The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Give us college of education, monarch urges Mimiko

    Give us college of education, monarch urges Mimiko

    The traditional ruler of Alade-Idanre in Ondo State, Oba Olusegun Ayodele Akinbola, the Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, has urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to establish a college of education in his domain.

    The monarch made the appeal while celebrating his 21st coronation anniversary in Aladeokun palace, Alade-Idanre.

    He said the journey has not been so easy in the past 21 years of his ascendancy to his ancestor’s throne.

    He, however, noted that “like lightening, the years have come and gone with their attendant vicissitudes”.

    Oba Akinbola said: “About four years ago, Governor Mimiko laid the foundation that would transform Alade Market into a regional one. We appeal to the governor to speed up the completion of the market and inaugurate it before the expiration of his tenure.”

    He thanked his community for giving him the opportunity to serve them.

    Recalling how he ascended the throne in 2005, Oba Akinbola, who was a lecturer at the Department of Dramatic Arts of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife Osun State (formerly University of Ife), said he was on sabbatical leave when he received a letter of appointment as a monarch in his community, saying he did not lobby for the royal position.

    “I was on sabbatical leave preparing to go to the United States of America (USA) when I got a letter of appointment  as a monarch in my community without lobbying for the royal position,” he said.

    According to him, Alade-Idanre town is one of the communities that make up Idanre Kingdom, which is  one of the major kingdoms in Ondo State.

    He revealed that the town was founded in 1928, but with a special characteristic of being a religious community in which all the indigenes are Christians.

    Oba Akinbola said Alade-Idanre is a distinct town with its history, culture and tradition.

    He revealed that the town was founded in 1928,  adding that the community is one in which majority of the indigenes are mainly Christians. Interestingly, the founder of the town was a prominent Christian leader.

    There are no mosques or any other traditional worship centres.

    The town links Akure, the Ondo State capital with Idanre where the popular Idanre Hill is located.

    Oba Akinbola said there was serious crisis between Christians and Muslims at Oke-Idanre town after which the town was founded by the late Pa John Akinbola, who was his grandfather.

    According to him, the people of Alade were living in Oke-Idanre before the crisis between Muslims and Christians. The Christians agreed to vacate the town and look for a new settlement, hence their movement to the present day Alade town.

    “My grandfather, who was a prominent Christian leader, then suggested that Christians should vacate the town for the Muslims and he led them to where we are now.

    “The name Alade was given to it because that was the name of the market our people left behind at Oke-Idanre and they felt the town should be named after the market.

    “After the town was founded, the late Bishop S. C. Phillips of the Anglican Communion was invited to pray over the town and he laid the foundation of the palace of the town. Those who were Christians were coming from different parts of Idanre land and today we have a fairly big population and we relate as brothers and sisters because of our common religion.

    “Bishop Vinning was later invited to organise the town. So, we can say that the town was set up by two renowned Anglican Priests.

    “Although there were attempts to introduce new religion by those who later came to join us in recent time, we did not encourage their idea because we have a history which we need to protect. We practice Christianity and we are known for that.”

    He said it was Bishop Phillips who formally pronounced the location of the town and made all necessary arrangements for its recognition by all agencies of government, adding that the traditional ruler of the town now has a prescribed authority within his domain like other traditional rulers in Yoruba land. Indigenes of Alade are predominantly farmers and traders.

    Oba Akinbola said the first set of settlers in the town facilitated the founding of markets and schools, adding that he had also facilitated the establishment of schools and medical centres.

    He revealed that prominent indigenes of the town are making efforts to facilitate the establishment of a tertiary institution in the town in order to boost its economy.

    Oba Akinbola said: “In the past 21 years of my reign, Alade town has transformed from the insignificant town it was to a large one populated by strangers who reside in it because of its peace and hospitality.”

    He said:  “The state and Federal Governments should make their impacts felt in the town through provision of infrastructural facilities to enhance the living condition of the people.”

    At the occasion, cultural dancers entertained guests that included traditional rulers among who were Owa of Idanre land, Oba Fredrick Aroloye, Deji of Akure land, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo and Oba Francis Omokanjuola Apata, the Olupe of Ipe-Akoko, among others.

    Governor Mimiko was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, while the Chairman/Chief launcher of the day, Segun Oni, the former Ekiti State Governor was represented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary in Ekiti State, Mr Taiwo Olatubosun.

  • Group seeks elders’ support

    Worried about the seeming misconception about O’odua People’s Congress (OPC) by some individuals, the National Coordinator Worldwide and Promoter, Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams has said such perceptions are wrong.

    Otunba Adams said he is worried because if such insinuation is not corrected, the organisation will experience a bleak future.

    To avert such situation, Otunba Adams has solicited the support of Yoruba elders, saying his organisation would have done what is expected of it had it received the needed support from them.

    Adams condemned the recent security challenges in the Southwest when some cruel individuals killed and kidnapped people and destroyed several oil pipelines.

    Speaking at Alakija area of Lagos, the OPC National Coordinator said the organisation has over 71 international branches; describing the recent challenges as slap on the Yoruba race.

    He added that his grouse was more with the Yoruba elders and politicians who want to run his organisation down.

    ‘‘Yoruba elders and politicians have not supported us the way they should. Some of them even rubbish us for their selfish reasons and to remain politically relevant at the centre. But they would turn to us to defend the race in times of trouble.

    “Since the attacks, everybody has been calling on us to react; even the communities that were attacked. Unfortunately, the same people were responsible for the division in the OPC, and they don’t seem to relent.

    “If we had moved in to do the job of these security agents, the same police would have come after us with the claim that ours is an illegal organisation; or that we acquired weapons illegally.

    “They won’t remember that we used the weapons to do what they could not do. We are no fools, we are being more careful this time around.

    “But if the attacks continue, we would be left with no option than to do the needful,’’ Adams said.

    Recall that suspected vandals had, on June 23, attacked many communities on the border of Lagos and Ogun states in which over 50 people were feared dead. That attack was a follow-up to an earlier one on June 17, in which 15 persons were also reportedly killed.

     

  • Council demolishes illegal structures

    Authorities of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area have embarked on demolition of shanties and junkyards. The exercise, which was carried out sequel to the directive from the state government, was to engender safe and serene environment for the well-being of the people.

    Speaking at the commencement of the exercise, the Sole Administrator of the council, Prince Babatunde Ayo Ayeni, said it had become necessary to enforce the removal of such illegal structures from the highways because of the danger they pose to human lives and security.

    The council chief said the exercise was to eradicate street trading on the highways and to make sure that the markets provided for trading activities are made use of.

    He stressed that Obadore, Ado  and Folashade Ojo markets which have sufficient spaces that are unoccupied are available for the traders.

    Mr. Ayeni promised that the council would not fold its arms and allow the markets become dilapidated while traders risk their lives and other road users’ while selling their wares on traffic.

    In the course of the demolition exercise, which began from Alfa bus stop to Sangotedo and Ajah, some structures were completely removed while owners of some were given seven days’ ultimatum to vacate their roadside shops and relocate to the markets provided for them.

    According to Prince Ayeni, the traders are on the road without the permission of the federal, state or local governments. He also pledged that the exercise would be a continuous one until the highways are rid of all illegal structures and sanity restored to the roads.

  • Ondo 2016: Ward chairmen get motorbikes for grassroots mobilisation

    Ondo 2016: Ward chairmen get motorbikes for grassroots mobilisation

    The lawmaker representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Dr Bode Ayorinde has mobilised chairmen in the 203 wards of Ondo State with motorcycles to ease transportation ahead of the November 26 governorship election.

    Ayorinde, the founder of Achievers University, Owo is also a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He had earlier donated 24 Toyota Sienna cars to all APC chairmen in the 18 local government areas and other party stakeholders.

    The legal practitioner said the motorcycles and cars were meant to facilitate party assignments at the grassroots in order to ensure victory in the forthcoming governorship election.

    Ayorinde said: “These items do not belong to anybody and they are not for empowerment of anybody, but a provision to aid mobility and mobilisation of people.

    “I am providing these because I want APC to win, not because of myself or any other aspirant. As I said when we were distributing the cars, it is just to know that the party is serious. Let us not under rate the opponents; we should work very hard.”

    The varsity proprietor urged the people to solicit for votes with the motorbikes provided, urging them not to sleep or slumber until APC becomes victorious.

    Ayorinde said: “If the party picks me as its flag bearer, it will be good for us all. I will industrialise the state as it lacks industrial estates that could ginger employment for the people.

    “This is the third time I will be coming here to uplift the party. I want to lay a good example that you can become a governor without the help of thugs. This is how best politics can be practised.”

    The lawmaker appealed to all party supporters, particularly those from Ondo South and Ilaje Local Government Area to remain calm on the anomaly in the appointment at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    He stressed that the development would be rectified, even as he advised party faithful to pray for the success of the party at the polls.

    While receiving the motorbikes, the Chairman of APC, Isaac Kekemeke, said there was no division in the party.

    He said: “You all are representatives of the party anywhere you find yourselves. The vehicles given to the ward chairmen are not for them but for the use of party members in all the wards.”

    Kekemeke said the motorbikes were in the custody of Ward Chairmen, and not their personal properties.

    The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) commended Ayorinde for his regular assistance to the party.

    He urged other aspirants and party stakeholders to emulate the lawmaker, who was also the first contestant to pay the mandatory N2 million development levy for the party.

    Some of the Ward Chairmen who spoke with Southwest Report commended Ayorinde’s, assuring that they would make good use of the motorcyles to facilitate victory for the APC in the imminent governorship election.

  • ‘Education key to national development’

    Child Education is the key to the future of a secure Nigeria, an expert has said.

    With Nigeria’s  youthful population,  educational security is necessary to drive societal growth, just as in developed countries where pupils are taught skills in class as well as 21st Century skills such as communication technology; music; sports; extra-curricular activities and all that will give them a sound mind.

    To ensure that every child is educationally secure, she said “we need to improve our economy and move away from being a consuming country to being a productive one.”

    This is the view of Mr Damian Oyibo, who is the National Programme Officer for the Centre for National Security, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. He spoke during the 3rd valedictory session of De Dynamic College, Ota, in Ogun State, where he represented the guest speaker, Prof. Peter Okebukola.

    He praised De Dynamic College and the commitment of the school management, whose outcome is seen in the students’ presentations and the way they spoke; the ambience of the school and facilities therein.

    According to him, no developing country removes its subsidy on education. Countries that adhere to these rules always have a form of support system so that those who are intelligent but cannot afford to go to school for various reasons can still get good education.

    He, however, added that people shy away from private schools because good education is costly. But then, that is why scholarships exist. It is the duty of multi-national companies making money from Nigeria and its citizens to put in place scholarship funds for a good number of students. That way, they are investing in the society they are making money from and saving the society from crumbling.

    The expert urged public schools to take a cue from the private sector, saying stakeholders in the industry should be responsible to government so that vote for government schools is increased and officials responsible for them held accountable.

    “There should be an education tax, whereby a percentage of it is voted for education. If these are adhered to, there will be a balance between public and private schools. If the system continues like this, then we are sure that the money that goes into education will be used judiciously.

    “The beauty of these policies has been tried in other parts of the world and are working. These policies are good but the operators are the ones the parents and the society should hold accountable. If we have agreed that such should be done, we have to put our feet down and ensure that tax and value added tax (VAT) to such effect is remitted and those who err in doing so should be punished,” Oyibo said.

    Executive Director of De Dynamic Group of Schools, Alhaja Aramide Bello said the graduates are prepared for the world after their six-year grooming, to respect the views and feelings of others, think for themselves and be good citizens.

    She urged them to be good ambassadors of the school and their country wherever they go, having developed their minds to be independent, confident and be able to compete with the best in other parts of the world.

    Oyibo advised school owners to see their schools as a means of social service and not for profit-making so that indigent students can still enjoy the benefits of education and parents who keep their children out of school should be imprisoned.

  • ‘Ndigbo not aware of town hall meeting with Ambode’

    ‘Ndigbo not aware of town hall meeting with Ambode’

    The Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechu-kwu Nwachukwu has warned Ndigbo not to engage in activities that would bring them to disrepute. He also advised them not to involve Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in any activity that is intended to deceive Ndigbo, Lagos State government and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Eze Nwachukwu gave the advice at the Lagos State Igbo Community Centre, Okota Lagos while addressing reporters on the purported hosting of Ndigbo by Governor Ambode tomorrow.

    Reacting to a report published on page 46 of July 29 edition of The Sun Newspaper entitled: “Ambode hosts Ndigbo”, Eze Nwachukwu said Governor Ambode would not host Ndigbo in a town hall meeting without informing him to mobilise his people in his capacity as the recognised Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State.

    He said: “The story is not genuine, it is unfortunate as well as deceitful. I advise my Igbo communities in Lagos State to be alert and wary of this fake information aimed at deceiving Ndigbo and the host state.”

    He noted that “it might be a mischievous Igbo group that wants to use the name of Ndigbo and Governor Ambode to deceive the government and party. If government and party want to organise such huge and beneficial event, majority of Igbo stakeholders would be aware of it and government itself would be aware of it.

    “Contacts made to the governor’s office indicate that his office is not aware of the planned hosting of Ndigbo tomorrow.

    “Government should be wary of these infamous people, who want to take advantage of their positions to reap where they did not sow.”

    He advised Ndigbo in positions of authority in APC and government to be careful, saying the present era is that of change to better ways of doing things.

    “Our people should jettison all manner of behaviours that bring bad name to them because we are in a dispensation in which sincerity, honesty and credibility characterise governance. For a person or group of persons to decide to deceive the current APC-led government in Lagos State is quite unfortunate.

    “Ndigbo should disregard the dubious call for town hall meeting which the governor is not aware. If there is any town hall meeting between the Governor and Ndigbo, we will be aware of it and then disseminate information to stakeholders in the 57 council areas; because we would want to hear from the governor whose policies and programmes have impacted positively on the lives of indigenes and non-indigenes, especially Ndigbo.

    “It is the duty of the office of Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State to inform Ndigbo  about such important event were there any. It is not Ambode’s style to call Ndigbo to a town hall meeting without going through the appropriate channel. He knows there is Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State whose office could be contacted to mobilise his people for such an important meeting with him.

    “Since there is no information to my office and no invitation extended to Igbo stakeholders, it indicates that the purported town hall meeting is a scam,” he said.

    Also speaking, the immediate past Special Adviser on Transportation to Ojo Local Government Area, Mr Smart Onyia said he was not aware of such event. He also said contacts made to officials of the state and local governments revealed that neither the Lagos State government nor Ndigbo has such plan for a town hall meeting with Governor Ambode tomorrow.

    Mr Onyia, who is the state Chairman of Igbo Mandate Group in APC, advised Ndigbo in Lagos to be careful of such phony plan by some self-serving individuals who want to use the name Ndigbo to achieve their selfish interests. He described the purported town hall meeting with Ambode as a scam.

    He said: “The leadership of Ndigbo in APC Lagos State is unaware of any town hall meeting. There is hierarchy in the leadership of Ndigbo in Lagos. Christian Nwachukwu, who is the recognised Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State, is not aware of the so-called town hall meeting with Governor Ambode tomorrow as reported in The Sun Newspaper.

    “We are dissociating ourselves from such event because it has not received the blessing of the leadership of Ndigbo in Lagos.

    “I advise right-thinking Igbo man or woman in Lagos State not to attend the meeting tomorrow. We believe those behind such plan

    are not sincere and honest. They want to misguide Ndigbo for their personal interests.

    “With every respect, I urge Governor Ambode not to honour the event for the interest of Ndigbo in APC, because the invitation didn’t come from the right source. He and the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should inquire if the leadership of Ndigbo, especially the Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, is involved or carried along.

    “It is not Ndigbo that are organising the purported town hall meeting. Ndigbo have institution and hierarchy beginning from Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State to the leadership of other groups of Ndigbo that include Igbo Mandate in APC and Igbo Political Coalition, among others.

    Such bodies were not contacted. Therefore, tomorrow’s event is not a project of Ndigbo.

    Some individuals who want to feather their nests are behind the phony town hall meeting.

    “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State is not aware of the planned town hall meeting. If it is aware, it would have communicated us. I as the State Chairman of Igbo Mandate in APC has not been informed about such meeting.”

  • Monarch marks coronation anniversary

    Ejio, an ancient town of Owu in Southeast of Arigbajo Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State bubbled recently when sons and daughters of the community converged to identify with their king, Chief Oluwasesan Ajani Ogunmuyiwa as he celebrated his first coronation anniversary. Twenty-eight illustrious sons of the community were also conferred with chieftaincy titles.

    Baale Ogunmefun, who succeeded Chief Reuben Olufemi Obidahunsi who passed on some years ago, was installed by Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, the custodian of the people’s traditional heritage.

    In appreciation to the people for the honour done him, Chief Ogunmefun said: “I shall never forget this warm and touching expression of love and honour which came to a man that was selected from among his fellow brothers of this great community.”

    He said the position of a Baale symbolises power and might, adding that he has been entrusted with the responsibility to serve the people better.

    He urged those conferred with chieftaincy titles to be kind and considerate as well as contribute to the development of the community.

    Six indigent but brilliant pupils of the Local Government Nursery and Primary School, Ejio received scholarship from Chief Ogunmefun.

    They are Adediran Amidat, Adebayo Abiodun, Uche Esther, Opajobi Tawa, Akolawole Akorede and Olawale Folakemi.

    Reeling off his achievements since he ascended the throne, the monarch said he had graded Ejio road, constructed markets and additional classrooms to ease congestion in primary schools, constructed mini-palace for Ejio cabinet chiefs, allotted one acre of land for modern palace and the existing unity and peace in Ejio land.

    He solicited the support of Ogun State government in the construction of Arigbajo-Ejio-Abese Road, modern market and palace.

    Tracing the origin of the town, the monarch said Ejio town was founded in 1860 by Adebolajo Olabadewu, the son of Amule. Inhabitants of the town are predominantly farmers.

    Ejio is a traditional title in Yoruba land, particularly Owu Kingdom with many traditional deities.

    Dignitaries that attended the event were former Permanent Secretary Lagos State government, Dr Omolaja Omofade, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, Oba M. A. A. Gbadebo, Oba Rasaki Famuyiwa, Oba Olufemi Adewunmi Ogunleye, Oba Kabiru Adisa Awotunde, Oba Oluwagbemileke Babajide, Rev. Peter Erinoso, Chief Moshood Akinsola; Chief S. O. Kehinde, Chief O. S. Ababowale, Prof. Ayinde Solola, Chief Koleade Sokunbi, Chief Oladiji Adekola and Chief Risikirulatu Atobatele.

  • Hope, dignity for people living with leprosy

    Hope, dignity for people living with leprosy

    In the yesteryear, people living with leprosy were regarded as unclean and therefore discriminated against, even by their kith and kin. However, hope seems to rise for these people who the late dramatist Ola Rotimi referred to as living dead in his book Hope of the Living Dead. LUCAS AJANAKU writes that two non-governmental organisations (NGOs); Junior Chamber International (JCI) and NIPPON Foundation are collaborating to bring hope, dignity to lepers 

    From the Biblical times, people living with leprosy were regarded as unclean. People hate associating with them and anyone seen going close to them was also regarded as having been infested with the disease. The notion in that pristine era was that one gets infected with the disease because of certain transgression for which the gods punished the victim. They had no hope and dignity.

    A typical example in the Bible was Neman who lived with the disease and was a taboo of sorts before his people. They were at arm’s length to him because they believed that whoever went close to him will be infected.

    His sorry condition continued until he had contact with Prophet Elisha who asked him to dip his leprous body in River Jordan seven times. That he did and he was healed.

    The discrimination that lepers in the olden days suffered is still being meted out to those who are living with the disease in our contemporary period.

    Worried by this dehumanising situation which lepers experience in the society, a group, the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, in collaboration with a Japan-based private, non-profit grant-making organisation, NIPPON Foundation, has begun a nation-wide campaign designed to restore hope and dignity to people living with leprosy.

    The two organisations said they are worried about the stigmatisation of people living with leprosy, adding that there is need to restore hope to people living with the disease.

    According to C. E. Ogbonnaya, L. U. Ogbonnaya, C. M. Chuka-Okosa, the prevalence of leprosy has reduced from the estimated 10-12 million (with 5.4 million registered) worldwide in 1980s to about 0.75 million registered patients by 2002.

    However, the incidence increased from 550,000 by 1985 to approximately 700,000 by 2002. Many cured leprosy patients are living with disability, including ocular disability. Many of these are potentially sight threatening. Already, about 350, 000 to 400, 000 leprosy patients are estimated to be blind worldwide.

    In the Nigerian Journal of Ophthamology Vol. 12 (2) 2004: 38-45, Ogbonnaya, Chuka-Okosa said though the prevalence of leprosy is reducing, its incidence is increasing. Many cured leprosy patients are, however, living with ocular complications that could lead to blindness. Most of these blinding complications could be prevented with early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

    The authors advised that every health worker, particularly ophthalmologists, should be familiar with the ocular complications of leprosy, adding that periodic screening and surgical outreach programmes by ophthalmologists should be integrated into leprosy care programmes with a view to treating avoidable causes of blindness, especially cataract, uveitis and lagophthalmos. Funding for research on leprosy and health care delivery for leprosy should be sustained because available data show that leprosy is still a cause for concern.

    Speaking at a forum to kick-start the programme, the President, JCI Nigeria, Mr. Olatunji Oyeyemi, said the campaign is part of NIPPON Foundation’s global appeals to draw attention to the plight of people living with leprosy.

    He said: “We are delighted to be involved in the campaign to ensure that individuals live with dignity. The campaign is part of the NIPPON Foundation’s global appeals termed “Think Leprosy Now” campaign and we are glad to be able to work with them to bring a change to how the disease and people living with it are perceived.

    “A lot of Nigerians do not know that leprosy is a curable disease and this has resulted in unnecessary stigmatisation of victims. If the public understands the disease better, people affected with leprosy will feel freer to seek treatment at most general hospitals where treatment is free instead of segregating themselves. As young people, we would educate our peers nation-wide in order to establish a society that is compassionate towards people affected by leprosy.”

    According to him, JCI will connect with like-minded organisations such as IDEA Nigeria, that already has programmes aimed at bringing succour to people living with leprosy and their families locally.

    Some of the programmes planned for the “Think Leprosy Now” campaign include leprosy orientation, training for youths, nation-wide awareness campaign and production of a documentary highlighting the effects of leprosy in rural areas.

    Also speaking at the forum, the National Chairman, IDEA Nigeria, Mr. Ahmed Muhammed, said leprosy can be managed, adding that people should stop discriminating against people living with the disease.

    ”Leprosy is a disease that can be managed and treated but due to the high level of discrimination, most patients are ashamed of coming out for treatment. In the rural areas, most people do not know the symptoms, and as such they are most often disabled before they realise that they are affected. If it is discovered and treated early, most of the effected people will avoid the resultant disability that comes with it.

    ”The disease not only impacts the sufferers but also their families as they are unable to work and take care of their healthy children who often times have to go into isolation with them in communities set up for them. Even when some are completely cured, the disability from the disease which they’ve already overcome makes people still discriminate against them, leading to inability to find jobs and provide for their families,” he said.

    He said IDEA Nigeria has been involved in identifying people affected with the disease in rural areas and directing them to free treatment centres in most general hospitals to avoid the disability which lack of early treatment can cause. He pointed out that most people affected by the disease also have the tendency to discriminate against themselves which often leads them to segregate themselves and avoid help.

    JCI will use its active citizen framework to bring stakeholders such as government, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the business community for collaboration as it seeks to demonstrate the power of youth in creating positive change in the face of societal challenges.

  • CBN canvasses for more states’ funding of youth training

    The Central Bank of Nigeria, Entrepreneurship Development Centre (CBN/EDC), has called for more funding by the Southwest states to train more youths to make them self-reliant.

    The Project Director of CBN/EDC Southwest, Dr Olumide Ajayi made the call in a communique issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after second meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of EDC held at the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

    According to him, without funding by the Southwest states the centre cannot achieve its aim of training more youths to be entrepreneurs.

    “Concerning the challenges CBN/EDC is experiencing, nothing has been done by Oyo State which is the hosting state. Since Oyo State is hosting the SW/EDC on behalf of the Southwest, it would be a good if TAC members could meet with the Oyo State government concerning the challenges CBN/EDC is facing in their State,” he said

    Ajayi praised Osun State for its involvement in CBN/EDC activities, noting that it is the first to give the centre sponsored trainees.

    He said: “Osun State gave CBN/EDC 135 participants that are currently trained. Still on participation, Ogun State requested for names of those trainees that have been trained by CBN/EDC and who are doing businesses in the state for funding through the BOI-OGSG fund.

    “Ogun State promised to give more funds to CBN/EDC but the trainees need to have their businesses in Ogun State. In order to achieve this, it would be if we can have trainings organised in the state to enable more indigenes that do businesses in the state to participate.

    “The centre has also started Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP) for current and ex-corps members who served in the last five years. The essence of the programme is to train youths on entrepreneurship and teach them how to write a bankable business plan. If the business plan is viable enough, they would be granted loans to begin their own businesses.”

    The director also stated that the centre has built an ICT Incubation Scheme Tech-hub to assist people to develop their business or ideas.

    ‘’The hub helps them develop their ideas when they are set for market. The incubation centre gives them opportunity to start their businesses pending when they have their own office,” Ajayi said.

    Earlier in his remarks, The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosimieti, emphasised that the major reason for the creation of the ministry is to proffer lasting solution to unemployment.

    The Commissioner commended the gesture of CBN/EDC towards the initiative, adding that the ministry looks forward to working with ALF/CBN/EDC Southwest in order to create a synergy in the region.

  • NGO provides academic materials for Ekiti pupils

    Students of Ado Grammar School and pupils of Ado Grammar Nursery and Primary School both in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital had cause to smile as Ado Metropolitan Lions Club showered them with materials to boost their academic career.

    Under the club’s “Back to School Initiative for Youth Empowerment”, notebooks, mathematical sets and other writing materials were distributed to them to the delight of the students.

    Members of the Ado-Ekiti Metropolitan Lions Club 404B2 led by their president, Lion Oyedeji Olajubu, said the gesture was the beginning of packages for the education sector to provide an environment conducive to learning.

    The President, who pointed out that the club was propelled to give out to the poor and needy in the society in its usual manner to demonstrate love, and service to humanity as a way of life, urged the students and the pupils to exemplify same.

    Olajubu also advised the pupils and students to imbibe the spirit of giving and sacrifice for one another, saying giving and sharing is the greatest thing in life. He stated that the gesture was to express love to and share with others, adding that “love is also essential”, without love it would be difficult to share or give out.

    He said: “The Lions is a Club that serves. We are not saying that you’re poor; we just want to contribute to your education by sharing some writing materials to you for use when you resume school. We don’t have to be so rich before we give to others.

    “I encourage you to be part of the club by becoming Alpha Leos. There are three Ts that are required of you to be a Lion, your Time, Talent and Treasure. If you are ready to sacrifice these three, you are qualified to be a lion.

    “The Junior Lion’s Club, called Alpha Leo Club, is organised in junior schools with a view to helping fellow students who are not from rich homes. Don’t look at what we brought, but at yourselves and be willing to serve.

    “Tell others that service is the greatest thing to do, and it takes true love to serve. Ensure that you also share what we are giving to your friends.”

    Olajubu also unfolded the club’s plan to carry out some capital projects in support of education and to create better scenery.

    He added: “We will be building a three-room hall for the nursery and primary school Ado-Ekiti. One of the rooms would be for their library while the other two would be an extension of their classrooms. We are also going to assist a pupil who is visually impaired. His name is Salau Tijani.

    “Our other programmes this year include environmental projects and helping those who are visually challenged. Last year, we assisted in environmental sanitation. We will decide on what to do on environment this year.

    “We are also going to be helping a lot of people who have visual challenges. We will distribute materials to aid them and also help is treatment if possible.”

    Lion Idowu Adeojo, a popular medical practitioner said: “We are Lions that have a strong heart to help others. Lions Club is all over the world.

    “We promise that you will be seeing us more as the present President like your school. I pray that you would one day be like us and even be greater than us.

    A pupil of the Ado Nursery and Primary School, Praise Daramola, who spoke on behalf of the pupils, said that was the first time they are receiving such materials from any non-governmental organisation (NGO).

    Daramola said: “On behalf of the students, we appreciate the club for this gesture. It will go a long way in helping us in our studies. This is the first in the history of the school and we greatly appreciate it.”

    Some other officials of the club who joined the President during the humanitarian service included Lion Victory Edafe, Lion Folorunsho Alade, Lion Ayodeji Adeyemi, Lion Yeye Olunfunke Olajubu and Lion Rotimi Ojomoyela.