The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, next in hierarchy to Olubadan in Council tomorrow, will receive notable sons and daughters of Ibadan at the Ibadan House, for the Inauguration Party of Chief Oluyemisi Adeaga and his excos who were recently sworn in as the Executives of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.
Among the dignitaries who are expected to grace the event are; Royal Father of the Day: His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olayiwola Adetunji. (Aje Ogunguniso 1) The Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Royal Guest of Honour: Alayeluwa Oba Gbenga, Adigun Adeoye Oyetunji (Oyinlola II) Aare of Ofiki land.
Special Guest of Honour: His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde Executive Governor of Oyo State
Chairman of The Day: Chief Kola Karim The Agba-Oye of Ibadanland.
Father of The Day: Chief Ashiwaju Bode Amao Asiwaju of Ibadanland.
Mother of The Day: Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja The Agbaakin Iyalode of Ibadanland
Co-Chairmen of The Day: Chief (Engr) Jibril ‘Dotun Sanusi The Otun Apesinola of Ibadanland and Okanlomo Oodua Designate. Chief (Mrs) ‘Bisi Sanda
Chief Host: Dr. Tirimisiyu A. G Oladimeji (TAG) 1st Vice President, CCII & Chairman Inauguration Committee. Chief Lekan Alabi among others.
Special Youth Feature: ‘Debo Adedayo (Mr. Macaroni)
The event will also feature presentation of Awards to Individuals who has contributed meaningful to the development of Ibadan over the years.
The youth wing of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadan Prime Youths Forum on Thursday, 26th of August join other Ibadan sons and daughters in celebration of his Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeogunguniso 1, the Olubadan of Ibadan land.
The Youths Forum thank God almighty for sparing the life of the first class mornach till this day in sound health and pray for long life in prosperity for the mornach.
IPYF also appreciates Olubadan for his uncommon wisdom in the running of the affairs of the City, and his contribution to National Affairs at Large.
Olubadan is our pride, and we are proud to celebrate with our father on this day, we appreciate his contribution to the development of the Youths and we pray for long life for his majesty.
Signed: Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo MBBS, MPH, MHPH. National Coordinator, IPYF 26/08/2021
Mrs. Ramata: I’m Ramata Agberemi Dabo, the founder of Baby Blue Angels Foundation. Oduduwa News: How did your childhood look like? Mrs. Ramata: I was born in Ibadan and had my Nursery and Primary Education in Ibadan; I attended Methodist Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan where I obtained my Senior School Certificate SSCE before proceeding to Paris in France where I had my first degree in Criminology. Thereafter, I moved to United States of America, where I am currently pursuing a law degree.
My childhood was fantastic, living with parents who motivated and moulded me along humanitarian line. While growing up, I was trained by compassionate parents who contributed a lot in helping the needy and the society at large. So, there was a day I told myself that whenever I grow up, I would follow the footpaths of my parents and shall take up the challenge of helping the less privileged in our society and I wish my children too would pick it from wherever I stop. So, the experience was fantastic, my parents taught me to be passionate about the growth and the development of my society.
OduduwaNews: Can we have an insight into BBA?
Mrs. Ramata: BBA is just an acronym that goes by the words: Baby Blue Angels Foundation. It’s a foundation established a year back and the Foundation is primarily meant to contribute to the development of our society. If we all say we are not going to contribute our quota, the society will be deteriorating to what we don’t expect reason why we should take up the challenge. Overthere, in the United States of America, it’s the people that initiate development from their respective homes before politicians take it up. So, I brought this type of innovation back home, because I want to build a society where the less privileged, the needy, elderly will be catered for without necessarily waiting for politicians or government. Though, the important role of the government can’t be overlooked but individuals still have a major role to play. This is what I have been doing right from my childhood, not that the BBA Foundation is the first humanitarian call I will be answering. It has been part of me while I was growing up because of the belief of my parents, that giving to the needy, elderly and society at large has a great reward. Though, it has been challenging, I have been running the foundation on personal purse and I have not regretted because I believe that contributing to humanity has it way of rewarding one back. In addition, part of my dream is to work with the Nigerian Police not necessarily in terms of providing finance, but making sure that we have a better policing, where there will be a synergy between the police and the people.
OduduwaNews: What motivated you to found BBA? Mrs. Ramata: Making difference in the larger society is the major motive for founding BBA, and since the establishment, we have done a lot of humanitarian services by assisting the less privileged as well as people with disability among others. Recently, we went to Methodist Grammar School and we donated projector and other school materials to the disabled.
OduduwaNews: What is your perspective on the prevalence of poverty in Africa?
Mrs. Ramata: I’m baffled that poverty is predominant in Africa. Anytime I go out and see people on the streets begging for alms, I’m always sad; it’s bad to the extent that most people in Africa can no longer feed themselves once in a day not to talk of 3-squared meal. Though, poverty can’t be totally eradicated, but it can be managed to a lowest level, where people that are considered to be poor will be able to feed themselves. Poverty in Africa can be linked to a bad system, lack of foresight by political leaders and their inability to think outside the box as to what is obtainable overthere. It’s sad that at this 21st century, Africa is still battling with high rate of extreme poverty. We have been trying in our capacity to assist those who are working but finding it difficult to expand their scope of operation, we have assisted several artisans by empowering them more in their chosen professions. We don’t have to be waiting for government before we take up the challenge. If we come together as a team, we will make a difference, and the country will be better for all of us to live.
OduduwaNews: After the event of June 12, 1993, is Nigeria fair to her citizens? Mrs. Ramata: How will I say Nigeria is fair to her citizens when things are not going properly, people cannot afford 3-squared meal per day, people are hungry and suffering. Though, I believe the effort of our past heroes can’t be forgotten, but when you talk about being fair, a country will be fair in terms of what it gives to its citizens like developmental projects, good standard of living, adequate security etc. So, Nigeria from inception has not been fair to its citizens. I’m of the opinion that everyone needs to come together and take part in the development of the country.
OduduwaNews: How can Nigeria overcome its challenges? Mrs. Ramata: It requires holistic approach; all of us must come together and ensure that we tackle it collectively. Though, it’s a systemic problem, but we can’t shy away from the fact that as individuals, we need attitudinal change. Those in power are not demons, they come from our family, the change must start from our respective homes and our mindset must change for the development of the nation.
OduduwaNews: There’s a grant for NGOs by United Nations, does BBA have access to this grant? Mrs. Ramata: No, we have not been able to have access to it. Though, it’s not as if people have not been calling me for support, but I don’t want a situation in which the Foundation will be relying on individuals or some people. So, I have been taking care of all the expenses from my personal purse. I want to get to a point where this humanitarian work will be able to speak for itself and to the point where I will be self-fulfilled even before we are requested by the UN to submit an application.
OduduwaNews: What’s the vision of BBA? Mrs. Ramata: Our vision is to make a difference and to ensure that the society is safe for all of us to live, and that I want a situation where BBA will be able to assist more people.
OduduwaNews: Can we have insight into some of the humanitarian services you have rendered? Mrs. Ramata: I will not be fair if I start mentioning because we have done a lot, even some that I could not recollect at the moment. If I start mentioning now, we will use all our time for it. For instance, we have donated to the less privileged, helped the needy and people with disabilities as well as the students and youths. Also, we have been giving monetary assistance to those who desire to start their businesses but do not have startup capital to set up their businesses and we also train them to be self reliant. There was a day BCOS management called me, hello BBA, there’s a disabled person who has passion for school and BCOS does not have capacity to assist such person, and we ventured into action immediately to come to the aide of the guy. As we speak, the guy is pursuing his education. Also, we intend to widen our scope by covering the whole country. My goal is to reach the point where BBA will be totally fulfilled by contributing meaningfully to the lives of people.
OduduwaNews: How do you cope with living in United States and having an NGO in Nigeria? Mrs. Ramata: My NGO is registered both in US and Nigeria, and I have a team working with us in Nigeria. I want to use this medium to thank all our team members, they have been doing great. If not because of them, BBA wouldn’t have gone this far. Nigeria is my home, I come here everytime. Sometimes, I spend up to six months in Nigeria before going back. Though, I work overthere and I have been able to manage both.
OduduwaNews: Do you have interest in Politics? Mrs. Ramata: I believe everybody is a politician, the only difference is that the way we practice it. In our respective homes, we practice it; it’s not until when you hold an elective post before showing interest or participating in politics. In as much as you’re contributing meaningfully to the society, you’re practicing politics. Meanwhile, if opportunity comes to contest elective post, so far it will not take my NGO activities away I would embrace it. Participating in the larger politics in order to do more for the society is not a bad thing if it will not involve dragging my name to the mud.
NGO can only do little, we all have huge role to play in government in as much it’s not a do or die affairs. OduduwaNews: Your words of advice to the youths? Mrs. Ramata: I will advice the youths not to relent; they should be committed to the dream of making Nigeria a great and better country. I am glad that the founder of OduduwaNews is a youth and I am saying it emphatically that the entire team is doing well. I love your diction, the contents and expression. Overthere in US, I always admire reading contents from your news media. Do keep it up and I promise to continue partnering with you.
At this juncture, I must be sincere with you that I feel the pain of Nigerian youths, particularly, struggling in an environment that’s not favourable to their growth. Despite this, I believe they can still make a difference, the future belongs to them. They should ensure that they do everything within their power to ensure that the country is totally rescued from the current state of underdevelopment.
A Socio-cultural group in Akure, known as the Ooye Development Initiative (ODI) has advised the occupants of Akure not to mourn the death of Hon. Adedayo Omolafe who was a member of the house of representative, but to celebrate his legacy continuously.
Hon. Omolafe, who died untimely on the 16th of August, 2021, popularly known as Expensive was a member of the Ooye Development Initiative (ODI) and was a representative for the Akure North and South in the lower chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja. Mr. Sunday Falee, the president of the Ooye Development Initiative (ODI) in a solacing message defined Omolafe’s death as a tremendous loss to the people of Akure. In his statement, he said, “Hon Omolafe was a great son of Akure who impacted the lives of so many people. He was a philanthropist, a humanist, and a selfless politician whose grassroots links were unbeatable. A political colossus of immense significance to the teaming people of Akure, we are greatly pained by the demise of this great son of ours,” The ODI group said the reaction to the death by the people of Akure and those across the world, shows how much Hon. Omolafe inscribed a memorable place in the hearts of his people to Akure. The president of the group, Falee also added in his statement, “The only lesson all sons and daughters of Akure can draw from Expensive’s exit is that it pays to be good. He was very good to everyone and lived his life among the people. He was selfless and didn’t joke with the development of his people. What we should do in his memory is to continue from where he stopped,”
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), donated relief materials to victims of disaster in Ekiti State, saying this is part of the continuous efforts to cushion the adverse effect of natural and man-made tragedies on the people.
The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi who on the 19th of August,2021 received the packages on behalf of the State Government, expressed the gratitudes of the State Government and explained how the humanitarian materials for persons suffering severe economic conditions, especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), would help in stabilising the situations of the victims.
Recalling some recent incidents in the state, including communal clashes, flooding, and fire disasters, which resulted in the displacement of communities, Egbeyemi said: “The state government had intervened in some areas within its capacity, but due to inadequate resources, there are still some affected victims that have not been attended to. “It is on this note, the state government is finding this kind gesture worthy because the provision of these items will go a very long way to cushion the effect of these disasters on the victims.”
Director, Administration and Human Resources, NIMASA, Mrs. Ronke Thomas, who represented the Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said the economic relief and empowerment gesture was a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that was expanded to cover the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This event is a strategic demonstration of the agency’s commitment to a better life for all Nigerians. We are here to succour the distressed, strengthen the weak, and encourage the discouraged. We want all to feel at home, especially those who have been physically displaced or emotionally hurt by natural and man-made disasters.”
And with this,NIMASA agency had showcased its integrated support for the less privileged and capacity building for citizens into a national strategy , implemented according to the availability of resources.
Chaos occured at Ilupeju-Oshodi area as suspected cultist swoop the area destroying things and causing harm to the community and her residents on the 16th of this present month. It was gathered that about 30 or more vehicles were destroyed by the evil perpetrators in the area.
It was reportedly gathered that not less than 12 streets were affectected in the community. It was gathered that the hoodlums who were identified as suspected cultists broke through the estate gate with cutlass, axe and all sort of harmful tools. Stalls, shops, stores, and business centres were broken into by this hoodlums stealing all forms of valuable gadgets like phones, laptops and money. As at wednessday some of these streets were yet to resume fully to their normal activities as they were still looking deserted and the street gate was still locked. Broken glasses and shattered car remains were seen litered on the street floor. The fight which was confirmed by some of the residents. They reportedly informed the reporters that the crises started on Monday involving guys from majorly Ogunmokun and Ilupeju. The residents of some of the affected places also confirmed the visitation of the CDA of Olosan Police Station to the street on Tuesday. Some of the affected traders in the street confessed to how their shops and stores were looted after fleeing for their life on Monday.
The palace of the Ooni of Ife on Friday morning received with great concern, news of the reported killing of some persons numbering about five at Toro village, Ile-Ife.
Aside from condemning the unfortunate incident in strong terms, the Palace of the Ooni immediately reported the case to appropriate security authorities, who swung into action immediately.
While some mischief makers tried to link the criminality to the long-resolved Ife/Modakeke dispute, the Palace of Ife wishes to state unequivocally that what happened at Toro village was sheer criminality and the long hand of the law will soon catch up with the perpetrators.
It is in the public knowledge that the country like its counterparts across the world is being confronted by security challenges, which would soon be a thing of the past with the corporation of all especially we (citizens).
Attempts to add communal colouration to the crime with an attempt to distract security operatives from unveiling the evil minds behind the devilish act by some mischief makers is already known to security operatives who are on top of the matter.
While lauding government and security operatives including the Police, Department of State Service (DSS), the Nigeria Army, Vigilante groups and others for being responsive to the ugly situation and their immeasurable roles in sustaining the peace being enjoyed in the communities, the Ooni implores all abiding persons to carry on with their legitimate activities as perpetrators of acts of criminality are not representing any community and will only be treated as criminals.
The government of Lagos state has set up a public awareness programme in form of a campaign to bring back drop-out students into the academic world to complete their academic pursuits for a chance of a secured future. The special adviser to the Lagos state governor in person of barrister Tokunbo Wahab during the public awareness programme which was organized by his office situated in Amunwo Odofin Local council implores the crowd and resident presents in the programme and are victim of drop-out to return back to school. He emphasizes on the girl-child who may have drop-out of school as a result of early pregnancy, early marriage, poverty or other factors which may have been best known to them not to give up on their education and they should return back to school.
He went further to urge them not to give up easily on their educations as what makes other young girls like them also who might have been affected by same circumstances like pregnancy, poverty and other factors to make effective use of the alternative school system provided by the Lagos state government to re-enroll themselves and also learn a vocational work to make them independent of any body, means they can do much better than that if they give it a chance. He informed the public on the plans being made on building five more alternative schools in the administrative divisions of the state to add to the already existing one in Agboju Educational District 5 in order to have the presence of such schools in all the divisions of the state according to the state governor’s vision. One of the vision of the state governor is “mass literacy for sustainable development” He explained that the administration of governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is bent on increasing the level of literacy among the members of the public and produce young entrepreneurs who will contribute directly and indirectly to the state economy growth.
Stating that there is no age barrier in gaining more knowledge, Mr Tokunbo Wahab urge all market women, housewives and other women who think they are less privilege and missed education in their earlier part of life to take advantage of the government vision and return back for secondary education or register for any vocational work at any of the nine vocational training centers present in Lagos state. He also made it known that the state government will be assisting members of the public interested in starting their business with soft loans through the Lagos State Employment Trust Funds (LSETF). The chairman of the board of alternative high school for girls Agboju Mrs Funmilola Olajide, represented the special adviser to the governor in the street to street awareness campaign. She claims that education will remain a strong factors and weapon to fight poverty and ignorance. And that the Lagos state vision involving education and technology development agenda can only be achieve when the members of the public themselves are enlightened. The special adviser also stated that comprehensive educational approach is require for the growing rate of the state’s population. This will give importance to the development of both informal and formal education to achieve success in the government vision for the state which is mass literacy for sustainable development, and also ensure quick economic growth for the state. some of the already enrolled students also testified to the important of the secondary education for drop-outs and other wiling women ready to learn. One of them named Mrs Jemilah Sulyman according to the guardian news stated that the school is helpful as she is now gradually speaking English language, while she is learning a vocation free of charge from the school’s vocational Centre.
Towards ensuring bridging infrastructural deficit and achieving even development across the State, the Oyo State house of assembly has approved additional Six billion Naira credit facility for Governor Seyi Makinde’s led administration.
In a letter sent to the lawmakers from the executive, Governor Makinde noted that the six billion Naira loan request in favour of Oyo State Government contractors is to ensure a seemless execution of contracts awarded by the State government in bridging infrastructural deficit in the State.
He said, “The Governor-in-council met and approved that an additional 5billion naira loan facility and the balance of 1billion naira window both of the First Bank Nigeria Ltd. be made available to the Oyo State government.
“The total sum will be used to finance the existing projects in the State.”
In his words, the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said that the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly will continue to monitor the spending and expenses of the Executive Council, and ensure the loans being approved will be judiciously used on developing and completing ongoing infrastructural projects in the State.
“Our economy cannot develop if we do not have enough funds to develop necessary infrastructures, and we have the assurances of the Executive Council that the burden of the loan will not be bored by the next administration as all efforts will be made to pay them back in short terms.
“In view of the importance attached to the loan request, I implore us to support the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde towards developing the State,” he added.
According to the majority leader, Hon Sanjo Adedoyin representing Ogbomoso North State constituency said it is important to expand the State’s economy which will be difficult if there are no enough infrastructures on ground to attract and drive development.
While moving a motion for the approval, he said, “If we cannot afford to abandon all ongoing lofty developmental projects, then we need fund to complete them.”
Schools’ Sports entails all sporting activities that take place within and amongst school children. It encompasses intramurals and extramural competition.
Intramurals involves all sporting events that are performed within the four-wall of; and exclusively for the students of a school. On the other hand, extramural competition is a contest in which many schools are made to engage in a competitive healthy rivalry. By health rivalry, such contest should devoid acrimony and chaos. It must not degenerate to the level of violence and thuggery. The minds of the students should be dissuaded from win-at-all cost syndrome.
The goals of both types of school’s sports are warped to promote conditions that could facilitate the three domains of education of a child. These are the cognitive, affective and psychomotive.
The objective of school sports is the enrichment of the high school experiences of students within the context of the educational mission of schools. As such, school sports should be educational and contribute to the overall education of all students.
The precise intent of education is the development of a “whole man”. It is erroneous to restrict education to reading and writing. The concept transcends mere literacy and numeracy. Rather, it is the development of a child in all ramifications.
The stereotyped programmes of contemporary school seems to have become monotonous. Teaching-learning activities in Oyo State schools nowadays are tailored towards a direction where everything bothers on classroom activities without any recourse to extra or co-curricular activities. This was unlike seventies and eighties when schools sports and Literary and Debate were component parts of education. The effect of that dynamism was evident in both moral and academic performance of the students of that period.
Things have however changed ! What we now have is ceaseless and marathon teachings in a compacted time table. We seem to have forgotten the fact that; all works and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. I quite agree that the primary objective of schooling should not be jettisoned but we must as well not forget the potency inherent in a diversification that embraces other aspects of life. Learning becomes monotonous when the environment is conservative. This has an adverse effects on the attention span of the students. Potentials abound in the students. They are like treasures hidden beneath the soil. The only way they could sprout is through extra-curricular events.
Sports is an agent of socialisation. It is a veritable tool to curb social vices which are prevalent amongst students. Researches have shown that these students dissipate so much energy on frivolities and immoral acts. This may not be unconnected with their youthful exurberance. Such restlessness could be channeled to something profitable.
A stable mind and body are antithetical to comprehension and assimilation which education seeks to achieve. Indeed, a symbiotic relationship exists between Sports and Education in this regard. Examples abound: Blood circulation is enhanced by engaging in sporting activities, pulse rate is increased and excretion of toxic waste is enhanced. The constant circulation of oxygenated blood that conveys oxy-haemoglobin to the brain promotes students’ cognition and sense of judgement. Reasoning, value- judgement and brilliance have their roots in the cerebrum which is a part of the brain.
The effect of sports is more pronounced on health. Sports offers a therapeutic remedy to certain metabolic disorders such as obesity, postural defect and diabetes. Aside this, students’ immunities against diseases are developed and the cardio-vascular respiratory endurance becomes more efficient. All these disorders could militate against effective learning. Verily, sports is an antidote to sedentary lifestyle and stress.
Globally, sport has a unifying appeal. The sports industry boasts of a dynamic appeal that many others, even bigger industries look at with envy. It has the power to define a nation as a whole. Social interaction and cultural integration are promoted through sport fiesta which has students from different socio-cultural backgrounds converging on the sports arena. This increases level of tolerance and respect for one another.
From the above, sports is a sine-qua-non to educational excellence. Although, Physical and Health Education is an integral part of the syllabus but this is taught as theory as a result of dearth of equipment and implement. Whereas, the subject is both theoretical and practical. Based on this premise, it is apt to conclude that the recognition accorded sports ends there as this inclusion is just for the sake of a formality.
Sports culture needs to be resuscitated at our schools along with quality education. The realisation of the negative impact that today’s lifestyle brings on the school children is enough to spur us to action and be proactive in the search for options.
Sports not only builds physical stamina but also instills qualities such as obedience, determination, willpower, and discipline.
In summary, there is the need to regurgitate sporting activities in Oyo state schools. The presence of physical and Health Education experts in our schools is an advantage in respect of management and organisation of sports. They posses the technical know-how and this is an a avenue for the teachers to explore the opportunity and display their organisational skills.
Sports organization may be money-spinning. The state could partner with various organizations and companies in this regards.
One thing to guide against while staging sports contest is the use of machineries. This is impersonation and it should be dealt with decisively. Otherwise, the goals would be defeated.
With motivation and reward in forms of scholarship and material gifts, students would strive hard to put in their best. These best might become the state athletes at the National Sports Festival and form the bulk of the nation’s contingent at International age-grade competition and Olympic Games.
On a finality, the ministry of education and the state government are enjoined to consider the proposal herein contained with a view to reviving the moribund schools’ sports in Oyo State.
Comrade LekanBadmus is a freelance writer, Education cum Sports Consultant.
