The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Breast cancer prevention dominates talks in Akure

    Women across the country converged on Akure, the Ondo State capital, for the inauguration of the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) in the state.

    Wife of the Ondo State governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the founder of the organisation.

    She urged the state governors to allocate, through the Ministry of Health, to prevent breast cancer.

    Mrs Akeredolu pointed out that the timely awareness and regular breasts check were major ways through which the disease could be prevented among women.

    The founder of BRECAN, who noted that breast cancer was more rampant among ladies between the ages of 18 and 20, maintained that the disease was not a death sentence as many people believed.

    She explained that as a survivor of the disease, women needed proper sensitisation and awareness to the control of breast cancer which prompted the formation of the association.

    Mrs Akeredolu pointed out that treatment of the disease was no longer expensive, especially in the early stage, but lamented that many hospitals in the country lacked specialists to handle the disease.

    The BRECAN initiator advocated the establishment of Cancer Treatment Centres (CTC)

    in each of the 36 states of the country, noting that medical facilities for the treatment of cancer were inadequate in various hospitals.

    The National President of the Association, Mrs Juliet Ogbuogu urged state governors to use his offices to sensitise the state assembly to the need to make legislation on the control of breast cancer in the state.

    Governor Olurotimi Akeredolu approved the establishment of Breast Cancer Prevention Centre in the state, adding that his administration would prevent breast cancer patients from untimely deaths.

    He promised that the state government would treat the disease passionately, noting that many patients were not lucky to survive the disease because of its deadly nature.

  • Stakeholders call for fresh primaries

    Stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Amuwo-Odofin have urged the party leadership to conduct fresh primaries for its members.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos, Chairman of the APC in Amuwo-Odofin, Alhaji Waheed Gbadegesin said what happened at the Lagos State APC primaries held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium was of serious concern for the party.

    He added that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened in view of the charged atmosphere that had enveloped the Amuwo-Odofin Community after the primaries could not address the issue of those who would carry the banner of the party in the forthcoming local government election in Lagos State.

    “I was shocked this morning when I received a call that Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area Secretariat was burning. But, we thank God it was brought under control.

    “It was sad and painful that we lost a party member when we got home from the APC primary. His death could have arisen due to shock he suffered when the venue of the primary was thrown into pandemonium and people were scampering for their lives.

    “After the deliberation, the stakeholders urge our leaders to conduct fresh primaries for us in respect of what happened during the APC primaries. The people are aggrieved and I had to  pacify them.

    “We want the party to follow its directives and the position of the leaders who had directed our members to go through primaries if they disagreed on the aspirants endorsed.

    “In view of that, our members at Amuwo-Odofin agreed that we should go for primaries. If the person that was endorsed wins, we will support him. But it was another kettle of fish entirely. We request that the party conducts fresh primaries to enable us to choose our candidates.

  • Recognition for Ekiti women monarchs

    Recognition for Ekiti women monarchs

    After several years of advocacy, enlightenment and sensitisation to the need for the government to recognise the critical role of women traditional rulers, the monarchs have got a voice in Ekiti State when Governor Ayodele Fayose inaugurated the Council of Female Traditional Rulers, Ekiti State chapter. The recognition became the reason for the monarchs to celebrate in Ibadan. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports.

    ‘A spectacular development has emerged from Ekiti State where “Prof.” Ayodele Fayose, as his people fondly call him, inaugurated National Council of Female Traditional Rulers in Nigeria–Ekiti State branch. For the first time ever, the bold and courageous Ekiti State Governor summoned male rulers and their female counterparts for a meeting at the Governor’s office’

    In the yesteryear, it was a taboo for a community to be ruled by a woman in some parts of the country. It was part of the subjugation which the women folk experience across the country.

    However, in the Western part of the country, historical evidence indicate that some communities or towns had, in the past, been ruled by women. Besides, some of them had contributed immensely to the safety and survival of their communities during periods of external invasion.

    While some historians have argued that the history of the Yoruba would be incomplete without recourse to the role of women traditional rulers, others vehemently deny the existence of such monarchs across the region. But statues and monuments built in honour of such heroines abound in major cities of Yoruba land, thereby making it difficult to wish away the debate. The statue of the revered Moremi at Ile-Ife is a great example of the countless roles women had played in saving their communities.

    Of late, female traditional rulers received support when Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State gave them recognition after several years of advocacy, enlightenment and sensitisation to the need for government to recognise the critical role of female traditional rulers in Nigeria.

    In the circumstances, the female monarchs held a press conference to celebrate the great achievement, and most importantly, to remind other state governors where the tradition exists, of the urgent need to emulate the Ekiti State governor by  establishing the Council of Female Traditional Rulers in their respective states.

    Led by a researcher and the National Coordinator of Female Traditional Rulers, Prof. Fatai Olasupo of the Department of Local Government Studies, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, the female monarchs were full of praises for Governor Fayose for breaking the jinx.

    Prof. Olasupo, leading other researchers, unearthed the existence of female traditional rulers and has since remained the voice of the voiceless and suppressed female rulers in the country.

    The female traditional rulers said for many years, their male counterparts have suppressed them; a situation that makes them appear non-existent.

    They commended Governor Fayose for his courage.

    The spokesperson for the female traditional rulers, Prof. Olasupo who has been researching on the  traditional roles of female traditional rulers in Nigeria for the past 10 years, described the Ekiti State inauguration of Council of Female Traditional Rulers as a spectacular development.

    While calling on governors of other Southwest states to emulate Ekiti State governor, he said Governor Fayose  took bold step by convening a meeting of both the  Obas and their female counterparts to accord the female traditional rulers due recognition.

    He said: “A spectacular development has emerged from Ekiti State where “Prof.” Ayodele Fayose, as his people fondly call him, inaugurated National Council of Female Traditional Rulers in Nigeria–Ekiti State branch.

    “For the first time, Governor Fayose summoned male rulers and their female counterparts for a meeting at the Governor’s office. At the meeting, he assured the male and female monarchs of financial and administrative supports in their respective communities; thereby becoming the first level of government and governor to recognise the existence of female traditional rulers in Nigeria.”

    Prof. Olasupo urged other governors to start the process of establishing state Council of Female Traditional Rulers, most especially in the Southwest and other parts of the country.

    According to him, in his over 10 years of research into the existence and role of female traditional rulers in Nigeria, there is hardly any part of Nigeria where there are no female traditional rulers.

    “We have them all over the country as old as the culture and tradition of our people. The female traditional rulers have their separate kingdoms, cabinet and chiefs just as the Obas. So, there should be no disparity. No one should suppress the other. What is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander,” he said.

    Those in attendance at the meeting included Oba Rufus Adejugbe, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king), Sonaike Abike the Eyegba of Ado-Ekiti ,  Oba Oluadeyemi, the Alara of Aramoko/Obabinrin (female king) Olaitan Dada, the Eyelebudu of Aramoko,  Oba Adetayo Adewole; the Ajero of Ijero/Obabinrin Eunice Bolatito Omidiji, the Eyegun of Ijero Kingdom, Oba Adeyeye Oladimeji (JP), the Onimesi of Imesi-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Dahunsi Juliana; the Eyelobinrin of Imesi, Oba Adewumi Ajibade Fasiku, the Elekole of Ikole/ Obabinrin (female kings) Ogunmoroti; the Eyerojo Isaba Ikole,  Oba Sylvester Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe /Obabinrin (female king) Elizabeth Odeyemi, the Eyelofi of Ilawe, Oba Samuel Oladapo Oyetade, the Ologotun of Ogotun/Obabinrin (female king) Esther Ajayi/the Eyeji of Ogotun, Oba (Dr.) Adesanya Emmanuel,  the Alaye of Obalufon/Obabinrin (female king), and  the Eyelobinrin of Efon-Alaaye, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju Adugbile.

    Also in attendance were the Oloye of Oye/Oguntoye Beatrice, the Eye of Oye, Oba Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere/Obabinrin Eyesemoe of Ikere-Ekiti,  Oba Jacob Boluwade Adebiyi, the Alare of Are-Ekiti/Obaobinrin (female king) Ogundele Felecia, the Eyejumu of Are-Ekiti, Oba David Makanjuola, the Ajaja of Owatapa /Obabinrin (female  king) Onipede Felicia, the Eyelera of Itapa,  Oba Osalusi Oluwasola Joshua, the Olorun of Orun-Ekiti/ Ogunyemi B.I, the Eyelua of Orun-Ekiti, Oba Jacob Boluwade Adebiyi ,  the Alare of Are-Ekiti/ Obabinrin (female king) Ogundele Felicia , the Eyejumu of Are-Ekiti,  Oba Adediran Abigunade, the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti /Obabinrin (female kings) Akinbode Oyepeju,  the Eyesemoe of Osi-Ekiti,  Oba Edward Jayeola, the Arajaka of Igbara Odo/ Obabinrin (female king) Ajewole Bolanle, the Eyele of Igbara-Odo, Oba Omonigbehin Adejuwon Noah, the Olomuo of Omuo/ Obabinrin Bodunde Margret, the Yeye Abejoye of Omuo, Oba Adeleke Victor Bobade,  the Onire of Ire-Ekiti/Obabinrim (female king)  Bamigboye F.M., the Eyelaye of Ire-Ekiti,  Oba Isaac Adetoyinbo Ajayi,  the Elejelu of Ijelu-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Fasuhanmi Toyin, the Eyelobinrin of Ijelu-Ekiti,  Oba Joseph Kayode Akinola, the Owa of Iludun-Ekiti/Obabinrin Kolawole, the Eyelode of Iludun-Ekiti,  Oba Jonathan Agboola Adeleye,  the Oniyo of Iyo-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female King) Fasuyi Aina,  Eyeleso of Iyo-Ekiti,  Oba Afolabi Felix Adeniyi, the Oniro of Iro-Ekiti/Obabinrin Ajulo Christiana,  the Eyelobinrin of Iro-Ekiti,  Oba Emmanuel Olukayode Ojo Fagbemi, the Elekota of Ikota-Ekiti/Akomolafe Kemi,  the Eyelowu of Ikota,  Oba Dare Ita Okunbobade III, the Owa Oroo of Agbado/ Obabinrin (female king) Ajayi Bolaji, the Eyelori of Agbado-Ekiti, Oba Adebisi Adelafe Ogunjobi, the Olorin of Orin-Odo-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king). Adeyanju F.F.,  the Eyelara of Orin-Odo-Ekiti,  Oba Samuel Adetayo Fatoba,  the Alara of Ara-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female King) Rawaju  Felicia, the Eyelobinrin of Ara-Ekiti,  Oba Olaleye Oniyelu J.P. , the Apeju of Ilupeju-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Fasanmi Florence, the Eyelobinrin of Ilupeju,  Oba Ogunleye Ebenezer Olubunmi, and the Onijaro of Ijaro/Obabinrin (female king) Owonfari B. Eyedofin of Ijaro-Ekiti ,  Oba James Olufemi,  the Onipere of Ipere-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Ogunleye Grace,

    Others were the Eyedofin of Ipere-Ekiti, Oba Israel Adebayo, the Obalogun of Ilogun-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Osunlusi Janet,  the Eyegun of Ilogun,  Oba Ajayi Oluwasesan Omolagba,  the Alasa of Ilasa/Obabinrin (female king) Ojerinde J. O.,  the Yeye Aro of Ilasa-Elite,   Oba Olowookeere Ojo, the Owa Olobo of Obo-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Alabi Aina, the YeyeJero of Obo-Ekiti,  Oba Kupoluyi Ayodele Ayodeji, the Amuro of Temidire/Obabinrin (female king) Ajayi Florence,  the Eyegun of Temidire,  Oba Michael Olufemi Aladejana,  the Alaworoko of Iworoko/Obaobinrin (female king) Adeleye Rachael, the Eyesemore of Iworoko, Oba Bamidele Olatunji Adetutu,  the Elewu of Ewu-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Olaoye Oyewumi, the Eyedole of Ewu-Ekiti,  Oba Samuel Agboola Osatuyi J.P., the Onijesha of Ijesamodu/Obabinrin (female king) Ogunde Alice, the Eyebaisa of Ijesamodu, Oba Aladegbemi Gabriel, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti/Obabinrin (female king) Owolabi Bolanle, the Eyemuju of Ifaki- Ekiti , Oba Olonibua Joel, the Oniropora of Iropora-Ekiti/Obabirin (female king) Fatomiluyi Bose, the Eyesomore of Iropora-Ekiti,  Oba Adeyemi Joakeem Afolabi, the Onijurin of Ijurin/Obabirin (female king) Adeyinka Adeosun, the Eyegun of Ijurin, and   Oba Afolabi Idowu Babade, the Onijaro of Oke Oro/Obabinrin (female king) Fadare A.M., the Eyemotu of Oke Oro.

    Prof. Olasupo, who also clamoured for a legislation to recognise female monarchs recalled the statement by the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola at the first annual conference of Nigerian Political Science Association, Southwest zone, challenging the intellectuals to come up with enough findings to promote cultural synergy between the town and gown; saying that the intellectuals have, in reality, done more than enough but the governments never appreciated their research findings over the years.

    He said: “How many of research findings have government at all levels accepted and implemented.

    For example, among many others, was 10-year-old research into the existence of female traditional rulership in Nigeria.

    “It is exactly a decade this year that the existence of female traditional rulers in Nigeria was unearthed.”

    The don, therefore, urged other governors to begin the process of inaugurating a Council of Female Traditional Rulers as impetus to female rulers.

    His words: “I expect the people’s governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to also summon a meeting of royal fathers and mothers not only in Ijesha land but wherever else in Osun State.”

  • Lagos at 50: Igbo Community holds solidarity session

    Lagos at 50: Igbo Community holds solidarity session

    The Igbo Community in Lagos State will hold a solidarity session on Sunday, May 28 in commemoration of 50 years of creation of Lagos State. The event will take place at Cinema Hall 1 of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos at 12 noon.

    At a press conference jointly addressed by Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu (JP) and the member representing Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency 11 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Sir) Jude Emeka Idimogu (KSM) on Sunday at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre on how Ndigbo are preparing for the solidarity celebration, Eze Nwachukwu said: “The event will serve as a platform for the Igbo Community in Lagos State to bring to the fore the immense achievements and contributions of Ndigbo to the development of Lagos State.

    “For the Igbo Community in Lagos that cuts across the Igbo-speaking peoples of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Delta, Imo and Rivers states, the celebration of 50 years of the creation of Lagos State is a moment of truth. This is the finest hour to demonstrate Igbo solidarity with the government and people of Lagos State.”

    “It is also what inspires publishing the book, Ndigbo: A Factor in Lagos State Development; a synopsis of individual and corporate roles of Nigerians of Igbo extraction in shaping what is today known as the Centre of Excellence by one of the Igbo scholars, Chief Geoffrey Umeh.”

    Eze Nwachukwu revealed that awards would be given to some Ndigbo who have distinguished themselves in their various professions and who have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State.

    “The Igbo Community in Lagos will honour those who have attained greatness; whether dead or alive. It is incontrovertible that there are some Igbo men and women whose achievements and contributions made Lagos become a model city,” Eze Nwachukwu said.

    Speaking glowingly about the achievements of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Eze Nwachukwu noted that “Ambode’s development strides since he assumed office have been tremendous. He has made development get to the grassroots.

    “The Igbo Community in Lagos State under my leadership congratulates him on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Lagos State. Ndigbo in Lagos are happy to identify with him and the entire people of Lagos State.

    “The relationship built over the years by our forebears over five decades ago is worthy of celebration. We thank Governor Ambode under whose administration the state is celebrating its Golden Jubilee.”

    He appealed to Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora to turn out in large numbers to be part of the celebrations.

    He disclosed that a book entitled Ndigbo: A Factor in Lagos State Development has been written in an attempt to showcase how the Igbo Community in Lagos State that comprises Igbo-speaking states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Imo and Rivers states have immensely impacted positively on the economy and development of the most populated Black City in the World, adding that it symbolises Igbo solidarity with Lagos State Golden Jubilee anniversary celebration.

    “The book chronicles the existing affable relationship among the Igbo and Yoruba as well as the contributions of Igbo sons and daughters to the development of the state in the past 50 years,” Eze Nwachukwu said.

    Commenting on the essence of the event, Hon. Idimogu stated that Ndigbo in Lagos are known for their enterprise and hard work, even as he said their cosmopolitan nature gives them an edge over others in areas of adventure and investment.

    “The Igbo race has invested so much in Lagos State. In terms of population, they are the most populous ethnic group residing in the state. The essence of our celebration is to wish the government and people of Lagos State well. We are happy with them for attaining 50 years as a geographical entity. We also wish to show our solidarity with them for being good hosts.

    “Again, we want to appreciate Igbo men and women who are enthusiastic about Igboism as a movement. We are optimistic that the event will bring about unity among the Igbo. The ideology that Igbo have no king is never realistic because leadership is critical to development.

    “The Southwest states have Obas who direct the affairs of the people and that is why Southwest states have recorded tremendous development. By the time we succeed in this project, we would have blazed the trail and other states will want to emulate what the Igbo had done,” he said.

    The lawmaker revealed that the Igbo do not consider being away from their ancestral homes before they invest in areas outside their homelands because they consider every part of the country they find themselves in as their homes.

    This is why, he said, the first set of Igbo men and women that resided in Lagos over 50 years ago such as Sir Louis Odumegwu-Ojukwu, among others, who was considered as the richest man in Africa during his time did business and invested heavily in Lagos, thereby contributing to its development.

    Hon. Idimogu noted that since Lagos became a geographical entity 50 years ago following its creation as a state in 1967, the Igbo have become instrumental to the development of what is now the Centre of Excellence. He expressed the necessity to celebrate those who had been immensely involved in moving the state to the current level of advancement.

    Noting that “the celebrations would be a showcase for bringing the positive contributions of Ndigbo to the growth and development of Lagos State to the front burner,” he emphasised the need for the Igbo who are critical stakeholders in Lagos affairs, to demonstrate their support to the Lagos State government and its people in celebrating 50 years of the creation of the state.

    The event, which will hold at Cinema Hall 1, National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos at 12 noon prompt will have in attendance the five Southeast governors of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Henry Ajomale and some Senators from the Southwest among others.

  • NGO to empower women, fight immorality

    NGO to empower women, fight immorality

    A group, under the aegis of Glorious Women International (GWI), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has been launched penultimate weekend at Victoria Island Lagos. Its aim is to complement government’s efforts in making life better for the people.

    The event was attended by businessmen and women from all walks of life. It featured singing, dancing and presentation of awards, among others.

    Commenting on the establishment of the Ngo, Lady Ekwuefi said GWI is a service organisation and has been doing its best in providing for the less-privileged people since its inception last year.

    She further said a dream she had five years ago informed the establishment of the NGO, adding that it was aimed at building women for the future that would impact positively on every sector of economy.

    She said: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband,’’ and that women are to build a solid home with their husbands, train children in the way of the Lord, that would make them not to depart from it when they grow old.

    She said GWI would continue to organise seminars for women on how to be supportive to their husbands to build stronger homes and making positive impacts to the society.

    She said the dream might have not become a reality if she had failed in bringing women of like minds together.

    She noted: “A dream alone is a dream but through togetherness, dream becomes reality.’’

    Lady Ekwuefi said the journey to forming the group began as friends chatting but as the time went by, they began to look beyond that and formed a committee of friends.

    She said GWI has 28 members both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, noting that they are married women with the same focus to impact lives, mentor the younger ones, cater for the less-privileged and the more vulnerable in the society, maintain physical fitness, grow Godlily women and to reach out to those that are in need of help.

    Lady Ekwuefi further said membership of the NGO is open to all women who are 40 years and who are married irrespective of ethnic background, adding that they must be employed or self-employed.

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr Bob Okonyia, praised the women for living their dream. He appealed to them to remain united. He urged them to know how to resolve any dispute that might occur among them to enable them to achieve their goals.

    The Secretary, Mrs Anajekwu, Treasurer, Lady Chinemelu and Social Welfare, Mrs Ken Okoli said GWI would soon begin training on skills such as bead accessories, liquid soap-making, hat-making and adire fabrics, among others for the youth and women to enable them to remain productive and self-reliant.

  • N900m shopping complex inaugurated

    N900m shopping complex inaugurated

    Retired Justice of the Supreme Court, George Adesola Oguntade has inaugurated N900 million Bashorun Babatunde Ajaga Modern Shopping Complex on Lagos Island, Lagos.

    The inauguration of the complex attracted stakeholders in Lagos State building construction and development industry, monarchs, socialites, among who are representatives of Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Aare and Yeye Are Bafola of Lagos, High Chief and Mrs. H.O. Seymour, Ojora of Lagos Oba Fatai Aromire Ojora and his Olori and Iyaloja-General High Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

    Others were Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 1 Kayode Aderanti, AIG Zone 2 Ibrahim Madu, ACP OC Monitoring Zone 2 Gbolahan Oladimeji and Principal Partner, Midway Properties and Co. Limited, Prince T.J. Adeniji

    Justice Oguntade, who did not deliver any address at the inauguration, said he left an important function to attend the event.

    He prayed for profitability for those selling inside the complex and good health for its owner and Chairman of Tundas Nigeria Limited, Bashorun Babatunde Ajaga.

    But Ajaga, in an interview with reporters, said he was the first elected President of Developers Association of Nigeria, urged developers and their agents to make honesty their watchword.

    He said as professionals, developers should not jettison professionalism and start cutting corners because of the recession.

    He added that a situation where developers rent a shop to two or many people will not augur well for growth and their prosperity.

    According to him, the total cost of the building excluded the fees paid to Lagos State agencies. He added that the complex consists of 60 shops and seven warehouses.

    Ajaga added that the acquisition of the site was a realised dream since his mother traded in front of the old building on the site when he was a child.

  • From Prison to Ivory Tower: Dada battles stigmatisation

    From Prison to Ivory Tower: Dada battles stigmatisation

    His road to the Ivory Tower was strewn with thorns. A young robber condemned to death, Olukayode Dada obtained mercy through amnesty, and decided to live right. But that was when the real battle started. He faces stigmatisation and rejection everywhere, even among family members and friends. He stayed almost a decade before he could get a job, lecturing at one of the nation’s foremost private universities. Government could make the prison more reformatory. Maybe his story can jumpstart that process, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE.

    oday, he stands on the threshold of history. With few months to the defence of his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) thesis in Physiology, Kayode Dada is self-made. He has not only burnt the proverbial midnight candle at both ends to get to this stage.

    He carries a yoke the society is not making any lighter. His frail frame tells a sea of sad stories. Dada, despite his towering academic accomplishments, battle stigmatisation everywhere he turns. In spite of the glitz of his academic prowess, Dada, in the eye of the society, remains an ex-convict.

    That tag remained sewn to his name. Tired of fighting it any further, he had resigned to fate. Even as he shared the testimony of his life’s journey, he couldn’t hold back the tears–mixture of agony, pain and joy.

    At a service organised by Bishop Kayode Williams, also an ex-convict, to celebrate God’s saving grace and miraculous healing from a demonic attack wrought on him during a crusade at New Gbagi Market in Ibadan, at the Oba Tejuoso Assembly of the Christ Vessel of Grace Church International, Old Oko-Oba, Lagos, Dada gave a graphic illustration of a life sprouting from the nadir.

    Dada started out in life as a straight young man. “I have a very decent upbringing, and my parents are deeply religious of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) stock, I am also a dedicated chorister,” he said.

    Yet, when he slipped, due to peer pressure, it was fatal. “I joined a bad gang, and I was lured into a robbery operation, around Agbado, a border town in Ogun State. I was the only one caught by the police and I was convicted and sentenced to death. At the prison, I rededicate myself, having known that I am just waiting for the hangman.

    He embraced the evangelism brought by the Prison Rehabilitation and Evangelical Ministry International (PREMI), a prison organisation founded by an ex-convict Pastor, now Bishop Kayode Williams.

    “My changed way of life must have attracted the prison authorities and after four years on the condemned cell, I was granted freedom. That was in 2003.”

    In 2002, Dada sat for JAMB from prison, and passed. Then the first post-prison battle started. Authorities of the University of Lagos would have nothing to do with an ex-convict. But the then Pro-Chancellor, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), would have none of it. More so as he was on PREMI’s Board. He got his admission, though not in Medicine his first choice, but Physiology.

    Throughout the four years, Dada recalled the school authorities, unknown to him, policed him. Shorn of friends as no one wanted to have anything to do with him, he found solace in his books and the lab was his favourite reading spot.

    Few weeks to his final year, one of those policing him approached him and confessed that he had been tried and tested and he was given a clean bill of health. He graduated with a very strong second-class Upper Division.

    The stigmatisation followed him to the camp of the National Youths Service Corps, which, again, he would have lost but for Bishop Williams’ and Babalola’s intervention. He recalled how he was denied a teaching job at a crèche after his service, due to his status, and even when he volunteered as a laboratory hand he found his movements were usually monitored.

    The frustration resulted in his enrolling for a Master’s of Science (M.Sc) degree in Physiology, which he completed in 2012. A feat that might have been a mirage without the financial support of philanthropists such as Mrs Nosa Igiebor, wife of publisher of TELL Magazine, Oba Tejuoso and Bishop Williams, among others.

    “One day, I was in the laboratory at UNILAG when I received a phone call to come for an interview at Babcock University. I never applied to that university. I was jittery. I told Oba Adedapo Tejuosho and Bishop Williams both of who told me to attend the interview.

    “I was happy when no reference was made in the forms we all filled. However, during the second leg of the interview, when another form was shared and we were asked to state if we had been convicted before, I lost all hope. Moreso, when Bishop Williams asked me not to lie about my state.

    “Interestingly, the form was brushed aside and I eventually got the job. Last year, I became not only a Senior Lecturer, but also the overall best lecturer in the entire Babcock University, an unexpected award of excellence most celebrated by the school authority,” Dada said.

    He said the university has made his burden a little lighter. Students now freely come to him for counselling and the school now rely on him on disciplinary matters.

    “The journey to this path has been tortuous but the reward has been worth all the sowing,” he said.

    On what could be done for things to be better for ex-convicts, Dada said: “The society should stop demonising any convict. The prison is a reformatory home and society should stop seeing it as a condemnatory one. Anyone who goes into prison either becomes broken-hearted or hardened and the society could make it better if we all show some understanding.

    “The society has already concluded and foreclosed the future for ex-convicts. They cannot get love. Everywhere they turn, they see hatred. They are condemned for their sins, even where they might have been innocently convicted.

    “They can never get a decent home or clothes. They cannot walk freely in the community, get a job, marry or raise a family. They are condemned to a life of solitude. They are ostracised by the society that ought to look forward to their full rehabilitation. Without the right support, ex-convicts become hardened and commit another crime in order to return to prison, where he could find love and solace.”

    He said he was becoming a good story because he had benevolent giants willing to offer him their shoulders. I may not have turned out to be this if not for God and these people who have taken it upon themselves to break the stereotypes and rise above stigma.

    He recalled he usually fancied Pastor Williams (as he then was) preach at crusades around Agbado, where he grew up, never knowing that their path would “interwove beyond the ordinary.”

    “Once during service in our church, I had prayed that I wanted to be like this man (Williams). And looking back right now, I nearly did, though I became a robber, killed, arrested and condemned to death before I was rescued and given another life. I became the Elisha while Bishop Williams is the Elijah,” he said.

  • Five-year-old needs N1m for surgery

    Five-year-old needs N1m for surgery

    Five-year-old Oluwajuwonlo Ezekiel was not destined to experience the current trauma. However, her present predicament crept in during her delivery in one of the government hospitals in Akure, the Ondo state capital due to alleged negligence of the doctor in charge.

    To get out of this problem, her poor parents needed about N1m and are now pleading for financial assistance from benevolent Nigerians.

    The young girl was referred from the Akure hospital to the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan following what she suffered during assisted forceps delivery of the mother, Mrs. Adenike Ezekiel.

    According to the UCH Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr O. Fasina, examination revealed a neonate with sutured laceration of the left upper and lower lids with medial canthal involvement, proptosed left eyeball with lateral deviation.

    He said the visual acuity of the little girl was difficult to assess and already had been given ocular ultrasound and CT Scan done while on admission and was discharged for follow-up clinic.

    Dr Fasina said the little girl is currently stable enough to undergo surgical repair of the eyelids lacerations and orbit exploration with squint surgery under general anaesthesia.

    Mrs Ezekiel, a petty trader, urged well-meaning Nigerians to rescue her daughter by assisting the family to save the girl from the eye trauma which is accompanied with severe headache.

    Well-meaning Nigerians can assist Little Oluwajuwonlo Ezekiel through Sterling Bank Account Number 0026834927, Account Name: Ezekiel Adenike Aina.

    For more verification, contact Mrs. Adenike Ezekiel on 09030369549.

  • 83-year-old gets eyeglass four years after diagnosis

    ‘We are moving away from curative medicine to preventive medicine. It is so gratifying that the state is moving into Health Insurance Scheme’

    For over five years, 83-year-old Mr Samuel Oluwole Odunlami could not afford a pair of reading glasses. He is a retiree who lives in Epe but a native of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. His pension is N8, 000 per month.

    The elated Mr Odunlami could not hide his joy, relief and appreciation when the team of Eko Health Mission handed him a pair of glasses penultimate Wednesday.

    Recounting his experience, Mr Odunlami said he was 79 years old when he was told he needed a pair of reading glasses for presbyopia which is an age-related eye disease. Presbyopia is caused by a decreased elasticity in the eye’s lens, making it more difficult to focus on objects in a close range. Presbyopia generally is believed to stem from a gradual thickening and loss of flexibility of the natural lens of the eye.

    After the diagnosis and prescription, he could not afford the pair of glasses due to lack of fund. Days roll into weeks, and weeks into years. When it was exactly four years after the reading glass was recommended, fortune smiled on him.

    He heard, through his daughter, about the Eko free Health Mission put in place by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

    The crowd was massive at the Epe Local Government Area, venue of the event. But that did not deter Mr Odunlami.

    Mr Odunlami said: “Right from the eve of getting the information, I became restless. I could not sleep very well. I kept vigil. And by 6:00 a.m., I had taken my bath and arrived early to pick number. When the medical team came, they sorted us out to our needs. I was then taken to doctors who examined my eyes. They said I needed glasses. In less than an hour, my glass was presented to me. I pray for Governor Ambode. His children will not experience hard life. This is the first time I am benefiting from government programme. Epe has transformed with all the infrastructure development taking place here.”

    The Director of Eko Free Health Mission, Dr Dolapo Fasawe said the mission which is in its 14th outing, is meant to bring health care closer to the grassroots.

    “We are moving away from curative medicine to preventive medicine. It is so gratifying that the state is moving into Health Insurance Scheme. Nobody will be left behind. So far as you are a resident in Lagos and you have the registration done for your residency by Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and issued the card, you are qualified.

    “Another thing is that for the people of Epe, malnutrition is not their problem; they feed well. There are cases of Prostate enlargement. I want to use this opportunity to inform that any man over 40 years should go and do screening for prostate enlargement. That way, there will be no need for emergencies,” Dr Fasawe said.

    She said so far over 127, 000 people have been attended to.

    Her assistant on the Eko Free Health Mission, Dr. Tolu Ajomale revealed that nobody should wait to be sick before taking proactive steps in ensuring health healthy.

    “It starts with knowing your numbers- Bp (Blood Pressure), cholesterol level, BMI (body mass Index), doing exercise, watch closely one’s diet in tandem with the health indicators. If you are hypertensive or diabetic, the role of nutrition, especially salt, carbohydrate and sugary foods should be regulated. The best way out is fruits, vegetables, water and active life in the form of exercise.

    “Shun sedentary life. Just find an exercise you are comfortable with,” Dr Ajomale said.

    The Sole Administrator of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Muyiwa Okusanya said his people are grateful to the state government for bringing the programme to their door step.

    “That is an indication of a responsive and responsible government that will always prioritise the health of the people,” Okusanya said.

  • ‘We reject imposition of candidates’

    The Bariga Local Council Development Area, at the weekend, protested the imposition of candidates by some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to contest the forthcoming Lagos State local government election.

    Addressing reporters at the Ward B, Bariga meeting, the Secretary of the Screening Committee, Adesina Kareem said the era of imposition of candidates was gone, noting that only those nominated by the people would contest the election.

    He added that the mischievous plan by some leaders of the party who wanted to replace the aspirant that had the highest vote during its shadow election with the unpopular one could undermine its success during election.

    He said: “The leaders of Ward B held its primary election for these aspirants; Lateef Isau, Dupe Olusile, Daisi Oshosanya and Muyiwa Ogunnupe. The most popular of the aspirants Oshosanya emerged with the highest votes but some leaders of the party tried to play smart by replacing his name.

    “We have said no to this machination, we stand by the party guidelines. APC is supreme to individual leaders and we insist that no more imposition by some leaders who are pursuing narrow agenda..

    Kareem explained that since other parties were fielding candidates in the election, it would be a misadventure for the APC to replace a popular candidate with the aspirant that scored the least during its shadow polls.

    “We have decided to fight for our political rights by backing the popular candidate. What you are seeing is the beauty of democracy. You can see the celebration on our faces, we are happy because we have moved against imposition. We will never allow such thing to happen in Bariga anymore.

    “We want to give the people the opportunity to choose their councillor in a free, fair and democratic manner. We are using this medium to tell the other political parties that the APC will win the poll in Bariga.

    “The party is very much united in spite of our slight disagreement with some leaders. We will put this behind us and come out to support our party.

    What we have simply done is based on the directives and guidelines of the party.

    “According to the guideline, the Ward leaders are supposed to choose councillorship candidates, but the apex leader at the LCDA level subverted the position by trying to impose the person we did not choose.”