The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Fresh start for cancer care in Ondo

    On this year’s World Cancer day on February 4, the BG Event Centre in Akure, the Ondo State capital, witnessed a huge crowd who trooped in to listen to medical experts from home and abroad discuss cancer prevention, control and community participation, reports HANNAH OJO.

    There is a new order in Ondo state. The Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), an NGO galvanising action for cancer care and prevention took the message of cancer care to the state by organising town hall meeting where the gown met the town as medical experts drawn from home and the Diaspora got to enlighten people on the cancer challenge.   Themed  ”Cancer: Prevention, Control and Community Participation”; the event couldn’t have come at a better time for a state where  96 percent of breast cancer patients present with stages 3 and 4, according to statistics from the Federal Medical Centre , Owo.

    The day stood out to be a period of talks with practical demonstration as Dr Aba Katung, a consultant Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo set the pace for the day’s discourse with a presentation on cancer in Ondo state and the burden of cancer in Nigeria.

    Describing cancer in Nigeria as an undiscovered epidemic, Dr Katung reeled out statistic showing a grim reality of the cancer burden in Nigeria.

    “100,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in Nigeria (this figure is smaller than real) and about 71, 000 to 80,000 deaths are recorded annually. There has not been any cancer screening activity in Ondo state.  Most of our patients present with advanced tumors. The emerging trends in cancer development include increase in incidence in third world countries,” Dr Katung offered.

    For Dr Kingsley Udoh, a researcher and global health expert from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research centre in Seattle, Washington, the fact that data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington showed cancer has surpassed the deaths attributable to HIV, TB and malaria combined, is a call for concerted effort from home and abroad.

    Speaking on the role of the diaspora as it relates to healthcare reforms in cancer prevention, he said: “I think Nigerians in diaspora can do a lot. We have experts in many fields from developing cancer registers and knowing what the read epidermology of  cancer is in Nigeria to exchange trainings where our doctors can go to western countries to see how things are done and how they can adapt. Connections can be made by Nigerians in diaspora to really help the government improve the level of infrastructure in the health care system.”

    For Dr Olumide Aladesuru, a general surgeon at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife who delivered a presentation on understanding cancer, he charged the audience to use the advantage of the internet to educate themselves about the disease rather than give in to fear and superstition of what cancer is not.

    Tasking government and advocacy agencies to work in the area of creating awareness in communities, the medic added; “If people can learn to know that cancer can be identified and there are measures to prevent, treat and managed it, then it can be minimized. I believe the measure of call is enlightenment, especially in rural communities where many cannot use the internet”.

    There are a number of behavioural and dietary risk factors which can increase the risk of having cancer. To this, Dr Babatunde Adedokun, a lecturer from the department of Epidermology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, listed age,  tobacco use, alcohol intake, overweight and physical activity, air pollution, e.t.c.

    The Chair of the Nigerian Medical Association, Oyo State branch, Dr Mojisola Atalabi-Oladele,  who chaired the town hall meeting, urged the people of Ondo to rise up to fight the disease taking it’s toil on women in developing countries.  Also, the Eyesorun of Akure, Olori Abimbola Aladetoyinbo who attended the event in company of HRM. Oba Adelusi Aladetoyinbo, the Deji of Akure, the Royal Father of the day, gave a prepared speech, challenging government to rise up to the health challenge confronting women health. Whilst pledging to support awareness programmes in rural communities in Akure, she equally advised women to go for regular medical checkups in order to prevent cases of late presentation.

     

    A survivor’s road map to

    comprehensive cancer care

     

    For a woman who has been a breast cancer survivor of twenty years and still counting, it sure does not come as an exaggeration to label Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu  an elegant stallion. Founding BRECAN in 1997 after her experience with breast cancer, she has been at the forefront of galvanising action in the area of advocacy and awareness. This activity has taken her across states within Nigeria and countries around the world.

    As her lilt voice cuts across the room, she addressed the participants with liveliness, emphasizing to all that Ondo people are set for a new dawn where women health will become priority in the state.

    Delving into the “Igba Otun” song, a refrain meaning “new dawn” which her husband campaigned with and won the governorship ticket in Ondo state, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu charged the audience to embrace a bottom-top-approach in fighting the cancer burden in Nigeria.

    “In today’s development sector, the top-down approach has been discarded because it did not produce the desired results. The new paradigm is bottom-top approach.

    “Hardly do we hear about any serious cancer awareness programme carried out by ministries of health at state and federal levels. This is where community participation comes in handy. It is driven by need”, she said explained.

    Disclosing that the town hall meeting is a starter of what more to expect in terms of health care in the state with the incoming administration, Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu affirmed that she is committed to demonstrating the fact that good governance is possible when there is sincerity of purpose.

    In a country where there are no comprehensive cancer care and treatment facilities, how does she hope to fulfill the mission of cancer care for Ondo women in the midst of dwindling health revenue?

    “I made it clear to the people of Ondo State that this is a non-governmental organisation programme   which depends on public support.  Already, I have laid the foundation so when people start programmes in the communities, they have to understand that they have to go and search for funds.  This is part of weaning people from dependency on government. Let the communities direct their own affairs and then go to government for support, I think they will earn more respect,” she stipulated.

    BRECAN also marked the 2017 world cancer day in Lagos, Ibadan and Enugu.

     

  • Best WASSCE student gets cash, schorlarship

    Best WASSCE student gets cash, schorlarship

    The overall best student in West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2015, David Babalola, has been honoured by the newly inaugurated School Governing Board (SGB), of Jericho High School, Ibadan.

    The Chairman of SGB, Jericho High School, Michael Ale,  presented N100,000 to Babalola, who is  studying Medicine at the University of Ibadan (UI).

    Babalola, who was also presented a cheque of N250,000 by Oyo State Govawarded a scholarship throughout the rest of his studies in UI.

    Ale, who is also the National President of Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners & Practitioners (AWDROP, said: “The more you encourage a child, the more he grows in knowledge, urging parents and guardians to tutor their children into excellence.”

    On his new appointment, he said: “As it is clearly stated in our letter of appointment not to meddle with the school law or the school education policy, but it’s for us to go through the policy that has been carefully selected.

    “I am very ready to use my acumen as a development practitioner, as a project manager to see beyond now. We shall look beyond now to five years to see that we bring value that is necessary, the value that we expected in a public school that will look more like private settings, especially my Alma Mata. Jericho High School brought me up to this level, it invested in me and has done a lot for me in the area of education, social interaction, ethics and moral value.

    “We will ensure that will turn the face of education around in the school from the area of decadence, and we will inculcate morals in the student. Within the next two years they will experience great transformation especially in the performance of the student and I can say very clearly that students can’t perform without teachers, so we are going to start our repositioning from the teachers. Teachers too cannot perform without an enabling environment, which we are going to start from an enabling environment, there cannot be an enabling environment without a cash support, so we are going to have a cash support, we cannot have a cash support relying on the government alone, there is going to be a kind of innovative way to be sponsored from the private sector, lobbying, and others to ensure that we have a type of school that we all wish.”

    Ale further note that he will not work on Jericho High School alone, but will collaborate with other schools and learn from their own way, copy and imitate good things from them.

    Babalola thanked Ale for his  donation, adding that it would prompt him to perform better.

    “I am able to be where I am today with the hekp of God, my parents and teachers who stood by me and discipline me when necessary. I will never disappoint you but will do more to achieve another feat,” he said

  • He is just two … but dying

    He is just two … but dying

    Kehinde Oluwapemisayo Akinbo, the second of a set of twins, is two years, but he looks as if he were a year younger than his brother, Taiwo. The twins were born on August 11, 2014. They were growing up together but when it got to a time to walk, it was only Taiwo that could walk but Kehinde could not walk and struggled to grow in size.

    When Kehinde ’s mother, Mrs Damilola Akinbo,  noticed that his legs are weak and not straight, she took him to an orthopaedic hospital at Igbobi, Yaba in Lagos believing that the boy had dislocation.

    All the effort by the doctors in the hospital proved abortive and was from there referred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH).

    Mrs Akinbo said Kehinde also has challenges with his strength as he cannot play well and gets tired easily.

    According to her, despite huge expenses on the boy’s health, no positive result has been achieved; instead, it became worse.

    It was when he was referred to a heart treatment section at LASUTH that it was discovered that he has a heart problem. And the only means he can get over it is through a surgery at Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, New Delhi in India.

    It was learnt that the needed surgery would cost N3,714 000 to cater for his surgery and travelling to India. But his parents have been trying all means to gather money since last year to no avail.

    The disturbed mother has pleaded with generous Nigerians and Governor  Akinwunmi Ambode to come to her son’s aid as they have spent all they have on his health and cannot withstand the financial burden of the needed surgery.

    A bank account which has been open to that effect is as follow: Account Name: John Oluwapemisayo Akinbo. Guarantee Trust Bank, Account number: 0229742485

     

  • Aregbesola, Gbadegesin: Awolowo’s ideals indelible

    Aregbesola, Gbadegesin: Awolowo’s ideals indelible

    The launch of the book, Obafemi Awolowo, Lessons in Leadership and Legacy, was an opportunity to remember the late sage and premier of the Western, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

    Thirty years after he died, the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, remains a source of leadership inspiration to many.

    He legacies remain indelible, no wonder political scientists and scholars are fascinated by the subject of Awolowo.

    A new book, Obefemi Awolowo: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy, was launched last week in Ibadan. Edited by the Acting Head, Department of Politics and International Relations, Lead City University, Dr Tunde Oseni, it is a collection of essays on diverse perspectives by 11 scholars across nine institutions.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was the guest of honour, said the late Awolowo demonstrated selfless leadership.

    “He has provided inspiration for me as a governor,” said Aregbesola, who was represented by the Head of Service Mr Sunday Owoeye.

    Aregbesola said he studies the “Awolowo book of governance”, adding that every leader who wishes to succeed must learn lessons from the late sage.

    “What I learnt most from him is the ability to set goals, attract the best, and mobilise resources to achieve objectives. He is a model in every way. And for the foreseeable future, he’ll remain relevant

    “I am always excited to talk about our inimitable leader, Chief Awolowo. He was a leader of leaders. One of the hallmarks of leadership is that your work stands long after you have left the scene.

    “This is because they are enduring works, and second, you have mentored others who will take the mantle of leadership and take off from where you stopped.

    “We remember Awolowo today and forever, not only for the iconic Cocoa House, the first television station in Africa, the farm settlements, free education and so on, but more because he was such a positive influence on people that have since become politically correct to claim to be an Awoist,” Aregbesola said.

    Among contributors to the book is Prof Segun Gbadegesin of the Howard University, Washington DC.

    According to him, even though Awolowo was dead, it was in the interest of Nigeria “to go back to him from time to time to make our nation as great as it is destined to be”.

    Writing on the theme: Envisioning National Progress: Building on the legacy of Obafemi Awolowo, he says: “Chief Awowolo did what was humanly possible to make Nigeria great. But like the last son of Orunmila, Nigeria shunned and disrespected him. He left for the land of ancestors.

    “But for the faithful who believe in him and his strategies for making Nigeria great, he left them the tools, the outcome of his sleepless nights, the result of his deep thoughts, to consult and reflect upon as we continue to struggle for progress and development.”

    In the book’s forward, eminent professor of political science, Alaba Ogunsanwo, described the late Awolowo as “an organiser and mobiliser of human and material resources par excellence.”

    “This book is about him and the values that others may or should emulate from him,” Ogunswanwo said, adding that the late Awolowo was a visionary leader who was able to identify and utilise the genius in others.

    Oseni said the book was written to widen the discourse and debate about leadership values “within the precepts, prospects and opportunities of and for national unity, integration and development.”

    He said it was also designed to enhance a positive, productive and progressive understanding of leadership qualities of one of the greatest Nigerian leaders that ever lived.

    “Short of being a sheer hagiography, this book is aimed largely at enlivening debates and discussions about one of Africa’s and world’s best leaders of all times,” he said.

    Oseni said the book’s cover price is N2,000 and is available on Amazon, Konga, Dealdey and major university bookshops, among others

    A book of poetry written by Dr Oseni, My London Poems, was also presented at the event.

    The Youth Focus Initiative, an NGO founded by Oseni, presented the Youth Focus Role Model Awards to individuals whose sterling contributions in public service, career progression and social development are worthy of emulation by young people. The NGO is involved in leadership training, personal development, and community service.

    The awardees are Aregbesola, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), Gov Abiola Ajimobi, Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, Muyiwa Ige, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Minister of Technology Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, and publisher Akinyode Oyewusi.

    Others are Chief Babatunde Soares, a Deputy Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, an Assistant Commissioner of Police Sybil Akinfenwa, Mrs  Febisola Okonkwo, Aisha Lawal and Fisayo Soyombo.

     

  • My 33 years in the police, by ex-AIG Ajakaiye

    My 33 years in the police, by ex-AIG Ajakaiye

    Chief Ade Ajakaiye retired from the Police Force in February 2008, as an Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 6, Calabar, which covers Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi and Rivers states. He spoke with TAYO JOHNSON on his experience in the police and other issues.

    Experience in the police

    As a junior officer, I worked as Divisional Police Officer in many stations in the old Oyo State and as a Chief Superintendent of Police. I served in the Force Headquarter then in Lagos in the public relations department. And I really enjoyed it because initially that is where I wanted to serve in Nigeria Police. I served also in Zone 5 in Edo State as Deputy Commissioner in the operations department. I served in Kano State too as Deputy Commissioner in the command and I served in Lagos and Borno states as Commissioner of Police, and as AIG I served in Zone 9 Umuahia covering Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers and Ebonyi and Rivers states. I served also in Zone 8 Lokoja and Zone 6 Calabar where I retired in January 2008.

    33 years and the challenges

    Every day for a police officer is a day of challenges and there was a case I can never forget so quickly. When I was a Commissioner of Police at the Special Fraud Unit (SFT) in Lagos State, I handled a case and my intention was pure and simple to polish police image. The case involved an investigation into N100 million fraud. A customer had taken the money to a bank to change to dollars. I did my investigation with all sincerity of purpose and good will, but the authority thought then I had taken bribe to do the job because of that I was removed as the Commissioner of police in charge of SFU and moved to Force headquarter on special duty where I had no office for six months. I was being prosecuted for something I investigated with a pure heart. But perhaps any of my officer took bribe, I wouldn’t know because neither the complainant nor the suspect brought such a complaint to me. Any time I remember that case I always know that God justifies the righteous and I am still happy. Fortunately, my own investigation on that case correlated with the findings of the Central Bank of Nigeria. That is a big vindication.

    Life after service

    I thank God that I retired happily and in good health. When I looked back at my life, I always give glory to God. As a police officer, your decisions cannot always be yours because you have to take orders and instruction from your superior; when of course the order or instruction is legal. All glory and thanks to God who has kept me alive and sound till this day.

    I have been doing a lot of writing in poetry, articles for newspapers and other literary things. I also engage in gardening, reading and small businesses to continue to make life meaningful and healthy and my environment more friendly. For me that is the essence of life.

    Assisting the govt

    Why not? It is a called to duty to the nation. I am still ready to serve the nation in any capacity I can, that will promote the interest of Nigeria.

    Security firm

    You know everything you do springs from your soul and interest. I have been writing poems since my secondary school days and my interest on it develops daily and that is why I have rediscovered this talent again. Not every retired officer sets up security outfit. By the grace of God, I will make a public presentation of my third poetry book titled: “Fire in my Soul” in March this year. It’s about the social, religious and economic issues in Nigeria.

    Thoughts on bribery

    in the police

    Some policemen may be corrupt, but not all policemen are corrupt. If Nigerians are not corrupt, then the police too will not be corrupt, because if the environment is clean, the people too will be clean. I am glad to note that no police officer has been indicted today in the ongoing corruption war in the country. On this note I wish to commend Mr. President and his government for fighting corruptions in the country relentlessly. The Police are only responding to the behaviours of Nigerians when it comes to the issue of bribery and corruption. I have come across some policemen that will never collect bribe. But I am not in any case approving of bribery and corruption. No! What I have said is only on the narrative of corruption in Nigeria and the police.

     10,000 new officers

    They need high level of disciplined because the junior officers seem to lack discipline. Ten thousand new officers is an added advantage for the force operationally. But how will they recruit such a high number without recruiting criminals? That’s an issue. Anybody that lacks good character should be thrown out. Discipline is the soul of any organization, especially the security forces.

    Magu and Senate

    It’s so sad that everything in this country is being politicised. Politicians will always be politicians. The acting Chairman of EFCC worked under me when I was the CP Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. He is a devoted and seasoned officer, and I have looked at those who are calling for his removal and found out that he is only being witch-hunted. They should allow those who are capable to handle this job do it. The senate should confirm Ibrahim Magu. I know he is so thorough and a sticker to details and facts. He is reliable and not corrupt.

    It seems to me the Senate wants to use the issue of Magu’ confirmation to gain some leverage against the Executive. Nigerians need to seek for the progress of this country, and it does not depend solely on the Presidency. Lawmakers, the Judiciary and every citizen need to stand up for the truth. The progress of Nigeria is a duty for every citizen. Nigeria belongs to us all. I say it as I see it.

    Politics

    I can’t be a politician because I don’t have the resources to fight the war! Yes! But everybody is a political animal as you know. And as I want the best for my community and my country, you can say I am a politician in a sense. As long as I live I want to serve God, my community, as well as my country. That is the biggest legacy. I also don’t have the temperament to be a politician.

  • Philantropist donates health centre to community

    Philantropist donates health centre to community

    Raybam Event Centre, Oja in Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area  was filled to the brim when the Wahab R. Ajulo Foundation donated a primary health centre  (PHC) to the Ajasa community and its environs.

    The joy expressed by Ajasa residents  at the inauguration was infectious as different tribes living in the community put aside tribalism and trooped out for the event.  Gaily dressed in different traditional costumes, they sang with gusto, accompanied with indigenous musical instruments to show that they appreciated the  health centre.

    The health centre is a storey building that has seven rooms/wards, a consulting room, an out-patient parlour, five toilets and a store as well as the doctor’s office. It  has two access culverts with drainage.

    The PHC, according to Hon. Wahab Ajulo, is a product of humanitarian service informed by his passion for the residents. He said he was moved to build the centre because there was none in community, and most of the people who came to  him for assistance had health challenges.

    The Oba of Ajasa, Oba Sule Subaru Odualabe, allocated a piece of land for the centre and encouraged him throughout the building period.

    “My poor background from a rural area devoid of this facility for a long time fired my philanthropic tendencies. It has been my innate resolve to help the less privileged with my God given opportunities and resources,” stated Ajulo.

    On why he named the centre after Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Ajulo said: “He is a symbol of philanthropy and good will. Oranmiyan symbol loves people, he is very hard working and a socialite that fears God. He is worthy to be emulated because he has people constantly on his mind. He has demonstrated that he is actually the symbol of the young, the old, the rich and the less-privileged in Alimosho. That is why I dedicated this project to him and named it after him – Rauf Aregbesola Health Centre, Ajasa.

    Ajulo appreciated a Corps member, Miss Esther Adeyanju, from Edo State, who, he said, initiated the idea, and shared it with him. Hon Ajulo said she served at the Command Secondary School as assistant librarian.

    Miss Adeyanju said: “I served in this community in 2011/12. I used to move round the community and got to know that their desire was to get a health centre because of the stress they go  through to obtain medicare  in far away places, such as the  General Hospital, Ile-Epo. I brought the idea to the Oba and Ajulo. They keyed into it. The Oba gave the land while the Honourable built the centre. The achievement of today is commendable. I give God the glory.”

    Yeye Otunba Bamidele Ologun, owner of Raybam Event Centre, expressed satisfaction with the health centre, saying mothers in the community would be relieved because they could easily access health care 24/7 for themselves, their children including family planning.

    “I and my husband are happy to identify with Ajulo because he is ever helping people in the community. He is into great development of this community. We appreciate him and wish him well in all his future aspirations,’’ she said.

    The event was graced by Yoruba and other tribes in the communities.

    Representative of Governor Aregbesola Hon. Ade Ipaye chaired the event. Lagos Commissioner for Women Affairs Uzamat Akingbile-Yusuf represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Other dignitaries included the  Olojota of Ojota, Oba Adewale Cole, the Alajasa of Ajasa, Oba Sule Odualabe, the Olu of Meiran Land, Oba Awoniyi Oroja, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Alimoso, Solomon Ogundola,  a former member, House of Representatives, Hon. Yemi Adedeji, and  Organising Secretary, APC, Lagos, Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo, among others.

  • Cleric preaches closeness to God as mosque clocks 10

    Cleric preaches closeness to God as mosque clocks 10

    A Muslim cleric, Sheikh Mustapha Yusuf Temidire, has urged the citizenry to turn to God in prayer for divine intervention over the challenges facing the country.

    Quoting the Quran, the cleric said through supplications, God “shall be our guardian to the right path. He will surely ease our hardship”.

    He spoke in a special sermon at the 10th year anniversary of Jama’at of Temidire Salam International Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    Sheikh Temidire, who urged Nigerians to respect their leaders irrespective of the hardship they were facing, said: “Allah made us understand in the Holy Quran that He created all His creatures for a purpose and also among His creations he choose whom he pleases to be in high position such as the president, leader of a community, commissioner and others (Suratul Qasas V 68).

    “As the situation of Nigeria is that everyone is feeling hardship, the only way out of the problem, according to the Quran, is to run back to Almighty Allah, pray to him and he shall be our guardian to the right path. He will surely ease our hardship. During the lifetime of Prophet Shuiab (peace be upon him) in Modyan city, he advised his people then not to backbite and avoid all evil such as killing, embezzling and others this can be seen in (Suratul Aaraf V 73)

    “Therefore, the only way out of the problems in Nigeria today is prayer as we all know that “prayer is the master key.”

    He counselled leaders that they occupied positions of trust and they would be accountable to God.

    The cleric said: “However, whoever Almighty Allah Has appointed the leader or the head of a state should execute his or her leadership as it is laid in the Holy Quran.

    “According to the Quran ‘surely Allah commands you to make over trust to their owners and that when you judge between people, you judge with justice, surely Allah admonishes you with his excellence. Allah is all seeing and Hearing (Suratul Nisai V 58)’.

    “This noble verse of the holy Quran makes us to know that for you to be a leader, you have to be trustworthy, dependable, loyal and faithful to your people, and these has to begin with your family and neighbourhoods and the justice that is well welcomed by Almighty Allah. And this is what we can see with the administration of our president and his subordinates. They are firm with Allah’s commandments…”).

    He explained that the mosque has been offering special prayers to God to ease the hardship facing the citizenry.

    According to him, the mosque was founded on November 1, 2006, “on the basic tenets of Islam that must be observed as can be found in the holy Quran in Suratul Baqarah verse 177, which states and I quote ‘it is not righteousness that you turn your face east or west but to believe in Allah, the last day, the angels, the book and the messengers”.

    Its members, the cleric said, also spent part of their wealth out of love for God on not only their families, “but on the orphans, the travellers and the beggars”.

    In obedient to God, he said, his members “are steadfast in prayers and give Zakat, fulfil all contractual obligations, are firm and patient under any circumstances and God-fearing’.

    “This is Islam code of conduct, which must be observed before ever practising the five daily prayers to qualify to be called a Muslim.  This is our guiding principle in this society called Temidire Salam International Central Mosque and that is what is lacking in our society today. We Nigerians are neither our brother’s keeper nor God-fearing, including our so called leaders.

    “We do not limit ourselves to just preaching and propagating the cause of Islam, we award scholarships to indigent students and those that excel in our Annual Quran competitions to cover both their western and Islam education, irrespective of whether they are our members or not and whether they attend private or public schools or class,”  Sheikh Temidire said.

  • ‘Owo not expecting varsity from Akeredolu’

    The Ogbeni Oja of Owo Kingdom, Chief Akin Aruwajoye, is the national coordinator of Owo is One Movement (OOM). In this interview with LEKE AKEREDOLU, he spoke on how the group worked assiduously in Owo and Ose local governments for Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s victory, among others

    The major target of your group was for Owo to produce the next governor of Ondo State, how were you able to achieve this?

    The major goal of our organisation is not to produce a governor. The main objective of our organisation is to bring development ýand prosperity to our people. It was coincidental that the first major thing we did that people would know about was our campaign to get one of us elected as the governor of Ondo State. This is only one of the tools of getting development and improving the well-being of our people and of course it was a very intense struggle but we thank God and we also thank the people of Ondo State who reasoned with us and make it possible for us to achieve that objective.

    Many Owo sons and daughters participated in the September 3, 2016 governorship primary of APC, how were you able to manage the wrangling among them, and ensure they all worked for Akeredolu during the poll?

    We called our people and we let them know that this thing you are going after it should be the tool to be used in getting improvement of lives of the people of Ondo State. ýWith that, it was possible to call back our people that if you want to go and represent us and we don’t give you our mandate, then you go and queue again because they are lot of other areas in the community where you can perform. Now, we have one of us as the candidate of a major party, all you need to do to contribute to the community is to support the candidate so that if he emerges, we will know we have somebody somewhere who we can talk to, who will listen to us. They all agreed. If we have started with anointing a governorship candidate, it would have been difficult but we told them that we wanted somebody who could work for our community.

    What roles did your organisation play in ensuring your people speak with one voice?

    Owo is One Movement is a grassroot movement. It is actually the movement of Owo and Ose people. We have found out that our people were complacent. They did not believe that they could get improvement to their taste through the political structure and actually, we have been marginalised for so long. Our people have suffered extreme negligence and marginalisation. So, the movement now went to work with the community and explaining to them that active participation in the political process was part of the tools for achieving the economic development and improvement they wanted. Thank God because they found out that we are genuine, the leadership of Owo is One does not consist of politicians. They are ordinary people on the street, credible, who had done one or two things in their lives and the community has seen that they are successful and not greedy or wanted a political post to further push their personal interest. It was a very strong mobilisation effort that included all the Obas, all the Chiefs, farmers, artisans and others. They all knew that what the organisation wanted was development and progress in the community. So, they supported the philosophy of Owo is One Movement than their political affiliations. The votes in Owo and Ose, I can tell you, were not on party basis. It was on an advice the organisation wanted the people to do and that was what they did.

    How will your organisation advise the incoming government to tackle all the challenges that it will inherit?

    Government is a continuum and ýin every government, there is always a challenge. It is for the people, who are in the government to rise up to the challenges. In America, Barrack Obama took over government during the economic recession. He clarified his programmes and worked on issues to restore the economy to growth and by the time he left office, the American economy had come back. Now, that a new government is coming in Ondo State, I am very positive that with the kind of people he has put in the various committees he set up that they would be able to articulate measures and steps that will be taken to reduce the stress in our system. I am very positive that Governor-elect Rotimi Akeredolu is very intelligent, smart and educated person and from the little I have seen through those he has selected in his inaugural and transition committees, I think there will be ideas that will be generated and which will make him survive the economic doldrums.

    What areas are you expecting the governor-elect to work on?

    We are talking with ourselves to articulate our needs and wants and present to the government. He should enthrone good governance, transparency, accountability, reduce the leakages in the system, put in more efficiency in the running of government. If he does all these, the whole state will be better.

    How will your organisation expect the governor-elect impact on Owo?

    It is standard in this part of the world. We have seen what other governors have done impacting in their communities. We expect that he will impact on our community in the same way. For instance, the dualised road in Owo was just about three quarters of the length of the road. Ordinarily, we have expected that it is the whole road that should be dualised. All the roads dualised in other places come with streetlights but ours is just blind road with nothing. We expect that he will correct that obvious sign of neglect and marginalisation and those things that will improve the life of our people generally.

    Since 1999, there is one thing that is so common with the governors. They always siteuUniversities in their towns; are you expecting Akeredolu to site a university in Owo?

    That is not within our expectation. We could desire it but then, we know how functional or how much the University in Okitipupa has been developed. We know all the crisis of lack of resources that Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko is suffering from. We know that the Polytechnic in Owo is being under-staffed. We will not expect our son to go and do cosmetic things or rather to work a plan that is just copycatting. We expect him to put a lot of thought to what he does and he does what will benefit the people, not just his community.

    What kind of people are you expecting the incoming governor to put in his cabinet?

    I looked at the list of people who are put in the committees on the ýstrategic planning and infrastructures and many of them are universities professors. A lot of them tested professionals, who had demonstrated capacities over several years. I will imagine that his cabinet should be made up of such people. People who know that at this stage of our lives, at this stage of our economy, at this stage in our country, we need to improve the efficiency of our system, we need to increase productivity, we need to be innovative and creative.

    Don’t you think, those core politicians, who laboured for him during the primary and the major election will see this cheating?

    Life really is management of conflicts. If there are no conflicts, then there is no more life. But he has been tested too, if you recall, he was National President of Nigeria Bar Association, and he is top notch lawyer. What thing the lawyer said about themselves is that they know little about everything.

  • ‘We need to re-organise Ijoko-Otta’

    Residents of Ijoko-Otta in Ogun State have stressed the need to re-organise the town. They also pledged loyalty to the Onijoko of Ijoko Otta Awori land, Oba Abdul Fatai Alani Matanmi (Otutu bi Osu 1).

    Alhaji Isiaka Adekunle spoke on behalf of stakeholders after a meeting at their traditional ruler’s palace of Onijoko.

    Representatives of all club, societies, artisans and professionals in Ijoko-Otta attended the meeting.

    Adekunle explained that Oba Matanmi has sacrificed a lot for Ijoko-Otta freedom.

    “He was on exile for ten years, from 2006 to 2016, but now that he is back, peace, love, unity and development has returned to the land,” he said.

    He called on all the stakeholders to see the gathering tagged ‘Peace, Security and Development’ as a means of enlightening the populace about the town.

    ”We need to re-organise and re-structure Ijoko-Otta. The two palaces which were burnt have to be rebuilt. Some of the chiefs who died will be replaced to have new cabinet,” Adekunle said.

    Oba Matanmi said: “Ijoko-Otta was founded by my late grandfather in 1850. I have got the Supreme Court judgment to be the authentic Oniijoko of Ijoko-Otta and it was confirmed by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his hilltop residence.”

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Wasiu Ademola representing the Area Commander of Otta zone and the representative of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Adegboyega Tajudeen, praised Oba Matanmi for the meeting.

    Dignitaries at the occasion include Alhaji Bajela Mikail, Council of Chiefs of Onijoko, 27 CDA, 11 clubs and various associations.

     

  • Group to Fed Govt: tackle criminals without bias

    The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) has appealed to Nigerians to stop the colouration of crime based on religious sentiments.

    Its President Alhaji Sulaiman Yusuf said the Federal Government should punish offenders, regardless of their tribe or religion.

    Yusuf said this at the first 2017 National Executive meeting of the association in Lagos.

    He noted that herdsmen were first Nigerian citizens and should be prosecuted accordingly if they are found guilty in court of crimes.

    The cleric said: “Let’s pay more attention to the issue of national security. During this hardship, we should not compound people’s problems. They should be free to go about their activities safely. The best way to address issues that we have around us is to be open-minded. We are Nigerians. Whosoever behaves well, we acknowledge them, whoever doesn’t behave well, we identify them as an individual or group and deal with them decisively. The moment you start bringing in religious colouration, you start having sympathy for people.

    “Nigerians should see people as Nigerian citizens and if they are not doing well, we bring them out and deal with them, without necessarily bringing out the issue of religion. This is not palatable for us.”

    He noted that citizens’ basic rights to life and security should be defended, rather than infringed upon.

    “I think what government should do is that wherever you may be in any part of Nigeria, if you identify any group of people that are not doing the right thing, there are rights and obligations. We are citizens and we have the right to live. But you should know where your right stops. You don’t tamper with other people’s rights. So people need to be educated and properly guided. And if they are doing things that are wrong, we should stop them in time. Time is very important in anything we are doing. If you waste time, things will get worse. It should be recognised that you have no right to start killing people unnecessarily. They are people like you. They are not different. We are all made by God. You are not special in anyway,” Yusuf said.

    The Muslim leader also called on government to step up efforts to revive the economy through agriculture and provision of employment.

    Yusuf said: “Also on the economy, we still have a large number of unemployed youths out there. I think we need to do more to ensure that unemployed graduates have jobs to do. Idle hand is the devil’s workshop. People are crying of hardship every day and this has to be revoked.

    “More should be done on our agricultural expansion programme to ensure that food is available for the citizens. We are happy with the collaboration Lagos State is having with Kebbi. More of such need to be done. We are not limiting these issues to Federal Government. The state and local governments also have their roles to play. They must buckle up this year and deliver as expected. People are waiting on these three tiers of government to deliver on their promises so that life can be better off for the citizens.”