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Tag: Family

  • The Devastating Impact Birth Injuries Have on the Victim and Their Family

    The Devastating Impact Birth Injuries Have on the Victim and Their Family

    The birth of a child is often one of the most joyous occasions for a family. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with hope, excitement, and dreams of the future.

    However, when complications during labor and delivery lead to birth injuries, that joy can quickly turn to fear and anger. Birth injuries can have devastating consequences for both the child affected and their family.

    If someone you know has experienced such an injury, it is in their best interest to contact a good lawyer. The top lawyers, like the birth injury attorneys at ABC Law Centers, are well-equipped to help victims with such cases.

    Understanding Birth Injuries

    Birth injuries refer to physical or neurological harm sustained by an infant during labor or delivery. These injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-altering.

    Some common types of birth injuries include:

    • Cerebral Palsy: A neurological condition caused by brain damage during birth, leading to impaired muscle coordination and motor skills. Symptoms vary greatly according to when and how they occur. Some people may be affected in one or two limbs, while for others, their whole body may be affected.
    • Erb’s Palsy: Damage to the brachial plexus nerves, which can result in partial or complete paralysis of the shoulder or arm. This is another injury that commonly occurs during birth. Some cases may resolve on their own, while others require medical intervention.
    • Brain Injuries: Brain injuries are another common birth injury, and can occur due to insufficient oxygen, misuse of delivery tools, or a prolonged delivery. While some babies recover from these injuries, others may develop cerebral palsy.
    • Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the collarbone, can occur due to difficult deliveries. If a baby has a fractured clavicle, it rarely moves its arms. This type of injury typically heals itself, in around 10 days.
    • Facial Paralysis: Pressure on the infant’s face during delivery can damage facial nerves, leading to temporary or permanent paralysis. The exact cause of this is unknown, but delayed labor or, in some cases, a large baby, could result in facial paralysis. Signs of this birth defect could include eyelids not closing, inability to move the mouth, or uneven movement of the muscles on either side of the face while crying.

    Emotional Impact on Families

    The emotional toll of a birth injury is profound. For parents, the realization that their child’s life will be forever changed due to an injury can be overwhelming.

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    As a result, they may experience emotions like:

    • Guilt and Blame: Parents may blame themselves or others for the injury, even when it was due to factors beyond their control. This self-blame can lead to long-term emotional distress.
    • Grief and Loss: Families often mourn the loss of the healthy child they envisioned, facing a future filled with uncertainty and challenges.
    • Strain on Relationships: The stress of caring for a child with special needs can strain relationships between parents, siblings, and extended family members. Parents may not have enough time for themselves or for their other children, which could result in frustration and resentment.

    Financial Burden

    The financial cost of a birth injury can be staggering. These can include:

    • Medical Expenses: Ongoing treatments, surgeries, therapy sessions, and specialized care can quickly accumulate, often exceeding what insurance covers. In many cases, the need for long-term care and rehabilitation means that families face years of financial strain, with costs that can reach into the millions. The burden of these expenses can severely impact a family’s financial stability and force them to make difficult decisions about their future.
    • Rehabilitation and Therapy: Many children require physical, occupational, or speech therapy to improve their quality of life. These services can be expensive and must often continue for years.
    • Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: Children who have suffered birth injuries may require additional equipment to navigate their daily lives. This could include things like wheelchairs, braces, communication devices, and home modifications like ramps. This significantly adds to the financial burden of the family.
    • Lost Income: Birth injuries can lead to conditions that require a child to be constantly monitored or cared for. As a result, one or both parents may need to reduce work hours or quit their jobs to provide full-time care for their child.

    Social Challenges

    The social impact of birth injuries extends beyond the family. Children with disabilities may face barriers to education, employment, and social inclusion. While schools and communities strive to accommodate children with special needs, gaps in resources and understanding often persist.

    • Education: Many children with birth injuries require individualized education plans (IEPs) to meet their unique needs. Having access to appropriate educational resources can be a battle for families.
    • Workplace Discrimination: As these children grow into adults, they may encounter challenges in finding and retaining employment due to their disabilities. While there is an ongoing effort to make workplaces more inclusive, sadly, most offices are severely underequipped to deal with any kind of special need.
    • Social Isolation: Both the child and their family may experience isolation as they navigate a world that is often ill-equipped to support their needs. People can be ostracized due to their differences, leading to developmental issues or mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

    Legal Recourse and Advocacy

    When birth injuries result from medical negligence, families may seek legal recourse to hold responsible parties accountable. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can provide the financial resources to cover medical expenses, therapy, and other costs.

    Beyond legal action, many families become advocates for systemic change. By raising awareness, pushing for better healthcare practices, and fighting for disability rights, they ensure that others do not endure similar experiences.

    Final Thoughts

    In conclusion, birth injuries can have a lasting impact on both the child and their family. The emotional, financial, and social tolls are often immense, making it extremely difficult for those involved. Legal assistance offers families a way to receive financial assistance to cover the expenses related to birth injuries.

  • Bi-sexuality: Woman alleges threat to family

    A Nigerian woman, Damilola Elizabeth Gbolahan, based in Canada, has alleged threats to her children and husband’s life back home in Nigeria.

    Gbolahan, who left the country in December 2023, following incessant attacks and threats to her life over suspicion that she was bi-sexual, told The Nation in a telephone interview that the same people who hounded her out of the country are at it again, this time, threatening her children and husband, who still resides in Nigeria.

    Back in 2022, Gbolahan said her friend, Titilope Thomas’s husband, had accused her of making out with his wife and hence threatened to deal with her.

    Consequently, she said the man (name withheld) harassed and embarrassed her everywhere he met her in their Ota, Ogun State community, calling her ‘lesbo’ (a slang for lesbians) and even sending thugs to beat her up on several occasions.

    She said things reached a climax when she reported the matter at a police station and the police in turn joined in the accusation without bothering to investigate the matter.

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    “The Police officers, without any iota of evidence, threatened to throw me in jail for 14 years, questioning my audacity to even come to the station despite my heavy crime. Of course my friend’s husband, who is very influential, may have tipped them to carry out this hatchet job, and it was at this point that I took the decision to leave the country and never go back.

    “Unfortunately the same set of people has started hounding my husband and kids, calling them names and threatening to visit their mum’s sin on them.

    Things reached a head early last week, when my first daughter; Grace, called to tell me that a set of hoodlums, suspected to be secret cult boys, attacked them on their way back from a friend’s place, calling them names, physically assaulting them and threatening to abduct and rape them.”

  • Family critical to societal growth, says consultant

    Family critical to societal growth, says consultant

    Principal Partner of Plymouth Consult Nigeria Limited, Temi George, has stressed importance of family to development.

    George said the way to address vices is by nipping it in the bud by paying attention to the children.

    She spoke during an outreach for women at Salama Baptist Church in Abuja, on the need to care for children.

    Mrs George urged parents to have the number of children they can cater for.

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    The principal partner sentisised women to dangers of child trafficking, and how it can be avoided.

    Palliatives, including foodstuff, were disturbed to 40 women at the event.

    She said: “This is a palliative to assist rural women. Things are difficult. So, when you bring out people, you give them something to take home.

    “Government has been trying through NAPTIP to address child trafficking but let us do what we can to touch lives exploited by human trafficking and child abuse.”

    A partner with Plymouth,  Bankole George, also stressed need to attend to family.

    He said: “We are into environmental awareness, family values and reaching out to rural women.

    “We educate them on how important family is to society. Making them understand they also have a responsibility to society and to God about how they raise children, how they care for children, how they give resources to children, and how well they pay them attention…’’

    Rev Nathaniel Dogo, hailed the couple for the gesture.

    The women appreciated the Plymouth, saying the lecture was impactful to their lives.

  • Olawepo-Hashim visits Na’abba family, pays moving tribute

    Olawepo-Hashim visits Na’abba family, pays moving tribute

    Former president candidate and a businessman, Mr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the family of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, late Umar Ghali Na’abba.

    In his entourage were the Atiku Youth Wing Team lead, Hon Idris Ibrahim Kalgo alongside Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Mr. Kamaluddeen Adebayo among others.

    Among those who received him were PDP front-liners like former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Sen. Abdul Ningi as well as former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.

    In his remarks and tribute, Olawepo-Hashim noted that “It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah, that we received the news of the passing away of a remarkable lawmaker and statesman who fought doggedly for the independence of the legislature and personified the politics of principles.

    “I condole with the government and good people of Kano State, as well as the bereaved family members, loved ones, political associates and friends on the colossal loss of a great patriot of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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    He said the late Ghali Na’abba made a mark as Speaker of the House of Representatives and worked assiduously to advance the frontiers of constitutionalism, fundamental rights and freedoms, and democracy.

    “Na’abba was intellectually engaging, progressive, focused and fearless. Out of office, he took on the role of a public commentator, calling attention to the wrong steps of public officials and warning of dire consequences if we fail to retrace our steps.”

    In his death, Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria has indeed lost an “extraordinary public intellectual, lawmaker and statesman, who lived a life of impact and will be sorely missed.”

  • ‘Family endorsement of candidate not criterion’

    • From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

    An aspirant contesting for the position of President General of Evwreni Clan Improvement Union (ECIU) in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State, Chief Kenneth Ukpebitere, has said family endorsement of a candidate is not a criterion for the election.

     Ukpebitere, who made this known in a statement while reacting to a report credited to the head of the Ukpebitere dynasty, Prince Clement Ukpebitere, described the report as mere propaganda to score cheap popularity in Evwreni kingdom with four communities, namely Uneni, Okpahwaz, Urevwe and Unenurhie.

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     Kenneth, who said he hailed from Urevwe community, slammed Clement and others for allowing themselves to be used by mischief makers in the kingdom to distort facts over Saturday’s forthcoming election into the ECIU national executive committee.

     He said: “To contest for any position in ECIU, you need not be endorsed by your family. Once you are a member of Evwreni Clan Improvement Union, you are free to contest for any position. It is the delegates who will vote for the rightful candidate.”

  • Family donates to destitute home

    The family of the late business mogul, Alhaji Nurudeen Akanni Bankole of Lagos State, has donated items to a destitute home in Ebite-Meta, Lagos.

    It also held a special prayer for four deceased members.

    The events were held at the weekend.

    The prayer was made at the family house at 14, Bolaji Omupo Street, Pedro, Shomolu, Lagos.

    Those remembered were Alhaja Suzzy, one of the late Bankole’s wives, who died on April 16, 2003; Alhaji Taoreed Bankole, who passed away on April 19, 2009; Alhaji Musiliu Bankole, who passed on, on April 12, 2016 and Saidat Moshebolatan Adeniyi, who died on April 26, 2016.

    Highlight of the event was a visit to a destitute home at Oko-Baba, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, where more than 1,000 inmates were fed and given items.

    Spokesman for the family Akibu Bankole said April every year was a special month for the family, because it was the month the family lost four of its members.

    The late Bankole, born in 1930 and died in 1993, was a successful businessman. He was a self-made-man, a hardworking person and a religious leader.

    The deceased recorded successes and faced some challenges. He was a lover of all men. He was patient, accommodating and an ever-willing contributor to Islamic charities of building mosques and facilitating pilgrimages to Mecca.

  • Family, associates demand justice

    The Olatoye family, friends, political associates and members of the Olatoye Sugar Foundation (OSF), have demanded justice in the killing of a member of the House of Representatives, Temitope Olatoye, aka Sugar.

    He, until his death, represented Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State.

    The deceased’s eldest brother, Mr. Olajide Olatoye, accompanied by friends, political associates and members of OSF made the call yesterday during a news conference at the OSF Secretariat, Bodija, Ibadan.

    The lawmaker was murdered at Lalupon, Ibadan, during the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    Olajide Olatoye, who spoke on behalf of the family, urged the government and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

    He said: “We hail AIG Leye Oyebade of Zone II and Police Commissioner Shina Olukolu of Oyo State Command for their prompt response and investigation of the killing, which led to the arrest of some suspects.

    “I am sure those arrested by the police were leaders of those who masterminded our son’s killing.”

    He described as “campaign of calumny”, reports against the lawmaker trending on social media, saying such mischiefs were orchestrated by the lawmaker’s political enemies.

    “Our attention has been drawn to several negative publications trending on social media, including the photographs of the dying Olatoye.

    “We wish to maintain that all the negative impression about the late Olatoye and his family started with the gruesome and horrific photographs allegedly published by a hospital and political enemies.

    “We maintain that these attacks on the deceased can best be described as fake news from mischief makers and political enemies to gain cheap political advantage”, he noted.

    He said the voice note credited to one Mrs. Folake, who claimed to be the landlady of the late lawmaker, was nothing but falsehood aimed at disparaging the deceased.

    “We hereby deny the assertion as same is without evidence and any iota of truth, therefore in the realm of fake news. We, therefore, call on the public to disregard same.”

    Olatoye said the family had instructed its lawyers to begin legal action against Sahara Reporters and other online platforms over the publication of falsehood about the deceased.

    He said the late lawmaker lived a fulfilled and philanthropic life, adding he was committed to the well-being of the downtrodden.

    The deceased’s brother thanked friends, the public and well- wishers for their support to the family.

    He hailed House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara for his support.

    The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the deceased, Dr. Tunde Hamzat, described the late legislator as an unadvertised philanthropist, who was always willing to help people.

    He said the late lawmaker was service personified, adding that the deceased devoted his life to the emancipation of the downtrodden and Oyo State project.

    Hamzat also praised security agencies for their prompt investigation of the killing, which led to some arrests.

    He hoped Sugar’s death would end high profile assassinations.

  • Nurturing family values through reading

    There is the popular believe that once the family is set right, the society will find it way on the path of unity and progress .This is so because there is no one without a family and the various roles upheld by the smallest group of the society goes a long way in influencing how an individual relates with the larger society. A family that upholds integrity and hardwork; products of such family have awesome ways of distinguishing themselves in corporate environment, this gives strength to the saying “I have a name to protect”. A society whose desire is on protecting values, crime is less, development is rapid and overwhelming.

    Familylines Magazine is born to repair some of the breaches in families by promoting values that nurtures homes and focuses on repositioning towards true dwelling by mirroring family line stories of families that have conquered their challenges through shared values. Health issues, investment plans for families, spiced with family nutrition, fashion and style are the packages that distincts familyLines magazine from the rest. Family is the fundamental fulcrum that yields, the hope of a better society and a greater nation. At an appreciation dinner held in Lagos, to launch the magazine in Nigeria the publisher of the magazine pastor Nduka Kingsley, who explained that Emerging trends portrays increased drug/Substance abuse and addiction amongst young adults in extreme conditions, suicidal inclinations has become the norm.

    According to Nduka,the home used to be a safe haven where every  issues were resolved. ‘Families shared values too that engendered love and togetherness, often reflected in the communal living enjoyed in our communities. The result was a saner society. Situations where any ones child was your child, where correction was not delayed till your parents arrival, scenarios where your joy of well being mattered to everyone, Or times where your action or inaction is not judged to ridicule you but to get the best out of you. ‘In achieving this purpose the role of parenting was not bequited solely to your biological parents but to every individual with the temperament and capacity to instruct the child, it no longer important whose child he is but what glory or dent his conduct will bring. The feeling of how did we arrive at such a precarious juncture resonates, how did families careless about values sunters. It all began in phases when all that we accorded credence to is money’, he said.

    On his part, one of the columnists, Dr. Fezie  Nnaji, of Exogen Consulting Limited, who is a columnist further gave reasons for this emerging trends which ranges from failed expectations to the feeling of inadequacy to handle various pressures due to life challenges to wrong lifestyles due to peer influences. He further categorized Addiction to 50% which he explained is genetically prone and 50% lacking coping skills.

    Senior pastor Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, noted how Nigeria used to be a drug transiting point but it is unfortunate how it is now a destination ground. He maintained that  the business is powered by very rich and influential people. He  called on parents to watch for signs and seek appropriate helps medically and spiritually. The Father and mother of the day Mr. and Mrs. Sam Amuka, applauded the publisher for his genuine love for the family, we wish such love will be reciprocated to him.

    In her contribution a woman who simply identified herself as Madam Helen, called for an end in the disparity between the rich and the poor in the society and for parents to be more effective no matter their busy schedule, according to her no matter how tired I am as a working mum, ‘checking the books of my children was a duty. Very importantly when concerned by neighbours, people within your communal interaction are misconstrued to suit a pecuniary interest as against the ideal purpose’. This underscore the venture of the Family Lines Magazine in Nigeria which  is keen on Nurturing families to the path of true dwelling.

     

  • Family celebrates mum with books

    It was a feast of books, when the family of Mrs Adebisi Abiodun Onipede, Chief Executive Officer of  Leumas Cassi Synergy Limited, marked her 50th birthday with the presentation of  three books.

    The event organised by her husband, Taiwo Abimbola Onipede and daughter, Omoremi, was held at the Event Gallery Iba, Lagos.

    The husband presented two books, entitled: EwaTomi and Okan Akewi Egba (The heart of Egba poet);  Omoremi, a part three student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), presented an anthology of poems, entitled: Traveller’s Pen.

    Onipede, the Principal of Ilogbo-Elegba Grammar School, has authored  over 12 books, including fiction and non-fiction. He extolled the sterling qualities of the celebrator.

    Describing his wife as “a virtuous woman who gives much and expects less, he expressed joy at having to celebrate her in a grand style.

    He said EwaTomi is a novella about the experiences of a woman in her husband’s house: the things she suffered, endured and conquered, while Okan Akewi Egba is a collection of Yoruba poems written in Egba Abeokuta dialect.

    Education Secretary, Ojo Local Government Education Area,   Sule Tolani, who chaired the event expressed joy to be part of the celebration, saying: “I am grateful to God for the privilege to chair the birthday and book launch. I pray to chair another celebration of theirs in 10 years to come”.

    The  books were reviewed by Dr Kemi Aboderin,  an Associate Professor of the Department of African Languages, Literature and Communication Art, Lagos State University (LASU).

    A student of the Department of Linguistics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Alagba Deji Medubi, performed some Yoruba poems.    Omoremi’s reading of Maami, a poem dedicated to the celebrator, filled the hall with emotions

     

  • We’re pained by ‘blatant lies’ against Zakari, says family

    THE family of Mrs. Amina Zakari yesterday said it was pained by what it described as “blatant lies” that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) National Commissioner is President Muhammadu Buhari’s niece.

    A statement by the family, signed by Isah Zakari, a lawyer, said Mrs. Zakari, INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Health and Welfare, is not Buhari’s blood relation.

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had alleged she has blood relationship with the President, following her appointment as head of INEC’s Collation Centre.

    The PDP added that she was appointed in a bid to rig the general election.

    But, the family said Mrs. Zakari is a patriotic Nigerian, who has served her country faithfully and honestly for years without blemish.

    The statement reads: “We are, therefore, pained by the report that portrays Amina Zakari working to sabotage INEC’s firm determination to advance the democratic journey by creating a conducive atmosphere for citizens to exercise their voting rights.”

    Debunking the claim that she is related to the President by blood, the family said Mrs. Zakari’s mother was from Daura, but was born and bred in Kano and was not Buhari’s sister.

    “It is true that Buhari’s sister was once married into the family. The union was short-lived and did not produce a child. This all happened well before Mrs. Zakari was born,” the statement said.

    According to the family, a Kano politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, who allegedly first made the claim that Mrs. Zakari was born by Buhari’s sister, had since recanted.

    The Zakari family said it was laughable that Mrs. Zakari, appointed as National Commissioner by former President Goodluck Jonathan, can no longer perform any function in INEC because she is a supposed relation of the President.

    The statement added: “The pieces of information being sold to the press about Mrs. Amina Zakari by the PDP are absolutely false, tendentious, malicious and highly reprehensible.

    “Mrs. Zakari has challenged anyone with evidence against her of any misdeed to come forth and prove their case.”

    Besides, the family said Mrs. Zakari diligently served under three different Presidents in various capacities, adding that it was rather unfortunate that she has been made a victim of “a vicious campaign to reduce her accomplishments to purported blood relationship while ignoring her vast and accomplished resume.”

    Highlighting the National Commissioner’s credentials, the statement said: “Mrs. Zakari attended the acclaimed Queens College on merit, being first from Kano State in the Common Entrance in her graduating year from primary school.

    “Mrs. Zakari also was one of the top students in her graduating Pharmacy B.Sc. class in Ahmadu Bello University.

    “She spent time raising a family giving birth to five children while her late husband took roles of increasing capacity in UBA and Union Bank.

    “She worked as a consultant for the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, but it is an absolute falsehood that she was appointed to that role by President Buhari.

    “She started as a sub consultant of Afri Projects Consortium and was eventually promoted to the health portfolio for the Consortium after the departure of the late Dr. Aminu Safana (whom she worked for) when he joined partisan politics in 1999.

    “She also served as Executive Secretary for Health in the FCT Administration under the Obasanjo administration’s second term.”

    According to the family, President Buhari did not attend the Council of State meeting, where President Jonathan presented her nomination.

    “What is unfortunate is, instead of celebrating an accomplished woman to support diversity in our polity and groom our future female leaders; we are stuck on belittling Mrs. Zakari’s accomplishments to mere familial ties.

    “If we begin to harangue and harass our officials for family ties (which they do not control) over competence, we shall have no one to serve.

    “A cursory review of INEC and other institutions will reveal a wealth of family and professional ties and contradictions. Does that mean everyone should resign?

    “Enough is enough. Leave our mother, daughter, sister alone to serve the nation as she has done so diligently over her life and career,” the family added.