Category: Featured

By: Isedowo Oluwatosin Temijuayolo

The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has used the occasion of the 2021 Udiroko Festival to offer prayers for the end of COVID-19 and its variants in the country and indeed the global community.

The monarch, who also offered prayers for peace, prosperity and development of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Nigeria, said COVID-19 which had caused large number of deaths, impacted negatively on the world economies and resulted in hardship for millions, required divine solution, hence the prayer of the community on the auspicious occasion.

Oba Adejugbe who spoke in Ado Ekiti during the celebration of the yearly Udiroko Festival in his palace, said that the festival, which signified new year for the community, “is an expressive way to celebrate our glorious heritage, customs and traditions. It is meant to appreciate God for his mercies for Ado people all over the world.”

He said, “Since last year, the celebration of Udiroko has not been the same, it has been low keyed devoid of pomp and pageantry it deserves as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and this year again, Delta-COVID, which does not give room for large gathering to avoid spread of the disease.

The traditional ruler urged people of the state particularly residents of the state capital, “to observe COVID-19 protocols and guidelines in order to avoid being infected with the virus and its Delta variant and as well to stop its spread in the state.

“I urge you to be security conscious and ensure to keep to the rules and regulations guiding the spread of Delta COVID-19 variants because the safety of an individual is the safety of the people. Avoid large gatherings and be hygienic while always putting on your nose mask”.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Command, have arrested one Ladeji Kelvin Babatunde for allegedly obtaining over N38,000,000.00( Thirty-eight Million Naira) from suspected internet fraudsters in order to prevent their arrest by the Commission.

The defendant allegedly impersonated officers of the Commission and obtained the sum of money by false pretence from the suspected cybercriminals.

Upon his arrest, a four-bedroom uncompleted apartment located at Ikola Road, Alagbado, Lagos, which was developed with the proceeds of the perpetrated fraud, was recovered from him.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to caution the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) from making inflammatory statements capable of setting NIgeria on fire.

AYCF National President, Alh. Yerima Shettima expressed this in a statement he personally signed and made available to press on Thursday August 26, 2021.

“We have followed with keen interest, the news of an inflammatory remark making the rounds about the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos and credited to the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE).

“The Yoruba elders, who spoke through a former National President of YCE, Dansaaki Samuel Agbede, asked the Lagos State Government to stop its recognition for the Sarkin Fulani,” it said.

The group said that they are unsettled by this position coming from elders who are supposed be guardians of the people and should be taking the lead in ensuring tolerance, peace and harmony between the people of Lagos State and their neighbours from any part of the country, moreso Northern Nigeria.

They said that the office of the traditional Sarkin Fulani of Lagos is an estimated 150 years old and it reflects and represents the general interest of Fulanis resident in the area.

“It was therefore misplaced to see the YCE trying to forcefully liken the estimated 150 year old Lagos case to that of Edo State, which is comparatively new.

“It is evident that for the past 150 years, nothing tragic has ever happened to the relationship between these ambassadors of the Fulani tribes, primarily because of the successful enlightenment strategy in support of tolerance and harmony by the Fulani monarchy in Lagos.

“Most importantly, there is no law in Nigeria that says another person’s crime elsewhere makes someone somewhere automatically guilty of the same wrongdoing,” the statement said.

It added that, “If contrary were the case, we in the North would have asked our leaders or governors not to recognize people from other parts of Nigeria in areas like Kano, Katsina, Kaduna or any State in the region.

“It is for this recognition for the rights of others and unconditional tolerance that you can find Yorubas, Igbos and other Nigerian monarchs being accorded due respect and formal recognition in every part of the North. For us, tolerance is a necessary ingredient of unity and harmony,” it said.

AYCF emphasized that these traditional leaders of the Fulani are no more than ambassadors of their people, representing the beautiful cultural and religious heritage of their people.

“The historical and cultural values of the Nigerian Fulani can be gleaned from their presence (in more recent times) in France. Germany, the United States and other parts of Europe.

“This example is simply a proof that no society thrives without men and women of goodwill to serve as the custodians of their people’s culture and development concerns,” it added.

They therefore, advised the YCE to tread cautiously on the issue because it represents a potentially dangerous proposition

“We urge the Lagos State Government to quickly intercede in this matter by calling the YCE to order, to avert an avoidable breach of peace built over a period of an estimated 150 years

“We are compelled to draw attention to the YCE’s position on good time in order to elicit appropriate constitutional and legal action to maintain the tolerance, harmony and respect for the historical and cultural values that have held these Fulani as good neighbours.

“We insist that this is one sure way to avert a potentially regrettable decision being propounded by the YCE.

“We are disturbed by the YCE’s latest campaign that seeks to obliterate the respect and recognition of the Sarkin Fulani monarch because of the current situation in the country, notably the security challenge.

“We also find it quite childish that the YCE is making a fuss about illegal immigrants in Lagos, something that should be an issue for the either the NIA, the Nigeria Immigrations Service and the DSS. By the way, how does such a purely security issue connect to due recognition for the Sarkin Fulani?” It queried.

The statement said that YCE got its facts all twisted because there is so much disconnect in most of the issues they raised.

“We don’t support any action of intolerance, capable of further worsening the nation’s security challenge. It is our candid view that the YCE needs to be cautioned from potentially inflammatory declarations that could breed division among Nigerians in Lagos, who have been living as understanding neighbours for some 150 years.

“We take exception to any motive that could lead to undue interference with traditional and cultural values of a people in a democratic setting. This, we dare say, is a ticking time-bomb,” it said.

AYCF said that they are aware that the Lagos State Government has well-enlightened cabinet members who won’t condone any move that could lead to a breach of the peace and we hope they rise to the occasion.

“We don’t think Governor Sanwo-Olu would condone such a dangerously divisive stand of the YCE, considering the importance of tolerance and harmony that has made Lagos the economic and commercial giant of this country for many decades,” it concluded.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

The Governor of Info State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu has paid a visit to the former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), H.E Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the company of Governor of Ekiti State, H.E Kayode Fayemi. The below snapshot is for photostory.

Lagos State Government today commenced the administration of the Moderna COVID vaccine at the designated 183 vaccination sites across the State.

State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi who stated this today after receiving a preliminary monitoring report of the vaccination exercise from the Social Mobilization Team expressed satisfaction at the conduct of the exercise at most of the sites visited.

He noted that the turnout of citizens who had enrolled for the vaccine at various vaccination sites is encouraging, adding that it is an indication of impressive vaccination uptake.

While noting that he is aware of pockets of challenges at some sites, the Commissioner assured that all the glitches noticed would be addressed for better service delivery.

He said: “I’m impressed by the report from the field. We had a good start for the first day. It can only get better, and I can assure you that all the challenges encountered today would be resolved to ensure a seamless exercise going forward.

“I would like to appreciate the team of dedicated staff who are driving this exercise as well as Lagosians for their turn out, cooperation and adherence to COVID protocols at our various sites. Efforts of all stakeholders has helped ensure the success of day one of the vaccination campaign”.

Abayomi stated that eligible citizens who are interested in getting the Moderna vaccine can book on the NPHCDA E-registration on portal – https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/ to get vaccinated.

He noted that the E- registration is a mandatory criteria for the vaccination adding that only citizens who registered on the E-registration site would be attended to at the vaccination sites.

Vaccination sites monitored include; Sango PHC in Agege LG; Ogba, Ifako, Agbado and Iju PHCs in Ifako-Ijaiye LG; Oregun, Opebi and Ojodu PHC in Ikeja; Merian PHC in Alimosho LGA; and Ogudu PHC in Kosofe.

Others are, Sura, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan PHCs and Lagos Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos Island LG; Shogunle and Oshodi PHCs in Oshodi-Isolo LG; and Palm Avenue PHC in mushin.

Some of the vaccinees who spoke to the monitoring team expressed satisfaction at conduct of the exercise adding however that the process could get better in the coming days.

A vaccinee, Mr. Banabas Amadi, who got vaccinated at the Ogba PHC testified that the process was seamless right from the E-registration to the actual vaccination at the site.

He encouraged citizens who are yet to receive the vaccine to take advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated stressing that the process is easy and fast.

He said: “I just got vaccinated. It was an interesting experience. I registered online and the process was seamless. Getting here, it was initially a bit rowdy but it is calm now. I guess it is because this is the first day, but the process is generally fast and I believe it can get better. I commend the government and everybody in charge of this vaccination process”.

The rate at which people with physical challenges are begging for alms on the streets, markets and motor parks have become increasingly alarming. The activities of these destitutes have marred the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations. Unfortunately, there seems to be no social welfare programme for them by the successive governments.

Physical disability is a limitation on a person’s physical functioning, mobility, dexterity or stamina. It is an hinderance which limits other facets of daily living. Physical disability may be congenital or acquired. It may be due to diseases, embryonic or fetal developmental malformation, genetic disorders, obstruction of the respiratory tract, damage to the brain during birth, premature birth, genetic disorders, accidents or infection.

Succinctly, the deviation is a consequence of neuro-muscular and skeletal problem. As such, people with disabilities often rely for mobility upon devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks and artificial limbs. Pitiably, some move on their knees and hands; padded by slippers.

From the above, it could be deduced that physical disability is a deviation which prevents full social or educational development. Unfortunately, the deviation relegates the physical disabled and places a stigma on them as they are referred to in the society as destitutes.

People with physically disability are incapacitated to get their means of livelihood due to be the deficiency or anomaly in their limbs, ears or eyes. The impairments have certainly placed a limit to want they can do. To most of them, the best job they could do is to go cap – in- hand. What a myopic view! This has; on many occasions, constituted public nuisance. The menace of destitutes got to a stage sometimes in Lagos state when the government was compelled to evict them from the streets. So many were banished to their states of origins.

For quite an age,
the disabled have remained neglected part of the society.
Conversely, social isolation or lack of close social ties with them has widened their poor health and increased mortality risk.

However, the knowledge of physical and Health Education has awaken the consciousness of the nation and the world to the fact that physical disability does not in any way compel one to resort to begging on the streets. Both able-bodied and those who have physical challenges have potentials inherent in them which could fetch them money and put food on their tables if well harnessed. One of such ways is paralympic games.

Paralympic games is a periodic series of sporting events involving athletes with a range of disabilities.
It is organized in parallel with Olympic Games. While Olympic is exclusively for the able-body,
athletes competing in para-sports have an impairment that leads to a competitive disadvantage. Consequently, the essence of this special sports is to minimise the impact of impairments in the disabled with a view to making them become independent and contribute to societal growth.

In a bid to cater for the impediments, paralympics rules and regulations are modified. The modifications may be in form of durations, dimensions, facilities and a host of others. All these are adjusted to ease the inconveniences associated with their deformities. Adjustment is essential to remove any barrier.

Precisely, paralympic plays a triumvirate roles in the lives of the physically- challenged. It rehabilitates, serves as a means of livelihood and remove the stigma. Verily, verily, it offers them a new lease of life.

From the evolution of paralympics,
the purpose was to assist the large number of war veterans and civilians who had been injured during world war. In 1944, at the request of the British government, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann opened a spinal injuries centre at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital using sports as a therapeutic and rehabs measure. With time, rehabilitation sports evolved to recreational sports and then to competitive sport.
It was not until after World War II however, that it was widely introduced.

The intent of this write up is to passionately appeal to the government to show compassion to the plight of the disabled. They need a respite and affection. They certainly need government attention which could bail them out of humiliation.

Like in the developed nations, government could establish football leagues, basketball tournaments, athletics competitions, racket games and other activities that could attract public sympathy and spectators. These events have a direct bearing on their social lives and from there, national paralympics team could be chosen.

Funding paralympic games may not be as easy as olympics because of people’s apathy to the social welfare of these special species. It is not impossible to raise funds either. All it requires is counterpart funding from governments, NGOs, philantopic gestures, local and multi- national companies plus money realized as gate fees from spectators.

In summary, these people are part of the society who have always performed their civic duties during elections. Government should stop playing hypocrisy. If you can canvass for their votes, what stops you from organising activities that could enliven their spirits and boost their morales! This service to humanity is globally recognised and celebrated every December 3rd as International Day Of Disabled Person which was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution with the principle of equalisation of opportunity.

As the world engages in 2020 paralympic games which will commence on August 24 and end on September 4, government needs to borrow a clue from other nations with a view to doing the needful.

Comrade Lekan Badmus is a freelance writer, Education and Sports Consultant.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the record of 135 fatalities in the current third wave of the pandemic, highlighting the havoc being wreaked by deadly strains of the virus spreading in the country.

The Governor during a briefing on Monday at the State house, Ikeja revealed that the State has taken the delivery of Moderna vaccine from the Federal Government.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed the State received a little above 300,000 doses of Moderna vaccine to boost the State drive towards achieving herd immunity.

The test positivity rate, the Governor added, has also increased to 12.1 per cent in the past weeks, compared to seven per cent recorded at the end of July, 2021. This, he said, resulted from non-adherence to the laid-down health protocols designed to stop the spread of the pandemic.

Sanwo-Olu said the situation called for more responsibility, urging the residents to adhere to the preventive protocols put in place by the Government.

He said: “We are now clearly in the middle of third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lagos has remained the epicenter of the disease in Nigeria. Test positivity rate currently stands at 12.1 per cent, compared to 1.1 per cent at the end of June, and seven per cent at end of July. As at August 21, 4,387 positive cases are currently being managed actively in-community.

“Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 5,551 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos, with 506 registered fatalities. Of these deaths, 135 have sadly, happened in this current third wave. I commiserate with all residents who have lost loved ones to the pandemic. We share in your pain and grief. As a society and as a Government, it is for us to redouble our efforts to defeat this devastating pandemic.”

The increment in positive cases, Sanwo-Olu said, has also shot up oxygen demand at the Government-controlled isolation centres, with the State supplying 400 cylinders daily to patients with severe cases.

At the beginning of the third wave, it was learnt that 75 cylinders were consumed per day at the isolation centres.

Sanwo-Olu said the State would be ramping up its oxygen plants in the coming days, as he projected that the demand for oxygen may shoot up in the next few weeks.

From next Wednesday, the Governor said Lagos would start the distribution of the first dose of Moderna vaccine across 150 centres set up in the State for the exercise. Increasing vaccination, the Governor said, will stem cases of fatalities, urging residents to get the vaccine.

He said: “In terms of treatment of severe cases, we have seen a gradual increase in the uptake of oxygen during the current wave. Utilization has increased from 75 cylinders per day at the beginning of this third wave, to over 400 cylinders per day, currently. With our modelling suggesting that we may be requiring even more oxygen supply over the next few weeks, we are exploring several ways of increasing our oxygen capacity.

“One of the major pillars of our mitigation strategy for the third wave is vaccination. We are seeing that countries that have vaccinated a large percentage of their population are recording drastic reductions in the numbers of COVID-19 related deaths. This is one of the reasons why we have not spared any cost to ensure that the vaccines that have been provided by the Federal Government are made available to every resident that meets the requirements for the vaccination programme.”

As part of the strategy to stem the cases, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government identified 5,998 Persons of Interest and had successfully isolated 4,500 of them, most of whom arrived from red-listed countries.

The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, August 20, 2021, arrested 37 suspected internet fraudsters.

The suspects were arrested at Ibadan and Oyo town, Oyo State following intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The suspects include Kehinde Emmanuel Ayoola, Adewale Adeparosi Samson, Adeniran Tijesunmi Ayobami, Abiodun Olamide, Olaoye Afolabi Bolarinwa, Ajibade Sodiq Ayodeji, Babalola Opeyemi David, Fatunbi Gboluwaga Oludotun, Abdusalam Mojeeb Ololade, Taiwo Emmanuel Olaoluwa and Oyewole Oyewunmi Fred.

Others are Akinboade Fatai Jimmy, Oyewole Samod. Others are: Ishola Akinyemi Labayo, Ayinde Oluwasegun Ridwan, Oladokun Abdulkadri Akolade, Adebayo Dare Basit, Adebayo Tola Kudus, , Oladeji Joseph Popoola Samuel Ayomide, Oladoja Oluwaseun Peter, Olakunbi Feranmi Ayodeji, Khalid Mohammed, Salimon Sodiq and Oparemi Ayomide James.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde and other government officials today attended the induction ceremony of the newly recruited 5,000 teachers in the State.

The induction ceremony which was held at Conference Centre, University of Ibadan had in attendance participants across the 33 local government areas in the State. The snapshots below are for photostory.