The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria

  • Nigeria beats Malawi to emerge ARSO President

    Nigeria’s international profile got another lift over the weekend, following her emergence as the next president of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) in an election conducted in Cameroun.

    At a keenly contested election held in Younde, the Cameroonian capital, Nigeria became the only candidate standing following the tactical withdrawal of the other contenders one after another, Malawi being the last to withdraw.

    By this result, Nigeria represented at the ARSO by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) would steer the continent’s umbrella body in charge of standardisation and quality assurance for the next two years.

    The build-up for the election was interesting due to the strategic importance of the position, against the rising profile of the continental body, but Dr Joseph Odumodu, the Director-General of the Standards ORganisation of Nigeria (SON), who contested for Nigeria, appeared much favoured.

    Odumodu, in his capacity as Vice President had left impressive credentials in ARSO and most delegates preferred his emergence, but this did not stop the horse-trading which started right from the kick off of the ARSO’s standardisation week, of which the election is a major highlight.

    Odumodu’s strongest contender in the election proper was the Director-General of Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), Mr. Davlin Chokazinga, following the withdrawal from the race of their counterpart from Sudan.

    ARSO has 34 member countries, entitled to one vote each but only the nineteen nations present for the weeklong event and the organisation’s General Assembly, were eligible to elect the new leader.

    Confident of their chances to clinch victory, the Nigeirian and Malawaian representatives canvassed the seventeen other countries until a few minutes before the ARSO Assembly took place yesterday.

    Just before the meeting was called to order, Malawi conceded to Nigeria, declaring that it had become clear that the southern African nation did not stand a chance against the towering clout of the West African country.

    In his post-election speech, Odumodu noted that he intended to work with all the member nations of the organisation to tackle the problem of low industrial capacity for diversified manufactured goods.

    Other issues that would occupy his attention he said, are the lack of qualified standardisation personnel, dearth of effective standardisation and conformity assessment infrastructure, over dependence on imports from outside the continent for more than 90 percent of its goods; SMEs’ lack of capacity to take advantage of globalisation among several other objectives.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Sharing his vision to stir the continent towards and efficiently managed standardisation and quality regime to boost Africa’s global trade, Odumodu expressed satisfaction that 36 years on, the region was still forging ahead in the same pan-African spirit, which brings about togetherness and the belief that its constituents share a common destiny.

    “it is said that ‘When the music changes, so does the dance. I am glad to note that many hanges are taking place in Africa. Multinational companies that want to expand their businesses are turning towards pre-growth emerging African Economies, now branded as the final investment frontier. This is influenced by the fact that Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, has been among the fastest growing regions in the world, with an average gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate exceeding five per cent.

    Odumodu noted that Africa needed to change its fortunes and go beyond the current 3 per cent of its contributions in the World trade and 10 per cent of its intra-African trade.

    “There is great need for turning the tables on import-based approach to industrialisation. More so there is great need to change from exporting primary goods in its trade arrangements and focus on the value addition of its products from vast natural resources (agricultural, forestry, fisheries, Energy, Minerals) and also harness its tourism potential”

    Odumodu has been dogged in the fight against substandard products in the country, a crusade which theme and spirit reverbrates in other parts of the globe, Africa in particular.

    This influenced his emergence as the Vice-President of the ARSO, a position he held till the most current election.

    Earlier in an address he presented at the Africa Standardisation Day, an aspect of the ARSO congress, Odumodu called on other African countries to join hands with Nigeria in the battle against dumping which he said was afflicting the economies in the region.

     

  • Fatunla: undying passion for medicine

    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.

     

  • Family of 6 die in Port Harcourt fire

    A  fire incident  that started around 2 pm on Saturday consumed a family of six in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The family included  three sons and a daughter, aged seven, nine, seventeen and twenty two, as well as their parents.

    Two other daughters of the deceased parents were not at home when the fire started.  They had  relocated to study and write the ongoing Senior Secondary School Certificate examinations.

    The unfortunate incident happened at No. 17, New Estate Road, Railway Quarters, old Port Harcourt Township, popularly called.

    The deceased husband who was  a taxi driver and his wife   a petty trader had  their property completely burnt, while neighbours made efforts to ensure that the fire did not spread to other apartments in the quarters.

    The cause of the fire could not be ascertained last night, but sources said a loud explosion was heard, probably from the apartment of the deceased.  The  neighbours reportedly  scampered  for  safety, leading to confusion.

    The weeping landlord of the compound, who pleaded not to be named, described the incident as really pathetic.

    Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Angela Agabe,  confirmed the incident, but that the details were still sketchy at press time.

  • Nigerian students top in Russian University

    Nigerian students top in Russian University

     From the  News and Information Desk, African Students Association, Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia comes a cheering report of the exploits of Nigerian students in a Russian University.

    These days, at the mention of Nigeria, what we are subconsciously waiting to hear is the news about the next scammer, the next suicide bomber who kills a British soldier.  We expect to hear news of death, stolen wealth or disease.

    For a number of us, our minds are already made up, even before we get the news, we have declared ourselves guilty.

    There are news of Nigeria that are not about gun-shots, corruption, suicide bombings and scams; and it is just as important we talk about them. For over five  years, Nigerian Medical scholarship Students at the Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow have consistently bagged first-class honours in Medicine and Surgery and represented the school at major Quiz competitions.

    These students, while meeting the demands of the language, Russia’s relatively alien conditions and other academic engagements, have taken it upon themselves to tell a story of Nigeria by being worthy ambassadors of the nation, off and on classes.

    A Nigerian student Olalusi O. Victor led a team of other International students from Russia, Italy, Greece, Morocco and bagged the “Best Captain of the Year” award at the University’s annual Quiz competition. His team – International United – won Silver at the University’s annual Quiz competition.

    Olalusi, who for the past three years has represented Nigeria in the University’s Hall of Fame, will deliver a valedictory speech on June 27th as the best graduating Student in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences with a grade point of 5.0.  The year 2012 saw another Nigerian student, Ganiyu  Sanusi bagging the “Best Student of the year” award at the University’s quiz competition. He graduated as the best student in the faculty with first-class honours and a CGPA of 5.0. Ganiyu  Sanusi now works as an Intern in one of Nigeria’s teaching hospitals.

    Nigeria-born Alonge Olanike Omotola, who in 2010 represented the country on the University’s Hall of Fame, bagged first-class honours degree in Medicine and Surgery and was the best Graduating student and valedictorian for that year. She proceeded for her Masters Degree at Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA.

    Over the past five years, Nigerian students at the Russian National Research Medical University have consistently topped the graduation chat, bagging honours and contributing their wealth of knowledge to the University’s academic status.

    These are stories of Nigeria that aren’t about bombings, gun-shots or students protesting for unpaid stipends; and it is as important we talk about them.

    The Russian National Research Medical University will celebrate the 2013 set of Nigerian Doctors at a grand ceremony on June 27th, House of the Scientists (дом ученых), Moscow, Russia.

    God bless Nigeria.

  • Jilted and lonely Nigerian women abandoned by overseas husbands lament fate

    Sandra Obaze (37) is in a dilemma over her marital status. At 35, she remained single. Not because men were not coming her way, but because none of them was talking about marriage. Luck, however, smiled on her when her close friend connected her to a male friend based in the US for a marital relationship. In spite of the distance, they struck a relationship and became so intimate that a day hardly passed without them talking to each other on the phone or through the social media.

    A month into their relationship, the man arranged to come home for the traditional marriage, after which they would go to the registry for the formal wedding. It was a development that wiped away the woman’s misery and set her mind on a bright future. Not only was she happy that she was going to get married at the end of her travails, she was also looking forward to enjoying the benefits of being married to a man based overseas.

    True to her expectation, the man arrived in Nigeria and both of them travelled to the woman’s home town in Delta State to visit the woman’s parents and arrange for both the traditional and court weddings. After a week of honeymoon, the man left for his base abroad, assuring his wife that he would soon arrange for her to join him. On the day he was billed to travel back, she saw him off to the airport where he again promised to keep his marital vows and fulfill his responsibilities as a husband.

    But all that changed a few months after he returned to his base. He sent the marriage certificate he had taken along back to the woman and cut off communication with her, leaving her confused as to whether she is single or married.

    But hers is just one of the numerous cases of women whose marital dreams have been dashed by their male partners abroad. The victims include single ladies and those who are already married with children. Investigation revealed that many of the victims had been married before their husbands travelled abroad and abandoned them. Some others like Sandra were connected to their partners by friends or relations before they were jilted.

    Findings also showed that many young ladies who were previously engaged to their partners for many years have ended up losing them after the husbands relocated abroad for greener pastures.

    But how does it feel for a woman to be married or engaged to a man who lives overseas in the hope of a better future only for her to be abandoned?

    To this, Sandra said: “Initially, I felt like committing suicide, because it was traumatising. It was with the help of my counsellor that I overcame the temptation to hang myself. But the whole incident still haunts me.

    “I got married at the age of 35. Before then, all the men that came my way were only interested in a casual relationship. Luckily for me, my friend connected me to a guy based in the US. He got in touch with me and we started a relationship immediately, since both of us were out to get married. We agreed that the wedding, both traditional and court, should take place within a month of our relationship.

    “Like magic, the whole thing started working out as planned. He came home and met my parents. They reached an agreement and instantly fixed a date for the traditional and court weddings. Initially, I thought it was a dream. When it dawned on me that it was real, I shed tears of joy. It appeared as if my patient dog was going to eat the fattest bone. My friends and even those who previously mocked me rejoiced with me. My story became a testimony for others in similar condition. We eventually had the wedding done in our home town in Delta State.

    “After the wedding, we returned to Lagos and spent a week in a tasteful hotel at GRA, Ikeja. He showered me with gifts and also bought things for my parents. On the day he was going, I saw him off to the airport and prayed for him from the bottom of my heart. He took the marriage certificate with him with a promise to work out the documents that I would need to join him.

    “From that period, my status changed. Friends and other people started treating me with great respect. My husband consistently called each other on the phone for about five months. Thereafter, a gap in communication started appearing.

    “After some time, he stopped calling. And even when I called, he would promise to call me back but would never do. My parents intervened and started calling him to know what was wrong. At a point, he told them that if the marriage certificate was their problem, he would return it. He returned the marriage certificate and has never bothered to communicate with me for the past two years.

    “I am at a crossroads because I don’t know what to do. I am neither married nor single.”

    Uju Ofoegbu, a former employee of one of the leading media houses in the country, also shared her experience.

    She said: “The experience is heart rending. It is not something I can never forget because it has left an indelible sore in my mind. My fiancée travelled abroad and promised that as soon as he settled down he would begin to work out my travelling documents so that I could join him immediately.

    “Before he left, he gave me an engagement ring, because he said he didn’t want to lose me to another man. I was so elated by his commitment that I vowed to keep the engagement ring on my finger always. With the engagement ring, I sent away other young men who sought my hand in marriage, even though I knew that age was not on my side.

    “I was always quick to announce that my fiance was abroad. He sent me money and wonderful gifts, which earned me some reverence among my friends, who also wished they had life partners abroad.

    “For nine years, I waited for him to settle down. But thereafter, he would not call or send anything. His family members withdrew totally and did as if they were not aware that a relationship existed between us. By then, it was difficult for me to tell people that I was no longer engaged. Worse still, serious minded suitors were no longer coming. I suffered mental, psychological and emotional trauma, and shamefully threw my engagement ring away.

    “Thereafter, I slumped into serious depression. I later fell in love with my managing director, who was married with kids. That also compounded my woes as younger male colleagues who were interested in me could not approach me for fear of losing their jobs.”

    Thirty-year-old Moji Oni is also at a crossroads about her relationship. She told our correspondent how her overseas-based partner has been using different excuses to prolong their relationship.

    She said: “I entered into a relationship with my colleague in the university. We were known to each other’s families. After our studies, he travelled out of the country and told me that he would soon come home for us to get married.

    “After about two years, he told me that he was yet to settle down. When he eventually settled down, he said I should allow him to have enough savings. While waiting for him to save enough money to come for our wedding, he lost his job and that became a good excuse for him.

    “I kept praying that he would get another job. Fortunately, he got another job and asked for time to settle down into the new job. When his grandmother died, he said it would be an opportunity for him to come home to attend her burial and also for us to have our wedding, but he never came. He gave another excuse for not coming.

    “When his father travelled abroad for medical check-up, he said he would come home with him. He never did. He has continued to give excuses and I am confused because time is going and I don’t know what he is up to. It is even very difficult for me to fall in love with another person because I have given him all my heart. If he fails to show up at the end of the day, what would I do?”

    Another respondent, Biola Samson, said she got married to her fiancé in absentia.

    She said: “We were dating before he travelled out of the country. After some time, we agreed to get married. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond his control prevented him from coming for the wedding, so we did it in absentia. This was six years ago, and he has only come home once after the wedding.

    “He has kept telling me that he is working out plans for me to come over. But I am scared. All my friends who got married about the same time and even after already have one or two children while I am still not certain about the fate that awaits my marriage.”

    But investigation revealed that in spite of the plight of the foregoing victims, many young Nigerian women are still surfing the Internet for life partners based abroad. One of them, who gave her name simply as Agnes, told our correspondent that the fact that it did not work for one person does not mean that it would not work for another.

    She said: “It applies to everybody. I have a cousin who got her husband from abroad through the social media. She has gone there and they are peacefully living together with their children. This is what I also desire, and I believe that God will grant it to me.”

    Explaining why many young ladies prefer men who are based abroad, a psychologist and marriage counselor, Mrs. Ganiyat Olokodana, said: “There is this thing about my husband or my fiancée is abroad that make many to do so. There is a kind of status it gives some people. The initial euphoria that somebody based abroad has come to seek her hand in marriage may make the woman to say yes, with the hope of relocating abroad subsequently. It is all about hoping that something good will come out of it.

    “In most cases, the men are not legal immigrants. They are just there to hustle. But that hope that their husbands are based abroad gives some women a sense of elevation, and it works for their self esteem.

    “Some have their engagement prolonged unnecessarily because the man has not been able to achieve what he wants to achieve. Some of the guys break the engagement after some time by getting married to another person abroad in order to get their residence papers.”

    Reflecting on some cases she had handled, Olokodana said: “We have cases of couples who live countries and even continents apart. In most cases, it is the wife that lives here in Nigeria while the husband is based abroad, supposedly seeking greener pastures.

    “When such men want to travel, they always say they will be back in six months or that they will start working on the wife’s papers so that she would relocate. But you find that in many cases, the months turn into years and and nothing is HYPERLINK “http://done.in/” \t “_blank” done. In fact, after a while, you will see that the couple is more or less estranged. You find that the reason why the husband is abroad and cannot come back is because things are not easy for him. With time, he would stop calling and stop sending money down, leaving the woman hanging because she is not sure of what her status is.

    “In most cases, part of what the men do to get their papers is to get married to a national of the country they have travelled to. They get married and continue with the semblance of marriage while the woman left at home is hanging. She can’t have any other relationship because that would be like committing adultery. Such a woman would only be married on paper because she can’t be considered a married woman. It is usually a trying experience for whoever is involved.

    “Under Islamic rules, what we call Sharia, there is a minimum number of months that a husband and his wife can live apart from each other. Anything longer than that, the marriage is like null and void, because you can’t just leave a woman hanging. She has needs that only the husband is supposed to meet.”

    Another marriage counselor, Pastor Dolapo Onipede of the Redeemed Christian Church of God gave various reasons for the trend. He said: “There are diverse reasons why many ladies prefer to get married to men based abroad. But the basic reason is that many people don’t know the meaning of marriage.

    “God ordained marriage for the purpose of multiplying human race. If you read Genesis Chapter One, you will find that God does the match making. But the ladies of nowadays don’t involve God in their choice; they want to do it by their own knowledge. Any marriage where God is missing cannot be stable.

    “Another reason is the urge for material wealth. Nobody wants to build from the scratch again. When you want to build a house, you start from the foundation. Many ladies and young men are in a hurry because of material things.

    “Yet another reason for this is poverty. They feel that the person based overseas, even when they don’t know what he is doing over there, will bring in money. Ladies want money and they see the people overseas to be better off than those in the country, without knowing what they are doing for a living.

    “Pressure from parents and friends also make ladies to jump at anybody that comes their way without duly considering what it takes.

    “Another thing is self-pity. That also boils down to age. It comes from within and not from outside. The lady in question feels she is already 30 and getting late for marriage, and she wants to jump at any man that comes her way.

    “Some ladies misuse their body at younger age, and because the world is a global village, she would want to go outside her environment so that all her past deeds will be covered. The next place that will be on their minds would be outside the country.

    “It has also become an in thing these days because it comes with ego. Many women see it as status symbol for people to say that their husbands are based abroad. The craze for people based overseas make ladies to want to jump at them, just to boast to people that their husbands too are in the US or UK.

    “There is the case of man that I know. Any time he comes into the country, ladies in their early 20s flock around him. At the end of the day, he got married to one of them, only to realize that the man was more than 50 years old and was already married with children in the US. The man comes home only once in a year. Do you call that marriage? Whether you like it or not, she is a second wife.”

    Recalling his experience as a counselor, Pastor Onipede said: “I have discovered that about 90 per cent of such relationships don’t end well. It is only very few ones that succeed. I have an example of one that ended well because from the beginning, God was there. It was God that did the match-making in the first place, but it happened that one had to travel legally and officially. So it was easy for the man to easily come back and pick the wife. They lived apart for about four or five years, but because God was at the centre of their marriage, they were able to go through that period without any difficulty.

    “There is a Yoruba adage that says oruko t’oba wuni lanje loke okun (he who lives abroad chooses whatever name pleases him). That is what happens to these guys when they travel overseas, most often because they don’t have genuine papers to stay there. They engage in false marriage to get their papers and abandon their partners in Nigeria.”

     

  • URUAGUAY COACH: Nigeria gave us sleepless night

    URUAGUAY COACH: Nigeria gave us sleepless night

    Despite his side’s 2-1 win over Nigeria in Wednesday’s Group B clash at the ongoing 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil, Uruguay Head Coach, Oscar Tabarez has confessed that the African champions gave them sleepless night soon after soccer governing body FIFA announced the draws.

    Speaking at the post match press conference moments after the South American champions beat Nigeria at Arena Fotre Nova, Salvador, the highly respected football tactician said: “Since the draw was made we have been saying that this was our big game after playing the likes of Senegal and Ghana previously. I hold African football high and Nigeria is a team with potentials with due respect. We have never played with three straikers (Diego Forlan, Luiz Suarez and Edison Cavani) like that before, we felt we had to go for it and it worked for us,” he said.

    “We pressured really well at the start and then Nigeria gained control through to the second half when we took the lead and stayed solid at the back.

    “We could have killed the game off earlier but we are still pleased all the same we have taken a step a step towards the semi-finals but we are not there yet,” Tabarez added.

  • Top producer OJB needs N16m for Kidney transplant

    Top producer OJB needs N16m for Kidney transplant

    Top producer- cum singer, Babatunde Jezreel Okungbowa a.k.a. OJB Jezreel, who is currently bed-ridden in a Lagos hospital needs about 16 million naira ($100, 000) for a kidney transplant.

    The Surulere- based producer, who is widely regarded as the creative force behind hits of notable artistes like multi-award winner, 2face Idibia, rap sensation, Ruggedman, Nomoreloss and Raskie is currently battling with the life threatening ailment and needs financial and moral support to stay alive.

    Public spirited individuals can make donations to his UBA account – BABATUNDE OKUNGBOWA  ( Account number: 1015075120).

     

  • Succour for rape victims

    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.

  • Keshi hails Super Eagles despite Uruguay’s 2-1 victory

    Keshi hails Super Eagles despite Uruguay’s 2-1 victory

    With a scoreline of 2-1, Uruguay on Friday morning beat Nigeria  at the Confederations Cup  in Salvador, Brazil.

    Uruguay took the lead in the 19th minute of the game with the first goal by defender Diego Lugano while John Mikel equalised for the Super Eagles with a goal in the 37th minute.

    A 51st minute by Uruguay’s striker, Diego Forlan however ensured  the defeat of the Nigerian team.

    The Eagles now have an uphill task to defeat Spain in the 3rd round of the Group B fixtures.

    In his post- match comment, Coach Stephen Keshi said, “I think my players played well and played to instructions. It was just one minute’s lack of concentration that made the difference. Otherwise it was good.”

    In the other Group B match, Spain defeated Tahiti with a record 10- 0 victory.

     

  • Seven players lead the race

    Seven players are now front runners in the race for the top scorers’ award mid-way through the Nigeria league season.

    Sunshine Stars striker Dele Olorundare leads the pack at the end of the first round with 11 goals, while Oghenekaro Etebor of Warri Wolves has nine goals and Gombe United forward Bishop Onyeudo is on eight goals.

    Olorundare told MTNFootball.com that his target is emerge Goal King and also set a new goals record in the league.

    Jude Aneke holds the all-time record with 20 goals.

    “My target has not changed. I want to win the top scorers’ award and set a new goal scoring record with 25 goals,” Olorundare told MTNFootball.com.

    “I am on 11 now, I believe with hard work and support from my team mates, I will score another 14 goals in the second round of the competition.”

    Gombe United talisman Bishop Onyeudo told MTNFootball.com that he hopes to also add his tally come the second half of the championship.

    “I will continue to do my best in front of goal to score as many as I can, but I want to score at least 15 goals in the league this season,” he said.

    “The race to be top scorer will be tough because there are a lot of good goal scorers in the league now more than ever before and they all want to be the top scorer,” Onyeudo said.

    Four players are on seven goals each, namely Isah Akor (Heartland FC), Yahaya Adamu (Kwara United), Fred Okwara (Dolphins) and Victor Namo (Nasarawa United).

    Any of these players could soon hit double digit figures to add more excitement to the race to top the scorers’ chart.

    Waiting on the wings to crash into the top scorers’ bracket are Sibi Gwar (Enyimba), Peter Ebimobowei (Bayelsa) both on six goals, while Okiki Musampa (Nembe City), Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) Musa Najere(Warri Wolves), Gbolahan Salami (3SC) and Ubong Ekpai (Akwa United) have each netted five goals thus far.