Day of the Girl Child: Project Forward Everyone Engages School Girls in Ibadan

By Tope Musowo

In commemoration of the 2017 International Day of The Girl Child which is marked every October 11th, Project Forward Everyone has organized a workshop for adolescent girls in public secondary schools in Ibadan on Menstrual Health Hygiene and Self-esteem.

Project Forward Everyone, an organization poised to addressing developmental challenges in Nigeria through well-designed approaches yesterday drew experts from different departments to do justice to this year's  theme, "Power of The Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030".

Speaking at the programme,Women Leader and Sustainable Development Practitioner, Mrs Olanike Oladapo from the Center for Sustainable Development (CESDEV) Ibadan, focused her teaching on self-esteem when she urged the girls who were from different secondary schools across Ibadan the capital city of Oyo State, on the need to build a high self-esteem.

  Emphasizing the difference between high and low self-esteem,why girls need to build their confidence level and achieve whatever they set their minds to achieve. She added that every girl is a “unique individual” and there is no one else in the world like her.

Another expert from the Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof. (Mrs) Oyedunni Orulogun spoke on “Demystifying Menstrual Health for the Nigerian Girl”.

 She started her presentation by encouraging girls that they could achieve whatever they want to achieve and that gender is never an excuse. While highlighting some of the issues affecting girls such as education, nutrition, child marriage, legal and medical rights,she also spoke on some myths and misconceptions about menstruation especially the  prevalent rural practice of girls being kept in the bush during their menstrual  periods. 

Prof. Arulogun stressed that menstruation could affect all aspects of a girl’s life especially in education, economics, health, participation and dignity but there is need for the girls not to limit themselves. She proffered simple steps on how girls can have healthy periods such as changing napkins 2-3 times a day, drying undergarments under the sun, keeping clean and dry. 

She encouraged parents to seek advice about sexuality education in order to educate their girls,how parents need to talk to their girls especially during menstruation. She ended her presentation by encouraging girls to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Meanwhile,speaking with Devcom Nigeria after the event, a cofounder at Project Everyone, Miss Chinonso Onwunali explained that the aim of the workshop was to empower the school girls with the right knowledge about menstruation and increase their esteem to go after their life goals in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

"The main aim of the event is to positively engage school girls within Ibadan on menstrual hygiene and self-esteem issues. There is a need for adolescent girls to be aware of the changes their bodies go through at adolescence. They need to have the correct knowledge about menstrual hygiene and self-esteem which are important at this stage of their life.

"We believe that in doing this, we will be giving the girls the right education, promoting

the good health and wellbeing of these girls and also expose them to better opportunities in life through lifted self-esteem",said Chinonso.

Schools that were represented at the event include the following among others;Community High School, Sango,Immanuel College High School, Orita UI,.Isabatudeen Girls High School, Basorun.The students showed willingness to learn, asked relevant questions from the resource persons and as well participated actively in the breakout sessions.

Project Forward Everyone expressed its willingness to take the issue of menstruation and self-esteem to other schools and to the rural areas. The organization was optimistic that there was a need to engage more girls within a safe space and create more girl child ambassadors advocating for the rights of girls.

Famous Journalist, Ajagbe, Joins Councillorship Race

BY OLA MUHAMMED

Indication has revealed that famous political journalist and brain behind  one of the leading social media platforms in Nigeria(August24news.com) Mr Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim has joined the lcouncillorship race in Lagos Island East LCDA,under the ruling All Progressive Congress. (APC).

OMOATITEBI as he is fondly called by his teeming supporters and admirers will be contesting for the post of the honourable councillor in ward E3 which is the premiere ward in Lagos island East LCDA.

Devcom Nigeria gathered that the front line blogger has worked with several media outfits where he learnt the rope before establishing his own online platform after gathering experience that span over decades 

As we gathered,he began his political sojourn  in 1999 during the Era of Alliance for Democracy (AD) to Action Congress(AC),then he remain as the party transformed into Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now All Progressives Congress (APC)

Report has it that since the race began ,Omotatitebi is seriously making waves in the Lagos Island political space and far ahead of other six aspirants including a strong contender Hon. John Akinsuyi Somide,a development which some political analysts has attributed his popularity to the reputation he has  built for himself as a member of pen fraternity over the years.

We also gathered that,omoatitebi who has been the official correspondent of the party in Lagos Island right from the days of Alliance for democracy to its present All Progressive Congress will have his way due to his track records and unprecedented achievements.

According to a prominent leader from ward E3, who spoke on condition of anonymity with our correspondent said," the bold step taken by omoatitebi is a welcome development in his political career and we shall make use of him because he his a good material for the party and has been using his pen to promote the image of the party successfully,so giving him the opportunity to be the number one citizen of the ward is not a mistake.

He said, "we will never regret our action for supporting Omoatitebi because he was able to produce all documents required by the screening committee,he answered perfectly the functions of a councillor, outline the boundary of the ward and other relevant questions asked by the screening committee during the exercise".

In an interview with our correspondent, OmoAtitebi promise to sponsored four bills that would positively impact the lives of the good citizen of ward E3 and Lagos Island generally in the fist four years in office and Ten diffrent social amenities program that would promote the ward.

Stakeholders Meeting: constituents lauds Makinde's efforts,demand more development projects.

By Dapo Thomas

The residents of Ifako-Ijaye constituency II have lauded the efforts of Hon Lanrewaju Rasheed Makinde for what they described as good representation at the Lagos State House of Assembly while asking him to do more.

This was the submission of the constituents on Friday during the simultaneous constituency stakeholders meeting held in 39 constituencies out of 40 in Lagos State,themed “True Representation and Accountability”

People of  Ifako-Ijaye praised Honourable Makinde for influencing developmental projects to the area particularly the recently commissioned Abule -Egba Flyover while they also raised some of their needs for prompt inclusion in the 2018 budget.

Mr Gboyega Salvador, former Special Adviser to Ex- Gov. Babatunde Fasola said over 41 roads in the area had been damaged when Abule-Egba Flyover Bridge was being constructed.

“Mainly, our challenge, because of the flyover that was done at Abule-Egba, is bad link roads. The first things the state should have
done is to repair all the inner roads.

“We have lost almost 41 inner roads in Ojokoro LCDA (Local Council Development Area) and this is affecting the economic activities of the constituency.

“Educationally, we are backward; the government needs to give us more.
We need to develop markets,” he said.

Salvador, who described Ambode as a performer, lauded the idea of the
Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting to feel the pulse of the people.

Also speaking, Oba Saka Taiwo, the Alagbado of Orile-Alagbado, who commended Ambode for infrastructural development, added most inner roads in the area needed repair.

“We want the government to do more to ensure provision of employment
opportunities for our children who have gone to school.

“We are not saying the government is not trying, we are only saying they should not rest on their oars but try harder for the development of the society.

According to him, the lawmaker representing the constituency had done so much for the youths and the community at large.

The Babaloja General of Ojokoro LCDA, Alhaji Akinloye Oladejo also called for a state of emergency on inner roads in Ojokoro, saying that bad roads had been affecting industries and markets in the area.

Oladejo, who noted that Ambode remained a listeners, urged Makinde to commune with the governor to repair all inner roads that went bad as a result of the construction of the flyover bridge, as he laud Makinde for performing beyond expectations.

Speaking with Newsmen, Mr Tony Nwokolo, the Proprietor/ Founder, Hope
Fountain School for the Deaf, Ojokoro commended Gov. Ambode and other
representatives for identifying with people living with disabilities.
Nwokolo, a deaf, said: “We are disabled part of the community. As you know in Nigeria, people look down on  the disable but with the coming of Ambode, things are improving.

“Our representatives in the council, state and federal are not identifying with disable. Any time they visit our school, we are always very happy for identifying with us.
“Special schools need more attention from Government, philanthropists for the provision of school clinics, bus , canteen, and many other
things.

“Being a disable is not the end of the world. Whether you are deaf or blind, there is hope. We want government to look into employing the disabled. We want the society to give inclusive treatment.
“If government wants to employ 100 people, it should consider the disable community, for example if 80 per cent goes to able body, 20 per cent can go to the disabled. That will give us a sense of belonging in the community.’’

Earlier in his speech, Makinde, the Chairman, House Committee on House Services said that event was to feel the pulse of the people as their representative and relate same to the executive arm.

The lawmaker said that the House, under the leadership of the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa to ensure that people have meaningful representation.

“We do this through good laws that guarantee infrastructural developments, creation of more jobs and qualitative education for the benefit of all.

“Also, we want to ensure affordable health care delivery system that ensures the well being of our people and establishment of a security system that promises safety of lives and property among others.

Makinde said that suggestions, demands and requests of previous stakeholders’ meeting were collated and forward to the executive arms, which had resulted in most infrastructural projects. He said that the objectives of the meeting were to strengthen participatory democracy, ensure true representation through accountability and seeks inputs from constituents on their welfare and need.

The lawmaker said that the House had done a lot to improve legislative competence and accomplishments by review old legislations and initiating new ones to meet current needs.

“We have passed various resolutions that have changed the lives of the people and the face of Lagos State. The House has continued to work tirelessly in attending to disputes bordering on matters of justice, violation of human rights and others,’’ he said.

From the mainland to the Island and hinterland, lawmakers were confronted with problems the constituents have been grappling with,which deserve policy statement that could afford them the needed respite.

In Ifako-Ijaiye constituency  2 stakeholders called for speedy repairs of most of the inner roads linking the Abule- Egba jubilee flyover bridge constructed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, as most of them are now in UK. 

Save the environment initiative: CleanEdge takes campaign to secondary schools

By Tope Musowo

Resolute in its pursuit of a cleaner environment, particularly in Oyo state,CleanEdge has begun the pilot phase of its save the environment campaign starting with a secondary school in Ibadan the capital city of Oyo state.

 CleanEdge team led by the Campaign Manager, Tosin Gbadegesin,Campaign Coordinator,Tope Ogunweide,Instructor Toyib Aremu and Content Creator,Okunade Waliyah visited Methodist Grammar School Bodija,Ibadan on Thursday for a pilot test of the campaign program before the official take off.

 According to a statement made available to Devcom Nigeria,the significance of the pilot phase of the program was to enable the team which recently called for volunteers envisage any likely change that may confront the volunteers in the course of the campaign so as to nip it in the bud before the final take off.

 With a massive turn out,the team was given a warm reception at Methodist Secondary school where they began the pilot phase of  sensitizing secondary school students in Oyo State on how best they could manage their waste and preserve the environment.

The students with the cooperation of the staff of the school,gave their rapt attention while the instructor Toyib Aremu an environment enthusiast from the Center for Sustainable Development (CESDEV) ,University of Ibadan,made his presentation on waste management, the havoc improper waste management can wreck to our environment.

 His presentation also cover different ways on how  the students  could recycle their waste and  proper waste management. 

The  students however demonstrated good knowledge and impact with brilliant questions that followed the presentation. After the question and answer sessions, the school was presented with waste paper bins which was to constantly remind the school of Cleanedge “save the environment campaign" for the students to put what was taught to good use as they also  teach others.

Cleanedge therefore hope to take its sensitization campaign to over 150 secondary schools in the state 33 local government from 19th of October to 17th of November 2017.

Save the Environment Campaign : CeanEdge Solutions call for volunteers

A private Initiative poised to ensuring a healthy environment in Oyo state and its environs,CleanEdge Solutions  is calling on interested individual who are passionate about a better environment to volunteer and  join in the campaign for a clean Oyo State.

In an advert statement made available to Devcom Nigeria,the organisation is calling out on individual who is interested in helping to save the planet, interested in saving the environment to join the chariot and brace up for a volunteer job that would make the environment more habitable for mankind.

The Advertisement is as follow:

 Interested in helping to save the environment? Are you passionate about climate change? Can you teach secondary school student in Oyo state on how they can save their environment? Can you give out 2-3hrs per week for a month to educate secondary school students about they can save their environment and reduce impact on climate change?

If all your responses to these questions are YES, then this call for application is right for you!  This is a chance to serve your community; time to get engaged is now. Now is the time to boost your CV through community service work

CleanEdge Solutions in collaboration with her partners is seeking for volunteers in all the Thirty-three (33) local government of Oyo state from 19th of October 2017 to 17th of November 2017. This is the last call for volunteers in Oyo State and you will be selected based on the quality of your application

About Us

CleanEdge is a hybrid social enterprise dedicated to changing the harmful habits that affect the way we make, dispose of and think about waste. We conduct waste audits, waste education, build waste house and specialize in waste related communication strategies, branding and designing innovative marketing campaigns which engage all stakeholders and encourage citizenship participation. We’re the gateway to the 3Rs of waste management; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We want to cultivate a sustainable society by delivering innovative, effective and educational programs that result in positive environmental change and in the long run, we want to contribute to greener economy; this means a healthier environment, meaningful jobs with livable wages, and a more equitable society for all

Why Environmental Education

Ibadan, Oyo State capital rightly be acclaimed as the second most developed city in south western Nigeria after Lagos but unfortunately, the state of hygiene seen around the city can be termed as worrisome. The city is the largest capital in Nigeria and it was the fastest growing city in Nigeria as at the time of independence. Despite the development the city has seen over the years, good hygiene and efficient waste management is still hard to come by. It is to this end CleanEdge as one of its mandate has decided to take “safe the environment” campaign to secondary schools in the state as it is believed that the knowledge about environment will reduce the quantity of waste generated. With this initiative, CleanEdge Solutions hope to reach over 200 schools by November ending.

Eligibility

Young people between 18-40yrs

Reside in Oyo State or can participate in Oyo State

Passionate about environment, climate change, education and sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a whole

Benefits

Volunteers get the chance of a lifetime to open doors to opportunities, ability to network with Businesses, Captain of Industries, Government; Civil Society Organizations etc. and collaborate with other young people who are excelling both locally and internationally. You additionally get noticed at all levels (Online and Offline), will be able to request for recommendation letter to attend local and international conferences, and apply for visa. Volunteers will also get the chance to attend our networking events (such as with YALI RLC Fellow, Mandela Washington Fellow, Federal and State Ministry of Environment, Ambassadors to United Nations and many more), apply for job openings at CleanEdge Solutions and a Certificate of Service will be presented to you as you finish your service.

Note: This is non-paid

How does it work?

The volunteer’s role is to educate secondary school student in the state on harmful activities affecting the environment, how it can be controlled and how these activities impact climate change and affect our lives. Volunteers will function in four different categories:

Team Leader: who is to lead the team to the school that will be visited, to be assisted by the assistant team leader. The team leader is expected to come up with the school that will be visited. The team leader is expected to report how activities go in their LGA to us.

Assistant Team Leader: to assist the team leader and support the team.

Media Officer: responsible for taking activities to social media as it happens in their school

General Secretary whose role is to document activities and provide report to the team leader

In overall, an LGA would have a maximum of 8 volunteers, 2 for each category. An LGA will have two different teams visiting different schools and a team is expected to visit 4 different schools within this period

Through the Program, Volunteers will be required to sort out schools to visit as we will give the methods through which occasions will be sorted out by a Team in an LGA. This campaign is targeted at both private and public schools in the state and should take 1-2hrs per day per week.

Particular parts and obligations of volunteers will further be communicated to them after selection.

Note: All necessities will be provided by CleanEdge solutions team

Application

To apply, click here

For more information, send an email to info@cleanedge.com.ng or call: +2347032620568, +2348163614218

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NIG AT 57: WE HAVE MORE TO GAIN TOGETHER THAN DIVIDED - AMBODE

By Tope Musowo 

 Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday emphasized the need for Nigeria to remain united, saying there was more to gain in being together as one nation than dissolving as different independent entities. 

Speaking at a special thanksgiving service to commemorate Nigeria's 57th Independence Anniversary held at Lagos House Chapel in Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Ambode said it was important for Nigerians to realise the fact that the country's diversity is a strength in itself which makes the country a truly special place.

He said a moment of reflection and retrospection would reveal the need for Nigerians to be thankful to God for His grace, blessings and mercy over the country.

According to the Governor, "That we still have a country we can call Nigeria today is a proof of the divine hands of God in our being together as one. 

"We must therefore reflect on our journey so far and come to the inevitable realisation that we have much more to gain as one nation than as different independent entities. 

"Our diversity is a strength in itself and what makes our country a truly special place. We are a nation blessed by God. We have been blessed with enormous natural, human and material resources," Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, who recalled the terrible natural disasters that had happened in different parts of the world in recent times, said the fact that Nigeria had been preserved from such adversities confirmed that the country is favoured by God and that as Nigerians thank the Almighty for what he has done, more blessings would come upon the country.

While noting the prosperity and growth that Lagos had witnessed, the Governor said it was a thing of concern that most of the States of the federation were struggling to survive, saying it was in the interest of the country for all the States to be viable.

He said: "To the glory of God, our State, Lagos is blessed and its future is brighter than we can imagine. We cannot however be satisfied and happy in a situation where many other States are far behind and are struggling to survive. 

"It is in our interest that the wind of prosperity blows across the length and breadth of our nation and the prosperity that we have in Lagos spillover to other States.

"As we celebrate independence, we have seen what Lagos is right now and it can only get better. I just want to appeal that the people should be patient with the country Nigeria. 

"The same thing that is happening in Lagos will happen across the length and breath of Nigeria and that is what we are working towards. When my neighbors are good, I am better off; when other parts of the country are prosperous, I am better off," Governor Ambode said.

In his sermon, Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in charge of Province 36, Pastor Tunde Netufo commended Governor Ambode for his various initiatives at reducing traffic congestion and incidences of traffic robberies, among others, saying the State was being governed rightly.

Speaking on the theme: "God's Greatness in Our Land," Pastor Netufo urged Nigerians to hearken to God and make it a priority to love like never before and eschew bitterness, corruption and every form of evil.

He said: "For God's greatness to manifest in the land, the people must be committed and faithful both to God and civic responsibilities and they must eschew corruption and social vices.

"The people must partner with government to bring our desires to past. For instance, people must pay their taxes and embrace hardwork," Pastor Netufo said.

SDG 3 : BETTY AKEREDOLU LAUNCHES BRECAN IN LAGOS,SEEKS A COLLECTIVE FIGHT AGAINST KILLER DISEASE

By Tope Musowo

The First Lady of Ondo State and the founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) has called for all hands to be on deck in the fight against breast cancer.

Speaking at the official launch and fundraising dinner for the Lagos Chapter of BRECAN at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Lagos, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu called for support of individuals and government to ensure that women do not die needlessly because of breast cancer, stating that the time has come for everybody to play their part in the effort to add knowledge and eradicate the scourge of cancer.

“We don’t have to fold our hands; I think it is about time we begin to take part in the effort to add knowledge and eradicate the scourge of cancer so that our women do not die needlessly because they do not have money to access treatment.

“For us to do so much, we need money to be able to comb the nooks and crannies of this state so that our women are aware that if they do nothing about that painless lump, their survival is not guaranteed. Awareness is key; let us all support ourselves and know that women are surviving cancer if you do the right thing at the right time”, she stressed.

In her lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Mrs. Olufunmi Olateju emphasized the role of diet in attaining good health while also highlighting some factors that helps in preventing cancer which include physical exercise, healthy eating habits among others.

“A lot of people don’t like to do exercise; be physically active as part of everyday life. Avoid sugary foods and eat lean meat”, she added while analyzing the impact of food choices on a cancer patient and also the need to get expert advice.

In her own remark, the National President of BRECAN, Mrs. Juliet Ogbogu expressed joy at the official launch of the chapter while applauding Arabinrin Akeredolu for taking the initiative to establish BRECAN 20 years ago.

“I want to thank God that BRECAN is spreading like wild fire. She did it, she survived it and she is still counting. BRECAN has gone international. We are raising funds today in order to be able to create awareness. I am happy that chapters are springing up. We now have chapters in 7 states of the federation”, Mrs. Ogbogu reiterates.

In attendance at this epoch making event was the wife of Lagos state Governor , Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, the wife of Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Mrs. Ajewole Ajayi, the wife of Ondo State SSG, Mrs. Jumoke Abegunde among other top dignitaries.

Giving an emotional speech, Salmon Nurat, a 30 year old breast cancer survivor who used the opportunity to thank Mrs. Akeredolu for founding BRECAN in order to give hope to patients charged the government to make radiotherapy machines available so that cancer patient can access help.

In her own remark, Funmi Adefila Osiegbu, another breast cancer survivor admonished that a total lifestyle change is required and that eating right and exercise is a must.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of BRECAN, Lagos State, Mrs. Vivian Okorie affirmed that the official launch of the state chapter was indeed special as it is a movement directed towards bringing about change to humanity.

According to her, the scourge of breast cancer is no longer news as it affects both the young and the old, thus the need to collectively fight back.While calling for supports in its bid to continually create awareness and advocate for resources and facilities that will aid in quick recovery of women suffering from breast cancer, Mrs. Okorie enjoined everybody to be a part of the fight back.

The newly inaugurated state executives include Vivian Okorie, chairperson, Prisca Attah, Secretary, Henrietta Tommey, Fin. Secretary, Jennifer Seidu, Treasurer, and Emeka Ojeh, PRO.