The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Foundation makes case for widows

    No fewer than 200 widows of Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State have been empowered by the Dayo Eleku Foundation and Octagon Initiative. The groups provided food items, cash and scholarships for their children.

    The event tagged “The Strength of a Widow’’, according to Adedayo Akindele Eleku, the initiator of the foundation, was part of activities lined up to mark his birthday and the foundation’s fifth anniversary.

    He said giving succor to the less-privileged people in the society feel and giving them a sense of belonging informed the establishment of the foundation. He stressed that there was need for the society to help widows in the task of bringing up their children.

    Eleku, also the state Secretary, Amalgamated Motorcycle Riders of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, said the widows needed to be celebrated and respected, noting that it was why  he decided to celebrate his birthday with them rather than do so with friends at a beer/pepper soup joint.

    The Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, Oladele Adeniji, commended Mr. Eleku for his gesture, even as he urged Nigerians to emulate him.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Rashidat Akinlosose thanked the initiator for the gesture, saying she was delighted about the programme. She prayed that God would continue to bless and give him long life.

    The guest speaker, Mr Adekanmi Fadare, said widowhood was not restricted to only those who were already widows. “It is a phenomenon that will continue to be witnessed in every society,’’ he said.

    He said marriage is a blessing and that a couple would rather strive to be successful in their relationship.

    “It is, however, important that before going ahead with such a life-time relationship, we must have prepared ourselves for the good, the bad and all other such outcomes that are associated with marriages,’’ he said.

    Fadare, an Assistant Editor at Octagon Magazine, decried the rate at which widows are maltreated in the society, adding that it is frightening. According to him, Nigeria has over eight million widows with about 23 million children.

    “It is heartbreaking seeing what widows in Nigeria go through. What I mean is that this is what we all see every day and everywhere in our society. From one part of the society to another, there is always a widow close to us, hence the awareness of the inhumane treatment meted out to this class of unfortunate people.

    “Because customs allowed a lot of these things, it is fast becoming an unbearable yoke. I believe this defines religions because sometimes people will merge tradition and religion. When you examine religion, tradition and human dignity, people with conscience would then start to think that these things are not proper because widows are either someone’s mother, sister or daughter.

    “So, we believe it is something we need to add our voices to, and apart from trying to lend our voices and other support efforts, we  think if others begin to condemn the act and desist from practising them, then the time to end the obnoxious custom may have come.’’

    Continuing, he said: “When you talk about widowhood in Nigeria, the problem is much bigger than anyone can imagine, and unfortunately we also discovered that most of the children of some widows have dropped out of school upon the death of their bread winners.

    “To ensure that most of them go back to school, people should assist them financially. Other areas that will be of benefit to the widows are the establishment of medical scheme to support some of their children, donation of food and other materials.’’

    Fadare said the best way to encourage widows is for the wealthy individuals, society, religious bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to regularly organise programmes for them. He suggested that loans, grants or empowerment schemes be offered to widows, adding that efforts should be made to encourage them to start some trade.

    “If such grant is coming as a start-up; there must be close supervision. Although I strongly believe a widow would put such money into something good rather than squander it, when you give more than 10 people money, there are tendencies that one or two may not make good use of it.

    Thus, regular monitoring is necessary, so that most of them can have access to good life. For instance, I have come across a widow that was given N300, 000 barely a year ago and now she has increase it to over N1 million. That was cheery enough. And the organisation that gave the money would be encouraged to do even more for others,’’ he added.

    Fadare urged widows not to allow anybody to trample on their rights. “A widow has rights to basic amenities, normal life, their deceased spouses’ property and estate and to inheritance. However, it goes beyond just fighting for your rights as a widow.’’ He traced their problems to mere ignorance.’’

    He praised Dayo Eleku Foundation for its “End Widows’ Maltreatment Campaign’’.

    “Once we are able to end the maltreatment,” he said, “all other things would become non-issue. When people stop maltreating widows by denying them of their right to inheritance, our society would be better for it. When we start to experience a situation where we can abolish maltreatment of widows, then every other thing would be sorted out.

    “Then, the widow will no longer be maltreated or ejected from the house where she struggled to build with her husband or denied the happiness of living a normal life with or without a child,’’ he said.

    The guest speaker urged the government, traditional rulers, chiefs, village heads and community leaders as well as politicians to assist widows.

    He said the process of eliminating obnoxious customs goes beyond sending a bill to the National Assembly.

     

  • Group sensitises residents to dangers of glaucoma

    To commemorate the World Glaucoma Week, the Nigerian Optometric Association (Lagos chapter) took to the streets to walk for sight. Thereafter, it held talks and inaugurated its secretariat where it offered the community free eye tests. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    The Nigerian Optometric Association described glaucoma as the ‘silent thief of sight’ and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide which creeps up on its victim without any signs or symptoms.

    One can have glaucoma without knowing that one is living with it. Because of this, a good number of Nigerians from the age of 40 years are at risk of vision loss from glaucoma.

    To reduce one’s risk of blindness, Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association (Lagos chapter), Dr Ogechi Nwokedi warned that a periodic annual eye examination was necessary. By this, an early detection can help in managing the disease.

    In a chat with Southwest Report after the walk by members of the association, Dr Nwokedi lamented the deadly nature of the disease.

    “People should know that glaucoma is an eye disease that causes irreversible blindness. Once blindness has occurred; there is no place in the world that it can be reversed.

    “With this walk, we want them to also know that 80 per cent of glaucoma cases are symptomless and sign-less. It doesn’t give any indications and that is why most people realise they are losing their sight when it is already advanced.

    “It is a ‘silent sight stealer’. It creeps up on its victim. Like a thief, it does not announce that it is there and the affected persons walk around not knowing that they have it. If the patient does not go for routine eye check, he will never know he has it and by the time he does realise that there is something wrong with his eyes, it is already advanced,” she said.

    She warned that glaucoma is no respecter of persons.

    “I want the public to know that nobody is spared. Children can have glaucoma. Young people can have that too. But it is very common in black people and as one gets older.

    “There is no real understanding of the cause and how it works. In some cases, the eye pressure is high, and in others, the optic nerve at the back of the eye that connects the eye to the brain starts getting damaged gradually.

    “Also, the side and straight vision starts eroding gradually when the pressure is much. Any damage done on the nerves can’t be undone.

    Giving comparison between cataract and glaucoma, the doctor said: “One can have cataract and not have glaucoma. Or have the two of them. Cataract has to do with opacity in the lenses of the eye that blocks the person from seeing while the other is a damage of the nerves. Even if one is blind from glaucoma and does a cataract surgery, he still won’t see.

    She advised Nigerians to have glaucoma check every year and if there is any indication of the disease, it should be treated quite early and eliminated.

    “Those prone to having glaucoma are those who the disease runs in the family; those who are 40 years and above and black people. Family members should encourage one another to do periodic checks because if the disease is detected early enough, the blindness is preventable.

    “While some are given eye drops to be used every day for the rest of their lives, they are tempted to drop it when they are not in any pain; discontinuing the use of the eye drops could do much damage. Never run out of eye drops,” she said.

    Other highlight of the event was a free eye assessment for the Yaba community and the launch of the association’s secretariat for scientific research.

  • ‘Let your environment be clean’

    ‘Let your environment be clean’

    Multipro Enterprises Limited, makers of Hypo Bleach, in partnership with Lagos State Ministry of Health and Lagos State Ministry of the Environment have called on Nigerians to maintain a clean and healthy environment to prevent diseases and promote personal hygiene.

    The call was made while celebrating this year’s World Health Day at Evans Square, Simpson Street, Ebutte Metta Lagos.

    The Assistant Director of Health Education Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs Olubunmi Ilawole, who participated in the community sanitation exercise, stressed the need for a cleaner environment.

    She said: “Environment is for the people and it is either clean or dirty due to the number of people that live in such environment. The more people we have in an environment, the dirtier it gets if they don’t clean their environment.

    “In effect, more people will generate more refuse and this is why we have come to sensitise members of the community to the need to consistently keep their environment clean, empty their garbage bins when vehicles of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) come. They should also keep their drainage systems flowing.

    “But we are not just carrying out mere sensitisation. As you can see ambassadors of hypo, we are calling on them to take positive action so that our environment will be clean. So, let us get up and clean it”

    Mrs. Ilawole, however, revealed what the Lagos State Ministry of Health is doing to keep a hygienic environment.

    “We have health educators and environmental officials all over the place and they move around.

    “There are sanctions put in place for people who refuse to clean their environment,” she said.

    Mrs. Tolu Adeyo, who also represented the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment, Waste Management Division, said: “The ministry is partnering with the makers of hypo through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) to take ownership of their environments, we have a new law that encourages people that they should take ownership of their immediate surroundings and make sure they are always clean. This is what the laws say because the cleanliness of their surroundings is very critical to their own health.”

    According to the team, Hypo teamed up with the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Lagos State Ministry of the Environment to sensitise the public to household and environment hygiene.

    Tagged: “Hypo Team Up to Clean Up” with the hashtag #teamuptocleanup, the campaign which was championed by ace radio presenter, Omotunde Adebowale (Lolo 1 of Wazobia 95.1 FM) narrowed down to Simpson Street and the adjoining streets in the Ebutte Meta area of Lagos as host site for the clean-up exercise following an extensive reach of various communities in Lagos.

    The Brand Manager, Hypo Jadesola Surakat, said the campaign which is in its second season, was aimed at fulfilling the corporate responsibility Hypo has towards the society and repositioning the brand from the perceived state of just a whitening agent to a total hygiene solution.

    “Being the leading brand in the category of household cleaning, we recognise our responsibility to the society and therefore deemed it right to make contributions for the betterment of the society.

    “Hypo has become a household brand and there are no better ways to give back than this initiative of influencing a positive behaviour for hygiene by engaging residents of communities. This is a collaborative effort and requires a teaming up with the relevant stakeholders such as influencers and government agencies and parastatals,” she explained.

  • Expert advises drivers on vehicle maintenance

    Ogun State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer Gbenga Ademeyin has advised drivers of heavy duty vehicles to have enough concentration, anticipation and self-discipline while on the wheel.

    He made the plea at one-day workshop organised by the Sren Chemical Limited and Polymer Packaging Limited for their fleet and forklift operators at the companies’ premises at Sango, Ogun State.

    He was accompanied by the Ota Zonal Commander, Paul Kehinde Osukoya and Head of Operation and Southwest Coordinator Taofeeq Babalola.

    He said having a good attitude, skills, knowledge, enough concentration and anticipation are very essential for drivers and operators to enable them to avoid accidents.

    He urged drivers or operators to cultivate the spirit of maintenance of their vehicles, adding that a good driver or operator must be able to detect mechanical fault and have little knowledge of solving it.

    Ademeyin said maintenance is the act of keeping a vehicle in good shape and in good working condition. He said this can be done through inspection, testing engines of vehicles, servicing or replacement of parts/fluids.

    He said regular maintenance is very essential as it guarantees the safety, reliability, durability, longevity and comfort of all vehicles.

    He appealed to the operators to always embark on preventive maintenance. He said a good operator must not wait until an automotive part finally failed before replacing it, saying some vehicle parts are to be replaced frequently to avoid major damage or for safety purposes.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Sren Chemical Limited and Polymer Packaging Limited Mr Taiwo Tijani said the company organised the training to enable their drivers/operators to have adequate knowledge that would guarantee their safety while on the wheel. He noted that no amount of money spent on the training could be compared with human lives.

    He said the company frequently invites fire service commission to train members of staff on fire safety precautions. He added that safety and welfare of members of staff are more important to the management.

    The Ota Zonal Commander Osukoya, urged Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to put more efforts to their screening and inspection duties to ensure that no sub-standard goods are imported into the country.

    He noted that about 40 per cent of motor spare parts, tyres and electrical/electronic appliances imported into Nigeria are fakes.

    He also said the agencies should block all loopholes used by unscrupulous elements to smuggle fake/substandard products into the country, stating that substandard products constituted hazard to public health, lives and property.

    He added that the economy of countries producing or manufacturing sub-standard goods will be progressing while Nigerian economy will continue to dwindle if the loopholes were not blocked.

    He appealed to the agencies to ensure that proper tests and screening of goods imported into the country were carried out, saying Nigeria cannot continue to tolerate senseless destruction of lives and property of the citizens on the roads as a result of use of tyres and motor spare parts that are fake, expired or non-conducive to our environment.

    He maintained that many families have become victims of road crashes and other related disasters as a result of use of fake/expired tyres, motor spare parts, including electrical/electronic products.

    He urged the Federal Government to woo manufacturing companies that have left the country back and help reduce tariffs on imported goods.

    He appealed to the government to seriously deal with anyone caught violating the laws on importation.

  • Taming the monster called domestic violence

    Misunderstanding is a natural phenomenon that occurs between two or more people who live together either as husband and wife or as live-in lovers.

    In a family setting, quarrels between husband and wife may turn violent; with the man having the upper hand during the fray. The man may become violent during the dispute and mistreats the wife. In such situation, it becomes domestic violence or domestic abuse, battering, or family violence.

    Domestic violence can take a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to violent physical abuse.

    Globally, victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly women. Unfortunately, women who are majorly victims of domestic violence do not speak out either because they are ashamed or they want to save the image of the family.

    Worried by this trend, the Sole Administrator, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon Bayo Adefuye, has urged women to “speak out” on issues of domestic violence in their matrimonial homes.

    He spoke during a sensitisation workshop organised for women by Women of Rubies (WOR) (an online platform), in collaboration with Yaba LCDA.

    At the programme, Power Oil gave the participants groundnut oil had their blood pressure checked. Also, Access Bank gave out ballpoints and key holders to the participants.

    Adefuye, who was the keynote speaker, identified causes of domestic violence as jealousy, lack of trust, frustration, recession and either of the spouses being richer than the other, especially the husband.

    He said women are the ones that suffer domestic violence, urging them to talk to their husbands and find out the cause of the violent behaviours.

    According to him, men are not violent from the first day of marriage. Women must therefore know how to engage their husband.

    “Pray for him, understand him, make him happy, be watchful and do everything to calm him down,” he said.

    He urged men to stop being violent on their wives, saying women are meant to be nurtured and well taken care of.

    “Domestic violence affects women psychologically and it could make them raise children in the wrong way,” he said.

    He urged parents not to indulge in beating their children often, adding that when beating becomes much; it could lead to the children becoming rebellious.

    Founder/Editor-in-Chief, Women of Rubies, Esther Ijewere said the programme was designed to encourage, educate, empower and sensitise women to the need to “speak up” when they are abused.

    “We have also trained them on the need to embrace the savings culture. A lot of women are being empowered but they do not know how to save. We have also encouraged them to learn more skills beyond what they have already,” she said.

    Urging women to be financially independent, she advised men to learn to control and discipline themselves. They should learn the rule of “walking away” when they are angry so that they would not lose their level-headedness that will make them mishandle their wives.

    “Real men don’t beat women, because there is nothing to gain from it,” she said.

    Ijewere said Women of Rubies (WOR) is a reputable capacity-building and inspirational online magazine for the celebration of women of substance in the society. She said her passion for humanity, women and the girl-child motivated her to organise the programme.

    Founder, Self-Worth Organisation, Chinyere Anokwuru, who spoke on “Do Something”, shared her life experience which lifted her out of poverty to wealth.

    According to her, the only thing needed to break out of poverty is an idea.

    “When a woman has money, she has an edge. All women must have something doing. You need to talk to yourself and discover your God-given skills. There is no age in education, learning a trade, or starting a business. Change your mindset and be willing to change your situation.”

    To break out of poverty, Anokwuru said women must know what they want; what is needed to achieve; what they want and then go for it.

    “You need information and you will need to acquire more skills.”

    She told the women that the future of their family is in their hands, even as she urged them to wake up and not watch the future get destroyed when they can still do something about it.

    A human right activist, Bukola Ogunyeye said women must report cases of domestic violence, saying it is a criminal offence which has taken a lot of lives.

    “Women must speak out on domestic violence for safety. It is not something to be ashamed of; rather it should be the man that should be ashamed of beating his wife.

    “Domestic violence affects children. It makes them behave the same way when they grow up. It can lead to psychological trauma and make children hate their parents. It also makes women unhappy,” she said.

    A representative from Access Bank, Sandra Orgah, urged participants to save money in the bank for the purpose of interest and a secure future.

    A Nollywood Actor, Doris Simeon, who spoke on “Help is Near”, told the women never to bear domestic violence.

    “You can call 08102678442 or 08085753932 for assistance. You can also report to a police station or share your experience on social media to seek help,” she said.

  • Success seminar for students

    Students who want to excel in their academic careers must study very hard and be good time managers, the Deputy Rector of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Mr Jide Johnson has said.

    Mr. Johnson spoke at the training exercise held for students intending to sit for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by the member representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Mudashiru Akinwunmi Olaitan at his Ifako-Ijaiye Area office penultimate Saturday.

    Denouncing the prevalence of special centres or ‘miracle’ centres that engage in all manner of malpractices, the lawmaker said many students fail because they are undisciplined and lazy, adding that to succeed, students must be determined and willing to pay the price by burning the midnight oil to excel in their academic careers.

    He said: “Whatever you become is a function of your decision. Learn how to manage your time well. Be expectant of the future you want to be, but let it be ingrained in you. That expectation demands discipline.”

    In his welcome remarks, Olaitan said the educational empowerment programme train students from all the 14 wards in his constituency, in how to avoid the errors that could lead to their failure.

    He said: “The seminar was aimed at ensuring that most, if not all those in attendance today pass this year’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) qualifying examination. My belief is that while most parents can afford the cost of JAMB forms, most cannot afford to teach what they would learn at the event.

    He said Planters Educational Consult, which is the consultant for the programme, has brought together seasoned examiners to take the students through common errors that result in students not getting admission into universities of their choice.

    “Passing a qualifying examination requires more than being brilliant. Being sound in subject combination on which questions are to be set may not necessarily translate to being admitted and some of those reasons would be x-rayed by the trainers,” he said.

    Olaitan, who refused to confirm if he will go ahead to distribute free JAMB forms anytime the forms are available for sale revealed that the programme was organised to coincide with his 100 days in office as a member of the House of Representatives, adding that the event has further underscored his desire and interest in education.

    The about 2,500 students were taken through different areas ranging from choosing a career, form collection and filling process, choosing preferred universities offering their courses, which could affect their chances of admission and preparing for the examinations.

    The member representing Mushin Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. Jide Jimoh praised his colleague for what he described as “a unique programme aimed at empowering the students.”

    He said by training the students, Hon. Olaitan has given them an opportunity that many would pay to acquire in order to scale through in the examinations.

    The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council Chief Akin Fadayomi praised the lawmaker for remembering students who are leaders of tomorrow in the area of how to scale through the examination that is critical to their success in life.

    One of the trainers, Mr Mudashiru Balogun said in spite of scoring high marks in JAMB, many students still fail to secure admissions into universities of their choice because they chose the wrong universities.

    Balogun, who said there are over 60 federal universities, 55 states and 57 private universities urged the students to spread their choice instead of concentrating on few ones close to their areas.

    The students drawn from so many secondary schools in the area expressed happiness over the exercise.

    Modupe Ayieola of Adeola Memorial College said she attended the seminar to learn how to avoid errors that could lead to her failure in the forthcoming examination.

    Akeem Buraimoh said he came with the desire to learn because he is determined not to repeat the examination.

    One of the parents, Mr Destiny Nwachukwu thanked the lawmaker for the programme. He expressed the hope that it would translate to higher admission rate of students from the constituency.

    Among other party leaders present at the event were Hon. Jimoh, Chief Fadayomi, Mrs Bisi Allison; the Sole Administrator for Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Dr Waleed Ipaye, and his counterpart at the Ifako-ljaiye Local Government, Mr Babatunde BIQ Rajh-Label and other party chieftains across the 14 wards of Ifako-Ojokoro Federal Constituency among others.

     

  • MOMTAN gets new executive council

    The Motormechs and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) Lagos chapter has elected another executive.

    The old executives handed to the new one at the second delegate conference which was held at National Population Commission, Surulere, Lagos.

    Alhaji Morufdeen Arowolo, the  chairman, said the association was established in 2009 at Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos after an agreement with mechanic associations in Lagos State, namely ATALS AND LSMMTA.

    “The intention and motives of the association is to build professional integrity for its members and address the problems facing the livelihood and lack of patronage for the association in view of the new technology,” he said.

    “Most of the workshops demolished have been replaced. They are Odo-Iyalaro, Sabo Industrial Estate and Jakande mechanics work yards. The activities of the land encroachers (Ajagun Gbale) ,who for selfish reasons demolished various work yards, were saved from being used by some miscreants among the members.”

    “Lagos State government with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education has given the association opportunity to train some of the illiterate and literate members who wish to advance their knowledge in school curriculum”.

    “There is stability of members in various branches. We have given loans to members to assist them in their chosen fields to mention but a few part of the achievements they have made,”, he said.

    Also, there is a technical training for members who are not up-to-date. They were assisted by using some reputable organisations and companies for assistance.

    Again, over 600 members were technically advanced to repair, diagnose, and scan in line   with international standard.

    One of the members who was sent for training abroad promised to support the association for further training in any advanced country.

    Negotiation has been made with a Spanish company (CECATO) for genuine and high standard spare parts to avoid usage of fake and sub-standard spare parts and automobile components.

    Director Auto-Medics, Kunle Sonaike, came with forms to computerise the names of all members of the association in the chapter.

    A community leader from Badagry Division, Mr. Maxwell Ikediuwa, appreciated the majority leader of the Federal House of Representative, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Desmond Elliot for their support and success towards the association.

    Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Area ‘C’ Mr. Onoh Charles said: “I am ready to support the association. Any time there is an emergency in their workshop, they should contact me”.

    Alhaji Arowolo appreciated the effort of the members towards the success of the event.

  • Charity walk for the poor held

    The maiden Charity Walk for the poor by the Lagos chapter of Couples for Christ (CFC) held last Saturday.

    Head of the chapter, Mr. Bob Onwuliri, said at Idimu, a surburb of Lagos, said the walk began from the premises of the SS Mulumba and David Church at Lawanson to the National Stadium, Surulere.

    He explained that the walk was organised by “Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP)”, which was established by the Couples for Christ International Catholic Society, to serve the poor regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.

    Onwuliri said the walk was aimed at creating awareness in education and health care for the poor.

    He said the walk was supported by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, the Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins.

    He said: “Our goal is to raise enough fund to put about 30 children in schools at various levels in the next academic year.

    On the grades of sponsorship,  Onwuliri said a platinum would attract N1.5million; gold   N1million; silver N500,000; while sponsorship for bronze was N200,000.

    For sponsorship,  Onwuliri said the benefits would be discussed, while individual sponsors would be listed in the Banner of Honour to be hoisted at the VIP/Hospitality booth.

    He said payments should be made to “Couples for Christ, Lagos”, while direct payment should be sent to “Couples for Christ – Lagos, Account No. 6060108925 in Fidelity Bank.

    Onwuliri appealed to sponsors to be magnanimous in their giving to provide education and health care to the poorest of the poor.

    On the cost, he said, primary school level would attract N100,000 per year; Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1-3, N160,000; Senior Secondary School (SSS) or Vocation N200,000; while tertiary  would cost N300,000.

    Onwuliri assured that the students would be encouraged to write ‘’you regularly and if you wish to keep your identity, we will undertake the exchange of letters without compromising photo as well as updates on his or her activities’’.

    The Couples for Christ International Catholic Society (CFC), which was founded in 1981 and  established at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Isolo, Lagos 16 years ago.

     

  • Celebrating Tinubu at 65

    Celebrating Tinubu at 65

    Ojo Ibukun Foundation has celebrated All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was a gathering of the high and the mighty at PAYM Event Centre in Naforija, Epe, Lagos on Friday. They dignitaries had gathered to honour the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65.

    The programme was organised by Ojo Ibukun Foundation in collaboration with Hassmowun Foundation. Tinubu was represented by a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr Kunle Abimbola.

    A cultural dance group Oyo Egiri youth ladies, thrilled guests with their scintillating dance steps.

    The APC women decked in green ankara with orange head gear; sang the praises of dignitaries as they arrived at the venue.

    The event, the second of its kind had as its theme “Indigent Pupils Adoption Programme”. It was designed to identify with very indigent pupils in public primary schools in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) by providing them with school items not covered by the free education policy of the Lagos State Government. 300 pupils received items such as books, school bags, uniforms, scandals, socks and writing materials.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule said the gesture was one to complement the free education initiative of the state government, adding that it was also a way to give back to the society.

    “The event demonstrates commitment to philanthropy and love for the less-privileged families. It also shows the volume of dedication and passion for child development.

    “The hearts of these 300 pupils that have been selected to benefit in this year’s programme are delighted. The hearts of their parents are filled with joy that their wards will have a good start in life in acquiring quality basic education.”

    Adebule, represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education District III, Mrs Magret Solarin, noted that there was a limit to what government could do, given the limited resources available to the government to meet various contending needs of the education sector, while also providing enabling environment that is expected to provide quality and effective education for children irrespective of their backgrounds and most especially those who are indigent.

    She urged well-meaning individuals, corporate entities and other philanthropic organisations to emulate the initiative and come up with similar or more innovative ways to complement the efforts of the administration in the education sector.

    “We can come together to identify ways of helping those families and children who are indigent in order to give them better and quality education,” she said.

    She noted that quality education remains the bedrock of any society, adding that it also remains the tool for the eradication of poverty, hunger and disease.

    “Our administration will continue to be focused on the provision of quality, functional and effective education for all our children. We will continue to implement laudable projects and strengthen the free education programme and policies that will enhance the full development of our children irrespective of class, gender or social background,” she said.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Omobolanle Ambode said the foundation has imparted the lives of the less-privileged and shown commitment to the welfare of the indigent at this challenging time.

    Represented by the State’s former Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye Mrs. Ambode commended the foundation for giving back to the society and contributing its quota to the service of humanity.

    “Some less-privileged children within this community who never thought of seeing the four walls of the elementary school have been presented with a life-time opportunity to better their lives through the programme of the foundation,” she said.

    She noted that the items given to the children will embolden their desire to go to school; they will be able to concentrate, learn in class and do well.”

    The convener, Ojo Ibukun Foundation and a former Secretary of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Hon Adeniyi Adekunle Shamsideen said the gesture was not aimed at just helping children that are financially disadvantaged, but also to secure the future of our own children.

    “You cannot bring up a child in isolation. Most of the children of the affluent are getting inducted into deadly cults by the children who never had a chance to live decently due to their challenging background.

    “With this programme, each pupil will receive this benefit till he or she leaves the primary school.

    “This edition was designed to honour Asiwaju, a leader, mentor and philanthropist per excellence for creating Eredo LCDA. His boldness in creating Eredo LCDA gave me the opportunity to serve my people and opened my eyes to their challenges, one of which triggered the initiation of the programme. Many have, through his name, activities and benevolence, become prominent people,” he said.

    He said the foundation was set up to create a platform for joint philanthropy where individuals come together to contribute towards a good cause.

    Chairman, House Committee on Heath, Epe State Constituency II, Hon Olusegun Olulade described Asiwaju as a mentor, a leader that has produced leaders and a hero to the entire black race.

    “Asiwaju is different things to different people. He is a man that transformed Lagos; he made all his successors. He is a philanthropist, an organiser; a strategist-he knows who is fit for every position. He is a man that you can trust his judgment any day any time.

    “He is a mentor to many, even those that have not met him; many people are following him and they believe in his vision. He is a man of no race, religion and tribe, but he is a man of the world. “To some, he is Jagaban, to others he is of the different chieftaincy titles that he had received. He has received so many awards.

    “When he was born, he was not known, but when he started making impact and touching lives, he became known. He believes in everybody’s vision, he is a dogged fighter; he is committed and he is a success. Anybody that comes in contact with him will go back joyfully, because he will have something to give to you- it may be money or strategy,” he said.

    Chief Host and founder of Hassmowum Foundation, Hon Wasiu Odeyemi, described Asiwaju as a man that many people desire to be like.

    “He has gone through many challenges, but he is still standing firm. He has been knocked down, but he stands and keeps fighting. He is a man that believes in others,” he said.

    He noted that the gesture of the convener is a spirit that propels development and leads to nation-building, saying that life is worth living for others.

    “The items donated would ensure that future of the children will be better tomorrow. The gesture is to address some of the challenges that we experience in the educational system, which will give birth to education, liberation, freedom and security.

    “It is time to see the children as our responsibility and make a better life for them by taking them out of any situation that brings them sorrow,” he said.

    Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), represented by Mrs Abosede Omobolanle Adelaja described the gesture of the convener as one that brings great joy to both the pupils, teachers and parents, adding that it had also supported the present administration’s aim in the educational sector.

    According to her, education is a big project that government cannot carry out alone.

    “We need people to collaborate with us to take education to higher levels. Today’s gesture will encourage students to study hard and take education seriously,” she said.

    She urged parents not to leave the entire responsibility of education to teachers. “Teachers cannot do it alone. Parents must support their children, play their role as parents and take care of them.

    She urged them to ensure that the items donated to the pupils are properly used and well kept.

    She called for more partnership to support the education sector.

  • Tijani Adediji: Funeral for great patriarch

    Tijani Adediji: Funeral for great patriarch

    From Thursday, March 23 to Saturday, March 25, the ancient town of Ede in Osun State literally stood still in honour of the departed patriarch of Ikolaba Compound, the late Pa Tijani Ayinde Adedijji (aka Baba Port Harcourt).

    The children and other members of family of Ikolaba Compound held the ancient city spell-bound for three days as they gave their father befitting final burial. The late patriarch had joined his ancestors on March 16, this year at the age of 85.

    Myriad of friends and associates of the late patriarch’s children who include Alhaj Hakeem Adediji, Kola Kazeem Adediji; Mrs. Adefunke Fashola, Alhaji Lukman Adediji, Olajire Rofiyat Adediji, Abiola Oyedeji Adediji and Omolayo Adediji travelled from far and near to pay their last respect to the deceased who loomed larger than life during his lifetime.

    Baba Port Harcourt went back to his Creator a fulfilled man. This great son of Ede land, who spent some part of his life as a member of staff of Public Works Department, carved a niche for himself, as far as selfless and dignified service to humanity were concerned. The late Pa Adediji was a success story. As an amiable person, he was admired by all in Ede.

    Born in 1932, Pa Adediji had a very humble beginning and made the best use of every opportunity that his limited education offered him. He was a great socialite and a good mixer, even as he never failed to adhere strictly to his chosen religion, Islam.

    The patriarch of Ikolaba Compound so much valued education so much so that he gave his children the best of it, believing that education is a the greatest legacy any father could bequeath to his children. The children, in turn, gave a good account of themselves. They are all successful in their chosen professions.

    To demonstrate the great respect they attached to their late father, one of them, Engineer Kola Kazeem Adediji, flew in from Singapore to bid his father farewell. And when it was time for the 8th Day Islamic Fidau Prayer, the children spared no efforts and expenses in ensuring that all went well for their guests.

    It was a carnival of sort, which people will not fail to remember for a long time. Ede became a ‘Mecca’ of sort, as Pa Adediji’s children, well-wishers from London, the United States and other parts of Nigeria were eager to participate in the events as a show of solidarity.

    Prayers by top Islamic clerics drawn from various groups in Ede land were offered at Oke-Gada, Ede the residence of the deceased. Alhaji Abdul-Ganiy Abiodun Adediji, who is the Olori Ebi (head of the family), was available to make the Alfas comfortable as they left happier than they came.

    On Friday, March 24, the children of Pa Adediji sent prayer mats and ablution kettles to all Jumat Mosques in Ede, to further demonstrate their appreciation to Allah for a life well lived by their father.

    The grand reception for guests shifted to Western Sun Hotel Ede, where choice foods and drinks were served. Nothing was lacking. On the bandstand was Olu Mighty from Ile-Ife, who sang sonorous highlife music to the admiration of the guests. Men, women, including the young and old twirled to the melodious rhythms of the music which calmed their frayed nerves. The ambience of Western Sun Hotel provided an environment cozy enough for the reception so much so that guests were not in a hurry to leave for their homes.

    Speaking glowingly about his late father, one of the sons, Kola said aside from God’s protection and mercy, he and his siblings owed every inch of their successes to the prayers and fatherly support of their late father.

    His father, he said, ensured that they embraced western education, even though his resources were meager. Kola described his father as a complete and non-discriminatory family man, who gave equal attention and love to all.

    The Singapore-based Chemist, who is the Treasurer of African Southeast Asia Chamber of Commerce, stated that he would forever miss the wise counsels of his father. He promised that the family will do all within its power to immortalise Pa Adediji who he described as a great man. He also revealed that his father was the President, Egbe Irawo Owuro Port Harcourt during his lifetime.

    • Lawal wrote from Ede, Osun State.