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Tag: Nurse

  • Why I abandoned acting to become a nurse -Ex-beauty queen Regina Askia-Williams

    Former showbiz impresario, Regina Askia-Williams (formerly Regina Askia) came into national and international reckoning as an actress, particularly in the soap opera, Fortunes, on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). She had previously emerged the Miss Campus of the University of Lagos and later became a super model. Now a practising nurse in the United States of America, she tells SEGUN AJIBOYE in an online conversation why she abandoned her first love for nursing and how she has managed to sustain her status as a married woman in an age that marriages are crashing at the speed of light.

    We learnt you are now a practising nurse in the US. Why did you quit acting and modeling for nursing?

    There comes a point in everybody’s life when you begin to wonder what meaning you have made of your life. We have all been put in this world to make a difference to humanity and leave this world a little better than we met it. The way we choose to do this leaves us fulfilled or unfulfilled. Caring for someone as a nurse gives me the experience and skills to make a practical difference, and I love that.

    I am a people’s person, a social person, and a nurse is socially oriented. Acting is also a way to make a difference but it was not enough, especially the way it is set up in Nigeria. No royalties, no job security, no investment tools for health plans and retirement. With acting, there is the necessity to maintain a front; a sort of image which you could use for endorsements, and so on. A level of “fakeness” is required. Now, where does that stop? It gets difficult to be true to who you really are as a person and having to tow the line of being politically correct, or keeping up appearances, or saying what you think will make everybody happy just to be liked. I cannot live like that.

    I have always been an army of one. Like me or hate me, I am who I am. I love the freedom to be true to self. That does not mean that I will completely stop acting. However, you will now know me as a nurse; a skilled health care provider.

    You started enjoying the Klieg light as a student when you won the Miss UNILAG pageant. What was the feeling like winning your first pageant?

    Lol!! I was 19 going on 20, I think. It was not my first contest though. I was a very shy girl back in the day and my background was a “top government official kid”. You know drivers, cooks, househelps and the whole nine. It was a thrill to go on stage (very much out of my comfort zone) and stand before a whole crowd of folks and state my case.

    Back in the day, if you could face a UNILAG auditorium, you could face anything. Because if the crowd didn’t like you, tomatoes, shoes, eggs and whatever would come flying. I remember having to keep an umbrella nearby as a compere. This experience prepped me for public speaking; it honed my confidence, trained my voice projection. I still feel palpitations before giving a public speech, but the trick is to really have something to say and say it. Some people say to imagine everyone naked would help. That, my dear, would be a terrifying experience, and that’s what will leave you speechless. The lesson is challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone. We all have a voice, a gift, a message  get heard.

    As a model, you appeared in several television commercials. Which is your most memorable?

    You are really taking on a throwback ride. I don’t remember. They were all exciting experiences. What is more, they paid the bills. That is what I remember. I did love pretty dresses and glamming up to have my pictures taken. Seeing me on billboards was a good feeling, I must confess. Do we have such opportunities for young people today?

    I was some kind of rich girl you know. I had skills and I had jobs. I hope that with The RANE project, I will be able to create such opportunities for the young people of Nigeria, beginning with the nurses. In line with our Campaign for Nursing Excellence, I am working on a soap that seeks to project the practice of nursing in a better light in Nigeria. For more info on the RANE project, please visit our website at reginaaskia.com or our Facebook site at Campaign for Nursing Excellence. If interested, please register. We will soon be casting for roles and inviting interested candidates for training.

    As an actress in 1993, you played the role of Tokunbo Johnson, a beautiful gold digger in Fortunes, a popular NTA soap. How much of that role is in your person?

    Lol!! None. You know when I look back at my projects from yesteryears, I say to myself, damn!! That was a brave chic. She was sassy, stylish, full of ideas and constantly working hard on them. Good or bad, she kept going. That energy, passion and strength I always thank God for. The only difference now is that I’m no way near as “hot-headed” as I used to be and I have learned empathy. I just keep going and the years keep rolling. Get on board the positivity train, let’s make things happen.

    You have participated in several projects across Africa, especially in the area of medicals. What is the motivation?

    Making a difference. The Renaissance Network Africa project where we believe that linking the motherland and its diaspora is a strong ticket out of poverty for Africa. Also African Health dialogues where we discuss on an internet radio forum the health problems among several African communities and submit a blueprint to agencies directly involved. We have callers from all over the world. Our recent project is the Campaign for Excellence in Nursing in Nigeria, and I recently participated in a media tour to create awareness for the plight of nurses in Nigeria and how we could turn things around, thereby making it better for the health industry.

    The story of your narrow escape in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre in the US is described as miraculous. What exactly comes to your mind each time you remember your escape?

    I was getting ready for work and was running late because I had stayed up to print all these flyers to promote the visit of the Conference of Mayors to Nigeria. This was an event that was a brain child of Renaissance Network Africa, a group in which I played a prominent role. RNA sold it to the Lagos State Water Front Development Project and LSWD contracted Mr Wanle Akinboboye to execute it on the international front, and I ended working with Mr Wanle Akinboboye (who was my boss at that time) on this project at the International Office suites on the 79th floor of the WTC North Tower.

    Just when I was ready to go, my husband said: ‘Regina, your office is on fire. A plane crashed into it.’ I was annoyed by what seemed like a careless talk and I talked back smack. But he said: ‘For real, it’s on television. I put my bags down and sat to watch the most memorable event in American history. I remember Mr Akinboboye calling and being so relieved I hadn’t gone in yet. Such a sad day that was. May all my co-workers and all whom we lost continue to rest in perfect peace. So, you see, I was spared for a reason. I got work to do. Please, God, heal the world. Teach us to love each other and let there be peace.

    You have won several awards. Which of them is the most precious to you?

    ‘Mum-in-Chief.’ My children’s success is the one award that tells me I have done a great job. I mean I am honoured to be recognised and commended for my efforts. But by far the most meaningful to me is being Mum-in-Chief. I am thankful to God for such great kids. Every time I look at them, I am so very proud. Thank you, God.

    You were recently in Nigeria. What was the trip about?

    Like I said, our recent project is the Campaign for Excellence in Nursing in Nigeria, and I recently participated in a media tour to create awareness for the plight of nurses in Nigeria and how we could turn things around thereby making it better for the health industry. This trip birthed the RANE (Regina Askia for Nursing Excellence) project. We have a website and a huge agenda to turn things around in the nursing industry.

    You are no doubt a very beautiful woman. How do you ward off male admirers who may want to act funny?

    Thanks for the compliments. I don’t have people trying to be funny. I appreciate they respect me enough not to go there, understanding that I am with someone on whatever terms we both have agreed on.

    You are now 48 but still very beautiful. What is the secret?

    Inner beauty will always replenish the outward looks. Be at peace with yourself and with the universe. Be positive. Let your God-self come through. Let go and let God.

    Do you have any particular beauty routine?

    My beauty routine is on my website reginaaskia.com. It has information on managing high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, diet and exercise, and so on.

    How would you describe your fashion sense?

    Again, check this out at reginaaskia.com. For me, it’s comfortable with a hint of “sexy”  gotta keep things spicy for your beau.

    At a time when young women are hardly able to keep their marriages, what is the secret of keeping yours?

    Lol!! There is no silver bullet. Give it your best shot. Stay if it makes happy, and walk if it does not. Most importantly though, give careful consideration to the effects and consequences of your actions, especially on your children, and choose your battles.

    What tips do you have for younger women on this?

    Love yourself.

  • Retired nurse is NCP candidate

    A retired nurse and member of Doctors Across Borders, Pastor Peters Omoragbon, has been elected the Edo State candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) ahead of the September 10 governorship election.

    Omoragbon was the sole aspirant for the party’s primary held at its secretariat in Benin, the state capital.

    NCP’s Electoral Officer for the primaries Mr. Isaac Igbinedion said 36 delegates were accredited for the primary.

    He said 27 voted for the aspirant.

    But Omoragbon was absent during the primary.

    The party’s State Chairman Victor Ogba said the election was conducted because it was in accordance with the party’s constitution that delegates must vote.

    Ogba said Omoragbon was absent at the primary because he travelled to Europe on a humanitarian assignment, adding that his flight was cancelled because of the terrorist attack in Turkey.

    In a video chat with reporters, Omoragbon said his campaigns would be issue-based, promising to uplift the state, if elected.

    Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security operatives were present at the primaries.

  • Gunmen abduct nurse in Edo

    Gunmen abduct nurse in Edo

    A 44-year-old woman, identified as Mrs. Rita Aiwelera, a nurse at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, has been abducted by unknown gunmen.

    Rita was snatched on Sunday at about 7:45 pm in the presence of her children at Ugbowo in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Eyewitnesses said she was forced into a Toyota Highlander car.

    Husband of the victim, Dan, said it was his daughter that informed him about the abduction shortly after he dropped them.

    According to him, “She came to my office to meet with me with the kids on Sunday. We all went out and, eventually, I dropped them at her office (and) they joined her car because she came with her own car; they were going home.

    “About 45 minutes later, I finished what I was doing and decided to go home. When I got to UNIBEN gate, my daughter called saying, ‘Mummy has been kidnapped.’ I was surprised.

    “So, I rushed down to the scene, about five minutes from where I was, and saw my children crying that they took their mother away.”

    “The kidnappers called Monday and asked for a ransom of N10 million. They called again at about 7am Tuesday‎, asking if I have got the money.

    “They said they only give me today (Tuesday). But I told them that I will not be able to raise N10 million. After much talking, I offered to borrow and give them N500, 000 but they hung up.

    “I reported to Ekiadolor police station and from there, it was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.”

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer, Osifo Abiodun, confirmed the kidnapping and said investigation has commenced into the matter.

  • Three-year old abducted in Ogun rescued in Nsukka

    Three-year old abducted in Ogun rescued in Nsukka

    •Victim rescued in Nsukka

    Four-year-old Master Steve Kanu, who was snatched from his parents’ home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, has been rescued in Nsukka, Enugu State.

    The boy was said to have opened the gate of his father’s house at Laderin Estate, Abeokuta on November 2, when he heard the sound of visitors knocking.

    Upon opening the gate, the “visitors” grabbed Steve, took him into a waiting vehicle and sped away.

    Yesterday, the police said the boy had been rescued and that Kenechukwu Amoke, Anayo Amoke, Oluchi Asadu (female) and Maureen Uchenna(female), had been arrested.

    Commissioner of Police Abdulmajid Ali paraded the suspects at the Eleweran headquarters of the State Police Command, saying the victim was rescued on November 19.

    Ali added that Uchenna, a nurse, who works at the victim’s father’s hospital, carried out the kidnapping in connivance with her boy friend, Obinna Amoke, who is on the run.

    The commissioner said Steve Kanu was first kept in Anayo Amoke’s home in Abeokuta for eight days before he was moved to Nsukka, Enugu State, where the suspects kept him in the custody of 25-year-old Asadu.

    Also paraded were five robbery suspects notorious for snatching exotic cars in Lagos and Ogun states.

    They are reputed to have stolen 38 cars and were arrested by operatives attached to Itele Police Division, Ota.

    Jimoh Adeyemi, Akinbanmi Kabiru, Odunlami Daud, Taiwo Opeyemi and Rahmon Taofeek are assisting the police in their investigation. Four of the snatched cars were recovered from them.

    Segun Ogundipe, Olamilekan Makinde, Adenekan Sunkanmi, Afeez Oladipupo, Azeez Ologundade, Taiwo Ade, Tajani Yusuf and Oluwaseun Osiloye were arrested for robbery and cultism.

  • ‘Nurse’ goes to jail for illegal abortion

    An Ado Ekiti High Court has sentenced a ‘nurse’, Iyanu Olu, to seven years imprisonment for carrying out unlawful abortion which led to the death of one Alhaja Taibat Jegede.

    Iyanu was sentenced by Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde for violating Section 349 of the criminal code.

    The judge held that the evidence before the court proved that Iyanu was guilty of the charge preferred against her by the state.

    The accused person was charged with attempt to procure abortion and murder.

    The state was represented at the trial by the prosecution counsel, Femi Onipede while the accused was represented by her counsel, Chris Omokhafe.

    The prosecution tendered some exhibits to prove the culpability of the accused person.

    Some of the exhibits include syringes, egomentrin injection needle, one RC stick and gloves.

    The late Taibat was said to be seven months pregnant at the time the abortion was carried out on 20 May 2012. She died of complications arising from excessive bleeding after the abortion.

    Iyanu, who claimed to be an auxiliary nurse was said to have charged Taibat N15,000 to carry out the abortion.

    Six witnesses who were called to testify during the trial revealed that the abortion was procured in the one bedroom apartment of the accused person.

    Iyanu, however denied the charges. She told the court that she only treated Taibat for body ache.

    Iyanu also told the court that she was a licensed patent medicine store operator.

    According to Justice Abodunde, evidence before the court indicated that abortion was carried out by Iyanu and that “a trial can convict on single evidence if proved beyond reasonable doubt against the accused person.”

    She held that the fact that the deceased died and that the act was done with intention has proved the culpability of the accused person.

    The trial judge in her judgment convicted Iyanu of procuring illegal abortion but held that the accused was not guilty of murder.

    Justice Abodunde therefore sentenced Iyanu to seven years imprisonment which would start from the date she was sent to prison custody about three years ago.

  • And the nurse died!

    I was in the office of one of the mobile telephone providers last Tuesday to recharge my modem when the phone of the officer attending to me rang. When she picked the call, I noticed a quick change in her countenance. Then I heard her exclaim – Fourth Avenue and bank robbery. From her responses, it became obvious that something sinister had happened. I then began to figure out which part of Lagos is numbered in the form of second, third and fourth avenues etc. Before I could reach a conclusion, she had ended the conversation.

    Then looking at those seated before her, she said a very serious robbery involving two banks had just taken place within the FESTAC area. Surprisingly, the customer seated next to me corroborated the story with his own chilling account of the escapades of the daring armed robbers.  He said scores of heavily armed robbers dressed in both military and police uniforms invaded the banks and were about to attack the third one when they aborted the plan apparently after receiving some signals.

    He said the robbers shot sporadically in all directions and operated for more than one hour without challenge from the law enforcement agencies. But he was quick to add that there was not much the police could do in the circumstance given the numerical strength of the robbers and their sophistication in arms. To this, one then quipped that there are other strategies open to the law enforcement agencies if they discovered they could not confront the robbers head on for one reason or the other. All seemed to have agreed on this point. We shall return to it shortly.

    When we enquired whether there were casualties, the responses we got were not certain. However, before we left that office, there seemed to have been a consensus that these dare-devil robberies are getting out of control and something urgent and radical has to be done before they reduce Lagos to the Hobbesian state of nature- where life will at once become nasty, short and brutish.

    Throughout the rest of the day, there were varying accounts of the incident with much of the blame heaped at the doorsteps of the police for their seeming helplessness while the attack lasted. But full details of the encounter which were carried by the media did not differ substantially. Part of those details was the killing of a nurse Mrs. Jane Ndirika, and her 14-month old daughter, Mmesoma.

    Reports had it that Jane and her daughter were in their apartment in an adjoining building when bullets fired by the bandits in a staccato fashion hit them. The woman was said to have taken cover in her apartment when the shooting became very unbearable but had to rise on her feet when her daughter in the room began to wail apparently because of the menacing sounds of the robbers’ gun power.

    As she collected her daughter and made for the parlour, she was hit by bullets which eventually killed both of them. There were other unconfirmed reports of casualties but the brutal murder of the Ndirika’s right inside their house was the most chilling and devastating. Their situation was worsened when help did not come on time. Those who dared to venture, kept off for fear of being killed by the robbers who were in action for a very long time. By the time they concluded their evil mission, the woman had lost so much blood and died before help could come. What a pity!

    We have since learnt from the police that they confronted the bandits and recovered N27 million which the robbers abandoned while fleeing. The police said without their intervention, the casualty figure would have been higher, apparently to correct the impression that they did nothing while the broad day robbery lasted. They have also promised to adopt eclectic strategies to apprehend the bandits.

    There are other constructs by the police as to their efforts to confront the robbers. We have heard that they contacted both the Air Force and the Navy without getting assistance for one excuse or the other. Neither of the two agencies has joined issues with the police.

    They are entitled to their views. But the value of their intervention was mortally diminished by the long period the bandits operated without any visible challenge. It raises issues as to the options they should have availed while the operation lasted irrespective of the numerical strength and sophistication in armament of the robbers.

    One had thought the first response of the police would have been to cordon off all escape routes and wait to confront the bandits after the operation. Nothing of sort appeared to have happened. The fact that they came through a canal does not reduce the potency of this strategy. Even then, it speaks a lot to the intelligence gathering capacity of our security architecture that as much as 40 people dressed in both police and military uniforms could alight from the canal on boats in broad daylight, without information filtering to the relevant law enforcement operatives.

    No doubt, our law enforcement agencies must have been rattled by the relative ease and impunity with which the robbers operated leaving in their trail, the snuffing out prematurely, of the lives of Nurse Ndirika and her daughter. They have promised to fish the criminals out. We have heard of forensic and other approaches to apprehend the robbers. These could as well be.

    But as we await the outcome of these promises, it may be pertinent to ask why the police never deemed it expedient to activate its helicopters in serious emergencies as this. What of the armoured personnel carriers that are stationed in strategic locations within the city? Why was no effort made to call them into action in a very critical moment the attack represented? This is more so given the emerging trend in armed robbery operations in the city in the last couple of months.

    Before the latest incident, there have been three instances of robbers and kidnappers attacking their victims and escaping through the canals. In three of these instances, banks were their victims. It happened in Lekki, Ikorodu and now FESTAC. Before the latest incident, a senior editor’s home was attacked and his wife abducted by the criminals within the Amuwo-Odofin area. The bandits also came from the canal and when it pleased them to release their captive they dropped her off through the same channel.

    There is therefore an emerging trend in armed robbery in Lagos which our law enforcement agencies must urgently study and evolve counter strategies for. Robbers’ preference for canals or waterways may be an indication of the level of success reached in crime-fighting by our law enforcement agencies on land.

    But a very effective and proactive force would have by now, taken copious notice of the shift in strategy after the three other incidents. This did not seem to have happened as events in the latest robbery clearly indicate. It is not just enough for the police to promise that the culprits will be captured. Since they have admitted that the last attack bore the imprints of similar ones before it, they should put on their thinking caps and evolve counter strategies to make future attacks a very risky enterprise.

    They could as well anticipate and prepare for air confrontation as the robbers may take resort to the air when their success ratio through canals and waterways would have been considerably diminished. In all, we must prepare for the rising sophistication in violent crimes in this country. This way, innocent citizens will be saved the unfortunate fate of Jane and her daughter. May their souls rest in peace!

  • Nurse, trader arraigned for alleged baby theft

    A nurse and a market woman, who allegedly conspired to steal a day-old baby, have been arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

    The 56-year-old trader, Theresa Ezeala and Augustina Oparaocha, 54, were arraigned on a two- count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    They pleaded not guilty when the prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Imhonwa, read the charges.

    Imhonwa told the court that the women on November 1, 2014, conspired to steal a day-old baby of one Lovely Nwakwu, at a hospital located in Idi-Orogbo Ayobo, Lagos.

    According to him, the complainant, Nwakwu, is Ezeala’s niece, while the accused is her guardian from childhood.

    Imhonwa told the court that the complainant was impregnated by someone who refused to take responsibility, so her aunty, cared for her during her pregnancy.

    “On the day of delivery, a male child was born through caesarean, while Oparaocha was the nurse in charge. The baby was not given to the mother on the excuse that she was not capable of taking care of the baby.

    “The duo, however, conspired to steal the child and never returned the baby to the mother, “Imhonwa said.

    When the Magistrate Bola Osunsanmi, asked Ezeala the where about of the baby, she replied that she took the baby to Imo.

    Ezeala told the court that the baby is with their relative in Imo, who will take care of him on her behalf.

    According to Ezeala, this is because it is a disgrace to have a fatherless child.

    “It is an abomination in my place for a child to be fatherless, so I gave the child to our relative, ‘’Ezeala said.

    However, the prosecutor said prior to her arraignment, the police visited the home of the relative in Imo, but the house was uninhabited.

    “The place was locked and it seemed no one lives there anymore,” Imhonwa said.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 278 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    Magistrate Osunsanmi granted them N2 million bail each, with two sureties each.

    She added that the sureties must be landed property owners in Lagos State and their addresses be verified.

    She adjourned the case till September 30.

  • Nurse arrested for stealing baby in Ogun

    The Police in Ogun have arrested a nurse, Adebola Titilayo, for stealing a new born baby shortly after delivery in Arogun village, Ogun state in desperation to have a child for her wealthy husband.
    Adebola who is the proprietress of a private Maternity in Arogun community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, was apprehended by Police detectives attached to the Ewekoro Division of Ogun State Police Command.
    She was said to have stolen the child after delivering the mother of the baby in her (Adebola) maternity last June 13.
    The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed the arrest to reporters on Sunday, said the suspect was arrested last Friday while the baby was also rescued safely.
    Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), added that the suspect had lied and deceived the mother of the baby that she had a still birth and that the baby was dead.
    According to the Police Image maker, the biological mother of the baby later got reliable information that the suspect stole her baby and the Police immediately arrested her when notified about the theft.
    Adejobi said:”the good sympathizers in the community noticed that the nurse (suspect) who was never pregnant suddenly started nursing a baby that she could not even breast feed. They informed the mother who later reported the case to the police in Ewekoro on 7th August,2015
    “In the course of police investigation, It has been revealed that the suspect, a mother of seven(7), had issues with her initial marriage and got married to another “rich” man, whom the nurse wanted to have at least a baby for him, for reasons known to her.
    “The police Operatives, who made professional moves, have recovered the baby alive and unhurt. The suspect has given credible statement that will assist the police and the matter will soon be charged to court.
    “The Commissioner of Police Ogun State, Abdulmajid Ali, has commended the police operatives for the good Job they did and directed that a proper investigation be carried out so as to get useful information required in the prosecution of the case.
    ” Ali has also charged owners of hospitals or maternity homes to operate legally and always employ credible and trusted nurses and staff who will be committed to their duties and respect the ethics of their professions and the laws of the land.”

  • Nurse abducted in Abia

    Residents of Starline Housing Estate located off Ovom-Azumini road, Ofgbor Hill on the outskirts of Aba, Abia State were at the weekend thrown into confusion as gunmen stormed the area.

    The gunmen said to be four abducted a nurse whose name was given as Uchechi Stephen.

    The nurse according to sources in the area was abducted in front of her resident while waiting for her gateman to open the gate of her compound.

    The incident, Nation gathered happened around 8pm while returning from work without knowing that the gang had laid ambush for her.

    Sources in the area said that the kidnappers in a commando manner waylaid her and whisked her to an unknown destination.

    It was yet to be ascertained at the time of this report if the hoodlums have made contact with the victim’s family.

    “The woman nurse runs a chemist shop at Opobo road. She was on her way home after the close of work not knowing that the kidnappers had laid ambush for her. They whisked her away without wasting time and the way they did the whole things looks as if they had trailed her from her shop to her house because even before the gateman could come to open the gate, they were already gone with the woman”, a source narrated.

    Some residents who spoke to reporters on the issue said that they were living in fear in the past three months and called on security agencies in the commercial city to increase their surveillance on the Opobo-Ovom-Azumini road to nip the activities of hoodlums in the area in the bud.

    When contacted, the state Police Public Relations officer, Onyeke Ezekiel who could not confirm the kidnap said he was yet to be informed about the incident.

  • Nurse wins car

    A nurse at the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Adeyemi Abosede, has won the star prize of a new Honda car at the Justrite Superstore Chop Life consumer promo draw in Lagos.

    The winner, who was not at the event, which held at the Alpha Centre, Sango, said she was on duty when the “goodnews” came through her cell phone.

    Although she was skeptical when she got the call, she managed to find her way to the venue of the event.

    Mrs Abosede, who is also the Olori of the Olu of Ifo, came with a retinue of friends and well wishers.

    Expressing her excitement, she said: “In fact, I am short of words. I really do not know how to express this. I am surprised and excited. I thank God for the organisers of this wonderful event that has blessed me”.

    the promo, she said, was “quite innovative, wonderful and truly rewarding, adding: “At first, when the promotion started, I was not interested, even when I bought items that qualified me for a raffle ticket. It was my son who came with me to the store that impressed it upon me to collect the ticket.  Little did I know that one of my many tickets will turn out to be the star prize winner.”

    Although she could not remember how much she spent while the promo lasted, she expressed appreciation to the management for having the interest of their loyal customers at heart. “As one of them, I regularly do my shopping at Justrite and most of the times, my husband comes with me. In fact, I have the single honour of dedicating this car to him. I am truly grateful to God and the management of Justrite”.

    Presenting the car keys to the winner, Fidelis Ajibogun, Acting Assistant Director/Coordinator, Lagos Zonal Office of the National Lottery Commission,  confirmed that the Justrite Chop Life consumer promotion complied with the regulations of the promotion.

    The Managing Director, Justrite Superstores, Mrs. Tosin Aderinwale, said the company was happy with the outcome of the promo, although the crowd that attended was far more than envisaged.

    “The promotion is designed to reward the company’s loyal customers. We do this regularly to give back to our customers who have always been there for us but this is the first time we will have it this big. The impressive turnout is testimony of our consistency over the years and the customers have come to believe in us. It is also indicative of our large customers base, we have loyal followers,” she said.

    Apart from the star prize, over 250 other prizes were won by customers. These include 10 flat screen TVs, 10 generating sets and 100 blenders.

    Mrs. Aderinwale said consumers should expect another promo before the end of the year.