The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Alaafin seeks cultural rebirth for economic development

    Alaafin seeks cultural rebirth for economic development

    Modern lifestyles and technological advancement have combined to undermine the sense of identity that people had in the past. The need to be identified with one form of culture or the other has continued to propel many who feel “lost” or “rootless” to engage in a search for their ancestral heritage. BODE DUROJAIYE reports that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, at this year’s Aje Festival in Badagry, Lagos State, stressed the need for government to evolve policies that would enhance cultural rebirth for economic development.

    Culture gatekeepers have said that if individuals and communities are to flourish, they must have a sense of identity and of their history. These are what their culture could give them.

    But sadly, it seems that the way the world is developing deprives individuals and nations of their culture, their roots.

    In the industrialised countries, modern lifestyle has continued to undermine the sense of identity that people had in the past. More and more people are feeling lost or rootless. The search for cultural and historical roots has recently become something of a trend in some developed and developing countries; but the need is a genuine one.

    It was on the basis of this that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has called on the three tiers of government to evolve policies and programmes that would enhance cultural rebirth to enable it to play fundamental role in the country’s economic development.

    Describing culture as a way of life or total behavioural patterns and beliefs of a people which are communicated from generation to generation, the monarch also stressed the need for people to identify with their respective cultures. He urged government to recognise specific contributions that culture could make towards the nation’s overall development, saying that contributions of culture as a sub-sector of the economy could be either tangible or intangible; which comprises heritage, cultural and creative industries as well as cultural infrastructure. These, Oba Adeyemi 111, said, have helped in achieving sustainable economic developments such as poverty alleviation, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.

    Oba Adeyemi spoke at this year’s Aje Festival held in Badagry, Lagos State.

    This year’s festival was in commemoration of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Infamous Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and its Abolition.

    He said: “The tourism sector has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors. Gross worldwide tourism receipts grew at an average rate of 7 per cent from 1998 to 2008, with 12 per cent for the least developed countries for the same period.

    “Cultural tourism-that relies on tangible and intangible cultural assets-accounts for 40 per cent of world’s tourism revenues. Investment in culture and creativity has proven an excellent means of revitalising the economy of cities.

    “Today, many cities use cultural heritage and cultural events and institutions to improve their image, stimulate urban development and attract visitors as well as investments.”

    “Most middle-income countries,” Alaafin continued, “are developing vibrant culture sectors and initiatives and request assistance in this area. Culture-led development also includes a range of non-monetised benefits, such as greater social inclusiveness and rootedness, resilience, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship for individuals and communities and the use of local resources, skills, and knowledge.

    “Respecting and supporting cultural expressions contribute to strengthening the social capital of a community and fosters trust in public institutions. Cultural factors also influence lifestyles, individual behaviour, consumption patterns, values related to environmental stewardship and our interaction with the natural environment.

    “Local and indigenous knowledge systems and environmental management practices provide valuable insight and tools for tackling ecological challenges, preventing biodiversity loss, reducing land degradation and mitigating the effects of climate change.”

    Alaafin further said that cultural and creative industries represent one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in the global economy with a growth rate of 17.6 per cent in the Middle East, 13.9 per cent in Africa, 11.9 per cent in South America, 9.7 per cent in Asia, 6.9 per cent in Oceania and 4.3 per cent in North and Central America.

    “Promoting this sector requires limited capital investment, involves low entry barriers and can have a direct impact on vulnerable populations, including women.

  • When visual trouble is no problem-The story of a successful visually-impaired principal

    When visual trouble is no problem-The story of a successful visually-impaired principal

    Being visually-impaired for more than 50 years and a principal of a secondary school may sound outlandish to some people. Ms Deborah Mojisola Balogun has suffered visual-impairment for this long but her handicap has not dampened her spirits. MOJISOLA CLEMENT-OMOBOWALE writes that her determination not to succumb to the vagaries of life which would have derailed her vision translated a somewhat dismal situation into success. 

    Not even a five decades visual impairment would keep her down.

    Ms Deborah Mojisola Balogun did not allow what would have been a terminal handicap to dampen her spirits. Her determination not to consent to the vicissitudes of life which would have derailed her vision translated a somewhat dismal situation into success.

    She kept her hope aglow despite all odds by proving that there is ability in disability. Hers became an inspiring story to those whose state of helplessness would have ruined their future. Her optimistic stance on life invalidated her disability.

    Being visually-impaired for 50 years and a principal of a secondary school may sound outlandish to some. But it is real. Here is reality staring us on the face.

    Although her visual-impairment is protracted, the conduct and mien of this dark-complexioned, eloquent woman would always stir doubt in people concerning her sight challenges.

    But one gets convinced that she has sight challenges when she gives out pieces of advice to her students who may have one form of challenge or the other. She would urge them to be focused and not consider their disabilities as impediments to achieving their dreams. She would advise them to be committed to whatever they do and should not allow anything weigh them down. These pieces of advice are based on her experience.

    For 30 years, she has been in teaching and is the Principal of Community Junior Secondary School, Bayeku Ikorodu with a population of over 850 students.

    A native of Ikorodu, Lagos  State Ms Balogun told Southwest Report she would be 60 years old soon and the eldest of six children. She added that she had loving parents who ensured that their children had the best they could afford.

    Any wonder she is in love with the teaching profession! Her father was a head teacher during his working days while her mother had to resign from the Ikorodu Trading Company to look after her when she lost her sight. However, she said her mother later ventured into sales of farm produce such as eggs, pigs, food crops and cassava processing. Ms. Balogun speaks English, French and Yoruba fluently.

    The vision that turned her life around

    Narrating how the incident that turned her life around began, Ms Balogun said she had a dream one day which she relayed to her father.

    She said: “In the dream, I was wearing a white garment; carrying a bell and moving round the town, calling people to Christ. I was not wearing any shoes. My father went in search of a church that could fit into that description. Eventually, he found something similar at Makoko, a suburb of Yaba, Lagos Mainland. It was a Celestial Church and I moved in to stay with them.

    “I began a new life of learning to pray every three hours. The Lord just wanted me to dwell in His house for some time. I was left in the church until the Lord was ready to do something. I was there for a year with the likes of Pa Oshoffa, Pa Bada and Pa Ajanlekoko whose wives looked after me. Upon leaving the church, I enrolled at Pacelli School for the Blind at Surulere.”

     Educational background

    At the age of five, Ms. Balogun had begun her education at the Salvation Army School, Onishigida Sabo Junction in Ikorodu.  She had no problem with her sight then. It was at the end of her primary two when she moved to the Pacelli School for the Blind, Surulere because her sight had gone bad. Six years later, she enrolled into Queen’s College, Yaba, where she obtained her Higher School Certificate.

    After then, she attended the University of Wales in the United Kingdom (UK) where she obtained a Second-class Honours degree in Education and History. She also had a Post-graduate certificate in the Teaching of History and English as Second Language. She also obtained a Diploma certificate in Biblical Studies. She came back to Nigeria, after which she obtained a Master’s degree in Education Foundation from the Department of Counselling of the University of Lagos, Akoka, and another Master’s degree in Education in Learning Disabilities from the Special Education Department of the University of Ibadan.

     How she became visually-impaired

    On how she became visually-impaired, Ms. Balogun stated that it was a sudden occurrence.

    She said: “My sight went overnight. Then measles was widespread. There was an epidemic of small pox as well. When I was examined by specialists at an eye clinic in London, they confirmed that my eye problem was not as a result of either of the two ailments.

    “But I had stopped worrying about the situation. Rather, I was adjusting and trying to adapt to my current situation. After visiting some medical facilities such as the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Lagos and University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, I decided to live with the situation.”

    Career

    On her career, she revealed that she worked for roughly one-and-a-half years as a typist at Ikorodu High School under the late Pa Akinwunmi and Rev Odejide. That was after her Higher School Certificate examination. She noted that she has been a Principal for the past three years. But before the appointment, she was a Vice-Principal at Ipakodo Senior Grammar School and a teacher at Odogunyan Grammar School. In all, she has about 31 years’ experience in teaching, administration and counselling. At various times, she had taught English Language, Literature in English, History, Christian Religious Studies and occasionally French in the junior schools.

     Why in the teaching profession?

    But why did she choose to be a teacher? She explained that “I didn’t really set out to be a teacher. There was nothing like counselling when we were in primary school and even in early secondary school. So, professions were chosen especially by the Prophets. My being a teacher came as a result of prophesies from more than four people and that was from the age of seven. My parents were told that their child was going to be a teacher; that the Lord is going to use her to set students free from their helpless situations.”

    How I teach

    As visually-impaired teacher, what methods does she adopt while teaching? The Principal told our correspondent that she, at first, engaged the services of a brilliant non-teaching member of staff who would first read what she had written. If she is convinced he or she read it completely, she will then type with the old typewriter.

    So, after typing, she will pass it on to the non-teaching member of staff who will read it again. When she is sure it is somewhat error-free, the member of staff will write on the chalk board for her with the permission of the Principal. As the non-teaching member of staff writes, the students will get up and read each paragraph. That way, she was able to know students who were very good in reading.

    My first day of teaching

    “My first day of teaching at Odogunyan Grammar School, Ikorodu was quite easy. The Principal, Pa P.O. Adebayo who is now retired, studied in Manchester, England. He knew what it entails to be visually-impaired. Secondly, I met teachers some of who lived in my area. They knew me and were helping me out, particularly in terms of mobility.  All that helped. The issue of discipline was taken seriously. So, it was easy for me to fit into the system,” she said.

    About marriage and children

    “I have brought up a lot of children in and outside the family, particularly those with learning difficulties. They stay with me from JSS1 and leave after their SS3 examinations. Getting married as visually-impaired woman then was on trial-and-error basis.

    “Most families did not accept it. It was much later that people began to truly accept it. So, I never got married. But personally, I have nothing to regret at all. To be candid, it is better to remain single than to be married to a wrong man because it could pose some challenges which could jeopardise one’s future,” Ms. Balogun said.

    My typical day

    For her, the day begins at 5:30 in the morning every day. Though she lives very close to the school, she wakes up that early to begin preparation for the day’s business. She ensures that her home is organised by getting everywhere neat.

    By 7:15 a.m., she is out of the house and in the next 15 minutes, she is already in school. By 8:00 a.m., she will go round to check on the teachers in order to know how they feel. She does this because she understands that teachers’ feelings are also important. If any of her teachers is not happy, she would want to know why and proffer some solution. By 5:00 p.m., she goes home.

  • Cleric to Buhari: Nigerians are suffering

    Cleric to Buhari: Nigerians are suffering

    The Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr Chukwu Emeka Uche has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, especially from hunger and economic hardship resulting from the current economic recession.

    The cleric reminded the President that nobody voted for the present ‘change’ Nigerians are witnessing when they voted for him in last year.

    He spoke while delivering a sermon at the dedication of the new cathedral building of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Gbogi, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Uche urged President Buhari to consider the plight of many Nigerians who, according to him, were languishing in abject poverty occasioned by the economic recession.

    He regretted that nothing was working in Nigeria, saying “in most states of the federation, workers are not paid, pensioners are dying of hunger after serving their fatherland diligently and retiring meritoriously, Naira has fallen to N415 per dollar, parents have no money to pay their children’s school fees, most roads have become death traps, electricity is no more accessible and nothing is working again for the masses.

    “Mr President should not be too rigid in the act of governance. His administration should have human face. He should change ministers and political advisers discovered to be stumbling block in his plan to bring succour to the suffering masses.”

    The Prelate recalled the era of the late Gen. Sani Abacha when the country was literally in hell and notable Nigerians, including Chief MKO Abiola and his wife Kudirat, were killed by gunmen, noting that at last, there was judgment day for that era.

    He said: “We love President Buhari, but he should take note of the lamentations of Nigerians by doing whatever possible to ameliorate their misery.

    “We are blessed in this country, but the management of our resources is the problem. We need to do everything possible to bring the country out of the wood.”

    The cleric urged churches across the country to bring the nation out of the wood through ceaseless prayers, stressing that Christians must pray to God to save the people from the present tribulations.

    He regretted that people were no more interested in farming, saying “we are not supposed to buy any farm products such as cassava, yam tubers, pepper and others judged from the fertile land which God has endowed us with. We are only praying to God to touch the hearts of the leaders and followers to do the right things to move the country forward.”

    Dr Uche commended the Methodist Bishop of Owo Diocese, Rev Solomon Adegbite for changing the face of the Diocese through various laudable projects. He urged him to continue in that spirit for the development of the church and its congregations.

    The Bishop appreciated all those who worked hard to ensure the completion of the church edifice.

    He noted that huge amount of money was expended on the new church building and other projects, praying that God would replenish the pockets of all those who contributed towards the project.

    The Chairman, Building Committee of the church, Lebi Sunday commended the authorities of the Methodist cathedral, Gbogi for prioritising activities that would enhance the spiritual and physical growth of the congregation.

    According to him, the high level of understanding between the laity and the clergy is a manifestation of the fact that God is not only with the congregation but in them.

    He noted that spiritual development had ensured that the church grew from strength to strength. He pleaded with members of the church to remain committed to the service of God.

  • Three teen heroes get scholarship awards

    Three teen heroes get scholarship awards

    One would have expected them to look perplexed; considering that they are still teens. But they looked unruffled even as huge crowd gathered to witness the event at which they were “crowned” heroes.

    Even though they had inkling about the day’s event, as teenagers, it was expected that they would feel a bit shy. They didn’t. That indicates that they were made to be future heroes.

    Three of them: Babatimileyin Daomi 15; Salisu Ibrahim 14 and Favour Uwene 11 emerged winners at this year’s Indomie Independence Day Award.

    They were rewarded at an award ceremony which held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.  Babatimileyin, a Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) student of Dobar College, Ikorodu Lagos State, won the Intellectual Bravery Award for inventing a vacuum cleaner, USB charger, USB fan, a collapsible bridge (a model of the 4th Mainland Bridge), a hydrogen separator which could also be used to make bombs and a water-level indicator-the specific invention for which he won the award.

    But surprisingly, Timileyin (as he is fondly called), is much inclined to art subjects as his favourites. His most favourite subject is English Language. He, however, hopes to be an engineer in the future and to do more with his winning.

    According to Timileyin, his challenges were basically funding as he had to create his models from scrap.

    “I feel happy and hope to be able to do more with this money,” he said.

    Favour Archibong Uwene, a Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) pupil of Government Secondary School, Akwa Ibom State, won the Physical Bravery Award for raising the alarm which led to the rescue of one of three sisters who are her friends.

    During one of the holiday periods, she went to their house and no one was there. She, at first, thought they were hiding from her but as she was about to leave, she heard muffled sounds. She peeped through the window and saw two dead bodies, with the killer getting ready to kill the third girl.

    Favour immediately ran to call her mother who then alerted their neighbours and they all rushed to the girls’ house. The killer was apprehended and handed over to the police.

    According to Favour, she was not afraid to raise the alarm because all she wanted was for her friends to be saved.

    Favour hopes to be a teacher in future.

    Salisu Ibrahim’s story sounds a bit pathetic. He won the Social Bravery Award for his determination to live beyond his disability.

    Salisu was born blind but he chose not to beg. He is learning to be a cobbler and from the proceeds of his sales, he sponsors himself in school–Special Education Centre, Bauchi.

    Each award category attracts N1 million in scholarships but with Salisu’s story, the audience was moved to do more.

    Ace comedian, Ali Baba, gave him an additional N500, 000; Executive Director of Zenith Bank, Mr. Ebenezer donated N500, 000; Managing Director of Transatlantic Shipping Agency, Dr. Uche Ohafia donated N250, 000; Managing Director of Micro-Media donated N100, 000 while Managing Director of First Registrars, Bayo Olugbemi donated N250, 000 each to Salisu and Babatimileyin.

    Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora also promised to add a token to Salisu’s prize while a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chief Joseph Sanusi also promised to add a token to Favour’s win. An anonymous donor also gave N100, 000 to each of the three heroes.

    The Indomie Independence Day Award is an initiative of Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie noodles and other household brands, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

    The Group Managing Director, Mr. Deepak Singhal said the Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) was established in 2007 to recognise and reward heroism in children, adding that 24 winners had emerged in the last eight editions.

    He reiterated that the award, in its ninth year, seeks to recognise heroic deeds in children between the ages of five and 15. This year’s award was divided into three categories, namely intellectual bravery, social bravery and physical bravery.

    Singhal noted that selecting the winners was taxing for the judges as so many inspiring heroic stories were received.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, who was represented by Mr. Odeyemi, praised Dufil for the gesture.

    She urged parents and guardians to be more committed to the proper upbringing of their children, even as she reiterated government’s determination to continue to fight violence against children.

    Keynote speaker and Managing Director of The Educational Partnership Centre (EPC), Dr. Modupe Adefeso-Olateju, who spoke on The Nigerian Child: Our Biggest but yet Untapped Resource, noted that the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had indicated that children under 15 years account for about 45 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

    She noted that “the Nigerian child has the capacity and ability to contribute significantly to the development of the country. Stakeholders have a responsibility to cultivate these abilities by increasing access to affordable, high quality education for every child. A child’s socio-economic background and geographical location should not be a barrier to receiving quality education,” she said.

    She said an estimated 10.5 million children are out of school, accounting for one-fifth of the global population of out-of-school children.

    Adefeso-Olateju said: “I am pleased that Dufil has taken this bold step with the IIDA initiative which provides millions of Naira worth of scholarships to deserving children. This contributes to the development of the Nigerian child and relieving the pressure off the parents.

    “I cannot over-emphasise the need to do right by the Nigerian children as they, without any doubt, are the leaders of tomorrow.  We need to get things right with them and only then can they become assets to the country. We need to create an environment where they can develop their natural talents; they must be given a chance to contribute to their societies and, thus, to economic development and the growth of the country.

    “Economic growth is necessary for development. However, this growth is very reliant on the cognitive skills of the population. This is why children, as human capital, are fundamental to the success of our nation.”

    The panel of judges, chaired by Executive Director of Corona Schools, Olufunto Igun, urged the people to  support the Nigerian child as, according to her, there were many more of Salisus out there who should be supported.

    Dignitaries that attended the event were wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, who was represented by Mrs. Ronke Solomon, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, former CBN Governor Chief Joseph Sanusi and wife, movie producer Tunji Bamishigbin and Sound Sultan, among others.

    The award ceremony was co-sponsored by Daar Communications Plc and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc.

  • ‘Stop destroying national assets’

    Aggrieved groups in the country have been advised to stop destroying national assets and killing of innocent Nigerians. They have been urged to engage in constructive negotiation of their grievances.

    The groups were also advised to channel their requests in an orderly and civic manner. The advice was given by a group, Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council of Nigeria (ARSADIC) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    ARSADIC,  in a congratulatory message signed  by His  Imperial  Majesty, the Ooni  of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye, Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) and Chief  Sola Olalekan Atanda (BOT Secretary/National President), a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the group  implored all citizens  not to engage in acts capable of dividing  the country  but to contribute their quota to  the progress of the country.

    The groups, according to the statement, include the Niger Delta Avengers, Boko Haram, MEND and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

    The statement reads in part: “As the nation’s independence is a collective will of all Nigerians, we urge all who are in the act of sectoral disorderliness to bury their differences and negotiate their grievances through civil and orderly manner.

    “We strongly believe in our nation and her unique diversity which is our great strength. We are of the opinion that the present national challenges are factors in the nation’s development that call for contributions from all Nigerians.

    “ARSADIC, the umbrella body for all Ifa/Orisa/Traditional religio-us organisations, rejoices with Nigeria as a nation and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion of the 56th Independence celebration of our great country –Nigeria.”

    The group, therefore, used the medium to appeal to Nigerians to support the Buhari-led administration in waging war against corruption in all quarters.

    “We also resolve to denounce corruption and urge all Nigerians that believe and engage in corruption to have a rethink and stop their acts of corruption. Nigerians need to work harder and encourage development from within. No other nation can come and build our nation for us. “Rather, we have to patronise ourselves and build confidence in ourselves. We similarly call on all Nigerians to love one another and respect the state. We have to stop all inhuman acts including kidnapping and religious violence.

    “We strongly believe that in doing these; Olodumare and all Irunmoles will listen to our prayers, bless us and raise our country to greater position. We felicitate with our President and all those in positions of authority and all Nigerians both at home and abroad.

    “We wish that by next year’s celebration, we shall have more joy and peace in the land. Our country shall witness more positive development,” it said.

     

  • Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    Rotary provides water, bags for Lagos schools

    The District Governor of the Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Patrick Ikheloa has praised the Rotary Club of Omole Golden for presenting school bags and providing access to potable water for four public schools in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    Ikheloa spoke when he led other district leaders to inaugurate the water project at the African Church Primary School, Idi-Agbon area of the local government. Other schools that benefited from the water scheme were Karaole Primary School, Coker Primary School and Ayanleye

    Primary School.

    He said for the club to embark on the water project shows that it remained committed to promoting healthy environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

    He also distributed 1,000 school bags to primary four and five pupils of the four schools on behalf of the club.

    Ikheloa also praised the club for deeming it fit to not only provide safe water for the pupils, but also in giving them befitting school bags in which to carry their books to school.

    He said more of such projects would be extended to many other schools and communities within the district before the end of the year.

    Reeling off some of the achievements of the club in recent time, the President of the Club, Rotarian Titilayo Sunmonu said the club resolved to unveil the water project and distribution of school bags to coincide with the new session which opened on September 19, even as she revealed that the gesture was to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, which was celebrated on August 19.

    In his remark, the Education Secretary, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mr Adeyemi Jongbo expressed his satisfaction with the club’s gesture. He called on other well-meaning groups and individuals to render life-changing services to people, especially the downtrodden.

    Earlier at a breakfast fellowship, the club inducted new members, just as it honoured, among others, Rotarian Michael Oshinibosi as a Paul Harris Fellow, and a major donor in recognition of his contributions to the club.

  • Nigerians urged to embrace their culture

    Nigerians urged to embrace their culture

    The Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu has advised Nigerians to be conscious of their cultural heritage. He also advised them to give their children sound teachings about their cultures so that they will be able to be abreast with the mores of the land.

    Eze Nwachukwu gave the advice on Sunday while addressing some reporters at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre located on Nwachukwu Drive, Okota, Isolo area of Lagos on the forthcoming New Yam Festival being organised by the Igbo Community in Lagos State which comes up on Saturday, October 29 at 12 noon. It will hold at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre on Nwachukwu Drive Okota Lagos.

    On the importance of culture to the people’s social and economic life, Eze Nwachukwu said knowledge of one’s culture gives one a sense of belonging.

    Regretting that today’s youths are ignorant of their cultural heritage, Eze Nwachukwu noted that “a situation in which a youth from the Igbo stock of the country does not know what the new yam festival is all about is unfortunate.

    “New yam festival or Iri ji is one of the significant cultural events in Igbo land. The event provides the Igbo man the opportunity to thank God for bumper harvest in yam and other farm varieties.

    “In Igbo land, men plant yam while women plant cassava and cocoa-yam and so on. As man is the head of the family, so is yam the head of everything in the farm in Igbo land.

    “For the Igbo man, the new yam festival day is symbolic in the sense that it is a day of enjoyment after the cultivation season, and the plenty is shared with friends and well-wishers. A variety of festivities mark the eating of new yam. Folk dances, masquerades, parades and parties create some joyful experiences for the participants.”

    Indulgence in culture and its sustainability, he said, requires the participation of communities in the preservation and enhancement of enduring cultural heritage.

    Dignitaries expected to attend the annual event are Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Ijele Ndigbo, Dim Ralph Uwazuruike, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Oba of Lagos, His Royal Highness Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly,Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Oba of Isolo Oba Kabiru K.A.A. Agbabiaka, the Osolo of Isolo (Royal Father of the Day) and the Okwuruoha Ndigbo Lagos State, Chief Innocent Ndubuisi Nwankwo who will chair the occasion and Eze Igbo of Oshodi Chief Reuben Ibe , among others.

  • Lions Club gets president

    Lions Club gets president

    For members of Lions Club worldwide, this year is a memorable one. It is 100 years old this year.

    While other members of the ‘service’ organisation are warming up for the centennial anniversary, it would appear those at Ikeja have begun celebrating already. They inducted their ‘centennial’ President, Augustine Obafemi Ladipo, a graduate of Computer Engineering from the Lagos State University (LASU).

    At the ceremony, which held at Quadosh Place on Kudirat Abiola Way (former Oregun Road) in Ikeja, members of the association wore cream-coloured clothe–which the men sewn into a native agbada and traditional pair of trousers in which they appeared resplendent.

    The outgoing President Gbolahan Ayantayo, who beat the Lions’ traditional gong ‘to call the house to order’ or begin the event, at 3:59 p.m., also ironically ended his tenure.

    As 36th president of the club, he said his tenure was a rewarding one which witnessed donation of material items to Khadijat Al-Kubra Widowhood and Orphanage Foundation and students of Dairy Farm Skills Acquisition Programme and providing a member with a barbing salon and a 3.5KVA power generating set, among others.

    It was for these he emerged among the top 10 presidents in District 404B-2 Nigeria. Specifically, he praised Valentine Opone, Second Vice-President, Mark Ebare, a former president and Femi Olaiya, a former secretary, among others. He gave them awards for their excellent performances.

    Olaiya, the Chairman of the Investiture Committee, said the 34-year-old Ikeja Club began from a humble beginning, noting that the event had another objective; which is to raise funds for some projects for which he urged all to donate generously.

    Alhaji AdulGaniyu Adediji, who chaired the event, described the ceremony as historical, noting that the club had produced more district governors (DGs) and presidents than others in the district.

    The world over, triple A, as Adediji is fondly called by his admirers, said the club serves 100 million less-privileged people. He solicited support for the club’s budget of N10 million for the year.

    In his goodwill message, the D-G Samuel Taiwo Adewunmi described the Ikeja Lions Club as the oldest in the district. He also canvassed support for its progammes for the year.

    “A single act of service,’’ the Deacon in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) said, “can change a life but when Lions come together to serve, we change the world.’’

    Adewunmi, who swore in Ladipo, urged him to serve selflessly.

    Ladipo, 48, and 37th President, promised to uphold Adewunmi’s theme for the year that is ‘’Sustaining our Legacy of Service’’ and that of the International President’s motto, New Mountains to Climb. He explained that each mountain represented an opportunity to serve. He gave a breakdown of his budget as follows: free eye screening and donations to public primary schools, youth empowerment scheme to some vocational training centres, planting of over 100 trees, construction and equipping of e-library for two secondary schools.

  • Community bemoans years of neglect

    Residents of Oriba community in Epe area of Lagos State have cried out to government to ameliorate their suffering due to years of neglect.

    At a conference in Lagos, the Aare of Oriba, Chief Adesegun Hassan said the plight of the people is becoming unbearable because of not being linked to major communities.

    He said residents of Oriba live like aliens in their country, noting that they lack potable water, electricity, access road, health care facility and functional schools.

    He said: “The only road that could have facilitated movement in and out of the community is in terrible condition. The houses here are mostly shanties because of the high cost of transportation via River Itokin along the Ikorodu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.

    “The King, who was installed in 2005, has not received his official staff of office from the government, a situation which hampers easy representation at the council of traditional rulers.”

    Hassan said the only source of water for the community is the one that exists at the Oriba Primary School, stressing that the situation has led to health challenges when the people use other sources of water that is unsafe.

    He called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to extend his good work to the community. He added that the leadership of the state under him has made remarkable impact in many communities.

    Hassan explained that Oriba community produces palm kernel, charcoal, cassava and plantain, among other farm produce in commercial quantity.

    “Oriba farmers are like those who wink in the dark. If our needs cannot be met in the present local government that we find ourselves, it is not out of place if we ask to be relocated to another one that would listen to the plight of the people.

    “Oriba has existed since the 17th Century. It has contributed to the development of the state and the country at large. We, therefore, seek the attention of government to correct this shortcoming,” he said.

     

  • 216 drug stores sealed for illegal operation

    The Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 216 illegal drug stores in Lagos State for non-compliance with the necessary laws. The stores comprised 46 pharmacies and 213 patent medicine stores.

    The areas visited were Abule Egba, Alagbado, Meiran, Hamadiya, Agege, Badagry, Morogbo, Ibereko, Wilmer, Kirikiri, Ajegunle, Orile-Iganmu, Epe, Lekki, Ajah, Ejigbo, Mile 12, Ketu, Ojota, Alapere, Oworonshoki, Iwaya, Makoko, Ebute-metta, Oyingbo, Yaba, Ojuelegba, Lawanson, Mushin, Ejigbo, Anthony, Maryland, Onipanu, Magodo, Shangisha, Ogudu, Ojodu and Berger

    Explaining why the illegal stores were closed down, the Director and Head of Inspection and Monitoring Department, PCN, Mrs Anthonia Aruya said the Council has observed that many of these drug stores in Lagos State are operating without fulfilling the minimum requirements. Since these premises have not been approved for the sale of medicines, the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines sourced from them by the public cannot be guaranteed. And if this trend is allowed to continue, it will impact negatively on the health of the citizens of the state in particular and the nation in general.

    Mrs Aruya said: “The exercise is part of efforts to reverse the ugly situation in which drug stores in operate without fulfilling the minimum requirements. The PCN enforcement team is in Lagos as a follow-up visit to the one held in August.

    “At the end of the exercise, a total of 216 premises, comprising 30 pharmacies and 186 patent medicine stores were sealed for various offences ranging from operating without registration with the Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria, failure to renew licences and dispensing ethical drugs without the supervision of a pharmacist, while 43 were issued compliance directives for offences ranging from poor sanitary conditions, poor documentation among other offences.”

    She enjoined all stakeholders to comply with the laws that regulate the practice of pharmacy across the country as the Federal Government will not tolerate the indiscriminate sale of drugs without submission to regulatory control.

    Mrs Aruya urged the public to purchase their medicines from licensed pharmacies and simple household remedies from licensed patent and propriety medicines vendor shops.  She also advised members of the public intending to carry out pharmaceutical business to get in touch with the PCN head office located on Plot 7/9, Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja or any of the state offices for proper guidance.