AMBODE’S WIFE FETES OVER 500 CHILDREN AT CHRISTMAS

By Tope Musowo

In the spirit of the Christmas celebration, Hope for Women in Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM), a pet project of the wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode on Monday distributed various gift items to more than 500 children at Massey Children’s Hospital, Lagos and Sought After Children’s Orphanage Home, Langbasa Ajah, in a project tagged: ‘Love at Christmas’.

The children aged between one month and 15 years, got various gift items, that left them feeling happy and included in the yuletide celebration.

Commenting on the gesture, the founder of HOFOWEM, Mrs. Ambode said that it was intended to put smiles on the faces of those children and integrate them into the celebration of Christmas.

She said Christmas was a period to spread love and generate happiness for persons, especially children and less-privileged people, who need assistance to meet some of their needs.

According to her, “What Christmas requires of all of us, is to show love and spread happiness among everyone including children. They are young persons, they need our care and special expression of love to partake in the celebrations.

“Christmas celebrations are not complete when we have not touched these children tenderly. As it were, this is just a token of love for the children from the foundation.”

Speaking further, the Governor’s wife noted that the cardinal philosophy of her foundation was to affect the lives of less-privileged persons, through interventions that bring radical improvement for them.

She said, “What is uppermost on our minds in HOFOWEM, is to uplift the lives of children, women, widows, aged women and challenged youths among others, to ensure happiness and quality life for them”.

She recalled that HOFOWEM had organized various programmes in the past, with the sole objective of putting smiles on the faces of that category of persons, promising that the Foundation would unfold more children and women-friendly programmes in the coming year.

Also speaking,  Commissioner for health, Dr. Jide Idris, represented by Dr. Funmilayo Shokunbi, expressed appreciation to the governor’s wife and the foundation, stressing that, the gesture would go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of the children.

According to him, “This noble gesture goes a long way in putting not just smiles on the faces of the children, but also demonstrates your genuine love and care for them”.

He added further, “That you have left the comfort of your home at this period to spend time with these children goes a long way in showing your heart of meekness, kindness and love and there is no better way to express love and integrate the children into the celebration of the yuletide, than this visit”.

Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Ms. Oyefunke Adeleke, thanked the founder for graciously approving the project, aimed at providing succor for the children, stressing that HOFOWEM’s agenda was about happiness for the weak and vulnerable.

She hinted that many programmes had been lined up for children and women in the New Year and would be unveiled one after the other.

On behalf of the parents of the children, Mr. Emmanuel Stephen, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor’s wife and the foundation, for what they described as the great act of kindness, praying that God would reward her generously.

He said: “We are full of appreciation to Her Excellency, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode and her foundation, HOFOWEM. She was wonderful on this occasion as she has always been. 

HOFOWEM is another name for kindness and generosity, Mrs. Ambode has been doing it through this foundation and she has not stopped. We pray that God will continue to bless her and direct her husband, the Governor of the State”.

Education in Nigeria: The way forward in 2018 By Prof Tolu Odugbemi

By Tope Musowo

A way forward cannot be charted without considering the present situation and the limitations that currently exist.

What are the factors hindering good standards in education?

These are mainly bad planning of curricula of institutions, misconceptions of what the mission of various levels and types of educational institutions should be even by owners of such institutions. Attitude of workers/ staff which may in part be due to poor remuneration. Many of these workers need to fend for themselves using alternative sources of income which may be legal or illegal; ethical or unethical because various owners in particular government agencies do not pay monthly salaries and allowances of staff and their workers at when due. It is counterproductive not to pay staff their salaries and allowances as at when due. Such situations result in an unproductive work force. There is also the major issue of incessant strikes. Strikes due to many of the reasons already mentioned above.

In order to get better and effective results for products of our institutions, there must be reorientation to provide insight or a way forward for

✓ Government

✓ Unions and staff

✓ Students

✓ Other stakeholders: parents, employers of labours etc.

It is not the quantity of universities in any area/ state/ nation that matters but the quality. There must be political will on the part of the Government to be focussed on quality.

Universities for example are centres which thrive on the passion in knowledge gaining and transfer, and societal development. Our universities have to work hard with the right and eminently qualified staff with passion for Education, excellence and break-through to impact the society positively. Many universities are not fulfilling their mandates of teaching, research and community development. My experience is that local communities see universities sited in their domains as local community institutions for employing all their community members at any time without recourse to the needs of the universities or budgetary allocations and societal relevance.

In the past, our universities in Nigeria recruited top scholars and administrators from USA, U.K, India, Canada, Egypt, Ghana other Commonwealth countries, etc. Furthermore students from these other countries come to our tertiary institutions to study. Today, our students move to other countries where they pay heavily to attend institutions 'abroad ' to cover accommodation and tuitions. I must point out that these institutions situated abroad are really well-equipped with assorted learning resources. Universities are supposed to be international, and contributions should not be of mean value. There is an urgent need for reorientation of various communities to note that universities located in their communities will certainly influence their communities one way one or other by outstanding research output making the outlook of university towns better.

Appropriate criteria for appointments and promotions of principal officers, staff and administrators are often bent by ill-qualified university "leaders. We must make our universities truly universal, and of highest standards to make the so-called universities solve societal problems. Universities need to be properly funded to make institutions have solid infrastructure, and attract and retain good and great staff and push out meaningful research findings.

Orientation programmes to re-educate communities to raise funds to offer scholarships to their needy indigenes, to donate in cash and in kind to achieve desired positive results. 

It is noted that funding remains a big challenge in Nigeria however even in developed countries like Canada, USA,UK etc. with great institutions, funding is critical but all other sources to yield funding to make institutions viable and optimal are explored. Apart from government subventions, other potential sources of funding which are not fully explored are: 

                   i.        Government grants and interventions (to address specific matters).

                  ii.        School fees, levies etc.

                 iii.        PTA support.

                iv.        Donations.

                 v.        IGR.

                vi.        Partnerships.

               vii.        Contributions from alumni and alumnae.

              viii.        Taxes.

                 ix.        Research findings: Patents, Consultancy.

Generally, we need to determine what suits us economically and socially, and be prepared to fund those ideas or actions relevant to our societal needs. Individual institutions should carefully consider their funding needs and the Governing Boards/Councils should apply what suits their own context so far the end-products will be relevant in making the society better.

As with any organization the principles of TEAMWORK, TRANSPARENCY, COURAGE, SINCERITY AND WELFARISM are required to move our educational sector forward.

Professor Tolu Odugbemi, OON, NNOM, FAS

You Were Taught Development Practice not Theory, DPP Coordinator to Graduating Students

By Tope Musowo and Olusegun Caleb

The Coordinator of the Development Practice Program (DPP) of the Center for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), University of Ibadan,Dr Olawale Olayide has charged the graduating students  to think solutions to daunting challenges confronting the word.

Dr. Layide gave this charge while addressing the students at the occasion of the Luncheon and Alumni Home- coming with the theme "Endogeneous Development and Practice for Sustainable Development" held at the International Conference Center , University of Ibadan on Friday.

His address in part,"Dear Friends and colleagues, you have been taken through the crucible of rigorous classroom teaching and on the field boot-on-the-ground training in the course of your study that earns you the degree of master in Development Practice." 

"Again, it is development practice, not development theory. You are therefore encouraged to unleash the solution and lightened your circle of influence. You are unleashed as employment creators."

"The whole United Nations structure is being aligned to respond to the global goals, and only you have the degree and eligibility to fill the employment gaps, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and rest of the world."

"Companies and private sectors are moving from the usual corporate social responsibility to investment in sustainable development. Airports (Istanbul), hotels (Ibis), oil & gas companies (BP), banks (Zenith) etc are blazing the trails as green businesses.

  

"Again, we cannot overemphasize the important of theory in practice. Think about sustainable solution as an adoption process. ..."

"Nigeria (and indeed Africa), has many problems which we politely call challenges, and sarcastically crises. These challenges are opportunities for wealth creation and transformation. For instance, the challenge of energy in Nigeria is a great opportunity for investment in renewable and non-grid sources". Dr Olayide advised.

Along with this line of thought, former Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana,Ambassador Ademola Oluseyi Onafowokan who was guest at the event said Nigeria needs sustainable development experts to lift the country forward.

The former Ambassador posited  that Sustainable Development practice is more than before needed to bring about the expected development in Nigeria and even Africa as a whole, adding that all what was needed for the Nigeria to be lifted could be adequately made possible with the coming in of Sustainable Development Practice experts into the system.

He then charged the Development Practice students to find their ways to the Ministries and other government parastatals and agencies for Nigeria to witness growth and development.

Meanwhile,earlier in his opening remark,the Director, Centre for Sustainable Development,(CESDEV) University of Ibadan, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan lauded the Center's alumni for their support for the center and urged the present  students of the center to emulate them.

The Vice Chancellor, Osun state University, Professor Labode Popoola while speaking assured the center of his continued support and his readiness to continue to associate with the center.

Professor Popoola commended the Director of the Center,Professor Olaniyan and the Center's Coordinator, Dr Olayide Olawale for upholding and sustaining the center.

In her presentation at the luncheon, Mrs Chidioma Opara emphasized the need for Nigeria government to make laws that will improve financial operations in the country.

It would be recalled that the Luncheon and Homecoming for the Alumni was a grand fenale  of  the Sustainability Week that started with a rally on Tuesday,then a visit to the less privileged on Wednesday, followed by a training and workshop session for the students on 'Promoting Accountability and Transparency within the Civil Society' ; powered by the NNNGO. 

The high point of the Luncheon was the  Awards presentation to some eminent personalities; Ambassador Ademola Onafowokan (the former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana), Dr. Lucia Rodriguez,  (the Director Global MDP , Columbia University, and the newly appointed Patroness of the Organization), Professor Oladele Osinbajo, Miss Adetokunbo Lawrence, Mr Adebimpe Aderounmu, Mr Olufemi Oshinowo and Miss Victoria Nyabam. 

The programme also witnessed the swearing-in of the newly elected DEPSA's Executives, Certificates presentation for attendees of the training carried out, and Cutting of the "Sustainability Cake".

2017 SUSTAINABILITY WEEK: IBADAN STANDS STILL FOR SDGs RALLY

By Temitope Musowo

The ancient city of Ibadan yesterday stood still for the Development Practice Students (DPP) of the Center for Sustainable Development (CESDEV), University of Ibadan, Nigeria, who embarked on a rally round the city to educate the public about the Sustainable Development Goals.

Marking the 2017 edition of the annual Sustainability Week,yesterday's rally was one of the activities lined up for the week,an opportunity to educate,intimate and keep the people abreast of their roles in the achievement of this vision 2030.

The program which is slated to hold between 11th to 15th of December,took off with a rally which started from the Center for Sustainable Development (CESDEV) along Awolowo Avenue through Sango Market down to the main gate of the University of Ibadan, along Ojoo road,back to Bodija Market,round the city and later terminated at the center (CESDEV).

With strong passion and resolve to ensure that people are educated about these Goals,the DPP students in the company of the Director of the Center, Prof. Olanrewaju  Olaniyan and the Coordinator of the DPP program, Dr. olawale Olayide,with some members of Sustainable Development Solution Network-Youth UI (SDSN-YOUTH UI) all in a branded T-Shirt defiled the scourging sun to go round the city.

Fully prepared for this outing, provisions were made for Vans with music player to attract attention of the public, Ambulance in case of any eventuality, Security Van and other vehicles in a convoy ,with flyers containing information about the SDGs already translated into local language which were distributed to the members of the public.

One of the DPP students who spoke with Devcom Nigeria said the reason  they were doing that was because findings have shown that one of the reasons why no African country was able to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) then was because of low level of awareness about the vision by members of the public who should be major drivers in its achievement and now that the SDGs provide another opportunity,the awareness have to be total.

The Sustainability Week continues with othe activities for the rest of the week like ; SDGs Advocacy to Secondary Schools, A 1-day workshop on SDGs and lots more.

You can be a part of the events by joining them on the Social Media; follow @dppui2017 @cesdevui 

#SustainabilityWeek

#LeaveNoOneBehind

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.