AMBODE’S WIFE CALLS FOR END TO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN, GIRLS

By Tope Musowo

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, at the weekend called for total eradication of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls.

She made the call in her office in Alausa, Ikeja, while chatting with journalists on the occasion of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Mrs. Ambode noted that violence against women and girls remained one of the most widespread and devastating human rights violence in the world, adding that achieving gender parity would require more vigorous efforts and legal frameworks, to tackle established anti-female practices spread across socio-cultural and political landscapes.

According to her, “Everyone has the right to live their life without the threat of violence. This holds for everyone irrespective of age, gender, religion or any other characteristics of human identity.”

‘’We must all come together to put an end to these acts by supporting not just by the passing and implementation of laws to protect girls and women from child marriage, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment but by agitating for it to be properly monitored and evaluated”, she stressed.

Speaking further, she said, prevention of violence against women and girls must begin early, stressing that children and young ones must learn the principles of equality, respect and non- violence for future generations.

She urged women and girls not to keep silence in the face of brazen discrimination and abuse but speak up boldly and report such cases to appropriate government agencies, for immediate action.

Mrs. Ambode said: “As a united force, we must act now to end violence against women and girls, to change institutions and work together to end discrimination, restore human rights and dignity, and ensure we leave no one behind.”

The governor’s wife also urged enlightened women, gender-based NGOs and other female sympathetic groups, to continue to lead the campaign for total emancipation of all women in line with this year’s theme: “Leave no one behind: end violence against all women and girls”.

November 25^th every year is set aside as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls across the world.

MATERNAL MORTALITY: UTILISE GOVT HEALTH FACILITIES, AMBODE’S WIFE TELLS EXPECTANT MOTHERS

By Tope Musowo

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has again called on expectant mothers in the state, to utilise Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and skilled birth attendants, to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality.

She gave the charge on Tuesday at a town hall meeting on reduction of maternal and child mortality, in Epe local government, organized by the State’s Ministry of Health.

Mrs. Ambode noted that refusal by expectant mothers for various reasons to access obstetric services, was a major contributor to the maternal mortality rate in the State.

According to her, “Almost every minute, somewhere in a corner of the world, a woman dies as a result of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. For every woman that dies, about twenty others survive but suffer from serious diseases, disability or physical damage, caused by these complications. Majority of these maternal deaths are avoidable if expectant mothers access quality reproductive health care, including skilled attendance at birth.

“Non-use of essential obstetric services is a crucial factor that contributes to high maternal mortality. Some women refuse to access care when highly necessary either because of cultural practices or because decision-making is the responsibility of other family members’, she said.

She stressed that while the role of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) is acknowledged, it is important they know their limitations and ensure prompt referrals to the Primary Health Care Centres.

She appealed to all women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, as well as children under the age of five years, to avail themselves of the free services during the Child Health Week, commencing from Monday throughout the week, by visiting the nearest Primary Health facility closets to them.

The Governor’s wife, who urged women to pay attention to their nutrition during pregnancy, enlisted the support of families, religious and community groups to win the battle against the menace.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that it was important for TBAs to be registered with the state government, adding that reports indicated expectant mothers still visited TBAs, who knew not what to do when complications arose.

The Commissioner said that the State Government had done so much in the area of primary health-care, as the Governor was very passionate about the health of the citizenry.

He enjoined everyone to come together at the end of the town hall meeting and resolve to do the right thing, beneficial to mothers during pregnancy and babies after child-birth, stressing that everyone had a role to play.

Delivering their goodwill messages, the member Federal House of Representative, representing Epe Federal Constituency, Hon. Tasir Raji and Chairman House Committee on Health in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Segun Olulade, both alluded to the fact that there was a strong link between the health and survival of a mother and that of her new-born.

Raji said it was imperative for the State Government to explore the possibility of registering the TBAs with a view to integrating them into the healthcare delivery system, as this according to him, would considerably help build capacity to ease burden in the health sector.

Olulade on his part, stressed that all efforts must be concerted to ensure no woman in Lagos State loses her life during pregnancy or childbirth.  

In attendance were top government functionaries, traditional rulers, stakeholders in the health industry, Traditional Birth Attendants, and other relevant stakeholders.

Lumure of Ayeka installs Gen Bajowa, wife as Ojagbulegun and Yeye Ojagbulegun of Ayeka

By TOPE MUSOWO

The Ayeka community in Okitipupa Local Government came alive with pomp and celebration on Monday, the 13th November, 2017 as the Monarch of Ayeka kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Bode Ayelomi and his council of chiefs rolled out the drums in celebration and investiture of notable Ikale personalities as Chiefs of Lumure, Ode Ayeka.

A major and most significant highlight of the event was the honouring of a prominent couple, whose contribution to the growth of Ikale land cannot be quantified: Prince Oluyemi Bajowa, a retired army General and the Jagunmolu of Ikale Land, and his amiable wife , Princess Barrister Oluyemi Bajowa, who incidentally is of Ayeka origin.
The event which held at the palace of Lumure in the heart of Ayeka was attended by prominent sons and daughters of the land.

The traditional exercise peaked with the decoration of Gen. Bajowa and his wife with their new chieftaincy titles as Ojagbulegun and Yeye Ojagbulegun as the Kabiyesi personally superintend the coronation exercise.
Earlier, "omojas" had displayed with traditional folk songs to entertain guests. The Biripo maestro, High Chief Omotola Emaye was also on ground to supply Biripo lyrics to serenade the culturally charged atmosphere .

In his speech, The Ojagbulegun of Aiyeka and Jagunmolu of Ikale Land, Prince. Dr. General Olu Bajowa appreciated the Royal stool of Ayeka eminently occupied by Oba Ayelomi, for considering him to be honoured with a chieftaincy title that is so rich in cultural and historical antecedent.

 He noted that the honour is significant, just as the day is a great day for sons and daughters of both Lumure and Lubokun. He maintained that he is connected to Aiyeka kingdom first as a son-in-law, and now as a prominent chief of the kingdom. Bajowa in his characteristic magnanimity donated N2.5 million towards the completion of the Lumure town hall project.

In her own remark, Yeye Ojagbulegun of Ayeka and Iye Lumure of Ikale land, Chief Mrs Oluyemi Bajowa OFR, while also thanking The Lumure of Ayeka for the traditional honour, noted that the time has come for the people of the kingdom to come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. She promised to facilitate the annual celebration of "Ayekaule" Day, adding that the celebration will not be devoid of the frills and thrills of such festivity as observed in other major towns of Yoruba Land. Following in the step of her generous husband, Mrs. Bajowa also made a handsome donation, which was not announced. She was also supported by her friend, Chief Mrs Jadesola Esho Taofik, whom the Lumure also honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of "The Erelu Oba of Ayeka kingdom".

The chieftaincy installation train moved to the palatial residence of Gen. Bajowa at his Igbotako country home where guests were entertained to sumptuous delicacies as Omo'ba Demola Suzi and his musical band also entertained with his merry making lyrics.

Among the dignitaries at the event were The Rebuja of Osooro Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa; The Jegun of Idepe -Okitipupa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Obatuga Adetoye; His Royal Highness, Oba Ola Ayeku, The Obagberunme of Igbodigo, Oniju of Iju-Odo, Chief. Akinurun,  Asiwaju Benson Akindeju, CEO Ak media, Lagos; Dr. Paul Akintelure and his wife, Pastor Segun Ayerin, Mopol Commander Olubode Ojajuni and a host of others.