‘I fell from two-storey building’

•Sylvester needs N2 million for corrective surgery

LOOKING forlorn on the hospital bed is 32-year-old Sylvester Johnson, a student of Lagos State Skill Acquisition Centre, Ikorodu.

   His predicament began on Thursday, October 10, 2013, when the hardworking and enthusiastic young man, eager to put into practice what he had been taught in school, fell from a two-storey building and broke his spinal cord.

   Speaking with The Guardian on his sickbed, he cuts the picture of a person in dire need of assistance, as he opened up on his experience. “In my bid to add practical experience to the skills I have learnt, I went out with a contractor to fix an air conditioner at Ikeja when I had the accident.

   “I was using a ladder to climb the building, carrying one of the air conditioners. It was while trying to position the AC during the installation that I lost balance and fell. I landed on my back and had spinal cord injury that has since taken me to various hospitals,” he said.

   He was initially taken to Gbagada General Hospital before being transferred to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja. “I was discharged on Friday, October 18 and later admitted to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, but when doctors went on strike, I was taken to a private hospital in Surulere, Lagos.”

   His brother, Augustine Johnson, narrated the fruitless search for financial assistance by family members to put Sylvester back on his feet. “Sylvester is a good brother, who struggled to eke out a living repairing and installing air conditioners and refrigerators. It is unfortunate he got injured on duty.

   “We have been told by doctors that Sylvester’s spinal problem could corrected through a surgery to strengthen his bone, but the hospital requested N2 million to carry out the surgery. We don’t have the resources to sponsor his operation; hence the reason we are appealing to Nigerians for assistance,” he said.

   Those willing to assist Sylvester can pay into: Okolo Sylvester Johnson WEMA BANK account number 0224604297. He can be reached on 08023977114 and 08074543571.

 By Adeniyi Idowu Adunola

Corps member attacked by suspected cultists

Miss Folakemi Akinbode, a 26-year-old currently undergoing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bayelsa State, has been hospitalised at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri after she was attack by suspected cultists.

The Ondo-born graduate of Nursing from Madonna University was returning from work when she was ambushed by two suspected cultists along a lonely bush path leading to the corpers’ lodge where she resides at Obunagha community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The attackers inflicted machete wounds on her right hand, nearly severing it. They then fled the scene. The real target was her head but she raised the hand in defence, it was learnt.

The victim was said to have run to the lodge with her injuries screaming for help after which she collapsed and lost consciousness due to the severity of the injury and bleeding.

“Although she had been given three pints of blood, she is yet to regain consciousness,” a source said.

Traditional ruler of the community, Chief Apoh Godgive consequently ordered the immediate constitution of a vigilante group in the community, in order to identify the criminals. Public Relations Officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, DSP Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the incident, saying the command had started hunting for the hoodlums.

Burial of Pa Ademola Fashola in Lagos

FROM LEFT: GOVS. BABATUNDE FASHOLA OF LAGOS; IBIKUNLE AMOSUN OF OGUN; A GUEST 
AND KAYODE FAYEMI OF EKITI, AT THE BURIAL OF FATHER OF GOV. FASHOLA IN LAGOS  ON TUESDAY (6/8/13).

GOV. IBIKUNLE AMOSUN OF OGUN (2ND L); GOV. BABATUNDE FASHOLA OF LAGOS (3RD L);
CHIEF IMAM OF  LAGOS CENTRAL MOSQUE, ALHAJI GARUBA AKINOLA (C) AND OTHERS OFFERING `JANOZAT'
PRAYERS FOR PA ADEMOLA FASHOLA, FATHER OF LAGOS GOVERNOR, AT LAGOS CENTRAL MOSQUE ON TUESDAY (6/8/13)

Nigeria imposes curfew on Boko Haram flash point

Nigeria's Yobe State on Tuesday announced a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum after attacks by Boko Haram terrorists.

Military spokesman in the state Lazarus Eli, in a statement made available to Xinhua, called on the residents of Potiskum to cooperate and abide by the order.

"Residents of Potiskum are enjoined to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by remaining indoors until the curfew is lifted," the military spokesperson said.

On July 6, exactly a month ago, the Boko Haram sect killed at least 29 students and a teacher at a boarding school in Potiskum.

Meanwhile, security operatives have also intensified surveillance in the city, including stop-and-search operations, to ensure that no attacks are carried out during the forthcoming Muslims' Eid el-fitr celebration in the state.

Since 2009, Yobe State in the northeast region of Nigeria has witnessed many deadly attacks in which women and children were mostly killed.

Yobe was among the three northeast states including Adamawa and Borno hit by insurgency, where President Goodluck Jonathan recently imposed state of emergency.

Governor Fashola`s father died @ 79

Alhaji Ademola Fashola, father of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, is dead.

He died of a chronic age-related ailment, at his Akinsemoyin Street, off Bode Thomas Street, Surulere on Monday at 79 years old.
Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser to the governor on Media,  who was on lesser hajj with the governor in Saudi Arabia, confirmed the death to journalists in Ikeja via telephone.

He is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grand children among whom is the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Arinola Fuwa, Olayinka Fashola, Ademola Fashola, Omolara Fashola, Adewale Fashola, Ademola Fashola Jnr. and Ademola Keji Fashola.

Meanwhile, the state government has announced that the deceased would be interred on Tuesday, the 6th of August 2013 at Vaults and Gardens Ikoyi by 1pm.

Sudan, South Sudan armies clash on oil rich Heglig border

One Sudanese soldier was killed Monday during a military confrontation between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the South Sudanese Army in the oil-rich Heglig area on the Sudanese territories.

Sawarmy Khalid Saad, spokesman of the SAF, said in a statement that a patrol of the South Sudanese Army entered the oil-rich Heglig area on the Sudanese territories, the official Sudanese News Agency reported.  The report added that a Sudanese soldier was killed and two others injured in the fighting before the patrol pulled back to South Sudan. "At 3:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) today, a patrol from South Sudan crossed our border at Tashween site, getting a few kilometers into our territories in the Heglig area," Saad said. "The situation has been contained by the leadership of the two sides and the conditions are now stable," he added.

The Heglig area, which had been a scene of bloodshed between the two sides, was seized by South Sudan army on April 10, 2012 and taken back by the Sudanese army 20 days later. Monday's confrontation came at a time when the two sides had agreed to settle their differences, particularly with regard to the disputed areas, through peaceful means under the mediation of the African Union.  New clashes flared up recently between the Sudanese army and rebels erupted in the country's main oil-producing state of South Kordofan, bordering South Sudan.Diplomats said that hardliners among the rebels and inside the Sudanese army usually try to stir up clashes during such mediation efforts as they do not want a peaceful settlement.

Khartoum accuses Juba of supporting insurgents operating on Sudanese soil and using the South's territory as retreat bases, which Juba has denied.  South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 under a peace deal, ending decades of civil war. But the two sides have so far failed to demarcate their joint border and come to agreement on disputed border territories. The United Nations currently deploys a peacekeeping mission in the disputed region of Abyei which is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan. The UN force helps to mark the border in the oil-rich region and monitors a demilitarized zone.


SOURCE: Xinhua

5 Dead As Rival Civilian JTF Groups Battle For Supremacy

At least five persons were killed over the weekend following a deadly clash between two rival vigilante youth groups seeking to curb the menace posed by the Boko Haram in Borno State.

The two groups, popularly called ‘civilian JTF’ were fighting over the control of Bui, a town about 190 kilometers from Maiduguri, residents said.

"The Civilian JTF in Biu had asked those that came from Maiduguri to leave the town because their presence is likely to cause more harm than good to residents of Biu town," Abdullahi Mohammed said, adding that it was during the ejection of the Maiduguri civilian JTF that fight ensued between the two youth groups, which led to the killing of five persons. 

" I saw five dead bodies before I was rushed to hospital. It is possible the casualty figure may be more than five because only two of us survived the shooting, I can't tell where other dead bodies were deposited," he said.

SOURCE: TheWILL

Prison Officials Rape Terror Suspect - Keyamo

Barring any cover-up by the Nigerian Prisons Authorities, some top officials of the organization may end up in jail for raping and aiding in the rape a male inmate in Kuje prison.

Festus Keyamo, attorney of the rape victim cum terror suspect, Charles Okah, has decried the sodomisation of his client by officials of the Nigerian Prison.

In a letter dated, Tuesday, July 30, 2013, addressed to the Comptroller-General of Prisons and titled open compliant on the attempt to sodomize Mr. Charles Okah by Mr. Isah Musa(The chief clerk), Tanko Gokuje,(The assistant yard master) and three other warders in kuje prisons,Mr Keyamo, gave a narrative of the sodomisation.

In his words, “on Wednesday, 3rd July, 2013, at about 6.30 am, some Prison Warders, specifically Mr. Isah Musa (the Chief Clerk), Mr. Tanko Gokuje, (the Assistant Yard Master) and three (3) other Prison Warders  entered Mr.Okah`s cell (No.1) and demanded to search his anus because they claimed they had information that he was hiding “incriminating” materials therein. Before entering his cell, they made sure all other inmates were locked up in their various cells.”

“Having heard from other inmates in the past that this is a known pattern used by warders to sodomize inmates, Mr.Okah initially resisted the attempt, but was forced to succumb after much pressure and insistence by the culprits.”

“However, having succumbed, to the utter shock and dismay of Mr.Okah, he saw that Mr. Isah Musa pulled off his clothes and sustained erection and attempted to carry out the acts of sodomy on him.”

“To achieve this, Mr. Okah was then held to the ground by Mr. Tanko Gokuje and three (3) other warders. Mr.Okah had to intensify his struggle and resistance to prevent the completion of the criminal act. Mr Okah screamed for help and this was heard by other inmates.”

“Mr. Okah reported the foregoing event to the Officer in Charge of Kuje Prisons, DCP. Felix Lawrence who, in conjunction with the Kuje Prison authorities pleaded with him not to make a formal complaint, and further suppressed the incident.”

“We find the forgoing events very unfortunate, disheartening and totally unacceptable to our client and the entire society. This criminal act has been reported as a common and recurring phenomenon in the Nigerian Prisons. It simply shows the despicable level of moral decadence of the officers who are paid to take charge of prison inmates. It is our considered opinion that such criminal and immoral acts should not be tolerated or condoned in anyway.”

“We hereby call on you to use your good offices to urgently investigate the foregoing complaints and effect appropriate sanctions on the culprits, including their dismissal from Nigerian Prisons Services forthwith.”

Source: HUHU

Rights groups urge Lagos to lift restriction on tricycles

Group of protesters protesting against the ban of tricycle in Lagos

A group of human right organizations under the aegis of Concerned Human Right Nigeria has appealed to the Lagos State Government to rescind it decision on restriction of tricycles in Lagos state.

The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire said at a press briefing yesterday that the sufferings the restriction has inflicted on the masses is massive. “Lagosians have been going through serious trauma to catch up with appointments owing to the restriction on okada’s in some areas in the state.”


Meanwhile, the state government has begun a clampdown on the operations of the tricycles in Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ikoyi and its environs.

By Adeniyi Adunola

Lions Club to build health, youth centre in Lagos. improve

THE new District Governor of Lions Club District 404B Yinka Bolarinwa has pledged that the club during his tenure would improve on the delivery of services  that  improve the lot of mankind especially in the areas of providing good quality  healthcare as well as alleviating the pain of the less privileged, particularly youths.
 In his inaugural speech at presentation and fund raising programme at Shaba Center Mobolaji Bank Anthony, Lagos on Sunday, Bolarinwa said in a bid to actualize  such goals, the club has secured a parcel of land from the  Lagos State government on which to erect a multipurpose building.
 He said the building will be designed as a Primary Health  and Youth Empowerment Center as well as permanent district secretariat  from where direct management and supervision of the center will be provided.
“The primary health center will cater for the underserved community while the youth empowerment center will impact positively on the lives of our young adults across district 404B through training and skills acquisition,  he added.
''This year,  we intend to impact on more lives than we have ever done before.
Both the district and the club will carry out other important activities and projects such as; preservation and restoration of sight, screening for diabetes, environmental improvement programmes, feeding the under privileged,  training of potential Lion leaders, provision of potable and drinking water among others.
 Bolarinwa urged members of Lions Club not forget the  theme for the year :  ‘Together We Raise The Bar'.
“To be proactive is to prognose into the future and strategically plan in both long-term and short-term, while raising the bar is not to settle for status-quo which is a quiet determination to make the world better than we met it.

By Adeniyi Adunola

NAFRC, LBS partner on vocational training for officers

NIGERIAN Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos is partnering with the Lagos Business School of the Pan Atlantic University (formerly Pan African University) to bequeath managerial entrepreneurship skills to officers under NAFRC scheme.
   The NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal M. A. Akinsanmi, who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday, said the mandate of NAFRC is to equip retiring personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces with relevant trade and vocational skills.
  According to Akinsanmi, the purpose of the vocational skills is to enable the retirees integrate into civil society and enjoy a productive and fulfilling life in retirement as they are now freemen. He said the officers need to be trained on what they can use as a means of living after retirement.
  The AVM noted that the centre has introduced managerial and entrepreneurship training programmes from which close to 200 officers have so far benefitted.
   “It is the training an officer received while in training that he uses to make a living when he becomes a civilian.    NAFRC is to gradate 113 personnel on the 14th June 2013. The trainees to be gradated are 50 from Army, 53 from the Navy and 10 from the Air Force,” he said.
  Akinsanmi debunked speculation that NAFRC is a dumping ground for officers, saying “if an officer’s retirement period happens to be while he or she is at NAFRC, so be it, but that does not mean it is the final bus stop.”

By Adeniyi Adunola and Adebisi Olonade

Group canvasses ways to reduce conflict

L-R Mrs Roseline Umenduka presenting an award to Hon Metche Nnaduke (middle) as Dr Charles Obi (JP) supports them

NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION, Conflict Control and Resolution (CCR) said lack of understanding and conflict control and resolution are behind major crises bedeviling different segments of the society.

Speaking at a seminar entitled “Peace and Security In our nation-The way forward” held at Ojo military Cantonment Lagos at the weekend, the President of the organization Mrs. Rose Umenduka canvassed for a greater effort at mutual understanding, and greater use of techniques of collaboration, competing, avoiding, harmonizing and compromising to effectively deal with conflict and ensure peace and security in the society.

She lamented the many crisis points in the nation, among them Boko Haram insurgency, violent communal disputes in Cross River and Ebonyi states, Anambra and Kogi states as well as within families even as she urged all hands to be on deck to check the trend. She said since “conflict is inevitable wherever there is human interaction, it therefore, becomes necessary for everyone to embrace a measure that would reduce or manage conflict so that the negative and divisive consequences do not get out of hand.”

She told newly-commissioned CCR officers to be ambassadors of peace and work to reduce conflict in the society Also speaking, the Secretary of CCR, Major John Audu urged the Federal Government to enter into dialogue and negotiations with aggrieved groups in the country with view to ending conflict and restore peace and harmony. He also urged all Nigerians to support security agencies with intelligence gathering and useful information, which could help nip conflict in the bud before it degenerates into crisis.

By Adeniyi Adunola and Aderonke Alabi

TREM honours members at community development award

THE Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) recently honoured its notable members who have contributed to the development of Ikorodu community. Speaking at the event tagged: Ikorodu Community Development Award (ICDA), which was held at TREM Liberty Centre, Idowu Fatoki Street, Ikorodu, the Director of the Directorate of National Transformation, TREM Liberty Centre and Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Mr. Austen Awulonu, said: “ICDA, basically, is a medium to celebrate individuals and organizations, who through significant positive service, have contributed to the development of Ikorodu.” "Our concern is neither political nor religious or ethnic. It is purely developmental because we believe that a community that ceases to develop will sooner than later become extinct," he lamented. He urged the awardees to keep the flag flying and pleaded with them to do more. While unveiling the nominees, the Resident Pastor of TREM Liberty Centre, Pastor Mike Egwu, said: “The ICDA aims at the development of Ikorodu community.” Egwu urged the Christians and all that were present, to be a change agents and follow the example of Jesus Christ, saying "we must demonstrate Christ-like love to the whole world.” Meanwhile, the award was categorized into nine different categories, ranging from special recognition award, which was won by Rev. Felix Joshua. Also under category of Arts, veteran actress, Mrs. Sola Onayiga, Funke Akindele and Chidinma Ekile were nominated. Other categories included public service, commercial service, journalism, community banking, social responsibility and youth empowerment awards.

By Adeniyi Adunola

In Lagos, Ogidi Union celebrates Chinua Achebe

SONS and daughters of Ogidi resident in Lagos State, under the aegis of Ogidi Union of Nigeria (OUN) at the weekend organized a service of songs in honour of one of their most illustrious sons, the literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe, who passed on recently. At the event, which was held at W Close, FESTAC Town at the weekend, speaker after speaker eulogized Chinua Achebe whom they called “the man that put Ogidi on the world map of literature and culture”, “the Bishop who used all his novels to preach to Nigerians and the world.”. According to Rev. Kenneth Nwanonye Osita of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Igbobi, who preached at the service, “the late Chinua Achebe used his novel Things fall Apart to prophecy to Nigeria and now things have begun to fall apart in Nigeria and the people are No Longer at Ease. He said Achebe was a man who hated evil but pursued good. “His death came at God’s own time’, Osita said. He urged Nigerians and particularly, the people of Ogidi to respect Achebe and glorify God and use their God- given talent to inspire and motivate humanity just like Achebe did Also speaking, Chairman, Organizing Committee and Vice-President, OUN Lagos branch, Chief Clement Chukwuka, said the service of songs was held in Achebe’s honour as one of the founders of the organisation, “and to tell the world that the finest hero that put Ogidi Town in the world and indeed, our great Iroko tree is gone. “It is to celebrate the success story of the great legend and icon, who came, saw and conquered the world. “It is also to thank God for blessing Ogidi Town and Nigeria with the greatest gift of Achebe as a super brand,” he added

By Adeniyi Adunola and Adebisi Olonade

Group laments hardship to Lagosians from restriction on Keke Marwa

A GROUP of human rights organisations under the aegis of Concerned Human Rights Nigeria, has appealed to the Lagos State government to lift the restriction it placed on the operation of commercial tricycle operators also called Keke Marwa in some areas of the metropolis. The restriction, it says has brought suffering to the operators, who depend on it for a legitimate livelihood as the families of those affected are now going hungry. The restriction at present is being enforced in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) Ikeja , Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Obalende and Victoria Island among others. The National Cordinator, Concerned Human Rights Nigeria, Declan Ihekaire, who addressed journalists recently at the venue that was surrounded by the police, lamented that the restriction had also brought immense hardship on people, particularly women, the aged and children who are having difficulty finding affordable means of transportation. The group wondered why the government that claims to have the interest of the masses at heart could go ahead and inflict so much pain on its citizens. According to Ihekaire, “Lagos cannot lay claim to being a mega city than major cities in India, China and Korea where tricycle is being used as a means of transportation. “If tricycle is better than motorcycles and the Lagos State government still wants to ban them, then it could be concluded that the current administration in Lagos is anti-masses.” He also wondered why the government that banned motorcycles on roads in the state is alleged to be introducing CC 200 motorcycles. “The motorcycles that the government may be planning to introduce is faster and more suitable even for the so -called robbery attacks that the government thinks they can curb by banning motorcycles”, Ihekaire said.

By Adeniyi Adunola and Tolulope Okunlola

Effortswill parents, teachers ‘walk for health’

THE important role regular exercise plays in overall good health and wellbeing was recently emphasized when parents and teachers of Effortswill Schools, Ejigbo, Lagos State embarked on a health walk that took them from Iyana Ejigbo to Egbe in the Ikotun-Igando Local Government Development Area, of the state. During the walk, promotional flyers and handbills were distributed to motorists and pedestrians along the route. Speaking at the end of the ‘Health Walk’ the joint chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (P.T.A.) of the schools, Pastor B. O. A. Alonge, said the exercise was meant to promote positive health values and that would contribute to the wellbeing of the parents and teachers. He enjoined parents, teachers and indeed all Nigerian adults, to form the habit of regular exercise, which he stressed “is a big contributor to good health.” He observed that the health walk was a huge success despite the rainfall before and during the walk, adding that the exercise was also an avenue for participants to have fun. He said it was a big fun for both parties as fliers were given to motorists and passers-by to increase the awareness of the schools. As the event was centered on improving the general health conditions of parents and teachers, there were also health talks, and drilling exercises by the Physical Education teachers of the schools. During the health talk, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Essegine who spoke on “Stress management,” stated that an important aspect of stress management was for an individual to always engage in physical activities.” He said:“ Over the years, people have broken down because of serious health problems such as stress, obesity and others, because they do not exercise or relax their muscles. A stress -free mind can be achieved if everybody makes it a habit to be always happy despite the challenges of life.” The Proprietress of the schools, Mrs. Bose Adeyemo said she was overwhelmed by how hugely successful the ‘Health Walk’ was, despite the heavy downpour. She particularly thanked the parents and invited guests for attending and promised that the health of parents, teachers and that of the pupils of Effortswill Schools would remain of great importance.

By Adeniyi Adunola

FESTAC Rotary to offer scholarships, amenities to community

Second left, District Governor  Rotn. Kamoru Omotosho, presenting charted certificate to President of Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, Mrs. Anthonia Agugoes 

THE newly chartered Rotary Club of FESTAC Central would carry on the Rotary tradition of improving the lives of the less-privileged by providing public toilets, classroom chairs and tables to schools where they are needed as well as award scholarships to indigent but brilliant pupils in the area where it is located.

Speaking during the Charter Presentation Ceremony and Induction of the Board at Golden Tulip Hote, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, at the weekend, the Charter President of Rotary Club of FESTAC Central, Mrs. Anthonia Agugoesi, said those programmes and more, that improve lives “are the reason Rotary Club exits all over the world.”

“The Rotary Club of FESTAC Central intends to accomplish as many as possible these projects depending on the resources available to us. They include: construction of public toilets; provision of chairs and tables; granting of micro-finance credit to women; water projects, award of scholarship to five brilliant but indigent students, career talk for secondary school students and provision of artificial limbs Jaipur Project,” she said. Agugoesi said the challenges of starting a new club could never be over-emphasized.

 “We are full of hope and optimism and are determined to employ our professional prowess to nurture and grow the club to an enviable position by maintaining quality memberships,” she added. She urged the members to always have at the back of their minds the club’s four-way test, which include: is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? And will it be beneficial to all concerned, which will make them to remain trustworthy and loyal to the community?

By Adeniyi Adunola