The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Patient needs N25m to live

    Patient needs N25m to live

    Olutayo has lofty dreams to accomplish. His signature on his works speaks of his creativity in photography. But his dreams are collapsing. He had been treating malaria and typhoid fever until a comprehensive test he underwent revealed that his two kidneys had packed up. ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE  writes that, determined to be alive, Olutayo solicits financial assistance from Nigerians to undergo a kidney transplant which will cost him N25 million. 

    At 39; Olutayo Itayemi is a gangly young man with great and lofty dreams. Not only did he have the dream of leaving his name on the sands of time, he also looks forward to settling down and building a family, and make a statement out of photography; a profession he loved with passion.

    His signature on his works speaks of his creativity in photography. But his dreams are collapsing around him, no thanks to the result of a comprehensive test he had to run on his failing health sometime in July.

    Prior to the test, Olutayo had thought nothing of his failing health, which he considered was a bout of malarial attack.

    However, when the bout of malaria failed to ebb, he scaled up medication and began treating typhoid. With no positive response after a month, he went for a comprehensive test. That was the turning point.

    When the result was made available to him by the health personnel, it was crushing. The results stated very clearly that his two kidneys had packed up.

    Too shocked to believe the outcome, he ran further battery of tests and went for further consultations which not only confirmed the first result, but also established that he must quickly begin dialysis procedure.

    He said: “When one of the consultants saw the results, he took another look at me and simply asked me, whose result you say this was?” When I asked him why? He simply said, “this person ought to have begun a dialysis session if he wants to stay alive.”

    A medical report from Clina-Lancet Laboratories Limited, a foremost centre based in Lagos Nigeria and signed by three of its most senior doctors namely Dr. Collin de Bruyn; Dr. Yannis Pillay and Dr. Emma Wypkema, in a report reference number 760075195, dated July 14, last year, confirmed that Olutayo Itayemi’s sample collected for analysis may be consistent with end-stage chronic kidney disease (kidney failure).

    The laboratory result, a copy of which was made available to Southwest Report, showed extensive test on Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, ToT, Co2 (bicarbonate), while his S-Urea measurement is 50.3 mmo1/L the S-Creatinine is 1729 mmo1/L and his eGFR (CKD-EPI) is 3ml/mm.

    Currently, he undergoes dialysis thrice a week and has started series of medications to alleviate his pains.

    For his blood count, the same centre, in an attached laboratory report put his haematocrit at 0.24 L/L with a reference L 0.40 – 0.50.

    Haematocrit is a medical term that refers to blood separation and often called packed cell volume (PCV) or volume of packed red cells.

    What this means is that Olutayo’s pcv is currently low and as such no further action could be taken on a transplant session until his pcv is boosted to an acceptable average level.

    “A consortium of consultants who were handling the case confirmed to us that his pcv is currently low and though he has started taking medications to correct this, it is still slow in catching up with the average acceptable clinical level,” a family source said.

    Currently, he undergoes dialysis thrice a week and has begun series of medications to alleviate his pains.

    “But his pcv is currently low and as such no further action could be taken on a transplant session until his pcv is boosted to an acceptable average level.

    “His pcv is currently low and though he has started taking medications to correct that, it is still slow in catching up with the average acceptable clinical level,” a family source said.

    The dialysis and other sundry drugs to boost his pcv have, however, drained the lean resources of his family, friends and associates who have been rallying round and paying the bills since July, when the ugly development began.

    So far, they have continued to step up to do what they can, but Olutayo is at the point where more help is desperately needed to keep him alive.

    Right now, he needs financial assistance to cover his dialysis sessions while he considers his options on the process of getting a new kidney.

    “We are told that his statistics need to be improved upon before considering transplant options,” his cousin, Adedeji Adetayo said.

    According to him, Olutayo would need about N25 million for the drugs that would boost his pcv and for the transplant.

    That is why the family is calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of this promising young man.

    “Please help keep Olutayo alive. Your help and support in prayers and financial contributions are highly appreciated and indeed essential to his overcoming the challenges at this critical phase of his life. No amount is too small. God bless you as you give for this cause,” Adetayo said.

    “Interested persons should use the following details: Name: Itayemi Olutayo Oluyinka. Bank: Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. Account number: 0029659877,” Adetayo added.

  • ‘Be involved in oil and gas sector’

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has advised Nigerian youths, especially those from the oil-producing communities, to be involved actively in the oil and gas industry.

    The NCDMB General Manager, Zonal Coordination and Board’s Projects, Dr. Ginah O. Ginah gave the advice at the youth sensitisation and enlightenment workshop held in Akure and Owo local government areas for the youth in the central and northern senatorial districts of Ondo State.

    The participants were taught on the fundamentals mandates of the NCDMB and its activities, relevant skills in the oil and gas industry and how to acquire them.

    He added that they are to promote the development and utilisation of in-country capabilities for industrialisation of Nigeria through effective implementation of the Nigerian content act.

    He noted that the board is working on how to ensure more Nigerians, particularly youths from the Niger Delta region engage in relevant skills that will make them become employable in the industry.

    Ginah said the development would also promote peace in the Niger Delta by reducing the rate at which the youth in the oil-producing areas engage in crime.

    He also explained that the board was examining a situation in which there is reduction in the rate where companies prefer foreigners to our local experts when jobs are available.

    A consultant to the NCDMB, Hon. Oyebo Aladetan said they have been able to find one of the laws of the country to acquaint the people about environmental values and how they could benefit from their environment.

    Aladetan, who was a former lawmaker presenting Ilaje State Constituency I also said the NCDMB act would help in reducing the rate of neglect of the Niger Delta people.

  • N50m for timber industry

    To further provide more job opportunities for its teeming youths as well as to increase its revenue, the Ogun State government has pledged to resuscitate the moribund Gateway Timber Industry Limited (GATIL).

    Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal made this known while defending the 2017 Budget of the ministry at the House of Assembly Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta the state capital

    Chief Lawal said GATIL; a state-owned sawmill was, in the past, known for processing timber into different specifications of finished products that were marketed across the Southwest geo-political Zone.

    Speaking on what would be required to revamp the ailing industry, the Commissioner said: “The sum of N50 million would be needed  to repair the CD6 machine, edger machine, circular sawing machine and  other necessary maintenance work.’’

    Lawal also revealed that the sum of N278, 000,000 had been budgeted for tree planting in 2017 while N10, 000,000 and N62.5 million had been earmarked for forest conservation and production of farm seedlings respectively.

  • Help the poor, cleric urges

    Help the poor, cleric urges

    Pastor Tola Kasali of the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Surulere, Lagos, has called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the poor in order to reduce their suffering as a result of the current economic hardship.

    He said the poor were always the vulnerable ones during any economic downturn. He made the call when FOTA donated food items, toiletries and cloths to children, youths and the aged at the church premises in Lagos.  He said the items would be of importance to them during the festive period.

    The cleric added that giving to the poor was more gratifying, noting that Jesus Christ fed the poor consistently. He further explained that abundant rewards await those who took care of the poor.

    He said: “We have been giving to the poor over the years. They need cloths, medical attention; food and need to be made happy, particularly at festive periods. That is why the church conducted test on various ailments to ascertain the condition of the poor with a view to helping them.

    “Their conditions have been made critical because of the prevailing economic situation. In our own little way, we are poised to put bread on their table, so that they can be happy during the festivals. If Christ was to be around today, he will definitely spend Christmas with the poor not at the palaces of the kings.”

    The cleric called on the government to encourage corporate organisations to come to the aid of the poor through reduction of the tax they pay. He said this will enable them to carry out their corporate social responsibilities effectively.

    “Tax reduction will encourage multi-nationals to give charity to those who need support.  If they pay less tax, they will have money at their disposal to support the needy.

    “I must point out that poverty is the cause of the increase in the level of crime in the society. The higher the poverty level, the higher is the crime rate. The truth is that when the crime rate is high, people cannot go to sleep. The so-called rich men will find it difficult to have peace.

    “I urge our wealthy men to look in the direction of the poor. Therefore, government needs to put in place policies that would encourage humanitarian efforts.  The rich men have cloths and other materials they don’t use. They should donate them to the poor instead of allowing them to waste away.

    “We should encourage people in our churches, mosques and communities to shun materialism and donate to the poor who need them to survive. There is so much greed in the country and it is not helping the society in any form. If we shun greed, the society will be better and people will be happy,” he said.

     

  • Food items for motherless babies’ home

    Food items for motherless babies’ home

    It was a moment of joy at the Beth Torrey Home for Mentally Challenged Children,  Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos State when the founder/President, Gracious Mums, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Lady Adaobi Peters Ekwefi paid a visit to the home and presented the inmates with various items such as foods, beverages  and other relief materials.

    The president was accompanied to the home by members of the association. They were treated to melodious songs by the children.

    According to the Matron of the home, Mrs Veronica Obi, the Beth Torrey Home for Mentally Challenged Children is one of the oldest homes in the Southwest and Nigeria.

    Making the presentation, Lady Adaobi said orphans were important members of the society, saying the organisation would continue to support them.

    She said the gifts were presented  to enable them to celebrate the Christmas and to make them happy during the coming New Year.

    She further said the project was conducted as part of the association’s activities to celebrate the Christmas and to mark its first year anniversary. She added that they decided to celebrate the day with the kids so as to support them and make them happy.

    Lady Adaobi said the NGO was established in order to promote society’s oneness, impacting lives morally and financially, shelter the homeless, support society by providing for the needy, empowering the youth, members and general public through organising symposium and fitness and wellness programmes.

    She called on well-meaning Nigerians to show love to motherless babies, saying such gesture would give them a sense of belonging.

    “If we look at what is happening in our society at the moment, I believe children can have a better deal. Every child deserves quality education and a better life. Apart from the government, we all need to support underprivileged children in our midst,” she said.

    While receiving the items on behalf of the home, Mrs. Obi thanked the association for the gesture. She said the home was established in Nigeria by an American woman many years ago. She also said the home takes care of children who are physically-challenged and abandoned.

    She appealed to members of the society to continue to assist the motherless babies’ homes to enable them to take care of the children.

     

     

     

  • Institute holds peace awards in Ondo

    The founder, World Institute for Peace (WIP), Dr Lamina Kamiludeen, has pledged the determination of the organisation to partner with the United Nations Organisation (UNO) in the propagation of message of peace across the world.

    He stressed the need for peace in the society, even as he said the peace advocate group under his leadership would continue to employ the use of persuasive method to communicate its message to manufacturers of lethal weapons, to guard against further production and use to settle conflicts.

    He spoke at the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Ondo during the award ceremony organised for eminent personalities by the institution.

    The recipients of the award were selected from various countries in recognition of their contributions to humanity in their various endeavours.

    According to him, the event was organised to create an avenue through which citizens, especially youths could play more active role in nation-building.

    In a lecture delivered at the occasion entitled “Democracy and Role of African Youth in Good Governance, by a university lecturer, Prof. Muhhammad Shanazar, pointed out that people should make wise decisions when voting for those to represent them, saying they should elect people with good character, vision and integrity.

    He stressed the need for representatives of the people to always place national interests above personal well-being in the discharge of their duties. He also advised them to abstain from acts such as greed, nepotism and corruption. Muhammad noted that it was through this development, which the masses can benefit maximally from their representation.

    He also advised political office holders to always show commitment, utmost sincerity and integrity in the service to their fatherland, saying anyone who exhibits these attributes, would remain in the hearts of the people forever.

    Prof. Muhammad said governments in African should always accord recognition to youths by allowing them to play active role in the eradication of poverty, hunger and ignorance.

    He advised the youth to show more interest in science and technology and keep abreast of events happening in global politics and industry, saying that would enable them to update their knowledge and become globally competitive.

    Also speaking, Dr. Jeznail Singh Anand, Secretary-General, World Parliament of Literature (WPL), stressed the need for African youths to be given proper education, adding that the step would enable them to make positive contributions to the development of their countries.

    On corruption and poverty in Africa, he advised leaders in the continent to evolve some development strategies that would help in reducing the menace.

    In addition, the WPL scribe emphasised the need for people in position of authority to have passion and exhibit patriotism in national service.

    The programme organised by WIP in partnership with the College Directorate of International Linkages and Research under the leadership of Dr. (Mrs.) Bridget Itunu Awosika, was held at the Centre for Educational Technology (CET) of the institution.

    The Provost of the College, Prof. Olukoya Ogen praised the founder of WIP, Kamiludeen for collaborating with the college in organising the programme.

    Ogen said the initiative would spread the message of peace across the world.

  • Stakeholders discuss development at forum

    The Sole Administrator of Lagos lsland East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Abiola Bashir Are, has said his administration would carry all stakeholders along to enable them to contribute their quota in the development of the council.

    He said it is his responsibility as the Sole Administrator to tow the path of Ambode in the dispensation of administration in Lagos Island East where no one is left behind, adding that the discharge of his duties at the council will not deviate from the directives and policies of Lagos State government.

    He spoke at the stakeholders’ forum held at City-Hall Auditorium Lagos lsland with the theme;”Revenue Generation and Budget Preparation: Stakeholders’ Perspective.”

    The council chief said the forum was a platform meant to redefine local government operations in revenue generation through a participatory approach that seeks to ensure transparency, probity and accountability in budget planning, preparation and implementation for sustainable development.

    He said; “It is our subtle attempt to move away from the age-long trickle down system with its attendant controversies between government and the people, especially at the grassroots.

    “Over the years, government has initiated many policies aimed at rejuvenating its activities in revenue collection. On assumption of office, we have introduced many innovations in order to establish mutual benefit among government and tax payers.

    Determined to ensure a hitch-free process, we have eliminated the role of third parties in our revenue collection by encouraging the use of electronic payment such as POS and bank transfer system while our online payment platform will soon be active.

    “We have embarked on human capacity building projects through training of unemployed graduates who were provided with work tools to enable them to put their acquired knowledge into practice.

    “It was in consideration of this principle of inclusive governance that we visited the primary health care centres (PHCs) in the LCDA few days after assumption of office. We also held meetings with the Community Development Committees (CDCs) and peace and security have been our cardinal focus both in policy implementation and project execution.”

    Mr Are noted that the forum was convened in order to bring together all stakeholders in the council in a bid to fashion out ways of bringing progress to our communities.

    “Our council can be self-sustaining if residents pay their rates and taxes promptly. When these payments are made, it will be easier for us as government to dispense quality administration to our people.

    “We pledge to work assiduously with organisations, institutions and individuals who are concerned with development of our community,” Are said.

    The council chief solicited the support of the residents to ensure his administration’s success. He urged the Babaloja of Lagos lsland east to ensure that all markets in the area are clean and in good condition.

    On partnership with PSP as requested by one of the stakeholders, Mrs Yimisi, he assured the people of his administration’s readiness to work together with them to ensure a clean and healthy environment for residents.

    Earlier, the Head of Budget and Statistics Department, Mr. Sikiri Ojokutu had explained that the sudden drop in oil price in the international market has forced the council to look inward on how to generate revenue.

  • N20m job tools for constituents in Oyo

    As part of his empowerment programmes, the member representing  Atisbo/Saki West and East Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Olajide Olatubosun has empowered over 700 people with work tools worth N20 million.

    At the presentation of the job tools to the beneficiaries in Saki, Oyo State, the House Committee member on Appropriation, said the gesture was in fulfilment of his campaign promises made to the people.

    Some of the items donated included sewing machines; motor cycles; power generating sets, grinding machines and spraying pumps, among others.

    Also bursary awards were given to 100 students while 100 women received cash of undisclosed amount.

    He said: “It is worthy of note that the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi has shown great sense of direction in the pursuit of youth engagement through entrepreneurial skill trainings, vocation, improved ICT knowledge, grants to farmers and windows, among other groups as well as improved platform for the inter-personal engagement between the government and its citizens.”

    Olatubosun maintained that the town hall meeting and empowerment programme were in line with the trend as well as honour the mandate of the office he swore to uphold.

    “We are elected based on the trust of our people and we will ensure everything we do will be in their interest, though we need to improve on our communication. If you are doing something and the people didn’t know about what you are doing, it’s tantamount to nothing.

    “So it’s paramount to use language that they understand. We are patriotic Nigerians, we want the best for the country and we will not do anything that will add to the sufferings of the people,’’ he said.

    He, therefore, called on the people to keep on supporting Governor Ajimobi-led administration.

    The Senator representing Oyo North, Fatai Buhari said empowerment programme is not the role of a lawmaker, adding that they fought for it because they are the ones closer to the people at the grassroots.

    “All these empowerment materials may not get to everybody now, but I want us all to be patient with Hon Olatubosun,” Buhari said.

  • Lawmaker empowers residents

    As part of efforts to cushion the effects of the current economic recession, the Senator representing Ondo Central District, Chief Tayo Alasoadura has provided various empowerment facilities for the people of his constituency. The aim was to make them become economically self-reliant.

    Alasoadura’s supporters in the three local government areas of Akure South, Ifedore and Akure North benefitted from the phase one of the empowerment scheme.

    However, the remaining three local government areas namely Ondo East, Idanre and Ondo West would benefit from the empowerment programme during the phase two of the scheme in few weeks’ time.

    Among the items distributed were 11 assorted cars, 20 tricycles, 228 motorcycles, 89 grinding machines, 24 automatic sewing machines and 68 manual sewing machines and N2 million cash.

    Besides, Alasoadura granted scholarship to five post-graduates and PhD students who are studying petroleum-related courses in various universities.

    Speaking at the event, the lawmaker said the gesture was informed by his commitment to reduce the effect of the harsh economic conditions that Nigerians are experiencing.

    He said: “Regardless of what has happened in the past, our government has the responsibility of cushioning the effects of the past bad governance which affected our people.”

    Senator Alasoadura, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) said it was the situation that motivated him to contribute his quota towards assuaging the sufferings of his constituents and to appreciate their loyalty and support.

    He said the next phase of the programme would focus more on vocational and trade empowerment that would teach the people the art of catching the ‘proverbial fish’ after touching the remaining three local governments of Idanre, Ondo East and Ondo West with similar empowerment.

    At the event, both the governor-elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) the Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke praised Senator Alasoadura’s generosity.

    They described the Senator as a grassroots politician who has been impacting on the life of his supporters and others in many ways. They urged him not to relent.

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme were advised to make good use of the facilities in order to lift their respective families from the present hardship.

    The beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation to Senator Alasoadura for his kindness, promising to give him their support at all times.

     

  • Agency targets N200m IGR

    The Ogun State Agricultural Development Corporation (OGSADC) has set a revenue target of N200 million in the next fiscal year.

    The General Manager of the Corporation, Mr. Femi Soremekun revealed this during the 2017 Budget defence at the Ogun State House of Assembly Complex, Abeokuta the state capital.

    He said the corporation targeted 100 million as revenue this year and was able to achieve N133 million in the third quarter of this year.

    Soremekun, however, reeled off some of the corporation’s plans towards realising its target to include pruning of existing trees and slashing of 350 hectares at Ibara Orile cashew plantation and construction of additional bee hives for honey production.

    Other plans by the corporation, he said, included purchase of 15,000 point of lay birds for its Balekan and Oke-Eri poultry projects, as well as continuous maintenance of existing rubber trees at Remo Rubber Plantation. He said to raise 60,000 sprouted seeds and planting of oil palm and arable crops has also commenced.