THE joy is that God has been faithful. I have found my destiny, my talent and what God wants me to do for Him. There have been a lot of testimonies even unknown to me and even as l am unknown.”
A street preacher, Pastor Iheanyinchukwu Gilbert, of Praise and Worship Church of God said this in an interview with The Nation as he relayed his eight years of street preaching experience in Alimosho, a suburb of Lagos, despite losing his wife and sister 33 days apart.
The cleric who marked his eighth year of preaching in the streets a few days ago said he answered God’s call to preach in the streets on June 1, 2014, and he had stationed at Akowonjo roundabout ever since.
“To the glory of God this journey started the first day of June 2014 after a lot of torture, I had to surrender. I couldn’t walk, it was after one year of my paralysis, I cried to God. I couldn’t come out of my compound for a whole year. I was diagnosed with low blood pressure but to the glory of God, nobody treated me but God took it away after crying to Him and pleading for mercy.”
According to the preacher, it was not an easy journey but God saw him through.
“I had to surrender to God after my wife returned from her second fibroid operation in 2014. The first one was in 2010 at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. I used to preach like this when I was in the Anglican Church.
“When I heard I had been chosen, I ran to the Lord’s Chosen Church in 2010 but the voice was still disturbing me. I spent four years there and asked God what He wanted me to do but while in the church they were still telling me to go and do the work of God as if I wasn’t doing it. Then I surrendered to God and started, since then I had peace,” he narrated.
Asked if he is fulfilled, he said there is nothing like serving God.
“I would be praying here and God would be touching those passing, I don’t know how. A lady was passing and dropped a letter here and stated what God did in her life while on a vehicle as I was praying here, she dropped N3,000, till today I don’t know her,” he said.
Continuing, he said, “People have been coming for counseling and some even come for me to see vision for them and I do tell them I don’t see vision, I only preach the word of God and pray. I tell them I’m not a prophet. In Psalm 107:20, the Bible says He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their troubles. I only preach the word of God and pray.”
He also talked about the challenging moments that tested his faith.
“The Lord has been good to me despite the fact that my wife passed on December 22, 2021. We were married for a long time but had no child. God later answered us in 2017, she was 50 then and in 2019 she had cancer, she died last December and was buried on 11th Fe
“God has been so wonderful. During my wife’s burial, God raised support for me, people stood by me. The child she left behind is five years old and God just brought a man who placed her on scholarship. What else will I say God has not done for me? So I have resolved to continue to be on duty for Him,” he said.
IT was an evening of charity for persons struggling with cancer recently when M-One Events Nigeria held its 4th edition of Live, Love & Laugh Events.
The edition titled “A Ray of Hope Initiative. Empowering Cancer Patients,” had guests regaled with music, comedy, dinner and lectures on the various cancers.
Founder/CEO of M-One Events, Moradeun Adewunmi Dada said M-One is an organisation registered in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with the UK arm focusing on events planning while the Nigerian arm is dedicated to charity.
She explained that devoting the Nigerian arm to charity was divinely inspired. “God asked me to devote my event platform in Nigeria to giving back to society and that’s what we have been doing. This is the fourth edition and we are supporting cancer patients; the first edition was held to support children with disability; the second edition to support sickle cell survivors, while the third was held to support widows. So M-One is out to give back to society; to help the needy and to empower the people.
Delivering a lecture on cancer, Mrs. Adekola Oni, a nurse with The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said cancer is a disease that kills gradually and which may occur in virtually all parts of the body.
She listed some of the commonest cancers to include Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Cervical Cancer and advised that the easiest way to avoid them is to eat right.
“Eat right. Eat more vegetable, take more natural food, reject canned food, live right, rest well and be happy,” she said.
Picking up from where Oni stopped, Dr Ademola Oyekan also of LASUTH, said cancer is a non-communicable disease but still ranks as the second cause of death globally.
He explained that cancer occurs when the cells no longer takes instructions and literally go haywire.
He listed challenges facing the treatment of cancer in Nigeria to include lack of infrastructure, , paucity of treatment machines and ignorance.
Corroborating Oni’s statement, Dr. Oyekan said, every cell in the body is capable of causing cancer and advised people to do regular tests and seek help once they suspect or confirm anything.
He said prostate cancer occurs more in the elderly men and that many don’t even know they have it because they don’t do tests. He therefore advised that men above 50 years of age should avail themselves of PSI to know the state of their prostate.
He also stated that Breast Cancer is the commonest cancer which could be combated with early detection and treatment.
Cervical Cancer, he said is caused by the Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV) and is transmitted mainly through sex. He said it could be detected in women through pap smea test and that people can be vaccinated against it, including young boys, so they don’t grow up transmitting it to the women when they become sexually active.
The convener of the event, Mrs. Dada said the funds realised at the event would be used to support two charities: the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the Engraced Life Foundation.
Some cancer survivors, led by Ethel Olomu of the Engraced Life Foundation, also shared their stories of survival. Olomu’s story was particularly moving, having been given up for dead by everyone including doctors. Ethel runs a foundation that now gives hope and takes care of cancer victims.
Some of the guests include Elejiun of Ijeun, Chief Bisi Olatilio, Gbenga Adeyinka the First and more.
The event was held at Celebration Garden, Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja.
Ogechukwu Agwu known with the sobriquet Better Soup is a customer service specialist, former Journalist, ex chef and a future program manager. In this encounter with Sam Anokam, she takes you into her beauty secrets and the things that make her tick.
I know that they say that beauty is from within but honestly a good night rest is my secret. It just does is for me, whenever you see me looking good and glowing just know that I rested well.
She informed that: “It is paramount to me to ensure that I get at least 7 hours of sleep every day. I ensure that I eat as healthy as I can; eating healthy for me is having as much pineapple as I can as it is my favourite fruit. I try to have fruits at least 4 times in a week”.
You want to know how often does she visit the Spa, and how it work for her. “I have never visited a spa, I self-pamper myself, lying on the bed and just relaxing does it for me. Maybe someday I will get to visit the spa”.
So, how does she pamper her skin? “The first thing in my routine will be sleep. I can’t emphasise enough the importance of adequate sleep. Truth is nothing works for my skin by extension my whole being in general when I don’t get enough sleep”.
The rest of her routine is therefore sectioned into the face and the body. “For my face, I do less make up because I have acne prone skin, which is hormonal related, so my facial products help to combat the occasional break outs I get. I suffer hyperpigmentation so it’s a constant battle. However, in recent times, I stopped obsessing for a clear skin, I know now that I may never achieve that, what I am after is a healthy skin”.
For her body, she answers this way: “I don’t really do much, God really blessed me from my neck down (laughs), all I do is use my exfoliating scrub and apply Vaseline or she butter whichever is handy at the time”.
Next, she goes on to talk about the things she avoids in her diet? “In all honesty I avoid foods I hate like fufu, semo, pounded yam, garlic and anything that contains garlic, pizza, hot dog, sharwama. Also, there are several things I don’t like, and I generally don’t include them in my diet”.
She continued: “I also avoid foods that causes the acid in my stomach to reflux or give me heart burn. I know you may be wondering what then do I eat? Well, I eat the things I eat and I eat them very well”.
What won’t Ogechukwu do in the name of fashion? “I will never put on anything that makes me uncomfortable. Most importantly, I will never be caught wearing green”.
You also want to know her favourite products and make-up artiste and she responds this way: “I don’t have a favourite product; I just go for what works for me. For example, as outdated as it may seem, I still use Mary Kay Medium coverage Foundation till tomorrow. I have never found any foundation that matches my skin tone and my undertone as much as it does. So, yes whatever works for me goes”.
She added, “As for makeup artiste, that would be Ujunwa for me, she is the lady that does my make up whenever I have a function to attend. What attracted her to me was her brows technique, the first day she did my brows I knew I had found a makeup artiste that I love. It is not everyone that likes to thin out the brows and then draw them back, Ujunwa understood that, and every time gives me what I want”.
Does exercising during weekend count? Yes, it does for Ogechukwu. “Because that is when I have the time to exercise, and it is basically aerobics and dancing as I do my chores”.
Favourite hairdo? “That has to be knotless braids, may God bless whoever invented that hairstyle. Although now I am currently on low cut, I tend to switch up my look every now and then”.
TUCKED in Ajao Road, off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos, Wesley School For Hearing Impaired Children penultimate week came alive. Old pupils of the school from far and near came together for a reunion and it was a carnival of some sort. A good number of them, who are now in their 50s and 60s, looking visibly excited filled in the missing years as they chatted with their fingers and generally savoured the rare opportunity of the week-long affair.
The school management, also gladly threw the school open for them. Why not? These were their proud products who have made good for themselves all over. Amongst them were Jumoke Agboola of the United States Postal Service from Maryland, USA; Sheila Owolabi a university teacher from Ohio, USA, Omoniyi Adedeji, a caregiver for old people with hearing impairment from the UK and Bima Abdullai a high school teacher from Lagos.
For this reporter who stumbled on their celebration courtesy photos from his roving photographer colleague, Muyiwa Hassan, who had captured Day-1 of their reunion, this was an opportunity to peek into the world of people with hearing impairment. And what an exciting world of discoveries it turned out to be. For one, it was not such a quiet world as expected, as a certain level of noise from their various activities and sign gestures, bordering on the cacophonic rented the air. Much more than that, it was an opportunity to get answers to so many myths and questions that have revolved around their world – like their legendary fiery temper, survival in a complex world, love life, parenthood and more.
This reporter has Rosemary John, a skilled interpreter and teacher in the school to thank for a successful interview.
I thought I was the only one deaf until I came to Wesley School -Jumoke Agboola
•Agboola
FOR Jumoke Agboola, 63, the first thing you notice aside her petit stature, is her sociable personae. Her huge smile and excitement, as she gestured to welcome this reporter on arrival, easily gave her away as one who loves to make friends. .
She became deaf at age six, she began, gesturing to the interpreter. “I was not sick. I was coming from my uncle’s place one day, when I suddenly discovered that I could not hear anything. My parents thought it was a temporary condition and made efforts to help me recover. They took me to hospitals, churches, mosques, even babalawo’s shrines. At a point, doctors said I had something in my tongue that needed to be cut off. That was done, but nothing came out of it.
‘Naturally my parents were disillusioned. It was a whole new challenge that they never envisaged. Deaf people weren’t so common then, or maybe they just hadn’t encountered any. So they didn’t know how to handle the situation until a pastor told them about a special school for people with hearing impairment.
“However, they insisted that I continued in a regular school. They thought keeping me in a regular school would help me recover. Clearly, they were in denial. Because I could still manage speech, my classmates and my teacher were still interacting with me like other regular pupils, until one day when a new teacher came and noticed I wasn’t hearing him as he called my name. He then summoned my parents and advised them to take me to a special school for children with hearing impairment in Ibadan. This time, I was the one who revolted. I said, ‘No, no, no.’ Rather than go to Ibadan – we were based in Lagos – I insisted on continuing at the regular school. In my innocence, I insisted I could cope.
“It was not only my parents who were in denial,” she said laughing.
Things however looked up for her when her uncle told her there was another such school in Lagos. That was Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired. This time, she accepted and she was glad she did.
“I was relieved immediately I resumed at the school because I saw that I was not the only deaf in the world. It gave me the reason to soldier on. I was also able to interact with them easily.”
On how she survived growing up in a bustling city like Lagos, Agboola said the city wasn’t such a rowdy place back in the 70s. “Maybe if it was now, I would have found it a bit difficult.”
Was it tough finding love?
It depends on how you want to look at, she said. And yes, there were challenges.
“I met my man during one of the meetings of the National Association of the Deaf in the school premises at Wesley here. His name is Isaac Agboola; he had come all the way from Ibadan, where he was schooling. He also had hearing impairment. We became friends during that visit and it grew into a love relationship until he proposed.”
There was however a hurdle. Her mother wanted her to marry a hearing person.
“Mum said, how could you a deaf want to marry a deaf? It was a battle. She insisted that we ended the relationship. I however persisted, to the extent that I would keep his photograph under my pillow and glance at it at every opportunity. Anytime she saw me with the photo, she would scream at me and threaten me. However, when she saw that the strength of our love, she gave in reluctantly. The disapproval was so much that even after we got married, my mother still didn’t get along with us. Her major reason was that we would give birth to another deaf person.”
Following their wedding, Agboola said they relocated to Ibadan and later moved to the United States of America, where they’ve lived ever since. To the glory of God, both have done well for themselves. Her husband, Dr. Isaac O. Agboola teaches at Gallaudet University, the only university for deaf people in the whole world, while she has built a career for herself working with the United States Postal Service. They have four daughters: Julie, Elizabeth, Michelle and Linda, who are all experts in sign language.
Asked to make a comparison between Nigeria and the US, Agboola said, “America is a lot better because they have interpreters everywhere; so nothing goes on that we do not know about. TV will always show sign language. There are many ways they support the deaf unlike in Nigeria. Besides, there is no future for a deaf person in Nigeria. This, of course is aside the infrastructure over there that is top-notch.”
On the perceived fiery temper and impatience associated with her kind, Agboola said, “There is a reason for our anger. People don’t care about us because we are deaf. Nobody seems to really care about how we feel, what we want or how we survive. So our anger is born out of frustration.”
At this point, her friend, Sheila Owolabi, who had been waiting patiently for her turn of the interview, attempted to chip in her view, gesturing vigorously, but Agboola jovially put her off, telling her to wait for her turn and accusing her of being talkative.
I’d have preferred to have deaf kids – Sheila Owolabi
•Owolabi
BECAUSE she showed much interest in the issue of fiery temper and impatience among people with hearing impairment, that therefore seemed like the best place to start with Sheila Owolabi, a university instructor, who came all the way from Ohio with her daughter, Elizabeth.
“All over the world people look down on deaf people and that can be very frustrating. They think because we are deaf, we cannot amount to anything. They dismiss you and tell you, ‘You’re deaf, you’re deaf.’ And that is why anywhere you see a hearing person fighting a deaf person, all the deaf people come together and fight, because we feel the same oppression, we feel the same isolation.”
This scenario, she recalled, played out when she was a pupil at a primary school at Olowogbowo, Lagos Island – she actually pronounced O-lo-wo-gbo-wo herself – when the growing number of people with hearing impairment forced the head teacher, Mrs. Adelogbe, to carve out a special section for them within the school.
“The truth is that the teachers don’t know how other pupils make fun of us, and so they conclude that we’re quick to anger. But we have to defend ourselves, we have to fight. Meanwhile, when issues come up and they ask who started the fight? The hearing kid would talk and talk and talk, whereas we are not able to communicate; so out of frustration, we react in anger.”
She revealed that the population of pupils with hearing defect at the Olowogbowo school was about 15, and it kept growing. There were other groups at Methodist Church, Yaba and Obalende, until Wesley School was built and all the special pupils were brought there. She was among the first set. She also recalled that Adelogbe was the first head-teacher of the new special school.
Owolabi, who described herself as proper Lagos girl, having been born in Ereko, Lagos Island ‘where they made clothes’, said she suddenly lost her hearing at age five. She had chicken pox and was hospitalised. They were two who came down critically ill with the disease in the hospital; the other person died, while she survived with hearing defect. She recalled that the first sign that something was not right with her was when approaching vehicles would honk and she would not react until people yelled and gestured to her. Consequently, neighbours called the attention of her parents to her situation.
Both her parents, according to her, had been so grateful for her survival from the chicken pox, that they hadn’t noticed the change in her.
“Even in school, my teacher didn’t notice. When he called my name, I would not hear, until I would feel all eyes looking at me, and then I would look up quickly. So at break time, the kids would come to mock me and of course I would fight back. It was very hard for me, I must say.
“I was taken to the hospital and my parents made all sorts of efforts to help me recover to no avail. My mother had to teach me to always be mindful of my environment by always looking back as I walked. That is how I have survived even as a adult. I can’t walk without looking back and at my surrounding.”
Recalling her youthful days, Owolabi, who, even in sixties, still retains a lot of her good looks, said she had her fair brush with prospecting men.
“Men thought because I was deaf, I would allow myself to be free for them but I refused. My dad always told me to be serious with my education, and then I was afraid of getting pregnant. I had a boyfriend but I wasn’t too sure of him because we couldn’t communicate well. And then I found a church for deaf people. There, I felt at home; I felt like all of me had found family and that I could trust them. And that was when I decided I was going to marry a deaf. But my mother kicked. She said you can’t marry a deaf man. I asked why? She said when you were born you could speak, but if you marry a deaf, your children would be deaf. I asked who gave birth to me? Who made me deaf? She had no answer. That was how I ended up marrying a deaf man.”
Part of the reasons she opted for a deaf life partner, she explained, was the fact that when hearing people married people with hearing impairment, they usually got them pregnant, and when they had the baby, they abandoned them. Also, she said such couples are not able to communicate, and the woman usually ended up being lonely in the marriage.
“Sometimes the man is talking to another woman and claiming she is his relative, whereas he is actually cheating on his deaf partner,” she said.
At this point, conversation shifted to her daughter, Elizabeth, who had played active part in this interview, helping to interpret and put her mother’s response in proper context.
“When I was a baby, my first language was signing, as both of them only signed to me. Because they were deaf, I thought I was deaf too. I didn’t speak until I was three. At a point, I thought they could hear and that they just chose not to speak, until I went to school, saw how other kids interacted with their parents. In the end, I had to make use of a speech therapist.”
Asked if her parents were scared she may be deaf too, her mum eagerly took over and answered: “No. In fact, we wanted deaf children because of communication. Let me give you an example: Mummy duck, daddy duck want baby ducks; it is the same for us. The same way a Yoruba mum and dad want Yoruba children to follow their culture. So, we wanted children who would speak our language. When I was growing up my family left me out of many things because I was deaf, and it was very frustrating. I did not want same for my children.”
She said it was when she got to the church for the deaf that she met her role models. She met a black American, Dr Andrew Foster. He was a doctor of education. He had established a Christian Mission for the deaf in Ibadan, before coming to set up the church in Lagos.
“It was at the church that I met a lot of deaf people who were leaders and my eyes opened. Here was a PhD holder who was deaf; so now I had someone to look up to. And then one day, he told me: ‘You are a very smart girl, you should go to America.’ That got to me – because nobody ever told me that.
“I asked how? And that was what led me to apply for scholarship to the Lagos State Government. Now this is why I will never forget Lagos State government officials. They gave me such a hard time. They kept telling me ‘come back, come back,’ and that lasted two whole years. I couldn’t comprehend it; I had everything necessary, I just wanted a scholarship to go study education because it was my passion. I knew many deaf people back at Aunty Ayo Secondary School, Lagos, who were having hard time studying. I saw hearing people achieving things, getting good jobs, owning cars, houses; and I thought ‘what about us?’
“Eventually I got the papers and travelled, and when I got to the US, I was focused. I studied hard, and the things I couldn’t get in Nigeria were at my beck and call. I had an interpreter; I had everything. In no time, I got my Bachelor’s degree (Home Economics), I got my Master’s (Education Communication); and for 28 years, I have been teaching in a university. When I tell people I teach in a university, they think that I teach only deaf people, but that’s not true. I teach hearing people American Sign Language and Deaf Culture and History. I build the bridge between deaf people and hearing people, so that when they become doctors and nurses, they would be able to communicate with deaf patients.”
Asked to compare Nigeria and America in terms of friendliness to her kind, Owolabi frowned and said, “What we have in Nigeria today is what they had in the US in the 1950s. Deaf people had to fight for their rights, for improvement in their welfare, which is what Nigerians are trying to do now.”
Sheila Owolabi and her husband are blessed with three children: Elizabeth, Daniel and Samuel.
I don’t have to hear music, I dance if I see people dancing – Bima Abdullai
•Abdullahi
BIMA Abdullai is the only male among the four respondents during this visit. He is also the only one based in Nigeria, and the one who retains the most spoken ability. Born in Lagos, though of parents of Borno State origin – Bayo Local Government Area to be precise, you may never know he had hearing impairment by the way he strives to express himself vocally. He also reads lips quite well, as he gave appropriate answers to some questions, even before they were signed to him.
He became deaf at age nine after he came down with measles. It was such a bad bout with the dreaded disease, that he spent three whole months on hospital bed, rarely eating or walking. Then he was a pupil of Obele Odan Primary School in Surulere, Lagos.
Eventually, he recovered and resumed schooling, but his hearing was gone.
Then began another travail for his parents. “They took me to different places, seeking remedy. We went to hospitals, churches, alfas, even babalawo; but nothing changed.” Abdullahi said.
Curiously, Abdullai said his parents were not sad at his predicament. “They were actually glad I survived that illness. Besides, they saw that I could still speak, which for them was enough to be thankful for. I am third in a family of six children.”
In school, the head teacher, noticing his situation, summoned his parents and advised them to take him to a special. That was in 1980, he recalled.
He also recalled that the first problem he had was communication. He had no knowledge of sign language, so he tried to come up with his own sign language until he transferred to Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired.
Coping in bustling Lagos
Speaking on how he coped with traffic, shuttling school and back home, Abdullai said it was no tea-party.
“Back then, we had the molue buses, which was very fast and rough; you had to look well as you shuttled. One of the ways I managed in public transport was to write out my bus stops and show to the conductor anyone around who could read. Of course, you learnt to look well or you got hit by a moving vehicle. Later, I learnt to trek the short distances. My mother had a deaf friend here and she put me in her charge. So we came to school and back. Before then, my mother would sit through the whole school hours.”
Thanks to that school opportunity, Abdullai is today a special teacher at Ikeja GRA Primary School, where he teaches general subjects and sign language.
‘It’s an inclusive school, so I teach both the deaf and the hearing. Of course I don’t teach them together. I teach the hearing pupils using sign language and they actually learn a lot from me. They also know they have to pay attention to get the best from me. They particularly like the opportunity of learning sign language.
Today, Abdullai is married to the love of his life, Folashade from Osun State and they have two boys and a girl. He met her after his attempt at a relationship with a hearing lady fell through.
“At a point, she started saying stuffs like she may become deaf like me; give birth to a deaf child; literally expressing all sorts of misgivings. Her parents also started discouraging her; and then she started avoiding me, until we eventually parted ways.
Abdullai believes a lot needs to be done by the Nigerian authorities to improve their welfare and wellbeing. “The main one is to grow the number of people with competence in sign language. They should let more schools teach it or make it a compulsory subject in schools. That way, they can interact with deaf people.”
Asked if he feels saddened by the fact that he may never hear the sound of music, especially in these days of boom in the Nigerian industry, Abdullai smiled and said, “I do not feel sad at all. If I go to a party and I see people dancing, I dance with them. As a kid, I learnt some Fela songs; I still remember them.”
I don’t regret being deaf – Omoniyi Adedeji
•Adedeji
BORN to Nigerian parents in the United Kingdom, Omoniyi Adedeji lost her hearing at age one. So she probably would never have had any idea of sound, if not for the hearing aid, which she now wears.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Femi and Eunice Ogunlolu, were however proud Nigerians, who made sure she had a good taste of her home country, bringing her to live in Nigeria for a whopping 27 years, from when she was age eight.
“Yes, my growing up was literally in Nigeria. As a result, I fell in love with Nigeria. I am a proud Nigerian. I love Lagos and Nigeria. I love the fact that my parents are Nigerian. I went to primary school here at Wesley. My sister used to bring me to and back. While at that, she also taught me how to walk on the road safely. She would tell me: ‘remember that you are deaf; so always walk looking back.’ And that’s how I grew up.
“My parents have four children, so I have two sister and one brother. I have another sister who is also deaf.”
That suggests heredity. Is there a deaf person in her lineage?
“Oh yes, there is a deaf in my father’s lineage. However, I just had this strong belief I would not give birth to a deaf person.”
That fear of perpetuating the deaf population in the lineage was one of the reasons her mother vehemently opposed her choice man when she first introduced him to the family.
“She told me if I married a deaf, I would also give birth to a deaf; but that is not true. Today I have four children and they are all hearing. He had come to Lagos from Ibadan to attend a wedding. We met, exchanged addresses, started exchanging letters and the relationship grew from there. Eventually, we got married in Lagos here in 1995. By the way, he is a missionary, so after the wedding, we moved to Fiji Island to do missionary work, and then to the UK, where we now reside.”
Aside the fact that all her four children understand sign language, she said one of them works as an interpreter.
Adedeji who runs a care center for elderly people with hearing impairment in the United Kingdom, said she came home for the Wesley Alumni reunion to meet with old time friends.
“Besides,” she said, “this is our home; it’s a home coming and we are all happy.
“We have also asked the school what they need and how we can be of help. We have supported people in Ibadan.”
Does she regret being deaf?
“No. No way,” she replied sharply.”I can never be sorrowful about my condition.”
I love people with hearing impairment – Rosemary John, Interpreter
•John
WHY did you choose this line of career?
It was accidental. I had gone to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in search of a diploma slot in Mass Communication. Unfortunately, they offered me other courses, which I really didn’t want. In the process, I became friend with a boy who was doing a diploma programme. He had hearing impairment and was having problems communicating with the officials, so I stepped in and helped him write out his message. To cut the story short, they didn’t give me my choice course, and then he told me he was going to Federal College of Education, Oyo, to study English, and if I would come along. So I took the decision and went on to study English SHI (Study of Hearing Impairment). Thereafter I went to take a degree in Audiology. I came to Wesley as a volunteer 14 years ago, and today, I’m a staff of the Lagos State Government. Before then, we were supported by philanthropists like the late Henry Boyo.
Do you enjoy the job?
I am very proud of the job because I love deaf people. In this job, they may not pay you well but if you serve them passionately, doors will open for you from where you don’t even expect, and you will never lack. That, is my testimony.
I won’t be happy if I’m transferred to handle other kids – Head Teacher
•Ojemola
Mrs. Ojemola Aderonke, head-teacher, Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired School II speaks on the experience working with pupils with hearing impairment.
I EXPECTED to meet a person with hearing impairment as head here.
Well I have passion working with these children. That was why I went for my NCE at Oyo College of Education, and later the University of IIorin to obtain my degree in Special Education with specialty in the area of Hearing Impaired.
That means you are a specialist in sign language.
Yes, I can sign very well.
Have you always taught in a special school?
No, I started my career here at Wesley School in 1997. I spent about nine years here; then I was posted to teach in an inclusive unit at Sari Iganmu Primary School, Orile, Apapa LGA, when the Lagos State government created about 30 inclusive units across the state. An inclusive unit is a special unit within a regular school environ ment dedicated to special children. I was there for almost 13 years before I was posted back here to head the school.
How do you feel working with these children?
I’m always happy and delighted working with them because they are special children in every area. Right now if they ask me to move from special school to a regular school, I will feel bad. It was because of the passion I have for them that I went to study at University of Ilorin. I could easily have gone to any other school for other degrees. I love them so much, they are special.
Where do they go when they finish from here?
This is primary school, their secondary school is State Grammar School, Eric Moore. After that, some of them would go to Federal College of Education, Oyo to obtain their NCE.
Why Federal College of Education, Oyo? Almost everybody I’ve spoken to here has mentioned that school.
Well, FCE Oyo is the only insti tution in the whole of West Africa when it comes to NCE for people with hearing impairment. After that they can now go to the University of Ibadan, University of Calabar or University of Ilorin for a degree.
How do you feel when they finish school, obtain NCE and are unable to find jobs?
I feel really bad. We actually encourage them to move to vocational training. Some of them are talented when it comes to things they can see with their eyes. The government has also pledged a certain quota to them once they present their certificate, but we are all aware of the current reality of Nigeria when it comes to employment. Here, we try as much as possible to help them. We have four or five of them with NCE and degree working here.
What’s the population of the school?
I have about 175 pupils in Wesley School II, which I head. There is also school I(one) with its head teacher in this same compound. The school was divided into two for effective administration.
How well is the government supporting the schools?
Very well. The government does not joke with us. If you enter our school, you would think it is a private school, but it’s not. They pay our salaries regularly and they make sure they provide mid-day meals for the children. And I’m talking of good quality food. Philanthropists also come around, NGOs, churches, mosques, to make donations.
The National Youth Leader of the Praying Band of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, (C&S), Afolabi Olaoke has appealed to the Federal Government to make the current Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike a priority and make sure public universities are reopened as soon as possible in the interest of youths.
Olaoke spoke at a briefing at the just concluded weeklong 20th Annual Youth Convention of the National Youth Fellowship of the Praying Band of C &S, Church at The Praying Band Praying Ground, Ogijo, Ogun State.
The event tagged Iri-Orun (Heaven’s Dew- Psalm 133: 3) will feature a visit to an orphanage home, career talk, relationship seminar, soul-lifting messages, and divine impartation.
He said: “We rise as a voice in this nation and beckon once again on the federal government of Nigeria to make the ASUU strike action a priority and making sure that the public universities are reopened in this month of August”.
He called on the youths to be politically involved by getting their Permanent Voters Cards(PVCs) and massively vote.
He restated the commitment of the church toward ensuring that the message of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ gets to the nooks and corners of the world, stressing that we believe that with God on our side and the support of the youth fellowship, will be a reality.
The Bible Society of Nigeria [BSN] has completed the translation of additional 77 Chronological Bible Stories [CBS] in Nigerian Sign Language for the deaf.
In a statement issued to The Nation, by The Manager, Media, and Public Relation, BSN, Benjamin Mordi said that this feat was achieved in June 2022. The Sign Language Bible, which is in video format and available on memory stick, is designed to meet the scriptural needs of the hearing impaired. The Bible stories, though expensive, are distributed free of charge to the deaf community.
He noted that the first 77 Chronological Bible Stories for the deaf were dedicated in 2014. 33 more stories were added in 2017, an additional 35 in 2021 bringing the total number of CBS to 145.
“With the completion of additional 77 Bible stories, we now have 222 Chronological Bible Stories in the Nigerian Sign Language. Translation work is ongoing as we are now set to commence the translation of the New Testament for the deaf”.
“Only about 10% of sign languages have access to Scripture globally. This makes the estimated 70 million people living with hearing impairment one of the largest unreached people groups on the globe”.
Mordi added: in 2019, 11 Sign Languages used by about 2.8 million deaf people received portions of Scripture. BSN is committed to breaking any known barriers that make the word of God inaccessible to the people. The sighted, the blind, and the deaf now have unhindered access to the word of God in Nigeria.
The Presiding Shepherd of Harvest Centre, Prophet Wale Ojo David has stated that better days await Nigerians as the country is about to sing a new song songsong songs.
David said this in a statement issued in The Nation yesterday in Lagos.
God, he claimed, promised us as a nation, new g songs of glory through his grace. Hence, no more sorrow again, as the peace of God will launch into every way, street, salesmen, and corners of our country.
He cautioned traders, dealers, sellers, merchants, salesmen, and women against stockpiling of goods and creating artificial scarcity that brings inflation.
David assured us that there would be respite soon in the prices of goods in the market
David further assured that the power of the Almighty God would come with fire to vindicate us; henceforth all bandits and gunmen shall be exposed for destruction and some will turn in for repentance.
“God has raised the instruments of progress for Nigeria in a new form; therefore, we need to intensify prayers beginning with the local government, state government, and federal level”, he said.
David called on ministers of God to set aside three days of prayers for God for Nigeria’s emancipation as it is going to be a platform for Africa’s freedom.
Abisola Salawu wears many hats. She is a model, ex-beauty queen, entrepreneur, singer and dancer. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, she talks about her brand (Sochie), passion, motivation, mentors and more.
What does being a fitness model entail?
Most people think that once you go to the gym, come back, and become a fitness model that is all. But, it is beyond that. It is actually a career of determination. It’s self-determination, commitment, persistence and a lot of consistency.
How did it start?
For me, fitness started as a hubby and then it became something that I got used to and really helped me to be comfortable in my body because I love to be fit. I love to always be comfortable in my own skin and so fitness helped me that way. It actually evolved into a career and the experience has been awesome.
Did someone introduce you to this?
No! I discovered it because I am also into sports. In order to do sports, you have to be fit. I play basketball, I swim, although not as a professional. I used to be in the basketball team in my school but I didn’t take it professionally because I had a different plan for my life.
What was the experience like playing basketball?
It was fun. Just like fitness, it takes a lot of dedication. I went for pre-NUGA games and it was fun.
Tell us about life as a model?
I do fashion runway and fashion editorials.
I have done Lagos Fashion Week, African Fashion Week. I have also done a lot of Editorials and Ad campaigns. I was in Beyonce’s Brown Skin Girl video that won the Grammy Award for Best Video. It was awesome. At the time, I was with a very strong agency in Nigeria and the booking came through them and I got other jobs as well.
How would you describe the modeling sector in Nigeria?
To be honest, I would say that the modeling industry has really evolved. It’s not what it used to be some five to ten years back. But, the aspect of payment needs to be improved on. Brands need to appreciate models more and not just dismiss the idea of using them as the face of their brands. I am not saying that celebrities are not deserving but they should also look into using models too.
How did your family react when you told them about going into modeling?
At first they didn’t understand what I wanted to do. But, along the line they became enlightened and very supportive. There were challenges at first and they kept asking questions like why do you want to be a model? Models don’t wear clothes, models dress in certain ways and more. Along the line, I changed the notion, became a beauty queen and that changed the narrative.
How did you get into the pageant?
I would say that it was a result of influence from Miss World. The Miss World pageant is the number one pageant in the entire world. So, I’ve always been inspired by contestants and winners especially Agbani Darego, when she won.
Interestingly, at the time I wasn’t even old enough to compete and participate in any pageant. But after a while, I applied for several pageants. I participated in Miss Nigeria, Queen Moremi Ajasoro and many others and that was how I learnt from the different experiences. However, the most memorable for me is Miss Culturatti.
In 2019, I emerged as the 1st Culturatti Queen. They had just rebranded from Sisi Oge and it was really exciting.
What do you think made you win that pageant?
Like every other career, you need to have something else that would put you forward. So, for me, I would say what made me stand out was my personality and talent. Looking down memory lane, I remember that it wasn’t just about beauty. At the same time, I also showed some level of intelligence. There is always a question and answer segment, always a boot camp where they see and ask questions about your activities and all that. That really helped. Of course, I also did my research. You need to know what’s happening in the beauty world, fashion scene and the world of pageantry. You need to know more and be enlightened about what is required of you.
Did you have mentors?
Yes! I have mentors but they were mentors that I had never been in contact with physically. I could only reach out to them through social media. Most of this people, like Oprah Winfrey does outreaches that I benefitted from.
Indirectly, she mentored me as philanthropists. I was learning from her and so the power of Social Media cannot be underestimated.
What are the things that you admire about Oprah?
I like her life as a philanthropists, and just like people who have grown from grass to grace, she has really shown that no matter what you go through, there is always a green light, a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Challenges or no challenges you just have to keep going forward.
Tell us about your experience in music. What type of music are you into?
I do afro beat, afro pop, RnB and I sing. I released my debut EP in January and it is titled Hybrid and the reason for that title is because there is so many aspects to my life and talent. So, most people know me as a model and bringing the music part into it shows that I can groove and I want to bring you guys into it.
What about the dancing part?
Dancing has always been a part of me, since I was little. Kaffy is a huge source of inspiration. Back then, she was like the only female in Nigeria that was very prominent for dancing. She was in the Guinness Book of Records and that alone was an inspiration for me. So learning from her and how she evolved as a female amongst a male dominated industry is also an inspiration for me. I learnt how to dance myself, and then I danced with friends. I was the best female dancer in my university days, at the University of Ibadan.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I see myself on the global stage. I have drawn inspiration from Burna boy, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.
But you know that Burna boy is controversial sometimes?
Yes. But I think you need that stubbornness to show the world that yeah, I’m here to stay. One thing about professional Africans is that we don’t tell people what we want. They just give us what they want. So, you need to say what you want, why you need to stay and why they should want you.
Chinenye chukwuemeka-Arih is cancer survivor now passionate about helping others in her shoes. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she goes down memory lane to recall how it all started, the setbacks, surgery, getting support and the things that kept her going inspite of challenges encountered.
Let’s go down memory lane. How did you discover you had cancer?
In the year 2014, I had my third child after waiting for 8yrs and at her sixth month, one day; I was breast feeding her and noticed that on my left breast was a lump. Two days later when it didn’t come down because I thought it was breast milk accumulation, I went to the hospital and was referred to go through some medical examination and was diagnosed of breast cancer. I went through surgery and some very expensive medication called Herceptin after that. A year later, because I was so scared of this disease called cancer and how it could spread, I kept checking the other breast and wishing if it could even be taken off too so I can at least have some peace of mind and to my surprise I noticed a very small seed as small as a grain of rice on the right breast close to the armpit and fear griped me. The next day I dashed off to Lath where I had my first treatment, showed the doctor, she checked and couldn’t even find it and I had to find it and placed her finger to the exact point. When she saw it I had to start another process of series of diagnosis, this time my fear increased so much that I thought it has metastasized but luckily for me the result came and doctor said it was still (insitu) a medical terminology meaning no spread. I got a little relieved and faced my fear of going through chemotherapy and that very expensive medication called Herceptin all over again. Meanwhile, I refused to take the chemotherapy the first time because I was scared of the side effects but I believe that everything work for good, for those who trust in the Lord because if I had taken that treatment my family probably would have lost me because the initial fear combined with chemotherapy would have been it…but God is always faithfully.
What were the initial challenges?
My challenges then was first how to take care of my children in the midst of the problem because I was frequent to the hospital and there was no helper at home, financial involvement for the treatment was much that it left my husband and I bankrupt . I couldn’t continue my business and the job I was doing at that time was terminated. It was a period of pain and sorrow.
Who or what kept you going?
Prayers and meditations helped me. God saw me through the treatment and my husband was always by me giving me every support that pulled me through.
What are some of the experiences that are now unforgettable?
I had hair loss that made me look different and funny. My eye brows and lashes were gone and so many physical changes.
I will never forget leaving my six-month old baby for two months to travel to Benin for radiotherapy and when I came back she was already used to my husband’s cousin taking care of her that when I wanted to carry her, she refused my first hug. I felt so bad about the whole situation.
Tell us about your husband and the role he played?
My husband was a military officer then and despite the very busy nature of his work as a Signal Master, he still played the entire role in this world that at a point I pitied him so much. I knew he observed that I was extremely terrified and so he went to the extent of going online to find people or Organisations that could help him talk to me and that was how we came across one wonderful woman called Mrs Betty Akeredolu-Anyanwu who spoke to me, in her very soft voice encouraged me and when I got to know about her story as a survivor. I became more courageous. Today, I am the Chairperson Lagos Chapter of her foundation, Breast Cancer association of Nigeria (BRECAN) giving hope and saving lives to and of the challenged.
My husband is very good at taking fears off someone and that helped me a lot. He took care of the children with the help of his 2 cousins from the East.
How do you feel today, surviving against the odds?
Today, I am totally grateful to God for His Mercy. I can tell you that some people who know me and thought I should have come to them one after the other to tell them what I was going through could actually say to my hearing that I was hiding my sickness. I quote them “person no de hide sickness, if you hide sickness, sickness goes kill you”. When I heard that I told myself “if am hiding sicknesses I won’t go to my church for help when I needed financial help” so I am not hiding my sickness. Today, against all odds I feel like a warrior, a Champion, a Survivor and a symbol of God’s grace.
If you could change anything about that experience, what will it be?
If I could change anything about this whole experience it would be to have my breast back. My hair is back. My breast is not back but I still remain eternally grateful to Almighty God for keeping me alive for my entire family.
What lessons has life taught you?
Life through this experience has made me to have an in-depth knowledge of what it means to care for those who are sick in anyway and also to hold onto God tight in days of trouble.
What dreams did you have while growing up?
My dream while growing up was not clear but I remember that I’ve always wanted to be rich because I find myself extremely happy whenever I am able to help people with one need or the other. But now it’s clear to me that I want to be a model for Breast cancer Survivors.
Tell us about life before cancer?
My life before Cancer was actually a very interesting and lively one. I was full of energy, outgoing and hard-working to meet the needs of my loved ones. My parents are so proud of me for that and that fuelled my efforts. I used to work with NNPC as temporary staff years back and when it was time to make us permanent staff, other people from the corridors of power was used to replace some of us and I took up my father’s company certificate, registered with NNPC. I did one job from time to time and when Cancer came I stopped, at a point after my treatment I went back but COVID came and the entire job was terminated leaving me searching for what next to do.
Tell us about the things that drive you?
I have a very powerful desire that drives me towards my wholeness, I see myself wanting to do a lot of personal development so that I can grow and be able to excel in all of my life chosen career because I have that desire to win and not lose in anything I do.
Lastly and the one that drives me most is reaching out to People. Helping people succeed by inspiring them to better their lives. I do enjoy volunteering.
What are some of the changes that you will like to see in Nigeria today?
One of the changes I would like to see in Nigeria is that people while in office as a Government official or position of Authority should do what they are supposed to do not only for themselves but for the benefit of the masses that they are meant to serve. For instance, I can’t forget a man who is forward thinking, faithful and Loyal to this country and that is the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General. Tukur Buratai who, when my case got to his table, approved funds for my treatment after seeing all the effort my husband and I made from the onset of this challenge. Not knowing who we are and have never met any of us. If not for him I will not be telling my story today. There are few others like him I would love to mention. Today they are no longer in service and they are part of my success. What I am saying is that people should use their position to save and better the lives of others. We live for others, because our success is also from others just as others.
You must have had a great support system. How did this influence you?
Apart from my husband, there were other great support system who did amazingly well for me and I can’t forget Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo, Rev. Sis. Gladys Osagie and members of St. Agnes Catholic Church family Maryland who supported me morally and spiritually. All this support system gave me so much value to life and now I see the worth of having people around you, living life in agape Love.
What advice do you have for young people about the current challenges in the economy?
My advice to young people about the current challenges in the economy is that they don’t waste any moment of their life galavanting, thinking they still have so much time before them. Every youth who have reached the age 18 should look for an honest job, craft, skill or business that could profit them and occupy their spare time so that before they become full adult they would have been able to have some level of financial freedom.
What are some of the other things that occupy your time?
My responsibility as a daughter, wife and mother occupy my time but some of the other things that am involved with is volunteering to giving hope and saving lives through Breast Cancer association of Nigeria (BRECAN) and I belong to a Nongovernmental Organisation Century 21 Freedom Group helping people to live a good life through their mentorship program and leverage system.
What advice do you have for government about our health sector?
My advice to government about our health system is that they should improve the remuneration system for doctors in Nigeria so the genius amongst them don’t all go out of the country in search of a better living and at the same time, provide the best medical equipment and infrastructures so that government officials will stop paying huge money to go for treatment abroad. This should cover up for the exorbitant hospital bills that the poor masses pay to get treatment here in Nigeria.
As 2023 election draw closer, The President of Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum, Bishop Chidi Anthony spoke with Adeola Ogunlade, on Christian participation in governance and the prophecy of God regarding Nigeria’s greatness.
YOUR friend Bishop Isaac Idahosa was recently unveiled as the running mate of the NNPP presidential candidate; if they win, how is he going to combine the ministry and office of VP?
Based on what you said; if he wins as a pastor, Osibanjo is a pastor though not a general overseer. But, I know Bishop Isaac Idahosa; he has other pastors and branches. If eventually, he becomes the vice president, it is not a big deal. Doesn’t Nigeria have a presidential jet? He can be shuttling – minister in his church once or two twice a month; I don’t think that will be a problem. Moreover, before God made David the king of Israel, the first thing He did was to make him a shepherd. So, maybe the reason God is preparing Bishop Isaac Idahosa; give him wisdom, if he can control such a crowd in the church, maybe that is part of the training; if he becomes the vice president that will not be a problem.
But many are saying he does not have the political experience needed; do you agree?
As you said – if he has experience; in terms of experience, I think if he does not believe in himself he would not have accepted to be running mate to NNPP flag bearer, Kwankwaso. So, he believes he can fit very well in such an office; but I’m afraid that the timing is too short. This is not the actual time – that is the truth. I know where Nigeria is heading and I know whom Nigerians are about to vote for. My spirit has never lied to me and God cannot lie. I don’t want to mention names but maybe in your next interview you really want me to tell you who will emerge as Nigeria’s next president; I will tell you. For now, God is just nurturing Isaac Idahosa to gather experience on what politics is like, and at least to know one or two, three connections. I know very soon God is going to take him to his dream destination where he wished to be; but for now, I don’t think I see NNPP winning the election in Nigeria. I’m not cursing anyone; I value him, he’s still my friend and I’m praying for him and I give him his honour; but the truth is, the timing is wrong.
Where is the melting point for Christians and politics, because many consider it to be dirty?
You see, the Christians have this mentality before that politics is meant for unbelievers. When you want to go into politics, they said, you’re a child of God and that it is not meant for believers. And we grew up with such a mentality. But thank God for the church of the 21st century. Our eyes have opened; we now found out that politics is not what they say it is.
They say politics is a dirty game: no, politics is not a dirty game. It is the people that play the politics that are dirty. I thank God for what is happening today; you can see Christians have woken up and many ministers are preaching and urging people to go and get their PVCs. Yes, I also, even being the President of the Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum (PMF); there was a time in my church that I told them that if you don’t have your PVC don’t come to church. And when we went for our PMF meeting, I also made the pastors understand that they should also convey the message to their individual churches.
Yes, Christians need to wake up, and I thank God for today, and as you can see when God wants to rescue a nation, He will put confusion in the camp of the enemies.
A prophecy has been given to this nation called Nigeria: that a nation that is seen to be corrupt will soon become a righteous nation. The nation that lacks and people die of hunger shall be a nation that will increase in wealth. That was a prophecy given for a very long time. And I see the prophecy coming to manifestation now. Everything you see that is happening today; It is happening because God has ordained it. This is a time God is about to rescue this nation.
You said Christians have woken up; how active is the Church going into the 2023 elections?
Before now, you would hardly see pastors go to their churches and ask their members to go get their PVC; I can’t remember because in those days as a pastor, you didn’t involve yourself in politics and allow members to vote their conscience – that’s what they told us. But, today they have made us understand that if we do not get involved, they will turn this nation into an Islamic nation.
That aside; what is your view on the general insecurity in the land; considering what is happening across the country?
Based on the insecurity in the nation; the thing is increasing day-by-day, and like the popular adage that says ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune”; the National Assembly said that ransom should not be paid for the release of anyone being kidnapped – they can say those things because they have never found themselves in such situation. When your loved ones are being kidnapped, all you will be praying for is that you let them take whatever they can at least for such a person to be alive and come back to their loved ones. We are in a failed nation, where you and I know that the major thing any government should think of is how to safeguard the lives and properties of its citizens. But, here in Nigeria, the military will ask you to defend yourself; governors will ask you to defend yourself. The last time, a governor in the northern state said that all the citizens should get a gun and that the government should do whatever it can to issue licenses. The question here is is it everybody that is able to buy a gun? That means our security system in this nation has failed or how can someone tell you that you should not pay any ransom: you will not pay a ransom and they will get your loved ones and watch your loved ones being killed?
So, do you feel the government is wrong on this?
Assuming the government said if anybody gets kidnapped, they will do everything to get that person rescued unharmed, then the call for Nigerians not to pay ransom will hold water. Most times, governments do little to rescue kidnapped victims. You and I know the one’s bandits kidnapped during the Kaduna-Abuja bound train attack – many of them are still not yet released, and somebody is saying you should not pay the ransom? Since the security system in Nigeria has failed and when your loved ones are kidnapped nothing will happen; so I think that the law has no effect and can never have any effect. So, I’m praying that our loved ones will not be kidnapped, but if anybody finds himself in such a situation; the family needs to do something to ensure that such a person is released – that is my opinion as a bishop and president of the Pentecostal Ministers’ Forum.
Tell us about the Church’s annual programme; Pool of Bethesda?
The event is the church’s biggest programmes of the year. A lot of people who came here with sicknesses went back home healed. People went home smiling; going home with salvation, liberated from captivity, and they smiled home with testimonies. Even as I’m talking to you; the Pool of Bethesda 2022 in Kings in Christ is still a topic in town now, and I know that the church cannot recover so fast from it, because it is a programme that affects people of all kinds and parts of life. So, we’re expecting the 2023 Pool of Bethesda in March of next year.
