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Tag: Justice Ilevbare

My passion for quality, inclusive education for vulnerable children – Alumona

Noel Ify Alumona is a 25year old Nigerian young leader who is very passionate about sustainable development, especially access to quality and inclusive education. He is the Founder of Hope for African Children Initiative (HACI), a Non-Governmental Organization that expands and improves comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, children with disabilities, young people, and victims of disasters and violent extremism. He speaks with Justice Ilevbare on his passion for uplifting, empowering and providing quality and affordable education for vulnerable children and more.

How my background influenced my passion for vulnerable children

I am from a poor rural community where no one considers education as necessary or of any importance. Obollo, where I hail from, is known as a hub for buying and selling – a business area. Many children don’t go to school in my community because their uneducated parents place no value on education. They also consider education as very costly, unaffordable, thus, an exclusive preserve of the rich in the community. Instead of sending their children to school, a greater percentage of the parents prefer to turn them into traders even at a very tender age.

Growing up was quite challenging

I never knew in my entire life that I would go to school. I was not born with a golden spoon, but I struggled to carve a niche for myself. Growing up was not easy as a child. Growing up was very challenging – an experience I am not always happy to remember. A lot of things happened, some were experiences that helped to build me up and shape me into who I am today.

I grew up in Nyanya Labour Camp, one of the filthiest Slum Areas in Abuja.

The camp became overcrowded with time. The access roads were terrible, ridden with pot-holes with sewage from burst sewage pipes crisscrossing the camp. The pipes that took the waste from the water cistern to the soak-away were broken, likewise the soak-away itself.

My dream of going to school was almost ruined

When it was obvious to my parents that our future was being threatened if we stayed on, we left the camp in 2009 and moved into a place in Kubwa, where I eventually, returned to school to finish my High school. When I was done with High School, my parents couldn’t afford sponsoring me to the University. This was, yet, another stage of ‘hopelessness’ for me. I didn’t know what to do. I was depressed, and fed up with life, but my conditions didn’t deter me.

Those days, my dream of going to school was cut short for two years. I hadn’t the opportunity to access quality education because of the financial constraints of my parents who were low-income earners. I hadn’t the opportunity to complete my education to even a High school level. But one thing which I obviously believed in was that formal education was the only weapon for a brighter future. And this fueled my determination never to stop dreaming until every one of my dreams was achieved.

How I got in contact with children who are in dire need of education

I was very determined to go to school and achieve all my dreams. In a bid to help contribute my quota towards building a more resilient future and creating a better world (while waiting for an opportunity to go to school), I volunteered with AidSchool Nigeria, which gave me an opportunity to tutor Primary school children in Iheakpu Primary School, a community school of about five hundred pupils across the various classes. I stayed there for six months, where I doubled as a classroom teacher and bursar. This was my third direct contact with school children who were in dire need of education but couldn’t afford it. The school was characterized by children from poor backgrounds. In the school, I was exposed to the deplorable and pitiable conditions of the rural dwellers who lacked basic amenities, especially Access to Quality Education. I met with those who wanted to be educated but was constrained financially; others hadn’t anyone to sponsor them.

My determination to give every child a formal education

In other to begin from somewhere even while in the University, I would always return to different villages that make up my community, during my long vacations, to organize extramural classes and sports activities for the children who hadn’t the opportunities to go to school. Organizing this was a very huge task for me because of many challenges we faced. We hadn’t classrooms, thus, most times we had our classes under a mango tree at the village square and the other times some families would agree to invite us to stay in their homes. We had our sessions in the morning, but quickly realizing that most children were expected to work in the home or graze flocks during the day, my “Under the Tree Campus” rescheduled classes for evening time. At this time, my belief was that literacy is what one acquires in school, but education is what one gains from family, traditions, culture, environment and personal experiences, and both are important for an individual’s growth. And so, I was determined to give every child an opportunity to, at least, taste the sweetness of formal education through many pioneering educational, social and recreational programmes, which I developed with time. In addition to my educational support, I also sought to demystify technology and ICT use, promote female empowerment, and inspire my community’s participation in solving their problems. Sometimes I used projectors and computer for our ICT/Computer study.

How I helped a girl who dropped out of school…

I was spurred to think of ways to help children with different educational needs. I think this idea came as me identifying with somebody’s predicaments, somebody I just met and I felt I could be of help to her. She couldn’t enroll into the university because the mom didn’t have money. The following year when she got a chance to be in school, she actually enrolled as a fee-paying student which was, outrageously expensive. And at some point she had to drop out of school. And I knew this girl is a very brilliant girl. So I had to go meet people that I knew who could be of help to her and eventually raised funds for her, put her back in school. So when I realized that I could capitalize on my links and connections to help other children with similar needs, I decided to stay in that particular field and make a stronger move. I began fundraising from individuals, my friends and families to help people in such needs. It turned out very beautiful because about thirty three kids benefited from this.

The birth of Hope for Children Initiative (HACI)

I am most passionate about Access to Quality and Inclusive Education, especially for those who are usually left behind (rural communities, slum dwellers, street children, orphans, victims of disasters, vulnerable kids and children with disabilities) because I strongly believe that every child is a star, which shines brightly when given the right learning and development opportunities. Those who are born with the golden spoon, naturally, have these opportunities. But just like all fingers are not equal, some others don’t. I started working on this project since 2013 when I, officially, launched my organization – HOPE FOR AFRICAN CHILDREN INITIATIVE (HACI). HACI is a volunteer-driven social development organization operating in Africa whose vision is to transform the society by empowering disadvantaged children in rural areas to realize their full potential through the provision of educational scholarships, health support and other psycho-social support. Our Innovative intervention, through the support of our ever-ready volunteers and collaborators, has enabled our impact grow rapidly within a very short period of time.

Our success stories at HACI

In HACI, we consider not just the kind of education that ends in books and theories, but translates into innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, skills and technological development. This is why we provide some rural schools with necessary instruments and equipment that help the students, and pupils (from their tender age) to hone some entrepreneurial skills, develop their talents and accelerate their potentials. We donated four sets of desktop computers to CYRSTAL BRIDGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL early last year, and it is helping the students and pupils learn about computer etc. This was also in a bid to demystify technology and ICT use for these rural children who have never had any idea of computer and its uses. The joy and educational progress this has brought to the school is very great, and the children have remained very grateful.

Also, in June last year, we organized empowering programs which gave the students of St. Stephen College in Nise, Anambra State the opportunity to learn bead making, video editing, photography, public speaking etc. These programs, HACI hopes, will enable the school children to be self-reliant later on, in the face of unemployment in the society, thereby reducing youth engagement in crimes and illegal activities that threaten the peace and security of our continent.

In HACI, we very much concerned about the social, psychological, spiritual, health and physical well-being of the children in rural communities. We do not emphasize any of the aforementioned against the others because all are necessary for the holistic growth and development of these children. Thus, through so many pioneering psycho-social programs of the organization, we steadily ensure that every child goes to school and grows into a better person. My aim is to build men of character and integrity who will take actions to better their communities tomorrow. It has not been easy but the success stories we have recorded and the impacts we’ve made so far, within this short while, inspire me to do more. I can imagine how many kids we’d have succeeded in enrolling into school in the next five years. I can also imagine what they will become in future – doctors, lawyers, professors and leaders. The thought of these brings me joy and spurs me not to relent, but to do more.

We’ve supported over 10,000 out-of-school and other school children with school materials. In response to the education crisis in my community, HACI SCHOLARSHIPS was also launched to ensure that these children are able to continue with their education, with over 500 pupils benefiting from this.

CRYSTAL BRIDGE ACADEMY is one of the rural community schools we adopted and are supporting with school materials and other things to aid the school. The school is in a very rural community known as Ogbelle in Obollo-Afor. The community school is very old, such that the schools’ blocks were all dilapidated. HACI took up this project in June 2017, and through the help of our supporters, we’re presently raising new school blocks and restructuring the dilapidated buildings to give the children a conducive learning environment. The work is in progress, and 70% completed.

One of my major completed projects is the HACI CENTER – a community cultural and educational center in Nsukka, which services hundreds of residents of the multi-cultural borough, which is famous for being a hub for communities of victims of violent extremism and other vulnerable children. It is run by 180 volunteers and, in addition to an active library, includes a children’s after-school program, an active academic center, artist encouragement programs, a variety of cultural events and courses open to the public. It was commissioned by the Enugu State Commissioner for Education on 1^st of October, 2016.

In the last 3years, HACI has also constructed safe pit toilets in Iheakpu, Eke and Amanze primary schools which are currently serving over 3,000 children, ensuring that children not only survive, but thrive. Open defecation practice is almost non-existent while school absenteeism from diarrhea illness has decreased significantly.

Finally, Education is important to me because the future of our communities is dependent on it. It is important to me because with education, we can change the world. Since our inception in 2013, more than 10,000 lives of vulnerable out-of-school children have been impacted through our educational support programmes. In the next five years, I will like to extend my impacts to all the 36 states in Nigeria and to five other African countries, touching about 100,000 lives of vulnerable children and rural communities. I will also, during this time, position myself as a thought leader, contributing articles to National dailies and speaking on radio about the imperative need for access to quality education for rural communities. Advocacy, volunteerism and youth engagement are my major focus during this time.

Some other upcoming initiatives

This year, I will be working towards ensuring that there is no out-of-school child in my community. I also want to ensure that all the children who have turned into street hawkers are enrolled into school by providing the necessary needs for them to go to school. I will be launching fundraising campaigns to build an ultra-modern library and computer Lab for CRYSTAL BRIDGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL by next year. This will increase and enhance the learning abilities and development of the children in innovations, creativity and technological advancement. I will also be expanding my networks of young leaders, members and volunteers by next year. This will help me to achieve my vision of impacting One Billion young people through leadership conferences, workshops and skills development by 2030.

National and international awards

I was nominated for the SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD for the 2016 African award after which I received the Award of Excellence on Quality Education as an Agent for Positive Change in Nigeria by 2017 Civil Society and UNITED NATIONS for PEACE Awards.

I was also honoured with theVolunteer of the Year 2017 Award for the Pride of Africa/Asia Awards held in Beijing, China on June 24th, 2017 and also the Nigeria Goodwill Ambassador Awards for the Humanitarian and Caregiver Provider of the year 2017.

February 9, 2018
Five helpful tips for juggling work and parenting

Juggling work and parenting might not exactly be the easiest thing to do, but there are a couple of things you can do to make it easier. Jumia Travel [1], the leading online travel agency, shares 5 tips for juggling work and parenting.

INVOLVE YOUR SPOUSE
Involving your spouse can be a great way to ease juggling work and parenting. If you don’t have a spouse, involve trusted close friend(s) or relative(s) who is (are) willing to be there for you. The fact is you can’t successfully juggle work and parenting on your own. You can communicate with these people and hash out the details of who’s going to do what and when, and then agree on it. Communication and a willingness to sacrifice and compromise are vital in making this work.

GET GREAT CHILDCARE
good and reliable childcare is better than a thousand gold bars when you’re trying to juggle work and parenting. You thus have to do your research very well and find good daycare centers and nannies that you can trust to help look after your child in your absence. However, you should be sure to keep a watchful eye on them to be sure they are taking care of your child or children in the best possible way.

PUT THINGS IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE
when managing work and parenting, you need to be able to put things in proper perspective. You should cut yourself some slack and try not to feel bad about having to leave your child or children all the time because in the end you are working to provide a better, easier and more comfortable life for your child or children. At this same time, you shouldn’t get carried away and use this as an excuse to be negligent. You must learn to balance the two sides and manage it as well as you can. Be away when you need to be, but be prepared to make sacrifices and compromises to be as present in your child’s life as possible. Make the effort.
LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR COMMITMENTS
When you’re at work, you’re at work. Be focused on completing your work and doing it to the best of your ability. When you’re at home, be at home and be focused on being the best parent ever to your child. Don’t bring home your baggage or issues from work to and dump it on your children to deal with. Even if you can’t help but bring home your issues from work, never do it in a way that affects your children. Whenever you’re with your children, be committed to being with them, and let nothing else come in between. Manage your commitments.

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES
You need to determine what comes first to you, your work or your children. When you know this, it will be easier for you to make decisions when the two ‘worlds’ occasionally clash. Know what’s most important to you, and let that guide your decisions during such tight periods. You don’t have to be with your child every minute for them to feel loved, but you need to know those few minutes that being with them matters most.

REMEMBER YOURSELF
A sick, exhausted or drained person can hardly be useful at the workplace and to their child or children. You, therefore, have to remember to take some time to rest and take care of yourself. This way you can continue to be there for your child or children and be productive at work.

June 16, 2017
Unveiling familiar stranger

Title: The Familiar Stranger & Other Stories

Author: Frederick Mordi

Reviewer: Justice Ilevbare

Pagination: 135

Publisher: New Africa Book Publishers

Frederick Mordi, journalist and blogger probably had Nigeria in mind when he was writing the book; Familiar Stranger and Other Stories.

Indeed, the book addresses the contemporary issues that still bedevil us as a nation.

Most importantly, as the country is currently going through a season of change as championed by the current administration of Muhammadu Buhari, the book is sure to give a road map to actually bring about the desired change.

The language used in the book is plain and simple making it a book for everyone. The stories are laced with deep proverb that makes an interesting read.

The eight chapter book is filled with inspiring stories that cut across all sectors of our everyday lives- economy, education, political etc.

The opening chapter titled the familiar stranger captures vividly the struggle between the rich and the poor and how power play exists in our present day lives.

While it places emphasis on how a group of people use their influence and wealth to bring about the needed development in their country homes, it also buttresses the fact that those vested with power to ensure our development as individuals turn around to steal from our commonwealth- they are actually our familiar strangers.

The character played by Tambolo, one of those who came from the city with the intention of building a village and ended up becoming a thief in the village he was supposed to develop is very instructive.

These set of people are devoid of conscience even as they hob-nob with people who will advice them wrongly.

Again, this captures the true story of what happens in our society today. While many people are engaged in corrupt practices, there are other accomplices who only turn out to betray them when the chips are down.

From the issue of corruption, to power play, to lack of trust and corruption, Mordi carefully and aptly captures our everyday lives using befitting story line.

The farmer’s daughter tells a typical African story that exemplifies the struggle to educate the girl child. Mr. Erastus Udoka, the Chief Inspector of Education of Akama village practically had to fight Udoka to allow his daughter gain a formal education.

Today, there are still some cultures and societies that believe that the girl-child should be married out early without proper education.

Money Palaver is another story that relates to how people amass wealth and cart away what belonged to others. While some family members like the case of Pa Azuka’s wife would not care about the source of wealth of anyone so far as the money is used to meet some family challenges, her husband, Pa Azuka believed otherwise.

He would rather choose to remain on the path of truth, conscience and integrity, which unfortunately is lacking amongst us as a people. Very few people in Pa Azuka’s shoes will find huge amount of money and damn family pressures to return it.

Key point to note in the story is that there are still few who stand for integrity and uprightness world over.

Again, you would find out how poverty has pushed a lot of people into compromising their standards. Perhaps were it not because of poverty and the way things were in the family, Ma Azuka would have advised her husband to actually return the money.

“My children, it is a funny world we live in. People will talk no matter what you do. If you do wrong thing, they will call for your head; if you do the right thing, they will say you are stupid. So, why don’t you do the right thing and leave the rest for God?” Pa Azuka counseled his family when he was under serious pressure from his wife and children.

In the end, it was songs of Joy for Pa Azuka who was adequately rewarded.

Call it moral battle if you like, Mordi has again painted a vivid picture of what goes on within our society and until we do the right thing the much talked about moral uprightness will still be a mirage.

The use humour to tell his story is quite refreshing, making the 135 page book with beautiful thick cover design, to stand out amongst others.

Mordi, a seasoned journalist, holds an MSc degree in Media and Communication from the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

Mordi’s passion for African Literature and traditional storytelling is evident with the recent release of the collection of short stories.

The author’s attempt in addressing issues considered as worrisome in our society is commendable.

It is believed that if the lessons contained in Mordi’s collection of eight short stories are imbibed, not only will people change, but the society at large will be better for it.

November 14, 2015
Glitz and glamour as Eko Club markes 40th anniversary

A week long activities to mark the celebration of Eko Club were recently held with glitz and glamour. Justice Ilevbare who was at the event, reports that the celebration was a spectacle of some sort and one that would not be forgotten in a hurry.

It was display of glitz and glamour at the just concluded 40th anniversary of the Eko Club, Lagos.

For one week in a row, the secretariat of Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos was a beehive of activities. There was music, stimulating discussions, dance, etc all combined to make the event a dazzling one for members and trustees alike.

Indeed, the 40th anniversary of the club provided a veritable platform for members, families and friends alike to celebrate in an atmosphere of conviviality. It was one event that would not be forgotten in a hurry.

For a club that has been in existence for that along, it was indeed understandable why the members and trustees decided to roll out the drums in celebration in high spirits.

The President of the club, Babatunde Faruk Grillo was visibly excited all through the event, “I am very proud to be associated with Eko Club. And to be celebrating today, we give God all the glory,” he said at one of the sessions of the week-long event

Activities’ marking the week -long event kicked off on a high note with a thanksgiving Jumat service which provided opportunity for members to appreciate God for sustaining and keeping them together for 40 years.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, was also on hand to celebrate with members. He personally flagged off activities to kick start the celebration.

Governor Fashola who spoke at the Club secretariat in Surulere, urged members to join hands in building the state, “We must choose on the basis of what today’s problems are and we must choose on the basis that value has become an issue, the difference between good and bad is clearly been blurred”.

Fashola would later hoist the 40th Anniversary flag of Eko Club to symbolically flag off the celebration of the 40th Anniversary with the theme, “Eko Club at 40- Building for a Better Future”.

That done, other activities went full swing leading to special family day, sporting activities and later thanksgiving church service.

Day 4 of the event featured a symposium and photo exhibition. This segment of the programme was significant to members of the Club and the entire Lagosians.

The symposium, which had in attendance very prominent members of the club and seasoned professionals, provided a platform for discussants to extensively dwell on the very important and strategic roles of Lagos in nation building.

It was unanimously agreed at the event, that Lagos state has contributed in no small measure to the overall development of Nigeria in all facets of human endeavours.

Speaking on the theme; The Role of Lagos in Nigeria- Past, Present and Future, Chief Tunde Fanimokun said Lagos has been at the fore front of moving the country forward in many ways.

Fanimokun said, “The transformation of process of Lagos indicates a strong reconnection with the past centuries. Hence, her success story as Nigeria’s centre of excellence; model of plural society in peaceful coexistence; unique territory of captivating contrasts; favorable investment culture with tremendous hospitality; and beacon of hope for a greater tomorrow in all spheres of life.”

He said till date Lagos still remains the nerve centre of the nation economic, financial, and commercial and communication activities.

Earlier, the lead discussant, Bashorun Jaiye Randle also stressed on the contributions of Lagos state to the overall development of Nigeria since its creation.

According to him, its importance to look back at the Lagos of yester years as that would help in planning for the future, adding “Lagos has been a place of peace and comfort. And we hope in the future, we would continue to build on this to make Lagos an enviable state as it used to be.”

He however, believe that with the daily influx of people to Lagos, the government and other stakeholders must begin to think of ways to cope with the surge in the nearest future.

According to him, “the role of Lagos in the future is very clear. We must therefore be cautiously optimistic particularly in the area of housing and good transport system.”

In his view, Lagos is a very peaceful state accommodating every state and tribe and therefore urged both indigenes and residents of Lagos to eschew bitterness and rather seek ways to ensure peaceful co-existence.

On his part, Supo Sasore (SAN) stressed on the importance of protecting the history of Lagos while at the same time fighting against economic and social justice, “In protecting our future, we must fight for our democracy and unity as Lagosians,” he added.

Other discussants at the symposium included; Chief Musiliu Alade Olaiya Anibaba, Chief Babatunde Benson (SAN), Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf and President of Eko Club, Alhaji Faruk Babatunde Grillo.

There was a photo exhibition to showcase the beauty of Lagos in the past and now.

Even though, the celebration has come and gone, it would surely remain green in the minds of the members and those that took part in the event.

Other activities that added glamour to the event was cultural day, Founding Father’s special day and was rounded off with a gala which also brought together families in celebration.

November 9, 2014
PENGASSAN berates FG over ASUU strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has berated the federal government over the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) which has crippled academic activities in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

In a statement issued yesterday in Lagos, PENGASSAN Public Relations Officer (PRO) says the body, “views with deep concern and discontent the ongoing and indeed a recurring strike in our nation’s ivory towers by the Academic Staff Unions of our Universities (ASUU) which has entered its 9th week without any sign of being resolved soon as parties in the crisis continue to trade blame and spoil for more actions on the matter.”

Comrade Gambo decries the degenerating government habit of reneging on agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) freely entered into with the union and therefore urged “government to immediately refocus the nation’s budget and expenditures to priorities areas which education stands out by using this strike events to declare a State of Emergency in the Education Sector with a view to finally securing it for better rewarding future of our youths.”

The PENGASSAN PRO who bemoans the fact that Nigerian youths are at the receiving end of the crisis said, “more worrisome is for the majority of the talented youths whose sponsors cannot afford a private or foreign school, and have rested all hope in the public schools now imagine the kind of future generation they are bound to build as they are turned out half-baked as a result of irregular and sandwiched session and curriculum.”

He appealed to Gabriel Suswam led Committee to sheath their sword by embracing dialogue as a means of finding a lasting solution to the recurring problem of under -funding of the nation’s education, adding “This is so as education remains a major plank for sustainable development and veritable means of rediscovering the dream of the founding fathers of the nation.”

Gambo lamented the effect of incessant strikes on the nation’s university education system, which he explained has made the country’s best University today to rank only amongst the 6,000 in the world, stressing “while most of our graduates are simply ‘unemployable’, the nation’s scarce resources are routinely frittered away through unabated sleaze and in the face of endemic corruption at all levels of governance.”

August 29, 2013
‘I contributed the most to the wordings of national anthem’

Following the publication of our recent interview with one of the five composers of the national anthem, Dr Sota Omoigui, now a consultant anesthesiologist and pain specialist in the United States of America, Elder Philips Olusegun Aderibigbe, the author of four lines of the anthem, called at our office last week. Aderibigbe, a former employee of the National Assembly, explained his part in the composition of the anthem, lamenting the failure of the Federal Government to fulfill its pledge to compensate him and his co-authors. He spoke with LEKAN OTUFODUNRIN and JUSTICE ILEVBARE.

How did you become involved in the composition of the national anthem?

In 1976, Nigeria was just recovering from a gruesome civil war. The Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo-led military administration called for the composition of a new national anthem. The national policy committee on the draft constitution on return to civilian rule then announced a national anthem competition. At that time, I was a 100 level undergraduate student of the University of Ibadan.

The national policy committee received about 1,499 entries from Nigerians. The entries were sent to the department of English in five Nigerian universities. It was from these entries that the best five were picked and the lines of the national anthem were selected from them.

I wrote the first line of the anthem: “Arise o compatriots”. The original draft, as was typed in 1976-77, is available for anybody to see. Other writers were John A. Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B. A. Ogunnaike, Dr. Omoigui and I, Philips Olusegun Aderibigbe. The military administration said they were going to pay some honorarium to the writers, but up till now, nothing has been done. Even the music of the anthem, as composed by the late Pa Odiase, was sung without us being invited. And it is regrettable that up till today, there has been no acknowledgement.

Since five of you composed the wordings of the national anthem, why was the Late Pa Odiase described as the composer until he died recently. Was he the person that merged the various contributions?

There seems to be lack of information in this country, and we do not even know our background very well. For your information, Pa Odiase was just the band master of the police band. The anthem was given to the police band, which Pa Odiase just happened to be the leader at that time. The wordings of the anthem were written by five Nigerians, out of which the best were selected, like I mentioned earlier.

You said that no honorarium has been paid and no acknowledgement has been given? Why did it take you so long to speak on the issue? What have the five of you done to claim the ownership of the anthem? Has there been any time you met?

There was no way for us to meet, because we were from different locations. There was no time they invited us together. I am here because I saw the interview with Dr. Omoigui. At that time, the office of this committee was at the Independent building in Race Course, Lagos. After some time, they packed out of the office, and when we went there to see the officers in charge, we were told that they had relocated. So, it was difficult to see anybody concerning it.

What other effort did you make?

I wrote a personal letter to the Federal Ministry of Education then, complaining that we were the writers of the anthem. We are not talking about music but the wordings of the anthem. The composition is an intellectual property. Up till today, they have not acknowledged the ownership of that intellectual property.

At the point of asking for entries, was there any particular promise in form of a prize?

There was none. But after the composition, they said the Federal Government of Nigeria was going to pay a marginal honorarium to the composers. But that has not been done till today.

You composed the lines, ‘Arise o compatriots, Nigeria call obey… The labour of our heroes past, Shall never be in vain.’ What did you have in mind when you wrote these lines?

It was simply patriotism. Nigeria had gone through so many negative experiences. Right from 1953, there was the Kano riot, during which so many lives were lost. There was the 1962/63 political crisis in the West. There was the census crisis in 1965 and so many lives were lost. There was mismanagement; in fact the military said the reason why they came into power in 1966 was mismanagement, corruption and ineptitude.

Things were upside down. And so, when we had that challenge, I rose. I said okay, Nigeria has to come back and readdress itself to some new situations. So, I wrote that lineArise. Arise from decay, from misgovernment, from corruption, O ye compatriots. That was the message in the anthem. Patriotism is the principle of the anthem. In fact, if anybody asks me to mention the problem in Nigeria today, I would say it is lack of patriotism.

Do you think we have been true to the national anthem?

The problem is that there was no orientation at all when the national anthem was introduced. They brought the composition to Nigerians, but the federation did not buy the idea. There was no education. In fact, one would expect that based on the message drawn from an anthem, there will be an orientation to follow; there will be training; there will be dedication; there will be organisation to follow. But nothing like that was done. They just took the work, gave it to somebody to turn into music, and there was no orientation. So, up till today, patriotism is lacking in this country. And what is the root cause of corruption? It is lack of patriotism.

As far as I am concerned, if anybody is stealing government money, it is because he is not patriotic. If there is misgovernment, it is because there is no patriotism. If there is mismanagement, it is because there is no patriotism. Look at the countries that are well run in the world today, they are all patriotic countries. America is on the lead today because the citizens are patriotic, the government is patriotic and an American life is very dear to the government of America. They can do anything to save the life of an American because they know the government cares for them.

So let’s go back to patriotism. And I am suggesting that there should be a lot of awareness concerning patriotism. Even what is happening in the north now is as a result of lack of patriotism.

What kind of feeling do you have when you hear the national anthem?

I feel very happy because it says arise. Arise means that if you have been sitting down before, rise up. If you have been down before, get up, stand up! To defend is to fight, to struggle and make Nigeria a great nation. As at the time I was writing this composition, Nigeria was at the same level with countries like China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil. Look at the positions of these countries today. Nigeria was at par with them, but those countries have gone ahead of Nigeria because of lack of patriotism.

Do you agree with those who say some parts of the national anthem should be changed?

I don’t. The anthem of the nation is the culture of the nation, the set of beliefs, the principles, and so on. Nobody who knows what he is doing would say that the anthem should be changed. What is to be changed there? Is it that we are not arising again? What do you want to change in that? Is it that patriotism is not good? Many people are talking of the anthem in terms of the music. How many Nigerians even know what the anthem is saying? How many have the wordings in their memory? How many of them know the meaning of the anthem? How many of us are obeying the call of the nation today? That is the problem.

So if they know what the anthem is saying, they would call for more dedication, more orientation and more awareness rather than say the anthem should be changed.

I’m intrigued by the line “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain”. It would seem that the labour of our heroes is already heading towards vanit…

It has happened and it will continue to happen. Nigerians don’t even know their heroes. We know names of corrupt officers. We know of very important people who have looted the treasury. We know the names of those who have bastardised our economy. We know about those who have looted the national treasury. But we don’t know the heroes that we have, and that is one of the problems of this country.

A country must know her heroes. Look at Ghana, people are still talking about Kwame Nkrumah till tomorrow. Look at Rawlings, people are still talking about him till tomorrow. Look at Nelson Mandela who is sick nowmay God heal him. Nobody talks ill about him. He is a patriot. Patriots and leaders we can gain from are in this county. We have heroes in this country, but we don’t know our heroes.

Your co-composer, Omoigui, says he looks forward to the day they would bring together those who composed the messages. Do you see this happening soon?

Who would bring them together when they don’t know their heroes?

But is it something you would love if it happens?

Yes. In fact, I thought that before the anthem was sung for the first time, we should have met. But they did not make it possible. Now it is even more difficult because Omoigui is abroad now, I’m in Nigeria, and I don’t know the other three. I’m only praying that none of them has died. These are our heroes; they are dying without being honoured.

What is your own definition of patriotism?

My definition of patriotism is great, undiluted support for the nation; standing to fight for the nation. The Spartans in the Greek states brought up their children with training modelled along support for the nation. They would fight and not allow anything that can bring the nation down to happen. So, they see themselves first for the nation than for themselves, their family, their ethnic background or their place of origin. That is patriotism. In fact, the act of patriotism is even stronger in my heart now than when I wrote it.

There are Nigerians who say they can’t die for this country. Do you think Nigeria is worth dying for?

Nigeria is worth dying for if we are all ready. If we are all patriotic, Nigeria would be worth dying for. But if we are not patriotic, well, that is when the issue comes. Look at China; they would not allow anything to mess up their economy. America would not allow its country to be bastardised. Korea would protect its interest. So, Nigeria is worth dying for. Why not? The country of my birth is worth dying for.

But the country also must die for its people. If we are ready to die for the country, the country also must be ready to die for its people. The American government can spend billions of dollars to rescue the life of a single American. And if an American knows that the country is ready to die for him, he can die for his country too. Patriotism is a whole system on which we should start to educate Nigerians now. As far as I am concerned, even indiscipline is lack of patriotism.

When you were composing the anthem, you had the unity of Nigeria in mind. What is your take on the call for national conference?

I have my own personal opinion concerning the national conference, but I’m not in support of the break-up of Nigeria. I have a feeling that Nigeria is meant to bring us together. If you see the resources in Nigeria, the way God has positioned the resources in Nigeria and left them in different places, you will see that God has made us to be together and to substitute for one another.

But let me go back to my point: it is mismanagement and lack of patriotism that has made things to be like that. I remember a time I had to serve in Sokoto; I was in Sokoto for months without any fear of molestation. Nigerians were together then. You could travel to the North and East without any fear. How did it now generate to this level? So it’s not that Nigeria is not worth dying for, its management and wrong leadership. Nigeria is a very good business. Somebody said Nigeria is a good business in the hands of bad managers.

Do you think Nigeria will ever get to the promise land?

Why not, if we return to the basics? Let patriotism be taught in schools. Let people know the meaning of patriotism. Let it be a topic in schools. It must start from the top. Recently, some people were talking about jumbo pay for public officers. About 43 per cent of the nation’s total income is spent on the payment of legislators and government. 80 per cent is spent on running the government. If the amount of money taken from the Nigerian economy is taken from the British economy, it will collapse.

Have you ever been acknowledged as one of the composers of the national anthem?

Yes. But by only those who are close to me. When those in my hall, Nnamdi Azikwe Hall of the University of Ibadan, heard that I was the writer of the line ‘Arise o compatriots’, there was wild jubilation at the JCR Hall in 1978. Some newspapers also wrote that I and four others were the writers of the anthem.

The government must acknowledge the writers of the anthem. We are not asking for money but for respect and honour. I composed four lines of the anthem, so I’m the major writer of the anthem.

July 21, 2013
5 Nigerian Caine prize winners

The annual Caine Prize for African Writing is a literary award for the best original short story by an African writer. Established in the United Kingdom in the year 2000, the prize was named in memory of Sir Michael Harris Caine, who was the former chairman of Booker Group plc. Since inception of the highly prestigious prize, five Nigerians have emerged winners. Last Monday July 8, at Bodleian Library in Oxford Nigeria’s Tope Folarin carted home the £10,000 prize money after emerging winner of the 2013 edition. Justice Ilevbare, profiles these past Nigerian winners, their winning entries and other award winning works.

Tope Folarin (winner of 2013 edition)

Nigeria’s Tope Folarin last Monday evening emerged winner of this year’s Caine Prize for his short story titled: Miracle. The story is set in Texas in an evangelical Nigerian church where the congregation gathered to witness the healing powers of a blind pastor-prophet.

According to Gus Casely-Hayford the Chair of the judges, Folarin’s ‘Miracle’ is another superb Caine Prize winner describing it as “a delightful and beautifully paced narrative that is exquisitely observed and utterly compelling.”

Folarin was shortlisted with 3 other Nigerians and a Sierra Leonean for the prize and he came out ahead. The shortlisted writers include popular writer, El Nathan John who is famous for his satirical and humorous pieces.

Speaking to a foreign media shortly after he was announced winner the elated Folarin told said, “I’m elated. I’m a writer situated in the Nigerian disapora, and the Caine prize means a lot – it feels like I’m connected to a long tradition of African writers. The Caine prize is broadening its definition and scope. I consider myself Nigerian and American, both identities are integral to who I am. To win … feels like a seal of approval.”

On the award winning story, Folarin said, “The story is situated in the Nigerian diaspora, and that heightens what is going on for the people in the church. It begins with ‘we’ and then moves to the ‘I’ – the narrator bear the burden of the diaspora on his shoulders.”

Folarin, recipient of writing fellowships from the Institute for Policy Studies and Callaloo, serves on the board of the Hurston/Wright Foundation.

The 2013 Caine prize winner was educated at Morehouse College, and the University of Oxford, where he earned two Master’s degrees as a Rhodes Scholar.

He lives and works in Washington, DC.

Rotimi Babatunde (winner of 2012 edition)

Rotimi Babatunde was the 4th Nigerian to emerge winner of the Caine prize for African writing. He won the prize for his story “Bombay’s Republic” – a book about Nigerian soldiers who fought in the Burma campaign during World War II and returning home with new perspectives.

He was one of five writers whose stories were short-listed for the Caine Prize for African Writing which is Africa’s highest literary award. With £10,000 in his kitting, Babatunde had a chance to attend Georgetown University in the United States as a writer-in-residence for one month at their Lannan Centre for Poetics and Social Practice.

According to www.supernigerian.com, Babatunde has had fiction and poetry published in literary journals in Africa, Europe, and the United States. He also won the BBC World Service’s Meridian Tragic Love Story Competition, and his plays have been presented by Halcyon Theatre, Chicago and the Institute for Contemporary Arts, as well as being broadcast on the BBC World Service.

His published work includes poems and stories in anthologies, including Little Drops, A Volcano of Voices and Die Aussenseite des Elementes.

Babatunde lives in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Epaphras Chukwuenweniwe Osondu (winner of 2009 edition)

E. C. Osondu for short is widely acclaimed for his short stories. He emerged winner of the 2009 edition of the Caine prize for Africa writing with the story “Waiting”. Published in October 2008 by Guernica magazine, “Waiting” captures life in a refugee camp from a child’s point of view. In Aside the £10,000 cash award, the Caine Prize also brought Osondu a month’s residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Osondu’s “Voice of America” is included in Gods and Soldiers: The Penguin Anthology of Contemporary African Writing (2009).

Prior to that, he won the 2009 Caine Prize for African Writing, for which he had been a finalist in 2007 with his story “Jimmy Carter’s Eyes”. He had previously won the Allen and Nirelle Galso Prize for Fiction and his story “A Letter from Home” was judged one of “The Top Ten Stories on the Internet” in 2006. His writing has been published in Agni, Guernica, Vice, Fiction, and The Atlantic. His debut collection of short stories, Voice of America, was published in 2010.

Born in Nigeria, Osondu worked as an advertising copywriter for many years. In 2008, he was a fellow at Syracuse University in creative writing and later in 2010, he became an assistant professor of English at Providence College, teaching courses in creative writing.

Segun Afolabi (winner of 2005 edition)

The 2005 edition of the prestigious award was won by Segun Afolabi – a novelist and short story writer. Entitled, “Monday Morning”, the award winning work was first published in Wasafiri, issue 41, spring 2004.

His first story collection is titled “A Life Elsewhere” and was shortlisted for the 2006 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and longlisted for the 2006 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award.

Helon Habila (winner of 2001 edition)

The first Nigerian to win the Caine Prize is the popular multiple awards winning novelist Helon Habila in 2001, with the “Love Poems”.

Born in 1967, Habila is a novelist and poet. He worked as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi from 1997 to 1999. Shortly afterwards, he moved to Lagos in 1991 to become the Stories Editor for Hints Magazine where he worked for one year before moving to Vanguard Newspaper, as Arts Editor.

After winning the Caine Prize, he was offered a Chevening Scholarship by the British Council and was invited to become the first African Writing fellow by the University of East Anglia, UK. He moved to England in 2002.

Habila’s first novel, Waiting for an Angel, was published in 2002 by Penguin Books in London and in 2003 by Norton in the USA. The novel went on to win the Commonwealth Prize for Best First Novel (Africa Section) in 2003.

In 2006 he co-edited the British Council’s anthology, New Writing 14. His second novel, Measuring Time, was published in 2007. His third novel, Oil on Water, which deals with environmental pollution in the oil rich Nigerian Delta, was published in the US in 2011. His anthology, The Granta Book of the African Short Story came out September, 2011.

Habila studied at the University of Jos and later at the University of East Anglia and now teaches creative writing at George Mason University, Washington D.C.

A founding member African Writers Trust, “a non-profit entity which seeks to coordinate and bring together African writers in the Diaspora and writers on the continent to promote sharing of skills and other resources, and to foster knowledge and learning between the two groups.

Habila has also received other awards including, 2007 Emily Clark Balch Prize (short story), from Virginia Quarterly Review, “The Hotel Malogo”, 2008 Virginia Library Foundation Fiction Award, Measuring Time, 2011 Commonwealth Writers Prize, shortlist, Oil on Water and 2012 Orion Book Award, shortlist, Oil on Water

Habila lives in Virginia with his wife and three children.

July 10, 2013
Fatunla: undying passion for medicine

Justice Ilevbare recalls the life and times of Late Dr Victor Olubi Fatunla, former Director of Medical Services, Nigeria Baptist Convention who died on June 17 in South Africa.

For Dr Victor Olubi Fatunla, death has brought to an end a fruitful medical practice on planet earth. While he will be missed by his family and friends, those whose lives he touched one way or the other will forever remain grateful to God for bringing their way.

Though, Fatunla is no more, his exploit in the medical field and his undying passion for the profession stood him out throughout his lifetime. No wonder he had a rich resume and expertise, which can only be matched be very few of his equals dead or alive today.

Born on the January 12, 1932 to the family of Reverend Nathaniel Faboyade Fatunla and Mrs. Joanna Aina Fatunla in the town of Igede – Ekiti in Ekiti State, the late Fatunla started his education at Baptist primary School Igede Ekiti in 1938 and completed it at Baptist primary School, Benin City in 1945.

In his quest to get a secondary education, he then progressed to the prestigious Baptist Boys High school, Oke -Igunya, Abeokuta which he completed in 1952 and passed his Cambridge exams with flying colors.

He began his working career very early in life at the Audit department and secretariat of the federal government of Nigeria (then still under colonial rule). He also had the privilege of working with the then African Bank.

While working at the federal government’s metrological department, he also embarked on private studies of pure mathematics, applied mathematics and physics. He wrote and passed GCE advanced level in these three subjects. Then wrote and passed as Jamb in 1954.

At that time several opportunities came his way, but the problem of making up his mind on which to take up was quite a challenging one. He obtained a federal government scholarship to study meteorology in England, got admission to the University College of Ibadan to study Engineering, was offered a Baptist mission scholarship to study Education and also had a childhood interest in becoming a doctor having been coached by his father.

Even though he had already started his Engineering studies whilst contemplating the dilemma he was faced with. He remembered that he had been admitted into the government hospital for arthritis in 1948 where he found out that there was only one doctor in the entire hospital and district.

At that point, he had promised God that he would be a missionary doctor in future so as to be able to help the doctor. This was the answer he was looking for and subsequently changed his study to medicine which was sponsored by the Baptist mission.

He got his MBBS London in 1962 and then proceeded to Lagos University Teaching Hospital for internship where he got a federal government scholarship to enroll for post graduate studies in surgery in London in 1966.

He became a fellow of the royal college of surgeons England in 1969. It was at this point that he heard about the Baptist mission wanting to wind down hospital operations in 3 towns in Nigeria.

Worried by this development and a careful deliberation and divine guidance, he decided to go to Saki, Oyo state to resuscitate the hospital in 1970. He grew it from a dispensary to a 100 bed hospital by 1976. By the time Dr Fatunla retired from Baptist Hospital Saki in 1998, he had expanded the hospital tremendously.

Some of the exploits he recorded at the hospital include, linked the hospital as a faculty to UCH in 1976. He was an associate lecturer; increased number of hospital beds to 200; established Baptist midwifery school Saki in the early 80’s; established Baptist nursing school Saki in the early 90’s, established Baptist nursery school Saki in the 80’s and Baptist Primary school in the late 80’s. Others are Baptist Secondary school Saki in the late 80’s, established four additional hospitals around Oke-Ogun in the 80’s and early 90’s, adviser to several associations in Oke- Ogun region and director of Baptist medical services in Nigeria

He also extended the same service to South Africa. In 1997, Dr Fatunla travelled to South Africa, where he quickly set up community based health care service centres to help the local community. He was also involved in the local Baptist church where he helped in the expansion and building of the Baptist ministry in the local communities.

Dr Fatunla subsequently joined the Government health care service in 2006 where he practiced selflessly as a Doctor until his retirement from South Africa government service in 2012. He was blessed with a loving wife Mrs. Grace Olutola Fatunla and seven children as well as Grand children. Among whom are ; Mrs Victoria Olusola – South Africa; Dr Abiola Fatunla – South Africa (Late); Dr. Mrs. Olubunmi Oyeleye – USA and Dr. Mrs. Modupe Adeniyi – USA. Others are; Mrs Mobolaji Hassan – USA, Mr Adeyemi Fatunla – South Africa and Mr Oluwatosin Fatunla – South Africa.

June 22, 2013
Succour for rape victims

In Nigeria like in some other parts of the world, rape and child abuses are on the rise. A recent survey by a NOI Polls, Nigeria revealed that three in 10 Nigerians admitted knowing a rape victim. Many of victims are left with bruises and scars that they have to live with for life.

As part of global efforts give the victims succor and help them come out of the traumatic situation, MediaCon, a Non Governmental Organisation with interest on women and children in Nigeria, has an initiative called the Crisis Respond Programme through which it provides emergency and crisis attention to rape victims and other child abuse cases.

Established since 2005, MediacCon is comprised of highly trained professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that victims and families are attended promptly and adequately.

Founder of the NGO, Princess Olufemi Kayode outlined a number of services the organisation offers in a bid to care for these victims.

First of such services is the Victim Advocate – through this, victims and families are linked up to access medical, legal and other psychosocial needs. “We provide support, care counseling for victims, families and friends and ensure victims / survivors get optimum care right from the moment of reporting and monitoring the case during litigation working in partnership with professionals in criminal justice system and other important stakeholders.

‘We stand by the victims and family through the process while providing necessary information and going all the way with them from the moment of reporting the case. The Victim Advocates have worked with over 350 victims and families since 2005 supporting them all the way, explaining each step and providing comfort and reducing re-traumatization of victims and families/guardians,” Kayode explained.

The NGO also has a 24 hours and seven days a week confidential help lines where calls are made to report cases of child sexual abuse, rape and suspicion. “Confidential counseling is also provided on these lines and face-to-face. The lines work at national and international level. Referrals are also made available to calls of enquiries on prevention and other sexuality issues and SMS are attended to and receive response,” she added.

With over 200,000 individuals attended to since inception, the founder says, “total number of sexual violence cases reported last year was 1,898 making it the highest ever recorded in a year. Calls came from different states within Nigeria and abroad. Reports of sexual violence were higher than other forms over 75 per cent. Helplines received request for prevention information. Others calls include health, riot, armed robbery, commendation, partnership request, inquiry if line is working, threat to life, widow victimization, abandonment, rent, financial support, conflict, assault and child custody related matters.”

Another service provided by the NGO is the Trauma Management Counseling to help deal with the experience and avoid further stress and trauma to victims. According to Kayode, so far over 250 survivors of rape have accessed this service through during one-on-one contact, phone and social media like Facebook, online (skype, whats app) and email.

The NGO also provides Post Emergency Prophylaxis (PEP) within the first 72 hours of rape to prevent HIV, Access to adequate and timely medical services such as Emergency Contraceptives (EC) to prevent unwanted pregnancy within 72 hrs, other Vaccination against Hepatitis B, and treatment for other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Victims are also supported in the area of litigation. “Referral for legal assistance – Since matter is criminal, we petition the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on behalf of victims to prosecute matters. Currently, we are working on 22 matters with this department. We have also recorded three convictions. Overall over 50 cases,” the founder said.

Psychosocial support for victims and their families include relocation of family and victim, accessing Emergency Protection Order for State Protective Custody, support for education – tuition fees and provision of school uniforms etc. The organisation also takes care of the feeding, clothing, skill acquisition, transportation to court and payment of medical bills of victims.

A major aspect of the organisations’ quest to provide assistance, particularly to cases of child abuses is the Forensic interviewing, which is the first step in most child protective services (CPS) investigations. “This was newly introduced in 2011 at a pilot scale and working with the Police we were able to attend to about 20 victims and accused perpetrators. The comprehensive facility is to be concluded by August and another phase of the piloting will kick off and we are hopeful that this will assist traditional investigation of these cases,” Kayode stated.

SUCCOUR FOR RAPE VICTIMS

By Justice Ilevbare

In Nigeria like in some other parts of the world, rape and child abuses are on the rise. A recent survey by a NOI Polls, Nigeria revealed that three in 10 Nigerians admitted knowing a rape victim. Many of victims are left with bruises and scars that they have to live with for life.

As part of global efforts give the victims succor and help them come out of the traumatic situation, MediaCon, a Non Governmental Organisation with interest on women and children in Nigeria, has an initiative called the Crisis Respond Programme through which it provides emergency and crisis attention to rape victims and other child abuse cases.

Established since 2005, MediacCon is comprised of highly trained professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that victims and families are attended promptly and adequately.

Founder of the NGO, Princess Olufemi Kayode outlined a number of services the organisation offers in a bid to care for these victims.

First of such services is the Victim Advocate – through this, victims and families are linked up to access medical, legal and other psychosocial needs. “We provide support, care counseling for victims, families and friends and ensure victims / survivors get optimum care right from the moment of reporting and monitoring the case during litigation working in partnership with professionals in criminal justice system and other important stakeholders.

‘We stand by the victims and family through the process while providing necessary information and going all the way with them from the moment of reporting the case. The Victim Advocates have worked with over 350 victims and families since 2005 supporting them all the way, explaining each step and providing comfort and reducing re-traumatization of victims and families/guardians,” Kayode explained.

The NGO also has a 24 hours and seven days a week confidential help lines where calls are made to report cases of child sexual abuse, rape and suspicion. “Confidential counseling is also provided on these lines and face-to-face. The lines work at national and international level. Referrals are also made available to calls of enquiries on prevention and other sexuality issues and SMS are attended to and receive response,” she added.

With over 200,000 individuals attended to since inception, the founder says, “total number of sexual violence cases reported last year was 1,898 making it the highest ever recorded in a year. Calls came from different states within Nigeria and abroad. Reports of sexual violence were higher than other forms over 75 per cent. Helplines received request for prevention information. Others calls include health, riot, armed robbery, commendation, partnership request, inquiry if line is working, threat to life, widow victimization, abandonment, rent, financial support, conflict, assault and child custody related matters.”

Another service provided by the NGO is the Trauma Management Counseling to help deal with the experience and avoid further stress and trauma to victims. According to Kayode, so far over 250 survivors of rape have accessed this service through during one-on-one contact, phone and social media like Facebook, online (skype, whats app) and email.

The NGO also provides Post Emergency Prophylaxis (PEP) within the first 72 hours of rape to prevent HIV, Access to adequate and timely medical services such as Emergency Contraceptives (EC) to prevent unwanted pregnancy within 72 hrs, other Vaccination against Hepatitis B, and treatment for other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Victims are also supported in the area of litigation. “Referral for legal assistance – Since matter is criminal, we petition the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on behalf of victims to prosecute matters. Currently, we are working on 22 matters with this department. We have also recorded three convictions. Overall over 50 cases,” the founder said.

Psychosocial support for victims and their families include relocation of family and victim, accessing Emergency Protection Order for State Protective Custody, support for education – tuition fees and provision of school uniforms etc. The organisation also takes care of the feeding, clothing, skill acquisition, transportation to court and payment of medical bills of victims.

A major aspect of the organisations’ quest to provide assistance, particularly to cases of child abuses is the Forensic interviewing, which is the first step in most child protective services (CPS) investigations. “This was newly introduced in 2011 at a pilot scale and working with the Police we were able to attend to about 20 victims and accused perpetrators. The comprehensive facility is to be concluded by August and another phase of the piloting will kick off and we are hopeful that this will assist traditional investigation of these cases,” Kayode stated.

June 21, 2013