The Nation Newspaper

Tag: mother

  • FCT minister loses mom

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    The death has been announced of Hajiya Aishatu Mohammed, mother of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohamed.

    She died on Wednesday at about 11 o’clock in the morning at the age of 81 years.

    Hajiya Aishatu, wife of the late Sarkin Duguri Mohammed Yusuf, described as ‘’mother to all’’ died at her Sokoto street residence in Bauchi, the state capital of protracted illness, besides ailments associated with advanced age.

    The FCT Minister’s mother, returned to Bauchi last Saturday after performing the lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia with her elder son, Alhaji Adamu Yahaya, who is also the District Head of Duguri, in Alkaleri Local Government area of Bauchi state.

    She is survived by four children among whom are Alhaji Adamu Yahaya, [Wakilin Bauchi] District Head of Duguri, Sen. Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, the FCT Minister, Hajiya Hauwau and Hajiya Asmau.

    Also left behind to mourn her, are her 31 grand children. And has since been buried according to Islamic rites in Bauchi, after funeral prayers led by the Bauchi Chief Imam, Alhaji Bala Babban Innah at the Emir of Bauchi’s palace.

  • Tribute to a mother

    For seven days before her departure, I could not look straight at her face again! But I kept coming to the hospital each day.

    For the days, a devastated acceptance, gradually, began to dawn on me that the ultimate – death – was drawing near! But inside me, I kept deceiving myself that Mama could not leave us just like that.

    Again, gradually, I could see those smiles were freezing.

    And on February 10, 2014, at 2pm, the smiles were forever frozen. And the woman died.

    The woman? Chief (Madam) Dorcas Oyinlola Jegede, The Iya Ijo of Methodist Cathedral, Isale Aro, Osogbo, Osun State. She was 95.

    Two of her children were with her at the time of her departure while two others and a grandchild had just left for a nearby pharmacy. But Mama had been ready for her journey back to her Father in heaven.

    Not just five years ago! Not just a decade ago! But more than two decades ago!!! Mama spent her last 133 days with us in Ibadan. Throughout, she refused to take any medication because she believed that that would prolong her life.

    I have never seen or met a human being created by God who was as prepared for eternity as Mama. She was not afraid of death at any point of her life.

    Her prayer was that she should not weep over her children and grand children.

    For about two months before her departure, Mama would say that she had seen heaven in her dreams. According to her, heaven was the most beautiful place. No wonder, she was so eager to go “home”.

    But finally, a month or so to her departure, she told us that in her dream, she saw a multitude of people walking on a very massive highway and few others walking along a narrow path and she joined those on the narrow one to enter into a place of joy.

    When Mama woke up, she started to sing “Lehin aiye buburu yi…. Jerusalem ilu ayo … (After this sinful world… Jerusalem my home)

    Mama was my mother NOT my mother-in law. This is because words like “children – in- law” were not in mama’s dictionary.

    One of mama’s stepchildren, Sir (Chief) Sunday Jegede, a former General Manager of Total Nigeria Plc in a tribute said of her “you cooperated with and encouraged our beloved late father to ensure that every child received full attention and consideration to grow as well as was necessary up to the individual’s endowment and capability.

    An instrument of peace, mama ploughed the field and sowed it. Many of the fruits from her field are her children and many others she did not bear. She groomed many to adulthood and greatness without any fuss.

    A great and honest historian, mama, till two weeks before her final departure, would recall incidents that happened fifty, sixty years without falsifying the facts and figures.

    A highly loved and respected leader in the secular and economic community, mama would only eat the yams she planted and drink water from her own well. She was a mother in a million.

    She returned to mother earth after a funeral service at her church – Methodist Cathedral, Isale Aro Osogbo on , April 25, 2014.

    Mama, you have lived well and done well. Rest in peace

    — Tunde Akingbade is a former chairman, League of Veteran Journalists, Oyo State.

  • Like mother, like son

    Like mother, like son

    •LASPOTECH valedictorian repeats mother’s feat 28 years after

    When Adebola Oluwatosin Adedoyin was announced the overall best graduating student among 14,920 graduands at the 22nd convocation of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, his mother, Mrs Kudirat Adedoyin Abdul smiled.

    It reminded her of her feat 28 years ago when she graduated as the overall best student from Ogun State College of Education. For her, Adedoyin’s feat runs in the blood.

    “He has been a wonderful boy since inception. I am not surprised that history is repeating itself today because he emulated me. I was also the best student when I studied Yoruba Language (N.C.E) in 1986 at the Ogun State College of Education. I am so delighted,” said the mother, who teaches Yoruba at Odogunyan Grammar School, Ikorodu.

    With a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.90, Adedoyin was the best student in the Civil Engineering department and the entire school for the 2012/2013 academic session in the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme.

    The 24-year old was rewarded with many cash prizes endowed by the LASPOTECH administration and various individuals.

    However, despite being the overall best student, his total prize haul, which came to about N140,000, was not the highest for the event. The best graduating students in the School of Agriculture (Tolulope Adeolu Ige) and School of Management and Business Studies (Rasheedat Oluwakemi Ahmed) got N500,000 each and automatic employment courtesy of Mr Timi Paseda, a business man.

    Many in the audience wondered aloud why it was so.

    This notwithstanding, Adedoyin was very happy about graduating as the best student for the 2012/2013 academic session. The Ogun State indigene who is the third of seven children, thanked God for his success.

    “I attribute my success today to God because I did not go out of my way to overread. He just crowned my efforts with success. I am very playful; I do not read much and my friends can testify to that. I read only four hours a day,” he said.

    When asked about the future, Adedoyin said, “I would love to proceed to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) or the University of Ibadan (UI) to get my B.Sc.”

    His mother, Mrs Adedoyin, said the young man took after her.

    It was not only award winners that were happy during the convocation. For many of the graduands, it marked a special day in their lives.

    Oluwaseun Ayilara, a National Diploma graduate from the Science Laboratory Technology department, was happy graduating from the school, which she said she would re-apply to if possible.

    “I am so proud to be one of its products,” she said.

    The students were urged to build on the foundation, the school had already given to them and they should not waste anything as precious as time.

    In his speech, the Rector of the polytechnic, Dr AbdulAzeez Lawal urged the students to build on the foundation the school has already laid for them. He also counseled them not waste time as it is a precious commodity.

    He said LASPOTECH has a lot to celebrate given the top rating it currently enjoys.

    “Lagos State Polytechnic emerged overall best on the list of the top 20 polytechnics in Nigeria,” he said.

    While thanking the Lagos State government for funding the institution, he however appealed for more funding to help facilitate further development.

    “While I will repeat my gratitude to the Lagos State government, I would want to use the auspicious occasion of this convocation to plead for increased funding. Like I said at the last ceremony held on April 11, 2013, this polytechinc has been without an administrative block since we moved to the Ikorodu Permanent Site in May, 2000,” he said.

    Dignitaries that graced the ocassion included Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola(SAN) who was represented by the secretary to the state government, Dr Oluranti Adegbule; Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga; and the first military governor of Lagos, General Mobolaji Johnson, among others.

  • Dear mother

    Dear mother

    Loved and cherished, these categories of women have ensured that society thrives. Some Nigerians tell Yetunde Oladeinde and Joe Agbro Jr., how much they treasure their mothers

    IT’S often said that there is nothing greater than a mother’s love for her child. One of such in our local parts here is the bond which existed between the late musical maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and his equally late activist mother, Madam Funmilayo Kuti. When soldiers invaded Fela’s Kalakuta Republic and threw his mother from a storey building, the musician waxed a record to document the incident. In a portion where he eulogises his mother during the song, Fela’s voice becomes emotional, betraying pain. It is a rare glimpse into the soft spot the radical musician had for his mother.

    This bond, which usually starts very early in life and even extends beyond death, is shared among many people. Books, poems, songs, documentaries have been done on them. And from infancy, of both parents, it is the mother to whom the child firstly and, of course, naturally gravitates toward. She’s the one that produces colostrums, which doctors now agree is the best food for infants.

    Equally, the love mothers have for their children has been exhibited since time immemorial. There is no doubt that mothers, whether they be plain Janes, queens, top flight business moguls, seedy harlots, distinguished women, or hustlers, occupy an integral part in their children’s lives. And to recognise their pivotal role, each year, there are days usually set aside to celebrate. This Sunday, Nigeria joins other nations to celebrate these special women.

    Adebantu – musician

    I love my mum’s courage, her uncompromising faith in human spirit, and the way she doesn’t compromise the truth. She is my hero. And she is the greatest person in my life and the greatest person that I look up to.

    My mum scolded me with love. But she was one the patient parent as she took her time to explain why she was angry at me or why she felt I should react or act in a different way as opposed to beat. She never once thrashed me.

    But my mum and I have always been friends from an early age. My mum schooled me on how to dress and how to act for my first date. She prepared me for my first date. And it helped because it wasn’t as if I went to my dad and he could talk. It turned out to be great. We’re still good friends, the lady and I. And I’m really happy for the advice my mum gave me which was to be a gentleman and to be extremely patient. And she also advised me to protect myself if it should end up in the bedroom.

    Lepacious Bose – comedian

    I’m very close to my mum. Actually, she’s my confidante. We’ve come a long way. When I was growing up, I didn’t like my mum. I thought she was nasty, too stiff, and stressful because my mum was a teacher. And so, she was always on top of her game. She could second-guess you. I couldn’t behave like any other children because she was also the headmistress of the primary school I went to. I just couldn’t be a ‘normal’ child. I couldn’t play; I couldn’t jump the fence like any other children and go out. So, I used to think my mother was a nagging woman; she was a spoil-sport. But the older I got and when I got to the university, I started seeing that the thing she did was good. And gradually, I started getting to know her better. When people say, ‘you don’t take nonsense,’ I laugh at them because you don’t know my parents. I didn’t have a mother that when your father is beating you, she will be begging your father. I had a mother that when your father is beating you, she will be standing at the door with her own cane. For all that, I’m grateful because she is the reason I am where I am. She is the reason why I am not one of those celebrities that would be exposing their body parts in the name of celebrity because I have a name to protect. And I’m grateful to my mum for all that she has done for me. I won’t wish for another mum, that is the truth. I believe her only assignment on earth was to come and be my mother.

    Funke Akindele – actress/movie producer

    What can I say about my mum? My mum is a very wonderful person. And she has always been very supportive of what I do. When I was much younger, she’d take me to locations. I attended Lagos State Model College and even while I was in boarding house, my mother would buy new Aso-Oke and bring it for me in school so I can use it perform. Everything I am today, I owe it to her.

    Ebun Anozie – health advocate

    I don’t have a mother. I lost my mother when I was seven. That is why I do what I do.

    Toby Husswin Adegbite – entrepreneur

    Nothing compare to the love of a good mother because this is a rare gift. Therefore , I would say the celebration of mother’s day means so much to me because of her immense contribution to my life and the values she put into my life. When I was walking through the valley of the shadows of death , she was there for me. She was also there during the good times and she continues to be a precious jewel in my heart. My mother, Elizabeth Husswin is a great woman. She is someone that is so priceless to me. A superstar and an epitome of God’s beauty. She is the pillar of strength for all her children and all the children she helped to mould as co-founder of the Gideon International school.

  • My baby is in danger, says quadruplets’ mother 

    A mother of quadruplets, Mrs. Alice Akor is concerned that one of her babies may not survive if financial help does not come quickly.

    The four babies were delivered on April 23, 2013 at the National Hospital in Abuja, who was admitted in the Kubwa General Hospital.

    Akor who spoke to newsmen stated that the baby went down with a fever. She said she rushed him to hospital, adding that she was in need of money to pay the medical bills for the treatment.

    Akor, a mother of five, delivered the quadruplets in April last year and have since been pleading with the government and well-meaning Nigerians for assistance.

    When our reporter visited the hospital, Akor was with her baby boy, worried about his fate and that of her family who have been struggling to make ends meet.

    “I have to get to the pharmacist to get his drugs. And I need to rush home to bathe the other children at home. It hasn’t been easy. My husband has to collect money from people to offset our medical bill. And now one of the children is sick again. We need assistance from anybody that can help us,’’ she said.

    Mrs. Akor, a National Diploma (ND) holder, stated that before giving birth to the quadruplets, she was earning money from selling clothes, but had to stop due to the financial burden and physical demands of raising her children.

    She stated that her husband had to borrow money to pay for the medical bills after she delivered, before she and the newborns could be discharged from the hospital.

    Akor, a native of Kogi, and her husband were already parents to a boy when she gave birth to the quadruplets.

  • Expectant mother dies in Enugu building collapse

    An expectant mother was killed on Sunday night at the Coal Camp area of Enugu when a four-bedroom bungalow collapsed.

    Several others were injured.

    It was learnt that the incident occurred at 10pm after the victims had gone to bed.

    The bungalow, located at Ologo, New Site of Coal Camp in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, collapsed when some parts of a surrounding hill fell on top of the house and other buildings.

    A resident, who spoke in confidence, said the expectant mother, identified as Mrs Chinasa Chukwuka, was buried inside the house by the collapsed parts of the hill.

    The resident said efforts to remove her alive were abortive, adding that her husband, Mr Emeka Chukwuka, became unconscious after sympathisers pulled him out.

    The owner of the collapsed building, Mr Joseph Nwoye, from Ebonyi State, said he discussed with Mr Chukwuka before the incident occurred.

    He claimed that he told the tenants, including the husband of the late woman, to find another accommodation last week when some stones from the hill destroyed parts of the house after a heavy rain.

    The landlord said the late Mrs Chukwuka rejected an alternative accommodation he got for the tenants.

    Nwoye, who wept profusely, said the incident occurred a few minutes after he discussed with Mr Chukwuka on the accommodation issue.

    He said: “After discussing with the husband of the late woman in the night, I went inside to sleep. Shortly after that, I heard a loud noise. When we came out, we discovered that the house had collapsed. The expectant mother died on the spot. My son fainted after the incident.

    “It was raining heavily when it happened. We ran out and pulled out Mr Chukwuka alive.

    “I bought the land in 2010. The secondnd tenant, Cyril Jaja, was injured. I had asked them to find another place.”

    The remains of the late pregnant woman had been deposited in an undisclosed mortuary.

     

  • ‘Mother tongue, solution to examination failure’

    The Provost of Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel, Dr Dahiru Abubakar, has pitched his tent behind the use of mother tongue as a medium of communication and instruction for secondary school pupils.

    Dr Abubakar believes the move will stamp out the negative perception of Mathematics by secondary school pupils which often leads to mass failure in major examinations.

    Scholars, Abubakar emphasised, should be encouraged to conduct more researches towards translating relevant textbooks, particularly in sciences and instructional materials into selected major languages, thereby aping countries like China and Japan which today use their mother tongues official language, and as a means of communication in schools.

    Abukakar made the observation at the ninth yearly conference of School of Language, held at the Federal College of Education, Kano. It was themed: ‘A reflection on language and literature, education and the Nigeria centenary’.

    He suggested that the Guidance and Counseling unit of schools should be assertive in selecting best language and literature for prospective teachers.

    Mastery of a subject matter alone, according to him, is barely sufficient to impart knowledge, adding that the medium of communication must be mastered by teachers to enhance further effectiveness.

    Abubakar noted that the essence of language is communication which is the life blood of teacher education.

    He argued that many students, especially in the teacher training institutions lack effective communication skills, adding that this deficiency affects their understanding and assimilation of other subjects they study in their various courses.

    He stressed that if the use of mother tongue is encouraged to teach most subjects in primary school alongside the English language, it will enhance and stimulate accurate understanding of many subjects at the rudimentary stage of education.

    The Provost, Federal College of Education, Kano, Hajiya Rabiu Jubrila Muhammed, in her contribution, emphasised quality understanding of the art of communication as the best tool to enhancing education, which is capable of moulding students for greater future challenges.

     

  • Man docked for attempting to rape nursing mother

    A 29-year-old man, Stanley Bestman, on Wednesday appeared before an Abuja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly attempting to rape a woman, Naomi Haruna, on her farm.

    The accused, who is of no fixed address, was charged for criminal assault and criminal force with intent to rape Haruna at Daki-Biyu village, Jabi, Abuja on Aug. 30.

    The police prosecutor, Cpl. Simon Emmanuel, alleged that Haruna was working on her farm with a baby strapped on her back when the accused suddenly emerged from the bush.

    He said that the accused then grabbed her and pushed her to the ground and forced his finger into her private part with the intention to rape her.

    Emmanuel further alleged that the accused ran way when the victim raised an alarm which attracted the attention of people who came to the scene of the alleged crime.

    The prosecutor said the accused was subsequently trailed and apprehended by neighbouring farmers who took him to the Life Camp Police Station.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty when Magistrate Idaiyat Akanni took his plea.

    Akanni admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two reliable sureties.

    She ordered that the sureties must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and one of them must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 7.

    The Magistrate adjourned the case to Sept. 20 for hearing. (NAN)

  • Honour my mother by ensuring peace, says Tinubu

    Honour my mother by ensuring peace, says Tinubu

    The setting was awesome. Golden lights gleamed through the length and breadth of the hall, turning the expensive facility into a mass of gold. On the right side stood a live band. Beside it was a big stage, covered with purple satin clothing.

    Welcome to the refurbished Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the special interdenominational service in honour of the late Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji, mother of former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Alhaja Mogaji’s huge portrait formed part of the giant size pictures hung at the back of the stage and also in strategic parts of the venue.

    Guests were ushered in by a bevy of beautiful women clad in purple “old school” native dress.

    Women traders added a unique touch to the gathering. They made a statement with their purple head gears on white iro and buba.

    The choir, comprising men and women shone in their purple gown, entertaining the large gathering at intervals.

    Asiwaju Tinubu and other dignitaries sat in the middle of the hall, facing the stage; the clerics beside them.

    The two hours 30 minutes event began with a prayer. It featured choruses, an opening hymn, a Bible passage, testimonies and special prayers for the children, family, Lagos State, traders and Nigeria.

    It was anchored by the trio of Revd Tunji Adebiyi, Revd Funmi Akitoye-Braimoh, both Governor Babatunde Fashola’s aides, and Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi.

    Pastor Kunle Ajayi sent the crowd on to the dance floor after prayers. He thrilled the gathering with his saxophone.

    Some of the officiating ministers showered encomiums on the deceased and Asiwaju Tinubu.

    General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Kayode Abiara, expressed satisfaction with the life of the late Alhaja Mogaji and urged God to grant the family the power to continue with the good example she had shown.

    “God who gave us Mama will stand by us. We pray that He’ll save the family she left behind from any form of affliction and be with them always. We hope through Jesus Christ to get the blessings which you have given to the woman we are celebrating today to impact on us.”

    The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos Anglican Church, Revd Adebayo Akinde, said Mama set a standard for the children to follow and they should not be found wanting because the lessons are there for them to learn from.

    The clergy, who called for the restoration of peace in the country through divine intervention, said if most leaders imbibe the example of Tinubu, the country would be better for it.

    “Asiwaju has followers because he shares with people, communicates with them and does not close his door behind the people. He is always ready to share whatever he has with the people, no matter the discomfort it is going to cause him. This, we believe, are qualities of good leaders which the late Mogaji bequeathed to mankind.”

    Revd Mercy Ezekiel urged all women to follow her example of being a good samaritan.

    “When people die, we need to be comforted; God will comfort her family. This is a woman who passed on at 96; yet, people are still saying she is too young to die. They have said so because of the enormous impact she made in their lives. She had been catering for many people and had transformed their lives; reason they would not want her to go even at that age,” she said.

    Other men of God who prayed for the repose of the late Mogaji called on those present to think of how they could make impact in the lives of mankind. According to them, they would gain if they live a selfless life and follow the teaching of Christ as Mama never discriminated.

    Asiwaju Tinubu began his vote of thanks by urging the gathering to shout Halleluyah three times.

    While acknowledging guests one after the other, he jokingly described Senator Chris Ngige as the shortest man in the hall.

    “Chris, get up and shout Halleluyah,” Asiwaju said. The hall erupted in laughter. Ngige stood up and shouted “Halleluyah!”

    The ACN leader said the best way to honour his mother was to embrace peace and imbibe the good example she bequeathed.

    He said the late Alhaja Mogaji believed much in the power of prayers and always prayed for the country.

    He explained that his mother, who believed in fairness, was instrumental to some of the policy thrusts of the administration of Lagos when he was the governor.

    He said: “I remember when my mother had to urge me to pay school fees for some pupils who could not afford their examination money. I had to assist in this dimension and initiated the idea of paying WAEC fees for students.”

    Tinubu recalled the role the late Alhaja Mogaji in his life, especially when he was in exile. She prayed for him and never discouraged him from the struggle.

    “My mother never for once asked me to come back home, but few days to her death, when I was out of the country, when we spoke, she said ‘what was I still doing overseas and whether I won’t come home again’. I was worried by this statement and had to cut short my trip to be with her.”

    “Her death has robbed me of a precious mother … no matter how I had fed, I must eat Mama’s amala. I thank God for the life of Mama; she was never at any point in time a burden to us. She was a blessing to us and passed on peacefully,” he said.

    Present at the event were: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; his Ekiti and Osun counterparts Dr Kayode Fayemi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; deputy governors of Osun, Lagos and Ekiti Otunba titi Laoye-Tomori; Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Prof Modupe Adelabu; governors’ wives – Mrs Abimbola Fashola (Lagos); Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Oyo) and Mrs Funsho Amosun (Ogun).

    Also in attendance were Senators Tinubu; Ngige; Gbenga Obadara; Olorunnimbe Mamora; Ajayi Boroffice and John Akpaudoedehe; House of Representatives members Abiodun Faleke; Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Oyetunde Ojo and Folasade; Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Mayowa; former Inspector General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith; Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor; Chief Pius Akinyelure; Demola Seriki; Chairman, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited Chief Michael Ade.Ojo; Lagos former Deputy Governor Mr Femi Pedro; Lagos Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs Ademorin Kuye; his Transportation, Home Affairs and Culture counterpart Kayode Opeifa and Oyinlomo Danmole.

    Also there were Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun; ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Prof Pat Utomi; Mr Joe Igbokwe; Revd Samuel Ogedengbe; Dr Leke Pitan; Bishop Lanre Obembe; Revd Adewale Martins; Prophet Kayode Abiara; Prophet Gabriel Fakeye, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; Pastor Ben Akabueze; one time Lagos Finance Commissioner Wale Edun, Hon Wale Oshun, former Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Dele Alake; Hon Lola Akande; Mrs Derin Disu; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Comrade Olabode Ola; Alhaji Moshood Tijani (A.k.a Tijaco); Kehinde Bamigbetan; Yetunde Arobieke and Dr Samuel Adedayo.

  • ‘I never attempted to kill my baby’

    A SHRILL cry shattered the peace of the night at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    It was Wednesday and some students, who had exams the following day, were returning from studying to their hostels. Others, who had no papers, were relaxing in their hostels.

    At 6:55am, the peace in Moremi Hall, a female hostel, was shattered. Mrs Cecilia Ologbenla, a cleaner, who had come to wash the toilet, found a newborn baby in the water closet. With the body still covered in blood, the cleaner was sure the baby was born a few minutes before her arrival. She raised the alarm, calling the attention of the hostel’s occupants and security personnel.

    The baby was delivered by Oyinlola Rotimi Diana, a student, who was going to write her exam; students rushed to the scene, using their camera phones to take shots of the baby and the placenta. In no time, the news went viral on the social media. Students accused Oyinlola of attempting to “flush” the baby into the sewer because “she did not want people to know she was pregnant”.

    Oyinlola, 22, it was gathered, is in 300-Level Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, and a squatter in Room 103 of Block B in Moremi Hall. She was allegedly impregnated by a 400-Level Engineering student.

    Oyinlola’s friend, Dayo Satope, who was with her at the sudden delivery, wrote in a statement made at the university security unit that she came to the campus on Tuesday evening to prepare for an exam fixed for 8am.

    “Getting to the campus late on Tuesday night, Oyinlola could not immediately get something to eat but she later resolved to buy moin-moin (bean cake) at the hall’s buttery. After she ate the food, Oyinlola complained of running stomach throughout the night, urinating and stooling at regular intervals. She felt she was having stomach turbulence because of the moin-moin she took the previous night,” Shatope wrote in the statement.

    The following morning, it was learnt, Oyinlola’s friends told her to visit the school’s health centre for medical attention. She consented. The story, however, changed when Oyinlola told her friends that she wanted to visit the toilet again. She was ushered into the toilet and told to inform her friends when she was done.

    After waiting for her for several minutes, Shatope wondered what could have kept Oyinlola in the toilet for so long. She then decided to check on her ‘ailing’ friend. On getting to the toilet, Shatope found that Oyinlola had locked herself inside, but saw blood on the toilet floor.

    Scared, Shatope called on Oyinlola to know if everything was alright and she begged her friend to “come inside to assist me”. Shatope could not gain access into the toilet because Oyinlola was “too weak” to open the door, which was locked from behind. At this point, Shatope said she heard the cry of a baby.

    Oyinlola was said to have fainted after delivering the baby whose cry attracted Ologbenla. The baby and the mother were immediately rushed to the university’s health centre.

    When CAMPUSLIFE visited the OAU Health Services Centre, the Director, Dr Adebayo Irinoye, told our correspondents: “The girl and the baby are feeling very fine and the parents of the girl are around to also take care of their daughter and the baby.”

    Irinoye explained that self-labour cases were not new in medical field, saying there were instances of patients delivering babies in the toilet.

    “I guessed it was inexperience because she obviously was not aware of her due date which, medically, would have been July,” Dr Irinoye said, assuring that the baby was not delivered prematurely.

    The university’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Paul Ogidi, debunked the notion that Oyinlola wanted to flush the baby based on Shatope’s explanation.

    He said: “She was not attempting to flush the baby but looking at the circumstances surrounding the birth of the child, one might likely think so. When I visited the Health Centre on Thursday, she was breastfeeding her baby. If she had the intention to kill or flush the baby, she would have aborted the pregnancy a long time ago.”

    Oyinlola denied she wanted to kill the baby. She told our correspondents that her pregnancy was not unknown to her, but she confided only in some of her friends and the father of the baby, a Mechanical Engineering student.

    She said: “Why would I flush or kill my baby after going through pains of carrying it for nine months. I am not heartless and I thank God for my life and for the safe delivery. I know God has the best for me and my baby. I appreciate the cleaner for her help because it was here (health centre) that I understood everything that happened to me when I was in labour.

    “It is overwhelming and unexplainable. I don’t know how I feel, but it is really wonderful. Seeing the baby was terrifying because I was not expecting the baby to come out yet I didn’t know the pain I was feeling was a labour pain because I went into the toilet to defecate. There was a force from within me and I discovered that the baby came out and entered into the closet. I was just there standing and bleeding. That was the last thing I remembered. I am happy that I am alive and my baby is alive too.”

    The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, in a statement, also dismissed the rumour that Oyinlola wanted to flush the baby. The statement reads in part: “There was a delivery of a baby boy by an inexperienced mother who, in her naivety, thought she was pressed by the call of nature while she was actually in labour pains. Prior to the child’s delivery, the young, inexperienced mother had experienced the urge, which she thought was to defecate. When she got to the toilet, she gave birth to the baby.”

    A close friend of Oyinlola, who attends the same fellowship with her, said she was surprised on hearing the news. She said: “Oyin is a cool and courteous student. I have been observing changes in her for quite a while. I didn’t want to confront her yet I found it hard to accept she was normal.”

    The Health Centre matron, Mrs Mary Oyeleke, said Oyinlola and her baby were discharged last Friday.

    Efforts to reach Samuel, the baby’s father, were futile as at press time. He was said to be busy with his examination.