The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • ‘How to guarantee safe, healthy environment’

    ‘How to guarantee safe, healthy environment’

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has said the best way to guarantee safe and healthy environment is through planting of trees.

    Governor Ambode stated this during this year’s tree planting campaign held at Oriade Local Council Development Area. The event held at Ijegun-Egba Primary School, Satellite Town Lagos.

    He noted that the annual event was one of the cheapest ways of combating the effects of global warming and climate change, hence the state’s commitment to plant 10 million trees by 2020.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Housing who spoke through Mr. O. Atitebi, Governor Ambode said “planting of trees is very important for our environment because trees provide oxygen, cool the atmosphere, help conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save our children from ultra-violet rays, provide food and brings diverse groups together as we are doing today. The state government is solidly behind this year’s theme which is ‘Lend a hand to Save Trees.’”

    He urged the people to plant trees to replace those removed from vast acres of land so that we would be able to reduce the rate of ocean surge and erosion which has the tendency of displacing home and communities.

    Noting that Lagos State has become a reference point in the country in terms of creating a green environment, he pledged his administration’s commitment to pursue the state’s greening policy of total regeneration of degraded sites.

    He pleaded with all stakeholders to support government’s efforts at making the environment safe and clean as it cannot do it alone, even as he appreciated supporters of the programme such as Ecobank Plc and Reliance Towers Limited.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for the Environment, Babatunde Samuel Adejare said the tree planting programme is to further help in propagating the Green Revolution Campaign geared towards climate change mitigation and adaptation, adding that besides beautifying the environment, the trees help in converting criminal hideouts and open spaces into orchards and woodlands.

    Represented by Mr Adeola O. S., Adejare regretted that human activities are threatening the survival of trees.

    The Commissioner revealed that “the government has embarked on several campaigns that aimed at sensitising the residents to the importance of supporting government so that we can jointly solve some environmental challenges that we created such as dumping waste indiscriminately into drainage system and canals that result in flooding. We are calling on Lagosians to preserve trees and promote landscaping and greening of our homes. It is important to plant trees always and protect existing ones in order to remain healthy and live in beautiful, safe and healthy environment.

    In a chat with Southwest Report, the Sole Administrator of Oriade LCDA, Mr Abeeb Aileru said as a result of the effects of global warming, trees could help communities to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation.

    He said: “The oxygen that we breathe in is emitted from trees for our survival. Trees are so important because they beautify the environment. They help in health-related issues in terms of the cooling effects on our body system. Though we use trees in different ways such as cooking, to do furniture and other things, there is the need to plant trees.”

    The council chief said people’s attitude to trees is becoming worrisome, adding that they do not see the correlation between government planting trees when the people are hungry. What our people need is re-orientation. Let the people see the importance of planting trees, not only to beautify our surroundings, but also to get some health benefits derivable from trees which are so crucial to our survival.

  • Corps member’s bridge links Ibadan communities

    Corps member’s bridge links Ibadan communities

    A member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Gabriel Owokoniran, made his compulsory one year national service memorable by building a major bridge connecting several Ibadan communities, thereby bringing joy to thousands of residents, writes BISI OLADELE

    The job was seemingly taxing. Community leaders and affluent residents were unable to crack the knot. Government was not quick enough to address the plight of the several gated communities in Elebu area of Ibadan, where a bridge connecting about eight communities lay in ruins for years, making passage a nightmare for residents whenever it rained.

    But a young man, who had no stake in the area, Gabriel Owokoniran, has cracked the hard knot, bringing unquantifiable joy to residents of the large community.

    Though Owokoniran did not study engineering in the university, he successfully constructed a durable bridge. The success of the project has earned him the praise and admiration of all residents.

    The Chairman of Asaka, one of the eight communities, Pa Wellington Adebanjo, recalled that the spot was impassable for a long time, particularly for small vehicles, motorcycles and pedestrians.

    He said the various estates had held several meetings on how to fix it but sadly came to the conclusion that constructing a proper bridge there required millions of Naira which they believed was beyond the residents’ capability.

    His words: “Then, we contacted Iddo Local Government Area but we did not receive any positive response. The council revealed that it had plans for the area (construction of road and bridges) but that it fell on Phase Two of the development plan. The first phase, they said, was that of Labuta Zone. They said they could not predict when work would start in our zone.

    “We were at the middle of that when Gabriel came, though we were not actually making progress. We levied each community N40, 000 but nothing was coming forth.

    “We initially thought Gabriel would dupe us. We interviewed him, thinking he was an engineer, believing he could offer professional advice. Yet, he did this job satisfactorily. We only supported him morally.

    “The most interesting part of his work is that none of us was there to supervise him. In the rain, he was there. In the sun, he was there. He really put his all into it.”

    How it all started

    In an interview with Southwest Report, Owokoniran recalled that he came about the idea of the project while taking a walk one day. He said he saw road users struggling to pass through the spot which was fully eroded after a heavy rain.

    His words: “I started the project on February 22, this year. At one of our Community Development Service (CDS) sessions, our co-ordinator, Mr Bright Ayoola, told us that the purpose of our CDS was not just to gather in a particular location but to go out, identify the problems in our host community and provide solution. He said that is what can make our service memorable and outstanding.

    “That motivated me. I then went out. While I was taking a walk, I saw motorists and pedestrians struggling through a puddle because rain fell that day. While trying to video the scene and present to our supervisor and determine if it was a problem I could solve, people came around and started appealing to me to help if I was a government representative, a worker with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or representative of a private firm. But I told them I was a corps member. So, they all appealed to me to do something about it if I could. Then, I assured them that I would present it to the NYSC.

    “When I told Mr Ayoola, he said it was a good project. He pointed out that the impact would be great if I solved it.

    “I took up the challenge. I followed the bureaucracy of the NYSC by writing for approval.  I got approval on December 22, last year.

    “Then, I began the paper works. I wrote community leaders and associations and corporate organisations to help in funding the project.”

    Yet, the 29-year-old corps member said the magic did not come through the letters. In the face of frustration, he came up with an idea that saw him through.

    He said: “When money was not forthcoming from anywhere, I introduced ticketing as an option. I presented it to the community leaders and they obliged. My thinking was that organisations and other individuals would be willing to help us if they see how much we are achieving on the project.

    “I want to thank God that they supported the idea. We wrote to all necessary authorities for approval, including the police. What we raised has helped us fix the bridge to this point. The problem is almost solved. We are only left with filling of the road. There is no erosion on the road now.”

     

    The challenges: insults, discouragements

    Highlighting the challenges he experienced in undertaking the project, he said: “One of the major challenges I experienced in the course of this project was insults from people, even the same people using the road. When you come out and you ask them for ticket fees, some will embarrass you.

    “Some said they wouldn’t pay a kobo because they are paying tax to the government. They maintained that it was not my responsibility as a corps member to do it, and that they are not even begging me to do it, anyway. If you can’t do it, then, leave it,” some people told me. I felt discouraged at a time but I overcame that by telling myself that I had the goal of building a bridge to accomplish. So, I pressed forward.

    “Another challenge was that I was really discouraged when I had disappointments from corporate bodies. I thought that was the end of the project. But I encouraged myself to pursue a cause I believed in. It was in the course of brainstorming that ticketing came as an option.

    I have been able to raise over N1.2 million from ticketing and little donations which have taken us this far.

    “We have filled the road, graded and constructed drainage systems. The first drainage system we constructed was about 170 metres. The channelisation was also the same length. The road was filled and graded. An individual paid N150, 000 for excavator. I was able to use my status as a corps member to achieve those things.”

     

  • 260 screeened of cervical, breast cancer

    260 screeened of cervical, breast cancer

    No fewer than 260 women and school girls in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, benefited from breast and cervical cancer screening exercise organised by the Rotary Club of Omole Golden.

    Welcoming the women to the exercise which took place at the Ifako-Ijaiye Primary Health care Centre (PHC), President of the Club, Rotarian Titilayo Sunmonu described cancer as a pandemic which is on the rise, especially in developing countries due to late detection and lack of access to preventive, curative treatment or palliative care.

    According to her, over one million women worldwide are estimated to be living with cervical cancer while same prevalence pattern is recorded in breast cancer, especially in developing countries.

    She was optimistic that through the screening, the less-privileged people would not only be aware of their health status, but those predisposed to the diseases would begin to take steps to remediate it.

    Rotarian Sunmonu praised the FBN Insurance for partnering with the club in promoting access to these critical areas of women health care which are often neglected by the larger society.

    FBN Sales Retail Manager, Mrs Ngozi Umechurumba said the company is happy to partner with the club in this very vital aspect of health care for the womenfolk. She said bringing breast and cervical cancer awareness and screening to the grassroots women would go a long way in reducing the mortality prevalence.

    Contributing, the Deputy Medical Director of Lagos State General Hospital, Ifako-Ijaiye Dr Mercy Erivea Kuti urged women not to hide their status like a sore thumb, but to approach a qualified medical doctor for the right diagnosis of their ailment and get the treatment or palliative care and not regard these pandemic, especially breast cancer, as an enemy’s arrow.

    She said the prevalence of breast and cervical cancers aren’t high in most African countries until recently when “our lifestyles began to change, saying we began to copy everything western, including their food and drinks”.

    She said women should report to the hospital anytime they observe a lump in any part of their breast, when post-lactating women notice a reddish or greenish discharge from their breasts, or when the skin turns reddish or starts peeling, or the nipples sunk inside.

    She said women above 40 should approach a doctor when they start seeing blood after an intercourse, experiencing excess virginal discharge, or noticing a smelly and foolish discharge from their private part.

    Few of those who were screened  praised the club for the initiative. Mrs Kehinde Owolabi said a lot of women are now aware and are better equipped with information about their status.

    Mrs Eniola Adedokun and Mrs Esther Salami who came from Lafarge, Ewekoro, Ogun State, said she was fascinated by the idea that a club could be sponsoring such a “noble idea” that would arm women with information they needed to live a healthier life”.

    Mrs Labar Yenkat who lives in Ishaga said she has gained tremendously from the screening and vaccination exercises. She thanked the club for creating such an avenue for indigent women to know more about the dreaded disease.

    The event was attended among others by community leaders and officials of the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area led by the former Executive Secretary, Mr Olurotimi Adeleye, who represented the Sole Administrator, Mr Babatunde I.Q. Raj-Label, and members of the Rotary Club of Omole Golden.

  • 8th Lagos Assembly and its stewardship

    8th Lagos Assembly and its stewardship

    Lagos State House of Assembly complex was a beehive of activities as the 8th Assembly marked its first session on June 8, 2016 in a rather unique manner.

    No doubt, the state legislature had from onset set a clearly defined mission when it was inaugurated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on the same date in 2015.

    The Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa who is in his fourth term (as a member) did not mince words in his inaugural speech in which he set an agenda of the state legislature. He said, “We are here to serve the people. Our new members will find that we are often besieged by lobbyists- their advocacy plays a valuable role here-but we must never forget whom we really serve – the people of Lagos State.”

    In line with this objective, the House revved its engine re-ordering the state budget to enable Governor Ambode deliver on his promises to the people of the state in good time.

    This, no doubt was like a stitch that saves nine, as the re-ordering of the budget enabled the state government to purchase state-of-the-art crime fighting equipment running into billions of naira.

    This in itself is historic as no state in the country had ever procured such equipment which included surveillance helicopters, patrol vehicles, armoured personnel carriers and more at the same time.

    Noteworthy is the fact that the Ambode administration’s first major challenge was tackling an upsurge in crime which greeted his assumption office

    This was even as the state 2016 budget was delivered to the state Chief Executive in record time as promised by Speaker Obasa when the document was laid by the governor.

    Close watchers of the Obasa-led Lagos Assembly believe that may not be unconnected with the promise that the state lawmakers would not unnecessarily tackle the executive in the overall interest of the state.

    It was therefore not unsurprising that the Assembly made giant strides in the last one year, passing 88 resolutions and six bills within the period.

    These include the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund law, 2015, aimed at tackling unemployment in the most populous state of the nation.

    This is aside the Local Government Administration (Amendment bill), to deepen grassroots democracy, Neighborhood watch Bill to enhance Security. Some of these bills have been signed into law by the Governor.

    Apparently keeping to its promise to Lagosians, the House is currently working on a bill to stem the spread of Cancer among Lagosians. Putting it more succinctly, Tunde Braimoh, Chairman, House committee on Information said the bill which is one of the four sponsored by the Speaker in the last twelve months aims to assist  poor Lagosians in the high cost of cancer treatment spread and generally look for the cure of the deadly disease.

    When the Lagos Assembly therefore hosted media executives and civil society organizations to unveil her social media platforms, it was joy flowing like a river among the lawmakers and others present.

    Obasa seized the opportunity to reel out the House’s achievements under his leadership and formally unveiled the four online platforms.

    He said: “For purpose of record, I will like to state that this House within one year has passed about 60 resolutions while six bills have been passed and consequently signed into law by Governor Ambode. These resolutions and laws are those that border on the security and well-being of Lagosians, and have direct impact on them. We shall remain undaunted and resolute in our resolve to take Lagos to a greater height.

    “I wish to reiterate that I am passionately committed to my 10-point agenda, as stated in my inaugural speech. Within one year that I took over the mantle of leadership of this great House, we have had landmark achievements in prompt but thorough passage of the year 2016 budget, timely commencement of plenary sittings, organizing constituency stakeholders’ meetings simultaneously for the first time in all the 40 constituencies of the state, holding the MDAs to account through intensive and effective oversight activities and in responding earnestly to the petitions by Lagosians through appropriate standing or ad hoc committee.”

    He emphasized that series of training programmes have been organized for lawmakers and staff to improve their efficiency, with a functional website and the possibility of live streaming of the plenary sessions from the chamber.

    The Assembly has also played host to renowned constitutional Lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and a former Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Alhaji Musliu Smith on June 13, 2016 in continuation of its anniversary to mark the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

    The two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) agreed that Nigeria needed both political and physical federalism for rapid development. The legal luminaries observed that Nigeria is the only Federal Republic without a state police and that States, Local Governments, and even schools could have their own police.

    Falana observed that Lagos for instance provided the federally-controlled Nigeria Police with not less than 600 vehicles in 16 years while the federal government accorded the state with less than 200 within the same period!

    Their agitation for state police was supported by the former IGP who said Lagos in particular was ripe for state police by virtue of its peculiarities and special position in Nigeria.

    In his remarks, Speaker Obasa declared that every state that has the resources should be allowed to have state police in the spirit of true federalism. He equally seized the opportunity to demand a special status for Lagos in view of its strategic position and contributions to national development.

    Appraising the 8th Lagos Assembly, a former chairman of the Ikeja branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Monday Ubani thumbed up the performance of the lawmakers in the last one year. He said, “I have watched the proceeding of the Lagos House. Most times, their debate is only centered on how to better the living standard of the people, how to improve their welfare and how to ensure that the issue of basic infrastructure is addressed.”

    Ubani’s views were shared by the first elected female chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Mrs. Olufunke Fadugba, who said, “I will say the 8th Lagos Assembly seem to be more active and less controversial than their predecessors who had always been engulfed in one crisis or the other.”

    As the Assembly enters another year of its legislative duties, Lagosians and Nigerians in general look forward to its continuously being the true “center of Excellence”.

     

    • Olatunde, a political scientist lives in Lagos

     

  • Ikorodu killings: House of Representatives to the rescue

    Ikorodu killings: House of Representatives to the rescue

    •Orders Police I.G, NEMA to help communities

    The House of Representatives on Thursday gave hope to the people of Igbo-olomu, Agbede, Elepete and other communities on the border of Lagos and Ogun States that were recently ravaged by rampaging militants in an invasion that left nearly 20 persons dead and many more injured.

    Tongues are still waging within and outside the two southwestern states following the unprovoked attacks, two weeks ago, on the communities by people suspected to be Ijaw militants who had, prior to the attack, sent letters to the residents of the area, intimating them of the intention to attack the area and kill, as well as destroy properties.

    Weeks after the incident which attracted widespread condemnation, the few residents who had summoned enough courage to return to the communities after thousands fled in the wake of the brutal killings, continue to lament the absence of security operatives and emergency relief workers in the communities.

    But the lower House on Thursday, following a motion moved by Hon. Babajimi Benson representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and promptly seconded by Hon. Mukaila Kazzim representing Abeokuta North/Obafemi Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency, directed the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies particularly the Army and Navy to protect lives and properties in the affected communities.

    Benson, while moving the motion  stated while debating the motion in a passionate voice on the floor of the House, painted a gory picture of the incidents of the last two weeks in the affected communities and urged his colleagues to pity the unfortunate conditions into which many families and residents of the area have been thrown by the rampaging attackers.

    He lamented that it is an unfortunate thing that the militants come into the area and leave, through the creeks, unhindered. He expressed fears that unless drastic security measures are taken, it is not impossible that the killer gangs would attempt to repeat their visits to the affected communities or other communities around the area.

    “The riverine communities are supposed to be protected by the Federal Government, the Army and Navy. Considering that the Constitution guarantees the right to life and dignity of human person, I urge the 8th Assembly to assist in putting a stop to the attacks by mandating the police, the army, the navy and also NEMA to pay particular attention to these communities so that these heinous crimes can be abated.” He urged that the motion be given urgent consideration by the House.

    The lawmaker also noted the resurgence of coordinated attacks in Ishawo,  Elepe, Agbede, Igbo-Olomu Areas of Ikorodu, a suburb in Lagos State, where cases of abduction and killing have been reported. According to him, the onslaught by militants/gunmen against riverine communities in Lagos State and parts of Ogun State, has increased in recent time

    He said the motion is premised on his concern that the number of lives lost and properties that have been destroyed in the last month have not received the required and urgent attention from the Federal government, leaving only the Lagos State Government to attempt to curtail the attacks.

    He is also worried that the number of internally displaced persons in Lagos State has been on the increase as residents have continue to flee their houses  to other communities that are considered to be safer.

    Seconding the motion and urging its consideration by the House, Kazzim noted that a similar motion was sponsored by him on December 15, 2015, highlighting the activities of militants in the same area.

    The House in its ruling on the motion, urge the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies particularly the Army and Navy to protect lives and properties in the affected communities. It also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to carry out a fact finding mission in order to ascertain the level of damages and provide relief materials to the victims;

    To ensure that its attempt to put smiles on the faces of the residents of the affected communities is not in vain, Speaker Yakubu Dogara specifically mandated the Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Defence, Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

  • Cleric preaches tolerance

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdul-Hakeem Abul-Lateef has urged Muslim faithful across the country to embrace and promote religious harmony, tolerance and peaceful co -existence.

    Speaking at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Sallah Lecture, held at Combo Hall, LTV, Agidingbi, Lagos, Abdul-Lateef enjoined Lagos Muslims to shun extremism, saying God has has not commanded anyone to fight for Him.

    He said: “Muslims who are ignorant of the commands of Allah are the enemies of Islam because Allah has not compelled anyone to fast. Fasting is meant for Muslims who are able to and who are strong and able to observe the fast. This is because if one is sick and one observes the fast, one doesn’t have reward because one is killing oneself gradually.

    “Anybody who takes it upon himself to fight for God, such a person is ignorant of the precepts of Allah and we must avoid all forms of violence and anything that will constitute inhumanity to man.

    “The month of Ramadan affords the faithful the opportunity to tirelessly perform all the obligations, which include reading and mastering of the Quran and engaging in supplication to Allah.”

    He also called for peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians and an end to insurgency in the North- east and militancy in the Niger Delta region.

    “Ramadan, being one the pillars of Islam should be when Muslims should earnestly seek the face of Allah to end the scourge of militancy against the country where peace and justice reign,” he said.

    Speaking on the lecture entitled “The Islamic Perspective on Good Governance and Citizens’ Welfare,” Abdul-Lateef said wealthy Nigerians, especially those in position of authority, must remember the poor and care for them.

    He noted that “leaders must restrain themselves from the wealth of the nation so that the redistribution of wealth according to Almighty Allah can be achieved in achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.’’

    Also speaking, Senator Ganiu Solomon implored Muslims to be steadfast in fasting and prayers for the progress of the nation. We need to offer prayers to God for the growth and development of the nation.

    “Nigeria is currently experiencing some challenges ranging from insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, robbery and other vices. Nigeria and Nigerians will survive the challenges and will see a new dawn,” he said.

  • Sports facility for Lagos community

    Residents of Omi Tuntun community in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, especially the youth, were excited when the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province 37 handed over a multi-purpose sports court constructed for the community to them.

    Facilities at the sports  court include basket ball, volley ball and badminton courts.

    Presenting the N1.3 million worth sports facility to the Commissioner for Sports and Social Development, Hon. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf who was represented by a director in the ministry, Mr. Idowu Ademosu, Pastor Adewole Ajayeoba of RCCG Lagos Province 37,  said the project was part of the church’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects which were aimed at giving back to the society.

    He stressed that the CSR programme was the vision of the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye who believes that the church must impart positively on the environment where it operates.

    Pastor Ajayeoba said he believed that with the provision of the sporting facility, the youth of Omi Tuntun community would have more recreational sites where they could put their youthful strength to positive use rather than engage in anti-social activities.

    Also speaking, Pastor Paul Olukunga of Elim Zone under RCCG LP 37 said the church decided to construct the multi-purpose sports court to provide more sporting facilities that would complement the football field in existence in the community.

    He noted that it was the responsibility of the church and other well-meaning individuals and organisations to ensure that they complement government’s efforts in engaging the youth positively in activities that would impact positively on the society.

    Pastor Olukunga urged the community to make judicious use of the facility and maintain it for generations unborn.

    Thanking the church for the gesture, Akinbile-Yusuf said the Lagos State government appreciates the church for its numerous CSR projects in the community.

    Secretary of the Community Development Association (CDA), Mr Akeem Ogunleye added that the provision of the sports court was a welcome development as the community had tried to put such facility in place over the years which had been impossible due to lack of funds.

    Afterwards, youths of the community played volleyball and basket ball matches on the new facility.

  • Excitement as nurses relish Afe Babalola’s philanthropy

    Excitement as nurses relish Afe Babalola’s philanthropy

    Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) is the latest institution to benefit from the generosity of the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Aare Afe Babalola, who laid the foundation stone of the nurses’ house he donated to the hospital’s branch of the, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    In many parts of Nigeria, the legacies of the founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, are evident  in terms of endowments, buildings, donations, scholarships and so on.

    Either in the courts of law, universities, polytechnics or hospitals, he has etched his name in immortality by touching lives through donation of buildings which serve different purposes.

    But now, the Midas touch is being felt the more in his native community of Ado-Ekiti where he is building projects that will continue to make his name relevant.

    At the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, the Administrative building which he built and donated still stands tall above other structures. The Bar Centre of the Ado-Ekiti branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) located inside the High Court premises in the city is another legacy worthy of mention.

    Also worthy of mention is the auditorium which he built for the Faculty of Law, Ekiti State University (EKSU) Ado-Ekiti. He had built structures in places such as the University College Hospital, Ibadan and University of Lagos, among others.

    But the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) is the latest to host another iconic project to be built by, arguably one of the greatest philanthropists.

    The project is the Nurses’ House within the complex and it is being promoted by the hospital’s chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) which will serve as a multi-purpose centre.

    The administration officials and nurses at EKSUTH were excited about the Nurses’ House which will soon be added to some of the solid structures springing up at the premises of the hospital.

    The nurses sang, danced and threw banters. They praised Babalola whom they described as a “father indeed.”

    They performed a cultural dance in honour of the former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who showed his dexterity in dancing to the music rendered in Ekiti dialect.

    It was no surprise that nurses and midwives in the hospital came out in large numbers to welcome Babalola, principal officers and other officials of ABUAD at the foundation-laying ceremony.

    Babalola was joined by his wife who is also the Chief Executive of ABUAD Ventures, Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola; ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Michael Ajisafe; Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olurotimi Sanya and the Bursar, Mr. Modupe Babalola, among others.

    EKSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, described nurses as the livewire of the hospital whose contributions are vital to health care delivery and smooth running of the complex.

    Ogundipe also praised Babalola for his philanthropy and generosity which have positively affected the lives of millions of people within and outside the country.

    He said: “It’s great having the nurses bring Baba here because there is no reason to fear on the funding of this project. The NBA House solely built by him is gigantic and we believe he will do it again for you here.

    “Without nurses, there will be no hospital. They are the ones that will be here when others have gone home. They are the pillars of the hospital; the management gave them a place to construct their building.

    “Nurses are trailblazers and we should all celebrate them. The hospital’s branches of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) are contributing money to put up their own buildings too.”

    The Chairman of Ekiti State NANNM, Ezekiel Fatomiluyi, described Babalola as a great man and father of Ekiti who has contributed immensely to the development of the state, and who is always ready to enhance the the lives of the people.

    While praising NANNM, EKSUTH chapter for the milestone, Fatomiluyi noted that this would be the first of its kind in any of the local chapters of the association.

    Fatomiluyi urged the nurses to be committed to their jobs because they are life savers who should not be denied their rights.

    Chairperson of EKSUTH-NANNM, Mrs Olufunke Adetoye said the nurses’ house is being named after Babalola because of his passion for excellence and service to humanity.

    She said: “The proposed building is being named after our Grand Patron. A self-made man endowed with much wisdom to take right decisions, who is a philanthropist and who has committed his all to the service of humankind.

    “I am talking of no other person than the founder of Afe Babalola University, a first-class university in Africa with full accreditation in all courses, including Nursing which is so rare to get accredited.

    “I am also soliciting the assistance of all in the completion of this project for use by EKSUTH community and generations yet unborn.”

    Mrs Adetoye revealed that the building will serve as nurses’ association secretariat and meeting place for congress, seminars and workshops for the advancement of the nursing profession.

    The building, she further said, will have an e-library section to  assist nurses in knowledge acquisition, research purposes, environment conducive to reading and also serve as a link to various academic pursuits.

    According to her, the building will equally house a crèche equipped with modern facilities to give nursing mothers among them confidence and a means of generating funds and a mini-mart where snacks and other provisions will be sold.

    In his remarks, the donor, Babalola noted that nurses deserved to be celebrated for their selfless service to humankind and commitment to health care delivery.

    He described the project as a worthy one that should be supported for the advancement of the nursing profession, acquisition of knowledge and research.

    The ABUAD founder said he would never be tired of giving because he knew what it was to be poor; having tasted poverty while growing up, adding that he is always inspired to assist the less privileged persons.

    Babalola said: “It is a crime not to have a target and it is a pity that most of us don’t set targets.

    “My first salary was one pound and after my school certificate examination, it rose to five pounds and it was from it that I was sponsoring my younger ones. Giving to people makes me happy. It also makes the receiver happy.

    “Do not wait to have N200, 000 before you can give; as nurses, always thank God and know that there are people who are not as privileged as you are.

    “I want you to contribute to this project no matter how small, give the little you have for us to do it together. Come to ABUAD for your degree, it will lead to your Master’s and PhD. Aim high, don’t aim low.

    “Nurses here should be celebrated for coming up with the plan of putting up this building to enhance the nursing profession. I have since discovered that the spirit of giving is lacking among us.

    “We have a situation where people ask government to give everything but you can also contribute the little you have to assist the government because government cannot do everything.”

    Babalola also called on authorities to make the welfare of nurses and other health professionals top priority to prevent crisis in the health sector which leads to strikes.

    He said further: “The nursing profession has maintained a high standard. If other people do what they are doing, our country will not be where it is today.

    “Life is very important. They (nurses) make life; they deserve to be given adequate compensation. I see nurses like priests and doctors; I don’t expect a pastor to go on strike against his flock.

    “Nurses and doctors should not go on strike by virtue of their professions. I want to appeal to government to pay due regards to nurses and doctors. They should not be allowed to go on strike and government should always meet their needs.”

    He was joined by his wife and other dignitaries present to lay the foundation stone amid songs of praises to God for making the project a reality.

     

  • ‘Hard times await land grabbers’

    The Deji of Akure Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi has vowed to curb the activities of land grabbers, popularly called Omo Onile in his domain.

    The monarch stated this during his visit to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier-General C. Ofoshe in Akure.

    The monarch lamented that the activities of the notorious Omo Onile are fast becoming a menace to the society and a dent on the image of the city.

    He said he would not fold his arms and allow the hoodlums to turn his land into a lawless society where crimes thrive.

    “I am aware that they move round the town extorting money from unsuspecting individuals and even threaten land owners with dangerous weapons.

    “They have turned this into a daily routine and a robust source of income for them. We must put an end to it, the Deji said.

    Oba Aladetoyinbo therefore, solicited the assistance of the military in ensuring that these hoodlums are flushed out of the society.

    He said: “I am fully aware that some of the lands are under-utilised by the military.”

    The monarch said the military is currently occupying about a quarter of the land mass of Akure.

    Brigadier Ofoshe thanked the monarch for his visit and the good working relationship between the military and the traditional ruler.

    He said that had contributed immensely to the relative peace which Akure had enjoyed. He, therefore, enjoined Oba Aladetoyinbo to take up the issue of land grabbing with the appropriate authority.

    On the issue of land grabbers, the Brigade Commander promised to co-operate with the Deji and relevant security agencies in curtailing the excesses of the gangsters.

    “I want to assure your Majesty that we will apprehend them and deal with them decisively,” he said.

  • Southwest CAN chief calls for peace in Osun

    The Chairman, Southwest Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade has called for reconciliation, peace and harmony between CAN and Muslim community in Osun State for development to be realised.

    Atilade, who gave the advice in a chat with Southwest Report in Lagos said all hands must be on deck so as to achieve peace in Osun State without which there would be no tangible development.

    The cleric praised the efforts of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in providing free food to all students in public schools, building of new schools, new roads and extension of new roads which are praiseworthy.

    He stressed that the church is not against the wearing of Hijab by Muslim girls because Catholic Rev. Sister wear it. He, however, said the school as an institution should promote uniformity which is why every school has a uniform to identify it.

    On all schools being public, he said: “The mission schools established by the missionaries and other private school proprietors were forcibly taken over by the state governments.

    “Ultimately our prayer is that the schools be returned to their original owners just as the former  Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did in Lagos.

    “It is evident that no government can conveniently run public institutions. Why should government insist on taking over of schools?

    “All over the world, no government,  be it capitalists, socialists or communists, has the sole responsibility of providing education for its people,” he said.

    He lamented the non-payment of salaries by 28 state governments, saying it is pertinent for government to hand over mission schools to their original owners.