones are performing. I am impressed with the way Regina; Nigeria’s swimming coach is training the students.

    “It’s a pity Tunji Abayomi couldn’t bring Governor Rotimi Akeredolu here. I am happy with my students who are doing fine in their various fields of human endeavour. One of them printed the programme booklets we are using here.

    “I am very sorry that teaching is no longer going on in this country; what they are doing is copying notes rather than teaching them to do something. That is not teaching, that is not teaching.

    “We have many great people in this country. I don’t know what has been going on with education in Nigeria; I don’t know.”

    On whether he would leave for Italy, his homeland or United Kingdom, where he was born, Gargiulo retorted: “I am living in Okeagbe and the old students have given me my Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). If I die here or in England, let them cremate me.”

    Notable Ajuwa old students include the Senator representing Ondo Central in the National Assembly, Chief Tayo Alasoadura; immediate past Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade; Rear Admiral Adebisi Aremo (rtd), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Mike Igbokwe; Constitutional lawyer,  Dr. Tunji Abayomi; former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Ganny Dauda; former  Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Dr. Olufowobi Bakkita Bello; Commissioner of Police, Dele Babaleye; Prof. Esan Aderinola, Prof. Ade Babalola, former Vice-Chairman of Mobil Oil, Otunba Solomon Oladunni; retired Permanent Secretary, Chief John Ademoyegun; Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Rev. Jacob Ajetunmobi; Human Resources Manager, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, Mrs. Florence Justus-Oni (nee Ajimuda); renowned broadcaster Mr. Ayo Ogedengbe; former Ekiti State Commissioner for Works and a governorship aspirant Chief Diran Adesua  and Dr Foluso Arewa, consultant at the National Hospital, Abuja, among others.

    Gargiulo has made Okeagbe his home for the past 54 years. He had carried out many philanthropic activities and executed projects in the community.

    He personally financed the construction of Pleaidi Road named after a similar project in his native Italy. He also sponsored surgical operations carried out on some needy patients, even as he bankrolled education of the physically-challenged.

    Gargiulo speaks Yoruba and is proficient in the local Akoko dialect.

    According to his students, one of his famous Yoruba proverbs is aya nini ju oogun lo, which is translated “boldness is efficacious than charms.”

    He was famous for wearing shorts and that is why he is also fondly called oyinbo oni sokoto penpe (white man wearing shorts) and oloye oni sokoto (the chief wearing shorts).

    The first day of the celebration (August 12) witnessed quiz competition, public lecture, swimming/water polo competition at the school dam and candle procession round the town.

    In the quiz competition, SS2 students with 17 points defeated students of SS3 who had 17 points in a keenly contested intellectual duel.

    On the second day (August 13), a thanksgiving service was held in honour of the celebrator at St. George’s Anglican Church, Okeagbe.

    Gargiulo wore a flowing agbada and danced to the admiration of the congregation.

    Gargiulo did not witness the quiz competition and the public lecture, which was held at the school hall. He was at the school dam/swimming pool which was built when he was the principal.

    The retired school administrator is a lover of sports and the school, under his leadership, was a breeding ground for talents in various sports. He was at the poolside to witness a competition organised in his honour by students of the school.

    Paying tribute to the celebrator, AOSA President Matthew Imoru, a retired Permanent Secretary in Ondo State  civil service, described Gargiulo as an inimitable teacher who could teach all subjects.

    Imoru said: “The school dam was built about 45 years ago. I left the school in 1973 and such a project was not common in the hinterland then. We all learnt swimming through GG.

    “He was Chairman of Ondo State Swimming Association and swimmers in Ondo State came here to practise. He could teach virtually all subjects.”

    Former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly Dr. Bello hailed Gargiulo for choosing to come to the rustic community to oversee the revival of the school no principal or teacher was willing to supervise.

    Apart from Gargiulo’s commitment to the education of his pupils, Bello said, the school administrator cultivated teak; cashew and oil palm plantations which boosted the economy of the school and gave it a beautiful scenery.

    The former Speaker, who is now Chairman of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission, said Gargiulo elevated many students from poor homes to fame.

    Bello said he had many brushes with his old principal, including leading a riot which shook the school to its foundation, but Gargiulo forgave him. According to him, Gargiulo is fatherly, forgiving, detailed, investigative and wise.

    Bello went on: “On arrival, he (Gargiulo) loved the countryside, the simple agrarian lifestyle and he was charged with the responsibility of transforming the school, which lacked facilities, such as water, electricity and good road.

    “During his time, students must belong to two trade clubs and participate in sporting activities. Ajuwa was noted for excellent performance and reputable records in academics and this earned us fame and glory both locally and internationally.

    “He believes mankind can advance through training and mentoring irrespective of colour, creed and race. Any wonder he rescued Ajuwa from being closed down. Through the philosophy of aya nini ju ogun lo, he conquered his environment.”

  • Ogun inaugurates committee on illegal drugs

    As part of its commitments to rid Ogun State of all forms of drug-related crimes, the government has warned that it will deal decisively with illegal drug dealers. In the circumstances, it has set up a committee to fish out illegal drug dealers and those patronising them.

    Addressing reporters in Abeaokuta, the state capital, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Olufemi Fafiolu said the government took the action against the backdrop of increase in illegal drug dealers and outlets.

    Fafiolu said the committee would commence raiding and picketing of illegal and counterfeit drug businesses, and food outlets that produce unwholesome processed foods for residents’ consumption from this month.

    He advised those who deal on illegal drugs as well as those who patronise them to desist from the acts, noting that anyone caught in the act would be prosecuted.

    “The government is worried over the influx of illegal drug dealers from Lagos State. It will not fold its arms and allow any unscrupulous elements to perpetrate any illegal drug deals,” Mr Fafiolu said.

    He added that the activities of the illegal drug dealers were responsible for the rise in the consumption of hard and illicit drugs among school children, especially in the primary and secondary schools.

    Fafiolu said government, in its attempt to curb the menace of illicit drug-related crimes and abuse among the youth, had established drug-free clubs in 22 public secondary schools across the state.

    The committee set up by the state government are made up of officials of the state’s ministries of health and justice, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the police.

  • ‘We’re committed to women development’

    ‘We’re committed to women development’

    Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has restated her commitment to improving the status and well-being of the female gender in the state.

    Mrs Ajimobi renewed her commitment during a courtesy visit on her office at Agodi by a two-man team from the British High Commission.

    While reflecting on some of her moves after Governor Ajimobi’s administration came on board, she said she drafted a bill on prohibition of Violence against Women and sent it to the male-dominated Oyo State House of Assembly which met very strong opposition and was only passed into law five years after the initiation.

    Mrs Ajimobi asserted that she initiated many women-centred programmes to guard against women getting abused as a result of lack or want, adding that the widowhood programme provides equipment such as deep freezers and grinders to create a source of livelihood and give financial independence to women.

    She, however, lamented that children are vulnerable to abuse when they are not catered for; leaving them at the mercy of potential child abusers.

    Mrs Ajimobi also revealed her intention to begin a vocational training centre for girls who dropped out of school to enable them to have financial independence. That, she said, will ensure that they are not at a disadvantaged situation because of lack of opportunity to get quality education. She maintained that she appreciates partnership with the commission and other wives of governors in order to deliver improved livelihood to inhabitants of the state.

    The British Deputy High Commissioner, Laure Beaufils stated that she is passionate about women and girl child empowerment, adding that she is ready to partner with the state government and Office of the Governor’s wife in impacting the lives of women folk.

    She enjoined the public to not only educate their daughters on how to avoid getting abused but to also educate the boys on how to respect and protect the women and girls in the society. She further said it was important for both women and men to work together for women’s rights.

    Beaufils said girl education is important for a better world and their well-being. She enjoined the public not to use culture as an excuse for wrong doing due to Nigeria’s rich but diverse culture.

  • Traditional religion: Calls for recognition heighten

    The Adeyinka of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salau and the Head, Department of Communication and Language Arts, the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Ojebode, have called for recognition of traditional religion and tolerance among adherents of all religions for peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians.

    They made the call at the maiden public lecture of the Fashola Oyinbo Ifa (FOI) Foundation held in Iseyin, Oyo State.

    The monarch, Ojebode and the Oluwo Ifa Agbaye, Chief Fashola Olusoji Adeyemi, agreed that harmonious relationship thrives when the rights and preferences of all stakeholders are recognised and respected as long as they are within the ambits of the law of the land.

    According to Chief Fashola, who is the founder and President of the foundation, it had become imperative for well-meaning Nigerians to preach against religious violence, as there is “only one divined God being served in different ways by adherents of different religions.”

    Fashola, whose foundation seeks to promote religious tolerance and help the underprivileged in the society in the areas of education, health and empowerment, added that government at all levels must be just and fair to traditional worshippers, who he said have not been treated fairly by the political system and politicians.

    Speaking on the topic “Ensuring Peaceful Inter-Religious Co-existence: Why Words Matter,” Prof. Ojebode maintained that if the country would continue to live in peace, adherents of different religions must caution members of their sects, weigh their words and put themselves in the position of others, noting that it had become important for people to watch their words, as the current gale of hate speeches in the country would bring harm to the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.”

  • Wheelchairs for three minors

    Wheelchairs for three minors

    It was a happy moment when three physically-challenged persons in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, received wheelchairs from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The gesture was part of the mandates of the Corps Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) designed to provide quality health care services for the less-privileged and the physically-challenged, particularly in the rural communities.

    The wheelchairs were presented to the beneficiaries at the HIRD programme held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan.

    The three beneficiaries, Steve Okejide, (male) and two females namely Aishat Maroof and Omolara Adebusayo emerged through an open balloting among eight persons who vied for the wheelchairs.

    However, the sum of N27, 250, raised at the programme was shared equally among the eight physically-challenged for their upkeep. The presentation ceremony was witnessed by the Oyo State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi, top NYSC officials, corps members and some physically-challenged individuals who were accompanied by their friends and relations.

    The Head of Local Government Administration, Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Mrs. Victoria Akinpelu, represented the caretaker chairman of the council, Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi.

    Mrs. Anidobi said the aims and objectives of HIRD were “to sensitise the rural dwellers to the dangers of some common ailments and preventable diseases, to diagnose and also treat rural people in selected communities who are suffering from one illness or the other.”

    She stressed that the gesture was also aimed at providing first aid services for minors on peculiar ailments and provide free screening services on HIV, hepatitis and sickle cell anaemia, among others, adding that stakeholders in the health sector contributed immensely to make the objectives achievable.

    She said: “To make the programme achieve its full objectives, various stakeholders in the health sector, corporate entities, non-governmental organisations; global agencies such as World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and regional bodies such as United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were contacted to assist in areas of drug donation, logistic supplies, enlightenment talks and rural health shows.

    “The programme had been carried out in all the states of the federation and has also received positive media publicity and response from rural dwellers. To add more value to our society and to improve the well-being of the citizens, the present Director-General of the scheme, Brig-General Sule Kazaure decided to bring health relief to the residents of Ibadan South East Local Government Area, even as he directed that three sets of wheel chairs be distributed to the physically-challenged for easy mobility.”

    The corps members serving in Ibadan South East Local Government Area, however, adopted one of the three beneficiaries, Aishat Maroof.

    Miss Bukola Olayode, who spoke on behalf of the corps members, said Aishat was adopted because she is already in a primary school. The gesture was aimed at lifting financial burden off the shoulders of her grandmother, who has been taking care of her since Aishat’s mother died.

    Olayode said the adoption would cover all educational expenses of Aishat, adding that the leadership of NYSC were involved so that the gesture would not stop for Aishat when the present set of corps members pass out of the scheme.

    Mrs. Akinpelu, on behalf of the council’s chairman, appreciated the NYSC for the gesture, describing the event as significant.

    She added that giving to the underprivileged in the society is a humanitarian service that should be continuous.

  • Music: Instrument for social change

    Music: Instrument for social change

    A female gospel musician, Mrs Bola Amzat, also known as “protocol breaker,” has advised practitioners in the music industry to be focused and never compromise in the pursuit of their career.

    Mrs. Amzat, who stated this in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, at the launch of her third album entitled “I Am Going Higher” described music as a tool for societal reformation.

    Her debut album entitled A New Song (Orin Titun) was launched in 2006 while the second one, Omi Leniyan (Human beings are like water that could be seen anywhere) before the latest one, I am going higher.

    The gospel artiste said anybody who hopes to be successful in the music industry must be disciplined, committed; resolute and focused, recalling some of the experiences she went through in the pursuit of her career.

    Mrs. Amzat said: “I have had lots of challenges. Coping with the responsibility of being a wife and mother of four as well as working as sales executive of the Federal Polytechnic water firm has not been very rosy. But I’m surmounting them.

    “The real challenge I had as a singer is finance. This is because I have got a lot to deliver. Mine is a calling to reach out to many in need of gospel truths. I lost my parents while I was very young and I also lost two of my elderly siblings who died mysteriously the same year.

    “Because I know that I have got higher places, I did not compromise; I can’t do what others are doing for survival. People called me several names such as ‘SU’ but I didn’t compromise. I could hustle for survival; doing odd jobs but I never stole or involved myself in immorality.

    “My advice to female gospel singers is to be focused and never compromise because of survival. They should practise what they are preaching because people don’t read the Bible again. Many gospel singers compromise even in the studio. I hear stories of renowned gospel musicians who compromise with their engineers in the studio.

    “I had several opportunities to travel out of the country but because of some funny conditions attached to it, I turned it down. Men will always make advances but I have remained undaunted and never yielded.”

    Speaking at the album launch, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Dr. Taiwo Akande, described music as an instrument for social change, even as he commended Mrs. Amzat for using her talent to draw people to God.

    The Rector, who was represented by her Personal Assistant, Mr. Gbenga Olorunsola, urged youths to positively deploy their talents to make impact in the society rather than taking to crime.

  • Council preaches cleanliness

    Council preaches cleanliness

    The Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has commenced what it termed ‘‘Operation Keep Oriade Clean ’’ campaign in a bid to rid it of filth.

    The initiative, its Chairman, Ramotalai Akinola Hassan said, was meant to ensure healthy environment for the well-being of the residents.

    ‘‘The programme was supposed to begin next month. But our administration is committed to ensure that the issue of improper waste management is a thing of the past. Our initiative aims at complementing the efforts of Lagos State Ministry of the Environment,’’ she said.

    She urged residents to support government’s efforts by patronising licensed bodies and agencies such as the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) and Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators rather than patronising cart-pushers who would add to endangering the environment.

    Akinola-Hassan, who led the exercise, said the campaign would avert outbreak of diseases and boost the mega-city status of the state.

    She promised to sustain the campaign and to sensitise the residents to the need to be law-abiding citizens.

    According to her, the operation would be carried out at Barracks, Onireke and Onjere areas, among others.

  • 150 get free GCE forms

    No fewer than 150 indigent pupils have received free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State courtesy of its Chairman, Hon Monsuru Oloyede Bello.

    While giving out the forms, Hon Bello said the LCDA had also created tutorial centres in some designated schools for the pupils to enable them to receive free teaching ahead of their examinations. He said the gesture was aimed at affording the pupils the opportunity to participate in the examination in order to improve their performances.

    He said: ‘’I therefore request that beneficiaries of the GCE forms should justify the gesture with excellent performance. I want you all to ensure that Ejigbo is placed on the educational map of excellence through your outstanding performance.’’ He also revealed that there are plans to provide schools with desks, benches and writing materials.

    He promised to empower the aged by helping them to enrol at vocational centres where they would learn such trades as bead making, fashion designing, cake making, computer, decoration and computer training.

    A beneficiary Olanlokun Hawal of Ejigbo High School thanked the chairman for the gesture. ‘’I feel excited when my daddy told me about it,’’ he said.

    The event coincided with the visit by officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to the council led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communication, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, who were on a fact-finding tour of the LCDA.

    Bamigbetan said they were at the LCDA to know, among other things, if the people were abreast of government’s projects and if the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Community Development Committees (CDCs) as representatives of the people were working and to let the people know that the government is people-oriented.

    Bamigbetan urged the residents to specify projects and programmes, such as new roads and the Neigbhourhood Watch that they need. He said since no one is perfect, he said where the CDAs failed, he expected them to measure up, adding that the outcome of the meeting would shape government’s future policy.

    Earlier, Bello praised the officials for the visit, noting that it would boost development at the grassroots. He also said since they were voted into power by the people, it was necessary that they should visit them to know how they feel.

    He pledged to give some grant to the CDAs and refurbish their broken down bus, urging them to use the judiciously. He asked the people to pay their rates regularly to enable have enough revenue to execute the projects.

    The CDC Chairman, Chief Lamorde Giwa and his CDA counterpart in Itameka praised the LCDA for the meeting, adding that it should be held regularly. They urged government to construct roads, hospitals and a school for the area.