Reality Life Magazine - November Edition

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Issue 3 Vol. 4

KSA Appreciates God, Friends and Fans

Politics Should Not Be a Full Time Profession for politicians Why Wardrobe of Worth (WOW) Is A Fashion House With A Difference

UNIMED Is All About High Quality Education and Innovations In Health Science Training

My plan is to bring back to Island Club the values it’s known for www.realitylifeng.com

- Oladapo

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REALITY LIFE www.realitylife.ng

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CONT ENTS

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06 54

Day the Mimikos gave out their daughter in marriage

59 56

20 15

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Panic As Parents Withdraw Children From Schools Over Fears Of Monkey Pox. How I Use My Radio Programme, Hinpeleo To Restore Yoruba’s Lost Cultural Glory UNIMED’s Uniqueness Lies In The Centralization Of Medical Courses -Prof.

Oluwatosin

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At UniMed, We Can Develop Traditional Medicine For Cancer Treatment - Prof.

Odimayo

KSA Appreciates God,Friends and Fans

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UniMed Will Be Competing WithThe World’s Best Varsities in a short while

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Our teaching method at Elizade University is technology-driven

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Celebrating Nigerian Women In National Development.

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UniMed Is Poised To Raise Medical Education To A New Level In Nigeria -Arogunjo

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Politics Should Not Be a Full Time Profession for Those Who Practice it www.realitylifeng.com

Editor’s Notes Another Sizzling Edition...

F

or 74 years, Island Club has perched on the social firmament like a colossus. And dropping from this enviable height is far from sight. Year in, year out, the membership of this premier social club in Nigeria continues to soar. Like an old wine, the club gets stronger and sweeter with age.

In this edition, we had an exclusive interview with the chairman of Island Club of, Chief Olabanji Oladapo, where he revealed to us his plans only to sustain the objectives of the founding fathers of the club, and restore the values the club is known for.

Not a few people believe that the role of women in building the Nigerian nation. This is obvious that over the years, Nigerian women just like in other parts of developing countries of the world, had been relegated to the background on issues of development.

In this edition, we look at how Nigerian women have been playing leading roles in shaping the nation by profiling the activities of two of them in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development. This is the first in the series, and will become a regular feature in the magazine.

The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo is the first of its kind in Nigeria, if not in Africa. The institution aims to provide integrated education and research of exceptional quality in all health-related sciences as well as expand access to compassionate, comprehensive and high-quality healthcare for under-served in the society.

We did a special report on the school with exclusive pictorials and interviews granted the magazine by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Friday Okonofua, some principal officers and students. It is a collector’s item.

Hinpeleo is a radio programme run in Ijesa dialect of Yoruba language, and is aimed at celebrating the Yorubas of Ijesa stock. It is a programme anchored by Otunba General Olatunbonsun Abe, JP who told us that the radio programme was introduced to restore back Yoruba’s cultural heritage.

A medical doctor, politician turned entrepreneur, Hon. Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye is a medical doctor who has invested in farming. He provides us an insight into why he is investing in farming.

There are also interesting stories on fashion, health, and entertainment.

It’s a sizzler. Enjoy.

Oghenemairo Adegeye www.realitylifeng.com

Publisher Evafem Communication 200 Road, House 7, Festac, Lagos

Editor- in- Chief Oghenemairo Adegeye Managing Editor Adegeye Oluwafemi Associate Editors Walter Enoch Toddy Celestine Raymond Emeka Mbah Proof Readers Chukwudi Uruakpa Joan Odafe Kemi Adeniyi Adegeye Writers/ Contributors/ Columnists Siyabonga B. Samuel Okodidili Sholape Adesoye Designs and Layout Kelechi Okoro- Emmanuels Letters, comments and observations should be addressed to the Editor at Plot 49 Animasaun Estate Extension, Surulere, Lagos.

Tel: 0805 655 5838, 0909 393 7727, 07066122290 E-mail: realitymag@gmail.com, adamairo76@yahoo.com REALITY MISSION Our mission is to constatntly promote and project Agriculture/ tourism, entertainment, culture, style, events, festivals, sporting to be the global community advertising and marketing of product and services, through highly motivated staff, rendering excellent services to the world.

REALITY VISION To be a leading agriculture/tourism, entertainment and life style magazine with the best hands providing quality services to readers and clients around the world with great impact.

Editorial Adisory King Sunny Ade (KSA) Jimi Olusola iii Gbenga Oyesanmi (USA)

REALITY LIFE

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Island Club:

Promoting Good Fellowship And Racial Harmony

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sland Club is unarguably, one of Nigeria’s premier social clubs. The founders it is believed, had the objectives of promoting good fellowship and inter-racial harmony, which they relentlessly pursued. Today, especially under the leadership of the current chairman, Olabanji Oladapo, the club

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is still pursuing those ideals that stand it out.

Founded on October 29,1943 by 50 Nigerians and non-Nigerians including Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Chief S.O Gbadamosi, Bishop A.W. Howells, V.T. Fox, J.H Davies, D.O Johnson, Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Sir A.O.

Omololu, Dr. R.O. Taylor-Cole, J.F. Winter, H.C.B. Denton, F.H. Bowen, Ernest S. Ikoli, Sir Loius Mbanefo, Chief J.K Randle, Chief W.H. Biney and Percy Savage, at the private residence of Mr. Ladipupo Odunsi, the founders believed then that there was need for such a club in a city as

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Cover metropolitan as Lagos.

Lagos was, and is still home to people of different races drawn from all parts of the world yet, there was no meeting point for cross-pollination of ideas and inter-cultural cum tribal activities.

History has it that Island Club was the first club to be established in Lagos, and was the first to have set itself a socially constructive and, in the context of the period, politically desirable goal, and one that was not limited to serving just the recreational needs of the elite.

A report by the Guardian Newspaper noted that the founders of the club while establishing it, had reasoned that trust and understanding of each other’s point of view, could best be engendered through informal contact, in convivial environment of equality and mutual respect for each other.

The club was said to have made its mark in a spectacular manner, when it fought against racial segregation and successfully got the backward policy abrogated. At the time, public facilities were segregated along racial lines. The best hotels were out of bounds for the black people in Nigeria at the time, and, of course social and sporting clubs were also segregated.

Membership of the club is said to have grown from 50 in 1943 to over 7,000 spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and abroad. Little wonder the club is said to be an embodiment of fun.

The chairman, Olabanji Oladapo talking about his plans to add value to the club said “One, to bring the club back to its traditional value. Two, to ensure we bring back the niche that the Club has in the society. When I say the niche, the club is made up of eminent personalities. There was a time when Government will consult the leader of the club before ministers are appointed.

All these gradually diminished, principally because of the movement of the federal capital city out of Lagos.

“Before the movement, most of the Government officials do come here for lunch and from there, people approach

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you for something and appointments are booked. We still have that positive perception. All past presidents of the nation have at one time visited the Island Club, we are opinion leaders.

Thirdly, is to ensure that the club brings out the best out of the members through our activities. We won’t be looking at the challenges but the opportunities.

Island Club’s social tempo has been kept up with such games as Billiards, Draughts, 45, Cards, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, and Squash. They are all alive and of full activities. Besides, the club today, boasts of virile younger members who are bringing in youthful enthusiasm, particularly with the club’s Friday jump nights and the monthly conviviality of Elders’ Forum.

Perhaps, the following statement

by the chairman best captures what Island Club is all about: “There is one basic tradition that makes Island Club unique, we relate with each other easily as a family with love. And if you are a club user and you are having any clebration, the club actually comes around to support you and people in your area will know you belong to Island club.

“Apart from that, if you have issues, it can be discussed, and you might find solution. In the area of social activities, we rally round each other. If you come around the club at least twice a week, you will be surprised that within six months, members will know you easily.”

The chairman tells us more in the following interview:

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cover Global Sports Administrator, valued member of the International Olympic Committee, OLABANJI OLADAPO is the 30th chairman of one of Nigeria’s elite and eminent clubs, Island Club. In the following interview, he talks about his emergence, the Club’s programmes, Sports development in Nigeria, and plans for the Club moving forward…..

My plan is to bring back to Island Club the values it’s known for - Oladapo As the 30th chairman of the Island Club, what value do you plan to add to the Club?

One: to bring the club back to its traditional value. Two: to ensure we bring back the niche that the Club has in the society. When I say the niche, the club is made up of eminent personalities. There was a time when Government will consult the leaders of the club before ministers are appointed. All these gradually diminished, principally because of the movement of the federal capital city out

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of Lagos.

Before the movement, most of the Government officials do come here for lunch and from there, people approach you for business or other purposes and appointments are made. We still have that positive perception. All past presidents of the nation have at one time visited the Island Club, we are opinion leaders. Thirdly, is to ensure that the club brings out the best out of the members through our activities. We won’t be looking

at the challenges but the opportunities.

What actually motivated you to vie for the Chairmanship Position?

I came basically to add my own value, value in terms of our traditions. To bring back the social content of the Club- partnership, collaboration, openness and friendship that the club was known for many years ago, which no longer exists. Also, taking advantage of the opportunities that we have, fol-

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cover social sub-committee for 4 years. I have mastered the dos and don’ts of the office and since I am from the old stock, we try as much as possible to impact the values of the Club on our new members and eventually the club orientation will come back.

You have talked about the value and traditions of the club, can you tell what are these values and traditions?

There is one basic tradition that makes Island Club unique, we relate with each other easily as a family with love. And if you are a club user and you are celebrating, the club actually comes around to support you and people in your area will know you belong to Island club. Apart from that, if you have issues, it can be discussed, and you might find some solution. In the area of social activities, we rally around each other. If you come around the club at least twice a week, you will be surprised that within six months, members will know you easily.

lowing the traditions and in turn, brightening the horizon for the young ones.

How has it been since you resumed office?

It has not been easy. When you have a lot of people, well over 7,000 members and it is increasing by the day, there are so many things you have to make up for, for you to follow through.

There was a period when we had crisis for almost 5 years, things actually went bad. And all the clubs in Lagos went through it, Nigeria also went through it, we actually had our own but we are gradually moving on. There was something that happened that period that our people took over to be the norm which is not part of the tradition of the club.

So, there is need for people to start seeing our tradition.

Luckily, there are still some elders in the club. When some of us came in, we met the club with its full traditions. Before I became the Social Secretary, I was in the management committee for three years, I was in

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What is the process of becoming an Island club member, and what really are the benefits?

You have to make up your mind, what you want to benefit from the club. It’s like going to the university, you have in mind that you are studying this course and you have to studyvery well. Coming to Island club, you know it is a social club, and you will meet people here, you come to socialize, to network, to explore opportunities that are available to you through different contacts.

The process is you collect the form, once you get the form, investigations are made about you, you are then interviewed. Your form will be kept open and put on the notice board for 3months and if you have any issues, it will be written on it. If anything is found on it, you will be called to substantiate it and if it is not grievous, you will be admitted. Somebody will introduce you and minimum of two people must endorse you, so it is not automatic.

In an electoral process everywhere in the world, there is always opposition, now that you are on the seat of power, have you been able to resolve the difference?

These are some of the things the break in crisis actually opens up before, but after elections, everybody forgets about it and

the Club moves on gradually, some negative things start coming in like the typical country we find ourselves. There is one thing in life, the victor will be ready to accommodate everyone but most times in Nigerian contest, the opponent will not be ready to accommodate the winner. Whereas the winner has taken it and is moving on, the opponent is still looking for a way to revenge. Like I said to them when I was elected, the laws of the club and the Chairman must be respected, the club is an institution.

I come from a very humble background, and when I see people older standing, I quickly tell them to sit down. Once, there was this elderly man over 80years - he is a retired Judge - we were in a party; he left his wife seated so he could walk me out; I said to him: ‘Sir, please go back to mummy”, he said: “no, it is my duty to see the Island club chairman to the spot where his car parked”.

These guys of nowadays do not understand what we used to do in those days. Some may say that is not a written constitution of the club. United Kingdom do not have a written Constitution.

Are there ways you intend to work with everyone in harmony?

As far as I am concerned, I have no issues with anybody. Most of the people that were against me before, we eat together now. The day I was elected, I told them, ‘no victor, no vanquished,’ election has come and gone, we have to work together to move the club forward. And that has been my policy since I resumed office. Except if you now want to intimidate me. And the club will rise against any individual that will rise against the Chairman or the ethics of the Club.

Island Club respects the office of the Chairman and if there are issues they are personal about, after the elections, those issues are over. I contested and lost twice and worked with the two chairmen that I lost to which, demonstrates that I have a large heart because I am a sports person. I also told those who were in my team that won to also ensure they support the chairman the way they would have worked with me because it is not about me but the club as an institution, that is what I met here. If you lose an election, you go and shake hands with the victors and you dance the whole night. That is why the former President Shehu Shagari said “if

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cover people behave the way Island Club behaves after elections, the country will be better for it.�

Can you take us into the process of the Island Club Election?

Election in Island Club is like a carnival. If you come around during the 3 to 4 months election campaign, you see different designs, parties will be going on, all the clubs in Lagos

will know that Island is conducting election.

You said that your tenure will look inward and create opportunity for members, are there plans to actually achieve this?

Yes, for most of the programmes we’ve done, emphasis was placed on opportunities instead of the challenges, and members bought into those opportunities in terms of physical things. We have an insurance

scheme that takes care of a particular age.

As I came in, I proposed that it should move up. Though, we could still get to the age I proposed, but now we have a recommendation to move between 60 to 70 years. There are other things we will continue do for the opportunities to multiply. If any member has anything, they come up to me with their suggestions and we look into it.

Island club 2017 Ileya Independence Dance

Photos by Gbadeola Photo Agency

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cover You said you are a sportsman and looking at your office, there are evidences of photographs. Can you tell us about that?

I have been in sports for some time now, I play football, I do track and when I was in Cadbury, I had the opportunity to move into sport administration as a member of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation. From there, I became the secretary of Ecowas Table Tennis Association. From there, I went

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to Africa and I became a member, management committee on Africa. From the board, I became the secretary general and eventually it was turned around to Executive Vice President. From there, I went to the international federation and became a member, board of the International Federation which I am still on now. And I have been there for over 20 years. From Table Tennis, I contested and won an election into the Nigeria Olympic Committee. I was there for almost 10 years, from where I was nominated into the International Olympic Committee .

you well but when the problem comes, they run to you to ask: ‘what did you do for the country?’ There is nothing we can do, the country must first of all position itself. We hold, for instance, Olympics every four years, and those that will win medals in 2020 are already training but not so here.

We have qualified for the 2018 world cup but before they will bring the players together, it will be two months to the world cup in 2018, but that is improving now.

Back home, how do you see the development of sports in Nigeria?

I have seen the problem of most African countries, we don’t appreciate the opportunities that we have as human beings. Look at the way our footballers eventually train themselves for competitions. We don’t prepare them for the competitions, we don’t prepare for anything. We wait for it, if it comes our way, we jump at it, and sport is real big business. While abroad, they valiue my inputs, and marvel at why I am not involved in the affairs at home. I just smile.

You give advice internationally and somebody will call and say thanks for that advice. If you say it here, somebody will say it is because you are from the south, you are from the North, they bring politics into everything. Some people don’t even wish

Island Club, Nigeria’s premier club Is the club for you and me Island Club with emblem of the peacock, Is for truth and dignity.

Chorus Island Club is for fellowship Its inner- racial it’s for commradeship, HaiI! Island –Club, HaiI! Island Club.

HaiI! Nigeria’s Premier Club.

Well and high its banner we will carry, Of a true and decent life Bell of friendship we will ring out loudly, In the Island Club for Life.

Chorus Island Club is for fellowship Club Anthem Composed by; Late Mr. C.O. Roberts Cop (M/NO.1467)

ISLAND CLUB ANTHEM

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cover

Cool Room

SUANA

Bar 2

Billiard and Snooker Section

DART Section Congress Lounge

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Elders’ Corner

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Island Club Facilities

Island Club is not only for social interaction but also promoting ethics and morals through Religion.

-Chief Siji Olowosuko [KCOP],

C GYM. Complex

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hief Siji Olowosuko [KCOP] gave us an insight into the religious inclination of the Club.

There is, for instance, an age long yearly Ramadan Lecture during Fasting period organized by our Muslim brothers initiated by the past Vice Chairman of Island Club.

Alhaji Deji Salako and Otunba Kehinde A. Shitta, KCOP. Island Club’s position is to dedicate time for sober reflection during fasting period and it has come to stay in the club; with people from diverse background including high network, individuals and captain of industries coming together, usually with the Chief Imam conducting the programme which has been successful till date; and because of what Island Club stands for, even Christian members support the programme in various ways, arising from the activities of the Ramadan events Chief Siji Olowosuko JP who usually attended Ramadan Lecture suggested to the then chairman, Prince Ademola Dada that “it would be nice if our Christian brothers emulate our Muslim activities in the club to strengthen morals and ethics of members of the club” .

The first year Lenten Talk was held in April 2013, with the Arch Bishop of Lagos- The Most Rev. Ademowo

of the Anglican Communion giving a very stimulating talk; people from all walks of life attended, guest speaker was Pastor Tunde Bakare of THE LATTER-RAIN CHURCH. He made his speeches into a pamphlet of over 1,000 copies which he gave to participants and also donated to the club.

Knowing Pastor Tunde Bakare himself, the event attracted people from different denominations, political Ideologists, religious clerics, and captains of Industries. It was well organized by the members of the Lenten Talk committee with Chief Siji Olowosuko as chairman, Pa B,A. Adigun, Dayo Olomo, Mr, Adeyemi Adewole, Mr. Segun Osinusi and chief winsala as members. Unfortunately, the programme could not hold for two years .

However, the present Chairman of the Island Club, Mr. Olabanji Oladapo has reconstituted a Committee headed by Chief Siji Olowosuko [KCOP], as coordinator; the event which is already gathering momentum, will hold during the Lenten season, while maintaining her yearly Christmas Carol. In conclusion, this shows that the Island Club isn’t just inter-racial, for fellowship and comradeship alone but also for morals and ethics development through religious programmes.

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Retrospect UOTE Q Life is one big road with lots of signs.

So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy.

Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!

Bob Marley

Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.

Bruce Lee

Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.

Niccolo Machiavelli

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Motivational Quotes About Change I’ve just concluded - since President Obama endorses the same-sex marriage, advocates homosexual people, and enjoys an attractive countenance thus if it becomes necessary, I shall travel to Washington, D.C., get down on my knee, and ask his hand.

Robert Mugabe

No dream is too big. No challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach.

Donald Trump

Great ambition is the passion of a great character. Those endowed with it may perform very good or very bad acts. All depends on the principles which direct them.

Napoleon Bonaparte

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Retrospect

Panic As Parents Withdraw Children From Schools Over Fears Of Monkey Pox.

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anic enveloped the entire states in the South-east early October following rumours that soldiers from the 82 Division of The Nigerian Army were going around schools to inject pupils with the monkey pox virus in their ongoing medical outreach in the region.

The rumour, which gained momentum on daily basis, caused pandemonium as parents rushed to schools to take home their children and wards thereby leading to early closure of schools; some private school owners shut down their schools to safeguard pupils from any unforeseen mishap and health risk.

It should be recalled that the South-east states were still smarting from the special operation by the military tagged: ‘Python Dance’ apparently aimed at checking the excesses of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) agitators.

The rumour had it that the military wanted to depopulate the South-east using the medical outreach, especially with tension over the monkey pox virus still raging as a smokescreen.

It took the prompt intervention of the state governments and in some cases, the

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military, to douse tension in the affected states.

The rumour which spread like wildfire, started in Anambra State when soldiers stormed a school in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, to begin the administration of drugs to indigenes.

Rumours, however, went round the town that the soldiers were in Anambra to inject children with vaccines as was allegedly done in Bayelsa State to infect them with the monkey pox virus.

The rumour had caused serious pandemonium in town as some people claimed that over 50 children had died in Nnewi after they were administered with the vaccines, leading parents to rush to the schools of their wards to withdraw them.

As early as 10a.m., on the day the rumour broke, most schools in the state had sent their pupils home to join their parents, while others shut their gates against visitors, to resist the attempt of anyone coming in to immunise the children.

The army insisted that there was no truth in the rumour.

Colonel Musa Sagir told journalists in a chat that the rumour was false; he stated that he was at the venue of the supposed

medical outreach, and that the rumours of dead children were lies as no child had been immunised.

Also, the state government called for calm among citizens of the state, saying that there was no truth in the rumour that soldiers were injecting children with the virus.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu stated that the outreach was a well-intentioned exercise, but said it was unfortunate that the military had not announced the exercise or sensitized the people of the state before arriving.

In Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Delta States, the situation was not different.

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Retrospect

Maina’s Reinstatement Confirmed By Minister.

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he re-instatement of the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina, as an Acting Director has been confirmed by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau in his ministry.

The confirmation came in a statement issued by the Press Secretary to the minister, Mr Ehisienmen Osaigbovo.

Osaigbovo, however, debunked media reports that his principal was one of those responsible for Maina’s “reinstatement”.

“Maina was posted few days ago to the Ministry of Interior by the Office of the Head of Service on an Acting capacity to fill a vacancy created following the retirement of the Director heading the Human Resources Department in the Ministry.

“For the avoidance of doubt, issues relating to discipline, employment, re-engagement, posting, promotion and retirement of federal civil servants are the

responsibility of the Federal Civil Service Commission and Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

“No minister exercises such powers as erroneously expressed in this publication.

“It is understood that Maina’s last posting was with the Ministry of Interior, and

that is probably why he was re-posted back to the ministry,” he said.

Maina was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as Chairman of the task force in 2010 to check the corruption in the country’s pension system.

In 2012, the Nigerian Police accused him of misappropriating N100bn pension funds in connivance with others.

The Civil Service Commission reportedly dismissed him for “absconding from duty’’; Maina was arraigned in absentia by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission which declared him wanted in 2015.

The anti-graft agency, through its spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, says the former pension task force chairman remains on the commission’s wanted list.

Sunday’s confirmation by the minister followed reports in the online media that Maina had been secretly re-instated and promoted to the rank of director in the ministry.

Top Civil Servant Commits Suicide In Kogi State.

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Director in the Kogi State Civil Service, Mr Edward Soje has allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself on a tree in Lokoja, the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria gathered on Saturday in Lokoja that the dangling body of Soje was found on a tree behind the mammy market at the Maigumeri barracks, the Nigeria Army Command Record.

The 54-year-old civil servant decided to take his life barely 10 days after his wife of 17 years gave birth to a set of male triplets in a private hospital in Abuja. The couple had been childless before then.

Soje, a Grade Level 16 Officer in the Kogi State Teaching Service Commission, was being owed 11 months’ salary arrears as at the time he took his life.

He hailed from Ogori town in Ogori -Magongo Local Government area of the state.

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He had- before killing himself- travelled to Abuja and left a suicide note for the wife who also works in one of the federal ministries; the note read: “Psalm 121:3 God will not suffer your foot to be moved: He that keepeth you will not slumber. Amen. You and the three boys, the God Almighty will keep you and prosper you, amen. I love you”.

Confirming the incident, the state police command Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya said that the dangling body of Soje was found on a tree behind the barracks at about 5:55 p.m. on Oct. 16.

Family sources said that the deceased had, before the incident, been going through a

lot of financial pressure due to non-payment of his salary for 11 months by the Kogi State Government; he was among thousands of civil servants being owed between two and 21 months’ salary arrears by the state government.

According to sources, Soje’s financial woes became compounded when his wife gave birth to a set of triplets through Caesarian operation in a private hospital in Abuja on Oct. 7.

The deceased remained in the hospital to look after wife and children until Oct. 13, a day before the naming ceremony when he decided to come back to Lokoja.

The 54-year-old civil servant decided to take his life barely 10 days after his wife of 17 years gave birth to a set of male triplets in a private hospital in Abuja. www.realitylifeng.com

Culture

How I Use My Radio Programme, Hinpeleo To Restore Yoruba’s Lost Cultural Glory

-Otunba General Olatunbonsun Abe, JP

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t is not often that an entrepreneur ventures into a business that ordinarily is enveloped by the fear of the unknown.

No, not even in a country where business enabling environment is not in any way, guaranteed. Businesses in Nigeria are sometimes driven by the strong and tough at heart, who are ready to brave challenges, take all the risks and come out successful.

Such seemed to be the path taken

by Otunba General Evang. Dr. J.O. Olatunbonsun Abe, JP when in the year 2000, he decided to start Hinpeleo, a radio programme run in Ijesa dialect by Hinpeleo Productions and Communications Nigeria Ltd. “I started in the year 2000 with help of the then Ondo State Governor’s wife, Her Excellency, Adetutu Adefarati. She was the one who bought me 2hours Airtime at Ondo State Radio Corporation (OSRC) in Akure in the year 2000.

And that was the beginning of my journey in Radio production.

“Prior to this time, I was with Herbert

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Ogunde in Lagos for 3 years, and later joined Baba Sala Alawade, and that was where I met King Sunny Ade. It was after I left the dance troop that I joined Master Disc at Ibadan as record distributor and also worked with OSBC a bit at the creation of the station in 1991.

When the then governor closed the Radio station and I left for Ondo, I started the Radio programme. I thank God for this.

Recalled the Otunakoogun of Ikeji Ijesa: “My father has 13 wives that is why I ran out from home at a tender age because I looked at the home setting and figured that it would not work for me because my father would take just one child from each wife to train, even if your mother has 5 children, and then leave the rest to their fate. But I thank God today that I took that step because I do not have any regrets”.

The Otunba General while explaining the choice of the title of the radio programme said that Hinpeleo is a greeting in Ijesa dialect, which he adopted as a result of performing in Ijesa dialect while with the drama troop.

“I was known as Baba Ijesa because Ijesa is in my blood, that’s why when I

started the Radio programme, I called it HINPELEO! Every Ijesa indigene knows that the programme is for them.

To the glory of God, the programme is on Radio in Oshogbo, Orisu FM, Ile-Ife, Gold FM, Ilesha, OSRC Akure and Music and Culture FM, Ondo City. We’ve also gone as far as Israel, when I visited there, The Republic of Benin, and also Port Harcourt in Nigeria etc.”

Otunba General Olatunbonsun stated that the Ijesa people are called Oshomolalu because they know how to do business just like the Igbos.

According to him, after Igbos, the next business-minded people in Nigeria are the Ijesas. “They know much about money, they can work 24 hours without taking food because they need money. They are not proud, but they place themselves in a certain class. They don’t want to eat somebody’s food. For instance, an Ijesa person will not like to go to you for money even if you are of the same parent because they believe the God who made you will also make them rich, so they work for themselves.

“Ijesa people believe in God and in earning a living. We have a lot of great men of God from Ijesa, like Baba Abiara,

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Culture Baba Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible church, Baba Adeboye of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Cherubim and Seraphim church.

Christ Apostolic Church started around 1930 at Ijesa but Christianity started long before 1930.”

Talking about Ijesa culture, and specifically, how traditional marriages are conducted in Ijesa, he said It is a normal thing and nothing special happens. “When you want to marry an Ijesa woman, you buy clothes and kolanut. The kolanut is very important to the Ijesa people. Some Ijesa families may not take money rather they will want the man to take care of their daughter. Ijesa people do not like their sons to marry away from home.”

Speaking on Ijesa quisine, Otunba said that the Ijesas do not joke with pounded yam with egusi or Okro soup, adding that the cultural music of the Ijesas is Ademo music- a music modernized by I.K. Dairo because he is from Ijesa.

On whether he has reached out to people with his radio programme, he has this to say: “I do get a lot of feedback from listeners every week, from all the Radio stations that I work with. I have about three cars given to me by fans as a result of the programme.

Let me use this opportunity to say a special thanks to The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aragbasola and SKYMIT Motors Lagos.

“People enjoy my programme because, I use it to teach people about having the right attitude and character on every aspect of life.

I teach the women how to behave in their husbands’ house; the fathers about how you can live peacefully with their wives, how you behave with your sons or daughters. I make the programme have a drama outlook.”

The Otunba General bemoaned the attitude of children of these days not knowing anything or even caring about the cultural values bequeathed them by their fore-fathers. “When I was in primary school, they would say: ‘Taiwo ki Iya-re, Kehinde ki Iyare’ which means: the girl should kneel to greet her parents, the boy should lie prostrate to greet his parents. These days, when the young ones see an elderly person, they just look at you. There’s no more respect” He said that for Yoruba culture to be restored, parents must begin to communicate with their children in Yoruba language, ar-

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Profile of Ijesaland Ijesaland lies in the Yoruba speaking region of Southwestern Nigeria, around the upper reaches of the Osun, Shasha and Oni rivers which flow south and southwest into the Lagos lagoon, some hundred miles away.

Ilesa, situated in the center of the two Ijesa divisions Obokun and Atakumosa, was probably founded about early sixteenth century but it was apparently not the earliest center of the Kingdom. The foundation traditions of the Ijesa take the form of a dynasty migration from Ile-Ife. The first five or six rulers of the dynasty are associated with places other than Ijesa, particularly in and around Ibokun some fourteen miles to the north. To this day, Orisa’s Priest, the Chief of Ibokun plays a significant role in the installation of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland (King of Ilesa) and in the Great annual festival of Ogun in Ilesa.

In its earlier days, before Ilesa came so greatly to outstrip all other Ijesa settlements in size and power,

it seem the kingdom may have been more of a federation with the ‘Owa’ a kind of “Primus inter Pares.” This is suggested by the nominal presence of the heads, styled Ogboni of three ancient towns–Ibokun, Ijebu-jesa and Ipole–among the most senior grouping of Ijesa’s six Agbanla (Chiefs).

Atakunmosa is associated with the expansion of Ijesaland to the east and south which sojourned in Benin.

The late sixteenth century was referred to as Atakumarhe in Akure forty miles to the southeast of Ilesa.

Atakumosa was considered an ances-

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Culture guing that Yoruba culture teaches how to behave. “When you wake up in the morning, the Yoruba woman will greet her husband and say Balemi E karo! meaning ‘Good morning father of my home.’ But now, there is nothing like that anymore. But I am teaching them with my Radio programme called Hinpeleo.”

He advised the young to be trustworthy, believe in themselves and avoid comparing themselves with other people. “When you wait for your time, you will not regret it. But

when you set other people as your standard, you will fall. For instance, you want to be like King Sunny Ade, can you do what King Sunny Ade has done? Back in the days King Sunny Ade will trek from Oshogbo to Ilesha, can any of the youth today do that? Even if they are going from here to there, they join Okada. So if you want to be somebody, you will forget who you are and look forward and be honest and consistent, not jumping from one trade to another.”

On the challenges he faced on the course of

getting to where he is today, Otunba General noted that the challenges were enormous before he even got a car, recalling that then, he would trek a distance to where he will take public transport from Akure to Osogbo.

He said he has so many memorable experiences to relive, saying that his determination and hard work, have all combined to help push him up in life. “I have been privileged to sit with the Kabiyesi; all the politicians want me because they enjoy my programmes I will not tell lies, I enjoy myself with them and I thank God for it.”

Great Men of God From Ijesa

Pastor E.A Adegboye

Pastor W.F Kumuyi

Bishop Abiara

tor to the ruling house and as late as the 1890’s, the first Owa Ajimoko was claiming jurisdiction over Akure on the grounds that Atakunmosa had set the boundaries between Ijesa and Be-

nin on the far side of Akure.

The Ijesa seem now to have stabilized their northwestern frontier with Oyo, Osogbo on the far bank of the Osun being an Ijesa outpost and Ada, a border town where both Owa and the Alafin of Oyo had rights. Ilesa’s size and steady growth from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries indicate that it was a powerful magnet in the whole zone of Oyo and Benin.

Many titled lineages at Ilesa have clear traditions of immigrant descents from other towns: Lora, Salosi and Sawe from Ondo; Risawe from Ekiti; Segbura from Efon; Ejemo from Owo; Sorundi, from Ikole and Arapate from Aramoko. Igbajo which is twenty miles north was linked with Ilesa and up to the late ninetieth century was regarded as a tributary of Ijesaland.

As Yoruba Foundation Legends go, Obokun the Owa’s ancestor was the youngest son of Oduduwa. Olofin, alone of all Oduduwa sons, volunteered to go and fetch sea water to cure his father’s blindness. On his return he was told his father was dead, and he asked for his “portion” of the inheritance. He was told that all inheritance including crowns were given to his elder brothers.

Instead he was given a sword–Ida Ajase (sword of conquest) and told to seize his heritage from his elder brothers. Our logo shows the sword been raised as a testament to this event and evidence of a great warrior! His patrimony is claimed to begin from the square still known as Enu Owa “The Owa’s Approach” in front of the Afin (palace) of Ife itself.

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Fashion

Why Wardrobe of Worth (WOW) Is A Fashion House With A Difference -Mrs. Fawehinmi

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Fashion

I

n Nigeria, fashion has in so many ways reflected the many ethnic groups in the country. In fact, for close to two decades now, there has been an explosion in the quest for good and very appealing fashion. As a result, there is a concomitant emergence of fashion designers, models, stylists,

etc.

Unlike before, the recognition of traditional Nigerian fashion is attracting global attention now. Before now, if you don’t wear English made suit to offices, parties or churches, you are most often not reckoned with. All that have changed now.

Recently, we met with the MRS. SUSAN FAWEHINMI, CEO of Wardrobe Of Worth (WOW), a high-flying ready to wear fashion company and school based in Festac Town, Lagos. WOW specializes in the making of African wears, infusing local fabrics with contemporary styles to suit all occasions, time and seasons.

As a graduate of Business Administration from the Lagos State University, we were curious to know what led her into fashion. And she was quite excited about how she ventured into the business of fashion making.

According to her: “This career path of mine actually started as a family business because my mother owned a fashion home back in the days, while we were growing up. I and my siblings learnt the trade, the intricacies of fashion design, cutting up clothing materials and sewing them together to make beautiful dresses.

Soon we were helping her out with the business.

“When my mother saw that we were good at making these clothes and were actually helping her to meet up with demands of customers and the deadlines she had to deliver, she decided to employ us as workers and started paying us for the job so we could save her from the trouble of not meeting up with delivery of customers’ clothes. This we did till we graduated from secondary school.”

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She said that when she left secondary school, she developed interest in the fashion and design industry because she realized that she was actually very good in making clothes and it was something she really enjoyed doing, and so, decided to explore it.

“Throughout my years in the University, I would make clothes for friends and other students on campus and get paid for it. This helped me a lot as I was able to make extra money to take care of myself and to settle some bills. That was how it all began and today I am very grateful to God and my mother.”

The Delta State –born fashion designer noted that one of the challenges she faced while starting the fashion business was finance, admitting that it was not easy for her at the time because she didn’t have the capital to acquire some

Throughout my years in the University, I would make clothes for friends and other students on campus and get paid for it. This helped me a lot as I was able to make extra money to take care of myself and to settle some bills. That was how it all began and today I am very grateful to God and my mother.

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Fashion very important tools and machinery.

“Then there was the issue of time, it wasn’t easy combining school with sewing and of course, I didn’t want my education to suffer because of my handwork.

Also, the lack of electricity supply was an issue, we didn’t always have power supply in school. I think of all the challenges I had, time was a big one.

“Since I started my profession while still in school, it was quite difficult for me, combining academic work with the fashion business, because if you had a job to do, you had to deliver, the client would not want to know or even care how you do it. They’d just want their clothes ready on time so they could wear it for that party or that very important event.

“I did not have any major savings anywhere, it was more like a gradual process for me. I started from scratch and worked very hard to grow the business to the stage where it is right now. People do not know the story, they only see the glory.”

Currently according to her, the challenges in the business and as always are the lack of electricity, the lack of skilled workers like qualified and experienced tailors, and pattern drafters. She said that the reason for this scarcity is because everybody is so concerned only with making money, without having the patience to settle down to gain the proper experience and skills before they begin to look for work.

Mrs. Fawehinmi said that her fashion business though is still work in progress, she admitted that in spite of the challenges, the business is better grounded now and thanked God for bringing them this far. “WOW Fashion is a house-hold name now. Operating from this office in Festac Town with over 25 member-staff and still counting and also building a ready to wear line and running a fashion school, I think it’s a good place for today and definitely, tomorrow will be greater by the grace of God.” On her assessment of the Nigerian fashion industry, she stated that it is an evolving one, even though a lot of designers out there are doing great jobs.”

The outburst of creative building and the business of it creating jobs for so many

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people today, to the extent that in the next few years, we may not be importing clothes in Nigeria anymore.

“It is an industry that will thrive on its own irrespective of any situation. As long as people live, there will always be the need to put on clothes- for that birthday party, that wedding ceremony, that funeral and day to day need of clothing.

It can only get better. The Government should also help us by providing electricity which is the soul of any form of production at any level, and also set up industries that will produce quality raw materials in the country,” she said.

Married to Alex Fawehinmi from

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Fashion Ondo City in Ondo State, Mrs. Fawehinmi told us that the word ‘WOW’ which is an acronym for ‘Wardrobe of Worth’ was a name she generated from her early days’ experience with customers. “Back then, every piece of clothing I made always got one reaction when worn by customers, they would always go: WOW! Later on, I had to look for key words that could be abbreviated into the letters W.O.W. That was how I came up with ‘Wardrobe Of Worth’.”

On what could be done to tackle the challenges faced by the fashion industry in Nigeria, she said that If the Government can come through on their promises to provide constant Electricity supply, so that money spent on generating electricity would then be channeled to more productive avenues, that would be so helpful.

“More skills acquisition centres should be set up to empower our youths, we don’t have a lot of those, and we have so many young people who do not have any

acquired skill or anything they are doing now. A lot of our youth are unemployed, the industry should be set to produce our own raw materials, thereby creating jobs; and we would need availability of quality materials,” she reasoned.

Mrs. Fawehinmi believes Nigerians are now crazy about ‘Made-In-Nigeria’ clothes, which she said, has helped the industry to grow to the enviable level it is today.

She decried the situation whereby government stopped importation without a commensurate increase in production, and urged government to empower individuals and or corporate bodies who are willing to produce here, especially raw material because the country is blessed with the man power.

On how she is combining her duties as a married woman with the demands of her office as CEO of a fashion house, she answered: “By His grace, I have an understanding husband, it’s not been an easy feat but I have been able to balance marriage, the home front and work.

Mrs. Fawehinmi advised the youth to go to school and develop their talent, insisting that “it will take you places,” and added. “empower yourself by learning a skill, above all, put God first and make a conscious effort to make progress.”

g s ng

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Spotlight

UNIMED Is All About High Quality Education and Innovations In Health Sciences Training -Prof.

Okonofua FRIDAY OKONOFUA [FAS], is a Nigerian professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. He is the pioneer and currently, the Vice Chancellor of Ondo State University of Medical Sciences and founder of Women Health and Action Research Centre, a non-profit organization with its headquarters in Benin City, that focuses on promoting female reproductive research.

Prior to his appointment as the first substantive Vice Chancellor of Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, he served as the Provost of the College of Medical Science, University of Benin and as Program Officer of Ford Foundation’s West Africa office. Ford Foundation is a New York headquartered, globally oriented private foundation with the mission of advancing human welfare. His research interest is in the area of Public health, sexual and female reproductive health as well as Andrology.

In this exclusive interview with RealityLife Magazine Editorial team, he talks about the uniqueness of Ondo State University of Medical Sciences, the challenges facing the institution and where the university is headed for in the near future…

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Spotlight Medical Sciences has achieved this feat in less than two years, and I am very excited about this.

What is the University of Medical Sciences all about?

The University of Medical Sciences is designed to offer high quality education training in the field of Health Sciences which includes: Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc. It is a one-stop training Centre where we can have a concentrated Medical Science Education; because all health Science courses are inter-related. The University provides the forum for all health professionals to interact and exchange ideas, and also learn from one and other. The University is also designed to offer high quality research that will be second to none in the country.

As the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University, what are the heights that you have attained so far?

Just knowing that we started this University in 2015 and admitted a fresh set of students in January 2016, in terms of student admission, we are less than two years old, yet we’ve established up to 12 various courses of various fields of the health professionals. For example, we have a course in surgery, we have a course in Dentistry, we have in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Medical lab Sciences, as well as courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and so on.

All of these courses have been approved by the National Universities Commission, NUC. Additionally, we have recruited over 300 staff, both academic and non-academic in all the disciplines. Many of the top professionals in Nigeria have opted to come to the University of Medical Sciences because of the uniqueness of the University. Our facilities are second to none, a major reason why the Medical and Dental Council visited us recently.

They accredited our Medical school for the first professional exams, which is a record. I can tell you that many universities did not get this level of our accreditation and there are many universities that fought for it for several years up to 10 and 15 years before they got it. But the University of

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What should Nigerians expect from this University?

Innovations in Health Sciences training, things have to be done differently. I was on Facebook messenger the other day chatting with a colleague of mine from Ife and we were going back several years about what has happened between the time we trained as Doctors and now. The quality of Medical training has depreciated badly, and if Ondo State in 2015, decided to invest in new University of Medical Sciences, you can be sure that we offer the very best that this country can offer.

So, Nigerians should expect clearly, innovations in training of Doctors, in the services that we will provide especially in our contribution to community development. One of the things that is lacking now, is that there is no sync between the Health Professionals and their devotion to serving the community health’s problems. The motto of The University of Medical Sciences is: Learning And Community Service. Which means that we are specifically cut out to deal with some of the major health issues that this country is facing today.

Ondo State just had a change from one administration to another in February 2017, has this by any means affected the affairs of the University of Medical Sciences?

By the grace of God, this has not by any means affected this University. This is the reason why I truly believe that the people of Ondo State are great people. I am saying this from the bottom of my heart because the former Governor was extremely progressive and the present Government of Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu is also very progressive, he has been extremely supportive; you know, i look at them and I wonder if this is because we all graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, because if you attended the University of Ife in the era we did, you cannot but be progressive.

So, I want to say it loudly, that we are lucky to have two progressive govern-

ments succeeding each other, that is the benefit of the University. For example, without the support of Governor Akeredolu, we would not have achieved the accreditation that the Medical and Dental Council just gave us; I just approached the Governor and informed him that we needed some money to put some things in order for the accreditation to happen and without any hesitations, he gave the funds. I am extremely proud and happy that Ondo state people have been able to get good continuity in Government though from different platforms; to God be the Glory.

Rumuor has it that the University of Medical Sciences will be turned to a college, please clarify this?

Well a rumuor is a rumuor, and by the grace of God, I have no power to comment on rumours and I can therefore say from the bottom of my heart and from what I know that I am not aware of that and it is only a rumour, let it remain a rumuor and God should make it remain a rumuor for all eternity. Because we shouldn’t be moving backward, we expect that, if Ondo State has taken the lead in being the first state in this country to create University of Medical Sciences that attracts the envy of others, why go backward?

That will be a travesty of history. We will not go back, we will always continue as the leading state, the first state in this country to establish the first University of Medical Sciences. We are not going back, anybody saying that is only trying to deceive you.

You said, the University of Medical Sciences is the first of its kind in Nigeria, we also heard that the University is also the first in West Africa sub-region?

No it isn’t; I thought it was the first until recently when I went on a conference in Harvard and I met another Vice Chancellor of a University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana which I was told started about three to five years ago. And for us to be that humble, we are not likely to be the first in West Africa; we are probably second or even the third.

Tell us something about the accredita-

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Spotlight tion process?

The process basically involves the Medical and Dental Council, sending a team of experts in various fields, this time in all the fields of Basic medical sciences and Pathology, to look at the facilities that we have, starting with the curriculum and our general philosophy about the training of doctors and dentists that we propose. Normally this takes place in four phases.

We have passed through the first phase and this is the second phase. And I want to say that the second phase is the most difficult of them all, and we passed. The third phase, we already have facilities on ground for, so that won’t be a problem. And fourth and final stage will be when they are going to access the hospital which is not going to be a problem because the hospital is already on ground.

I want to say, it is a record, coming to look at our facilities and ensuring that it meets both national and international standard. It’s been very challenging, knowing that the state and the Nigerian government do not have funds and we were able to achieve that. We praise God. Naturally, starting up any project is always a difficult task, what are the major challenges that you have faced since inception?

We have faced challenges; I knew there were going to be challenges. Even with the old universities, there are challenges, talk less of when you’re starting a new one.

I knew what these challenges would be.

Apart from funding, getting people to understand the philosophy and concept and to ensure that the right calibre of people are recruited at every stage to help drive our mission and vision. The grace has been that those who founded this University and the host community has been extremely supportive, anytime I call on them, they always respond.

From the former governor to the current governor, Prof. Akinkugbe, the father of medicine in this country, to the Kabiyesi, The Osemawe of Ondo kingdom who is also a medical doctor. I have been to many parts of Nigeria but the support of the people here is extraordinary; it is the Centre of gravity and the oil that drives the engine of this University. Life itself is about challenges and we are set up to be able to overcome

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challenges. When people cooperate with you, it is easy to overcome challenges.

Africa, but they have not been discovered.

So, it is important for us as a University to lead a pathway to the discovery of these new chemicals that we can discover, refine, characterize and be able to turn them into less-expensive drugs. Currently, almost all the drugs we use come from outside the country and by the time they come down to us, they are very expensive. The local drugs that we can manufacture here, will be less expensive.

Our vision is to ensure that in the next 5 to 10 years, Ondo State will have a big pharmaceutical company that can contribute locally; and that Ondo State will be home for drugs discovery, apart from the fact that we also want high level clinical services. Our medical village has one of the most profound instruments and equipment for research in the area of Trauma, Ultra Sound, etc. We believe that by the time the clinical arm of the University is fully operational, this will become a place where people will be referred to for med-

One in the series of lectures you had this year is focused on herbal medicine is this part of the innovation you talk about?

Yes, we are actually focusing on innovative areas in this University especially in the herbal area, because the University is multi-disciplinary. We have different health professionals from Basic Sciences to Applied Sciences; we have Clinical Sciences. We believe that there are many unresolved issues relating to the use of plants for treatment of diseases that are not yet discovered. Currently, traditional medicine practitioners are using a lot of plants we don’t yet know their science base.

The University is starting right from the beginning to find out what chemicals are behind the use of those plants, what their scientific characterization is and how we can extract and refine them so that we can develop a pathway to discover good drugs that will be useful in treating very many highly privilege diseases? Africa as you know, is one the continents with one of the highest burdens of diseases which are not known to us, but we believe that the treatment for these diseases also lie here in Faculty of Basic Clinical

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Spotlight

ical attention.

What about the integration of the University with the hospital?

The state has so many medical facilities including excellent Nursing school. Recently, the Government decided to hand over the Nursing arm to the University; that integration is being worked out. I think it will be much more effective for the state to have single institution that account for efficiency and effectiveness rather than having multiple institutions that are not doing very well; that is the experience in many states. Ondo State is integrating all of those institutions to one and I can say that in a few years from now, other States will be learning from the model here in Ondo State.

Do you think Nigeria will embrace the traditional herbal medicine?

I know they will embrace it. The Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health

Anatomy Department

Kidney Centre

Organization (WHO) do not exclude the use of herbal medicine. Not just that, what the University is saying is that we must use research to determine the efficacy and the effectiveness of those herbs to refine them to become products that can be used by people and has been approved by NAFDAC. There is also an agency established by Government to do a lot of research and discovery in the area of herbal medicine and they have already come up with the curriculum to train Herbal practitioners especially in the area of medical science.

The Chinese medicine is herbal medicine and everybody is turning their eyes on them. But we shouldn’t look down on our own especially if we can prove that they are equally effective.

What is the projection of the University of Medical Sciences?

The projection is that, by the year 2019, we will be graduating our first set of Doctors and Dentists. Right now, we have established the school of post-graduate studies, and we are going to admit students for post-graduate studies in various disci-

plines so that Medical Doctors who do not have PhD, will be encouraged to do so. We equally encourage members of the public who are qualified to do the same because the opportunity exists here.

We can get the entire medical discipline integrated and highly professionalized as well, so that by the year 2019, by the grace of God, we will produce our first set of graduates. And I want us to look forward to welcoming them because Nigeria will see a different set of graduates that do things differently. They will be much more proactive because they have the desire to answer the needs of our people.

Calculating the time the University started to 2019, it will just be 4 years, but I know it takes 5 years or more to study Medicine, why that?

There has not been any interruptions in the school curriculum since we started and the first set of students came at the 200 level through Direct entry. And now, they are in 300 level, when they sit for their exam now,

by December, they will be in 400 level. And by next year, they will be in 500 level and 2019 they graduate at 600 level. Actually,

Cross Sectiion of Students in Anatomy Lab.

Medical Ward building

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Spotlight

Prosthetic & Operative Technique Lab

Spotlight academic year is only about 26 to 30 weeks while the full calendar year is 52 weeks.

One of the reasons why students are delayed is due to strike actions and by God’s grace, strike will be far from this University.

Microbial Pathology & Haematology Lab with Eqipments

Does this mean that there will be no breaks throughout the year?

There will not be an abnormal break, but there will be a break to rest because the way we are running the University, it will be difficult for anybody to go on strike. Staff members will not go on strike because they are very busy with their work and they are very reasonable people.

What would you say about the health care system in Nigeria?

Not very good, that is what I can say. We can do extremely better and we seem not to be changing. In my humble opinion, the reason the health care sector is not improving is bad management. I don’t want to say corruption. We don’t have the right set of people managing the various sectors of our health care sector at any level, either primary or secondary. We need people with vision and commitment, people who want to do things well; unfortunately, we don’t have them in this country today.

I don’t like to blame Government at all, the state of the health care industry is not just due to underfunding alone, for me, it is much more important for us to look inward and ask ourselves questions. Every time you talk about the health care sector, all you hear is bring more money. Money is important but the proper use of money is what is even more important. I am not convinced that the money that has been given to health sector in this country has properly been used.

The health system in this country is at its lowest level. Unless we put proper management in place and activate them, things will not improve. And putting more money to it is like putting money into the ocean.

Chemical Pathology & Pharmacology lab. with Eqipments

What is the way forward?

I think the Nigeria health care system is part of the entire Nigeria. We need to have practical commitment, remember that health is provider of wealth and nobody can argue that. Good people with good health can provide good wealth. The gov-

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Spotlight

UniMed Will Be Competing WithThe World’s Best Varsities in a short while -Acting Registrar

ADEYINKA ADEKALU was recently appointed the Acting Registrar of the high-flying University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State. With an experience spanning over 15 years in the university system, Adekalu believes UniMed has all it takes to compete with some of the world’s leading universities in a couple of years to come…..

What is the admission process like in the school?

For now, we have rounded off the 2017 admission process. We started with the completion of the post-UTME and the reason behind the post-UTME is to ensure we get the best students. The post UTME was a very thorough examination, a transparent.

Right now, we have been able to release the admission list which was based on merit .

Resumption date for 2017/2018 academic session was Sunday12th November, 2017.

Is special preference given to intending students during the admission process?

No, admission is strictly on merit and what we’ve done so far is to have the merit list and then we have the catchment list, and other categories in line with esterblished Federal Government regulations on admissions.

Tell us about the accreditation process.

The school was recently accredited so what should people expect?

I’m pleased to inform you that the medical and dental council has accredited our MBBS programme. This is a huge feat if you look at the admission process for this year, we have had quite a number of students seeking admission into our medical programmes and I’m sure it’s because of the accreditation which we have received. So we are expecting more by the next admission in 2018/2019 Academic Session.

What would be your advice to students?

My advice to students is to come in peacefully and face their studies; we are here for real business. We want to produce top quality graduates capable of competing with their contemporaries. More importantly, we want to produce competent medical doctors and

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cellor of the school?

We are fortunate to have an erudite scholar and thorough bred academic in the person of Prof. Friday Okonofua at the helms of affair. He has shown enough commitment towards the growth of the university. From inception, he has demonstrated a lot of skill and commitment, he’s ready to take the university to greater heights. Look at what happened during the accreditation, it is unprecedented in the history of any Nigerian university to get accreditation in less than two years of its establishment. He encourages and motivates all staff and ensure that things are done properly. This is the type of leadership we should have in Nigeria.

other health professionals, we have all the facilities in place, all that’s left for them to do is to attend lectures, and study hard to achieve success.

What would you say is the challenge that the school faces at this time?

The greatest challenge in contemporary Nigeria is the issue of funding and the Government cannot do it alone. We expect to source for funds philanthropists, grants endowment to continue to move the university foward.

Has there been any positive response?

Yes, recently, we were fortunate to have a philanthropist who donated the faculty of basic clinical science building to the institution. We are using this medium to call on all well-meaning Nigerians, Ondo State indigenes in particular, who are lovers of education to come forward and contribute their quota towards the development and growth of the university.

Where do we see UNIMED in 5 years from now?

Well, in the next 5 years, UNIMED should be competing with top-rated universities in the world, universities like Harvard, Cambridge etc. in terms of scholarly works, Medicare. We foresee a time when Nigerians don’t have to travel abroad to receive medical care, but rather come to Ondo State; to recieve best medicare.

It is an established fact that Nigerians have a problem with maintenance, practically when it comes to facility and institution, how do you think that UNIMED will be sustained?

Maintenance is a general problem we have in Nigeria, but I want to tell you that most of the problem we have in Nigeria border on leadership. We have a leader in UNIMED who is proactive with a determination to succeed, you can be sure the problem of maintenance will not be an issue. The present leadership in UNIMED is committed to doing things the right way.

What would you say about the Vice Chan-

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A group picture of MDCN accreditation team with members of staff of UNIMED during a veriďŹ cation visit to the University

ernment must emphasize the health of its people and exhibit the political will to actualize this. It must make sure that the right kind of people are running the health care sector.

They must be given a marching order which must attract sanction should anyone falter. Unless that is done, the health care sector will not recover very soon. Nigeria is being mentioned as one of the worst nations in the world. And it is because of bad

Mother and Child HospitaL

Sudents in Anatomy Lab

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management, not because of lack of money.

With little funds, those countries that do not have the amount of money that Nigeria has, are doing better than Nigeria.

Any word for the students?

For the students of this university, theyare lucky they are in the best University of Medical Sciences. You have some of the best teachers to teach you. You should learn from us, look at our lives and see how we

are living. Just ensure you do your work and make this institution proud. And to the other youths in general, remember that the country is in your hands, whatever we the elderly do, we are doing it on your behalf.

So prepare to lead this country, and the way to go is to prepare yourself now through good education, good orientation and discipline. And generally in Nigeria, I believe the future is bright if we can do this currently.

Trauma Surgical Centre

Alaanu Hostel

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Spotlight We Have A Vice Chancellor Who Is Passionate About The Institution - Prof. Owa

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ean of Social Sciences of the University of Medical Sciences, Professor Aderisola Owa has said that the institution remains unique in so many ways.

According to him, “The Medical University, is the first university that is devoted to Medical science education in all its ramifications in Nigeria and probably the second in Africa. The rate at which the institution is growing, is also very encouraging.

“We have a Vice Chancellor who is passionate about the institution and wants to do everything possible for the University to succeed. And I know we will succeed because all those who had been here especially for accreditations were surprised at what they met on ground owing to the progress of the university within a very short period. There is the possibility of the University becoming a first class University soonest.”

On his contributions to the growth of the

university, he noted that since his resumption in the school, he has served as a member of the developmental committee and has been developing the academic programs and the curriculum at the faculty and at the departmental level.

Drawing a comparison between the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile Ife

where he served for decades and on sabbatical at his current place, Professor Owa said that in OAU, the curriculum for medical training is based on what is called the traditional one.

“Now we are going to run the integrated curriculum in which when the students are in basic medical sciences, they are also learning some aspects of clinical medicine. That is one major difference.”

Professor Owa stated that though the students are just resuming at his faculty, expressing the readiness of the faculty to welcome them. “By the time they come in for example, we are going to use the Medical Village (Mother and Child Hospital/Trauma Centre) as our own laboratory for clinical sciences; that is where they are going to take most of their practical training.”

He advised the first set of students of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences to get ready to work hard, and think beyond targeting the sky as their limit.

3rd Distinguished Guest Lecture The Future of Health and the promise of Primary Health Care in Nigeria

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Spotlight UNIMED’s Uniqueness Lies In The Centralization Of Medical Courses -Prof. Oluwatosin

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eputy Vice Chancellor, Administrative and Clinical Services of the pace-setting Ondo State University of Medical Services, [UNIMED], Professor Odunayo Oluwatosin has expressed delight with the achievements so far recorded in the institution since its inception two years ago.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with RealityLife magazine in Ondo, the Professor of Surgery said the successes so far recorded in the university are attributable to the Vice Chancellor whom he described as a good listener to work with. “The Vice Chancellor is versatile, someone to learn from, and carries every one of us along. He is prudent and efficient.”

He said that as a premier medical university in Nigeria, the country’s medical profession and the health sector in general can look up to the institution, leverage on it and collaborate to solve the myriad of problems challenging the country’s health care sector.

On the school’s style of administration, Professor Oluwatosin who is also a Fellow of the Medical College of Surgeons (Nigeria) and of the West African College of Surgeons said things are evolving even though the proper legislation has yet to be put in perspective.

“With what we have, it shows that the input of the founding fathers -both the professional health sector practitioners and the school management are based on experience over the years. From a global picture, I think we are putting together a very robust administrative structure that will do something great for the country’s health sector.”

On the academic environment of the school, he noted: “Ours is an environment of serenity, we have two campuses, we have the medical village which constitutes the teaching hospital. And we have the other campus which basically is the clinical as well as the science subject campus. Both campuses should provide the adequate science for knowledge acquisition and I assure you that the students are learning from a conducive

environment.”

Professor Oluwatosin said the uniqueness of the University of Medical Sciences lies in the fact that every aspect of the health sector is put under one learning umbrella in the tertiary institution. “There is this aspect of collaboration such that the students sit down with Nursing students, the physiotherapy students and with other students of medical engineering at the initial stage and as they go to various areas of specialization, they still meet at various places: in the laboratory, etc. we do not have that anywhere else in the country.”

He urged students of the school to appreciate the conducive learning environment available to them in the school and see it as a place where they will learn how to function well in the health sector and how to collaborate with other members of the health profession. “It is a very good opportunity you cannot find in the conventional university.”

UNIMED herbal medicine lecture

Prof.Joseph Ibomein Okogun, Guest Speaker

Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu. Wife of Ondo State Governor.

Cross Section of Ondo Kingdom High Chiefs

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Spotlight At UniMed, We Can Develop Traditional Medicine For Cancer Treatment - Prof. Odimayo

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rofessor of Microbial Pathology, Professor Odimayo Michael Simidele has extolled the giant strides already recorded by Nigeria’s premier 100 % Medical University, the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State.

Prof. Simidele, who recently, spoke exclusively to RealityLife Magazine editors noted that the giant strides already made by the institution is as a result of the inspiring leadership qualities of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Friday Okonofua.

“The medical university is doing great, we have a Vice Chancellor that is very energetic and determined. He is a mover, he will always say let things happen. As we are putting facilities in place, he will come, move around and ensure things are properly done. He does not take impossibility as an option. And he has the support of the Gov-

ernment and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu; is also committed to this project.”

He said that although he just resumed in the school, but when he saw the good works ongoing, he heaved a sigh of relief,

(L-R) Prof. Friday Okonofua and Prof.Joseph Ibomein Okogun

saying this was elating, compared to what he saw in other universities. “I have been to many universities in Nigeria, including Benue and Ekiti States, before coming here.

My major concern is to ensure that we have a proper medical education in Nigeria and Ondo, my state, in particular.”

Prof. Simidele was of the opinion that the unique thing about the institution is that the university has a very world class presence. “Talking about University of Medical Sciences means we will be having solution to many of the health problems we have in the Country.

“We are being challenged in the area of research, but the mind of the lecturers that we have here has really been sharpened because the Vice Chancellor is a researcher par excellence and this institution is going to be unique for research work. We are going to produce a lot of graduates that will serve the medical need of this country”.

Arabinrin Betty Akeredolu receiving an Award from Prof. Friday Okonofua

Arabinrin and some senior staff of UNIMED.

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Spotlight The Students’ Verdict Eniola Ogunmola, 200 Level Dentistry student “The admission process was quite okay.

Our lecturers are good. We do all practical lessons of the theory taught. It is a very wonderful school. For me, it’s been great being in this school. And as a matter of fact, this school has been a saving grace for many of us because everything I see in the movies about being a medical student and a doctor, I see in this school. We have world standard equipment, and we make very good use of them. We’ve done a lot of practical lessons like in blood testing, urine testing and the rest of that. Anybody seeking to gain admission into this school is making a very smart choice”

Fabelurin Fehintoluwa, 200 level Medicine & Surgery “We are currently at the pre-Clinical stage, basically doing dissection of dead bodies. We’ve started practicing surgery.

So far, we’ve been able to open up cadavers to practicalize most of the things we are taught in class.

Fabelurin Fehintoluwa

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“It was interesting for me to hold the scalpel and cut open a human body and see what’s inside it that make us perform our activities as human beings; I was rather anxious the first time I was to have this experience. Our lecturers are doing a very good job, coming to class to teach us and explain some of these things in such a way that we could easily understand. We also have practical classes where we view tissues under the microscope.

“I feel like I am so blessed to be part of UNIMED. Before coming here- obviously, being that it was a new school- I had doubts, and I was quite skeptical about what the school was going to be like. But so far, it has been wonderful and rewarding.

And because it is a new school, the kind of facilities they have put in place here, and are still putting in place to ensure standard, are quite amazing and applaudable.

“I am impressed because everybody, from the VC, the lecturers to the Administrative staff, is doing a great job. The school has a very accommodating and warm environment, and very conducive for learn-

ing. I consider myself very fortunate to be a student here.”

Ogunmola Eniola Stephenson

Oloyede Rasheed OLashile

Oloyode Rasheed , 300 level Medical student (Class Rep) “The experience here has been quite superb. Classes have been going on without any interruptions. We have been enjoying all sessions in this school.

“Academically, our lecturers give us the best, always. UNIMED for me is a great institution for any person that wants to read health science courses. We do a whole lot of courses here. I can’t compare UNIMED to any other school. I was a medical student in another school before I came here, and I can tell you that the experience I have gained here is incomparable. UNIMED is first in Nigeria and like third in Africa.

They are always pursuing their goals. It’s a great university.

“We have finished all pre-clinical courses and now moving to clinical which is done at 400 level. All the facilities are ready for us.”

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Spotlight UniMed Is Poised To Raise Medical Education To A New Level In Nigeria -Arogunjo PROF. AROGUNJO ADEYEMI is a professor of Physics, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State. With over 20 years and pioneer Dean Faculty of Science experience as a university teacher, this pioneer Head of Department of Physics at UniMed no doubt, is the right person to talk about the institution and its programmes. He spoke to our Editors‌‌ As the pioneer dean of the faculty of Sciences, what would you count as the feat achieved so far?

Pioneering work is all about innovations, it takes a lot of energy, power and strength, it also gives you the opportunity to do things differently having been opportune to know how the system works elsewhere. And you have the opportunity to start the system, you will work on the flaws of the previous system.

Then you will be able to bring to bear some of the innovations that you think should be added to what has been existing, to create a platform that will eventually bring about a better future.

And since I got here as the pioneer dean of faculty of science and having been head of department in FUTA and also seen the running of faculty of Science in FUTA, I made up my mind that I was going to do things in such a way that will bring about innovations to the various departments of the faculty. Pioneering work comes with its own challenges, and one of such challenges was the issue of space.

We were lucky to have Professor Friday Okonofua as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Science. But for his innovative ideas and his ingenuity that he brought to this university, this university would have wound up before now. But because of the nature of the man he is, down to earth in terms of making sure that things work and putting all his energy and power to making sure that things work.

Remember I said that when you are pioneering, it gives you the opportunity of making sure that things work. He has seen all about the administration of University. He came from the University of Benin and being a former Dean and Provost, and having seen the ways things are done, that resources are there but not being appropriately managed the way it ought to, he made his mind that when he had the opportunity which he has presently, that he was going to do things differently and he has brought that into bear in making sure that things are done well.

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assumed that what the students would have learnt at 100 level, has been learnt elsewhere qualifying them for entry into 200 level..

He has been able to manage the meager resources of the University. When the Medical and Dental Council (MDCN) came for the accreditation of Basic Medical Science and MBBS and BDS programmes with the facilities they saw on ground within the space of 2 years of this University, they were amazed.

And it is not because there is money on ground, because the University started at the beginning of the recession.

Those who created this University has great vision for the State. However they were constrained by the general recession we have in the country. And that put a lot of pressure on the Vice Chancellor to put his ingenuity to play in making sure that the University runs appropriately. And we thank God for a man like him. With that great impetus that we also got from him, we were able to put up our ingenuity in this Faculty of Science to be able to make the Faculty the way it is presently. .

We have 4 departments in the faculty, Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences and Mathematical Sciences. .

What about those in year three who did not pass through the Faculty of Sciences?

By the education policy of Nigeria, you can gain admission into the University through direct entry or UTME. For direct entry, it is

What are the expectations?

My focus is actually to bring the Faculty to a level that it will be able to run appropriately at the same level with other leading faculties in this University. We started with the Department of Physics, Chemistry Biology and mathematics. We also want go further to have other departments within the faculty, like computer science, and laboratory science that will be able to meet the technological aspect of the various needs within this University. We are also looking forward to a time when we will have a building of the Faculty of Sciences, where we will be able to have the various departments expanded laboratories and every aspect of research running maximally.

Talking about research, has the Faculty developed a laid-down procedure for research to take off?

Yes, every staff within the faculty is research-oriented because, for you to have a master degree in your discipline, you must have done research. PhD is purely research however, the Faculty is looking forward to starting a post graduate programme within various departments of the Faculty. As a matter of fact, I just treated a memo on that before your arrival, that we are looking at developing appropriate curriculum that will help us start our post graduate programme in the Faculty.

How are the UniMed students coping?

We thank God for helping us get the crop of students who know the reason why they have come into a University like this. I also want you to realize that this is a specialized University and as a specialized University, it has its own mandate. Our students have been fully oriented in that regard, and by so doing, they have been able to imbibe the culture that were put in place by the founding fathers of the University under the leadership of our

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Spotlight Vice Chancellor. We have students who are well-cultured and with great understanding of what is obtainable here.

This University is making sure that we do things transparently, efficiently, and in very accountable manner. We want to make sure we discipline ourselves to ensure things are done appropriately than they are done elsewhere. I can tell you that a lot of mismanagement has been the problem in trying to bring Nigeria Universities at par with leading universities around the world. But here, we have a man in the helm of affairs who is not ready

to spend money anyhow but want to make sure that every money he spends is accountable. This University is going places.

What is your advice to the students?

My candid advice to students within the community is to be focused, and to see how to add value to every situation around them. That means they have to think about how to contribute. The ability to think about contribution is very important because that adds value to a system. And as a student, they are the future hope of this nation. If

they do things well at this initial stage, when they grow in their career, they will not find themselves in situations that will bring about regrets. When they finish from here, they will be going out to see how they will be able to help the situations in Nigeria.

They should avoid excessive social media activities because we have so many social media activities that students are engaging themselves in today that have been eroding the main purpose why they came to the University

We Are Looking Forward To This University Becoming A Medical Tourist Institution -Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola

Acting Dean, Student Aairs, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo State, DR. MRS. YEMISI AGBOOLA talks about the giant strides made so far by the university.

As a young institution, would you say the university has attained any feat so far?

The university started academic act ivies in January 2016. And between 2016 and now, we have achieved so much, We have MBBS students and BDS students in the faculty of science, Basic Medical Science and Allied Health Sciences We have students that transferred from other countries to UniMed and they are all doing fine.

We have achieved a lot within a very short period of time. And in terms of research, community development and Academics, we have so many community development programmes being spearheaded by the community medicine department,.

We carry out a lot of research work which will be translated into policy briefs, and publications made available so that others can benefit from our research. We are working hard every day to make sure that we meet the world class standard.

Another achievement in this institution is the uninterrupted academic calendar

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since inception.

What are the issues you face here?

I would say that there is no Institution anywhere in the world that does not have the challenge of funding, but we have been able to mitigate against this. We have been able to do a lot of projects with the little resources available to the Institution. In spite of the fact that finance is a major challenge, we are not focusing on that rather, our focus is, what can be done?

So we involve ourselves in proposal writing to get grants. Our Vice Chancellor is such a dynamic person who is very versatile in that area and we involve everybody, including the students, to learn how to write proposals so as to win grants. We get everything the Institution needs and also compete favourably with international universities.

What’s your expectations for the Institution?

I am actually looking forward to seeing this Medical University among the 10 top Medical Universities in the world and to be among the best 5 universities in the world.

And that is what we are thriving towards in terms of medical delivery. We are also looking forward to this State and this Institution becoming a tourist State for medical service delivery. We expect to see a situation whereby in Nigeria, people will no longer travel outside the country for medical treatment but rather come to Medical Village Ondo State and access all the facilities, instead of them spending their money outside the country. We have in place, the experts capable of doing this.

You are Dean of Student Affairs, what would you say are the issues affecting the students studying at UniMed in terms of academics and acclimatization?

First of all, academically, there are no issues. Though they are not at the same level, we have different categories of studentssome are very good, there are those in the middle class. Once in a month, the Vice Chancellor do have interactive session with them on how he can encourage them academically, and advise them on how to study and understand and not just reading to pass.

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Spotlight

My Prayer Is For This Specialised University To Be Sustained - Fasanmade ADESOJI FASANMADE is a professor of Physiology and Medicine at the University of Ibadan but currently, the Dean of Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences on sabbatical at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences.

He dissects Basic Medical Sciences in the following interview‌ With your wealth of experience, how would you describe Basic Medical Sciences?

Basic Medical Sciences are mainly sciences that describe theoretical things about scientific bases, about medicine. It comprises of anatomy which is about the general body system in relation to each other. It talks about physiology which is the functional activities of those cells and tissues. And bio-chemistry is the chemical bases of the functioning of the cell. These are the core bases of medical sciences.

The Basic Medical Science can also be expanded to include pathology which talks about diseases process in the body. There are various parts of pathology: we have anatomical pathology, we have biological pathology, hematology that deals with blood. We have chemical pathology that talks about the chemical system of the body; Virology that talks about virus infections in the body and finally, you talk about parasitology that is, influence of parasites in the body. And then you have pharmacology which is the study of drugs in the body.

But here at the University of Medical Sciences, the Basic Medical Sciences are divided in two. We have the real core which comprises only of anatomy, physiology and bio-chemistry. The others that I mention are grouped into basic medical science.

What would you say are the major differences between medical university and your base station?

At Ibadan, I was in the College of Medicine but the only major difference is that we have larger university setting where History, Sciences and Technology etc are taught. But here, it is a specialized university. It is a very good thing to have a specialized university and I do hope and I pray that it will be sustained.

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of nowadays, there is always the challenge of maintenance and sustenance. But if there is a will, there will be a way; it is the will one is talking about. Now, this is a compact university compared to larger universities, if it is not getting enough funding, there will be a challenge.

Self-sustaining activities of this university, unless we diversify to central areas like the lecture on Herbal. And if we have a very good center for herbal medicine, we can actually generate some money for the university. And then, if we offer services and people don’t go abroad for medical tourism, we equally generate money from there.

What are those unique factors that can attract people to the school?

Academically, the setting is very important and we have appropriate setting here, we have a standard being put in place right from the onset, and we make the standard known to everyone. I came here to inspect if I can do my sabbatical leave here, but before now, I used to go outside the country and I saw an opportunity here that is why I came to contribute my quota.

Now, the important thing here is that we are having an innovation all over the world.

We do not have much of this specialized university. In Nigeria, definitely this is the first of its kind. With a core medical institution like this, we will be able to train people for man power in health services and we are diversifying. We are going to have some sciences like medical physics, for example, we are going to do medical rehabilitation; the institution is for the total health of humans.

While speaking, you expressed fear in the sustainability of the university, what is this fear?

In any new institution especially in Nigeria

How are you enjoying the sabbatical compared to abroad that you always go?

At least, there is dignity here, I am not in the bus and somebody is saying monkey. That is one of the challenges we face when we go outside the country. Within Nigeria, people can understand your worth.

What will be your advice to students?

They should work hard, there is no short cut to being an excellent individual. But again, it’s not just in reading, they must be able to move through the university and let the university move through them. They should participate in various activities of the institution.

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Women

in Nation Building

Celebrating Nigerian Women In National Development.

Nigerian women have been playing leading roles in shaping the nation and this dates back to the pre-colonial era. Although the advent of colonialism made women to disengage from political participation in the country, in recent times, they have become actively involved in the country’s politics, and have shone like a million stars in such other areas as sports, business, public administration, entertainment, etc.

In this edition and subsequently, we shall be profiling some of the women who have contributed immensely to Nigeria’s social- political and economy development‌

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Women in Nation Building Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar Honourable Justice Aloma Mariam

Mukhtar was born in Lagos on the 20th of November, 1944; she acquired her primary school education in Zaria, and obtained her [GCE] ‘O’ Levels at Rossholme School for Girls in East Brent, Somerset, England in 1962. She went on to attend Gibson & Welder Law School where she graduated in 1966 and was called to the English Bar, Middle Temple the same year, then to the Nigerian Bar in 1967.

Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s career advancement is a product of hard work, dedication and perseverance; she joined the Northern Nigeria Ministry of Justice as a Pupil State Counsel and Magistrate Grade 1, between [1969-1973]. She

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returned to her native Kano State in 1973 to assume duties as Chief Registrar of the State Judiciary and in 1977, was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Kano State.

Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar was nominated Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria in 1987, where she spent 17 years, twelve of which she served as President.

Elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in June 2005, she reached the apogee of the legal profession when she was appointed to the exalted position of Chief Justice of Nigeria [CJN] in July 2012, which position she held for about two years.

In the interim also, [May 2011 – July 2012], she had served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia.

Described as an “independent, transparent, courageous, fearless yet humble and a fair-minded Jurist” by her colleagues and legal practitioners alike, Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar was one of the three Justices of the Su-

Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar’s career advancement is a product of hard work, dedication and perseverance; she joined the Northern Nigeria Ministry of Justice as a Pupil State Counsel and Magistrate Grade 1, between [1969-1973].

preme Court who took a dissenting stance in the 2007 Presidential election dispute on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2006, which should have nullified the election of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

During her distinguished career, Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar scored quite a number of significant ‘Firsts’: In June 1967, she became the first female lawyer in Northern Nigeria [covering all 19 States], and subsequently its pioneer female Magistrate in the Northern region; She was the first female Chief Registrar of the Kano State Judiciary, the first female Judge of the High Court in Kano State, and the first woman jurist to be appointed to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In July 2012, she became the first female Chief Justice of Nigeria [CJN].

Since leaving office as CJN, she has joined Nigeria’s highest advisory body, the National Council of State as its first female permanent member.

A Life Bencher; Fellow, The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Fellow of the Nigerian Law School, Honourable Justice Aloma Mukhtar has been recognized nationally and internationally for her value-added contributions to the growth and development of the judiciary. She has the rare distinction of being the recipient of three of the highest Nigerian National Honours, namely: Commander of the Order of the Niger [CON], Commander of the Federal Republic [CFR] and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger [GCON].

Among others, she has also been honoured by the International Federation of Women Lawyers [FIDA], and with the Life-Membership of the International Association of Women Judges; Gold Merit award of the Kano State Government, Vice President, International Association Of Women Judges, Foundation President, Nigerian Association of Women Judges; Induction into The Nigerian Women Hall of Fame; and Honorary Doctor of Letters from University of Abuja.

Credit: hallmarksoflabour.org

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Women in Nation Building Prof. Grace Alele-Williams Her good looks hide an inner steel that enabled her break the glass ceilings that hobble her gender in Nigeria - and impact her socio-cultural environment considerably. She made history as the first Nigerian woman to be awarded a doctorate and also the first to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university in 1985.

Born in Warri, Delta State, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams received her education at Queens College in Lagos state, University College at Ibadan, and the University of Vermont, before receiving a Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of Chicago in 1963. She returned to Nigeria for a couple of years’ post-doctoral work at the University of Ibadan, before joining the faculty of the University of Lagos, in 1965.

Her teaching career started at Queen’s School, Ede, Osun State, where she was mathematics master from 1954 to 1957. She left for the University of Vermont to become a graduate assistant and later assis¬tant professor. Between 1963 and ‘65, Alele-Williams was a post-doctoral research fellow, department (and institute) of Education, University of Ibadan from where she was appointed a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos in 1976.

By serving in various committees and boards, Alele-Williams had made useful contributions in the development of edu¬cation in Nigeria. She was chairman of the curriculum review committee, former Bendel State, 1973-1979. From 1979-1985, she served as chairman of the Lagos State Curriculum Review Committee and Lagos State Examinations Boards.

She believes her appointment as Vice Chancellor at the University of Benin in 1985, which ended in 1992, was a test case to demonstrate a women’s executive capability.

Among her honors are: Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and of the Nigerian Academy of Education; Merit Award Winner of Bendel State in Ni¬geria; and Regional Vice President for Africa of the Third World Organization for Women in Science” (Science in Africa: Women Lead¬ing from Strength AAAS, Washington, 1993, p.174).

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She is also the Chairwoman of AMUCWMA, the African Mathematical Union Commission for Women in Mathematics. Alele-Williams is a Vice President

Between 1963 and ‘65, AleleWilliams was a postdoctoral research fellow, department (and institute) of Education, University of Ibadan from where she was appointed a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos in 1976.

and member of the Executive board of The Third World Organization for Women in Science (TWOWS).

Alele-Williams was a member of governing council, UNESCO Institute of Education.

She is also a consultant to UNESCO and Institute of International Education Planning.

For a decade (1963-73) she was a member of the African Mathematics Programme, located in Newton, Massachusetts, United States.

She was also vice-president of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education and later president of the Nigerian chapter.

She has published a book titled: Modern Mathematics Handbook for Teachers. After serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, she joined the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria. She is also on the board of HIP Asset Management Company Ltd, an Asset Management Company in Lagos, Nigeria. *Culled from the Authority newspaper

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Habits

with Myro

The Habit Change Ways to successfully change a behaviour

O

ur habits are often a series of life activities played out from our day to day life experience. As difficult as it may seem, habits like laziness, procrastination, eating junk foods, attitudes toward people and life, smoking, drinking, impulse spending, genetics and inherited habits amongst others, can be hard to control or change especially with the adult persons , let alone stop. But with determination and identifying them, one can make conscious effort to get rid of bad habits.

Here are some tips to apply when trying to change that habit: *I will recommend you do just one habit at a time: Changing a habit can be quite difficult, changing more than one habit at a time is setting yourself up for failure, keep it simple by allowing yourself to focus on one thing at a time. *Start small: Want to exercise? Start with just 5-10 mins. Want to wake up earlier? Start with trying to wake up just ten minutes earlier. *Do a 30-day challenge: A lot of times it takes about 30 days to change a habit, if you’re focused and consistent. This may vary from person to person and from habit to habit. For some, it may take 21 days while for others, it may take up to 90 days. *Write it down: Just saying you want to change a habit isn’t enough, you need to commit to it by writing it down on paper.

Writing whatever habit, you want to change on paper and putting the paper up

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on the wall or on the refrigerator door in the kitchen will help you.

*Making a plan: When you write what habit you’re trying to stop, also write down a plan, this will ensure you’re really prepared to go through with the effort to change. Plans should include your reasons for wanting to change, obstacles you may experience, triggers and other ways that may prove helpful to making the process a success. *Don’t start right away: Instead, write down a date in your plan when you want to start, whether a day from now, a week or so. When you start right away, you are not giving the plan the seriousness it deserves. When you have a start date and quit date and put it up on your wall, this helps you prepare. *Write down all your obstacles and triggers: Write down everything that may serve as an obstacle and your plan to overcome them, in the same wise, write down what situations trigger your habit; do you feel the urge to smoke when you’re drinking alcohol? Do you feel the urge to spend when you take your credit card

out with you? Identify these triggers and write them down in your plan. *Create a positive habit to replace the ones you’re trying to change: When you feel the urge to smoke for instance, you could decide to pop a peppermint in your mouth, go for a walk, eat a piece of spicy meat or a cold fruit. *Include a support system: Ask for help from family and friends, join a support forum like Alcoholics Anonymous or any others even online, where you can meet people like you who are also trying to quit a habit. *Stay positive: You may have thoughts in your head like: “this is too hard,” “you’re never going to lose that weight,” “this is not working”.

Immediately, push those thoughts out of your head when you have them and replace them with positive thoughts like: “I can do this”, “if Cynthia can do it, then so can I.” Till next Edition stayon the positive side of life for to him that believe all things are possible . So chose your destiny and stay positive.

Ademairo

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Entrepreneur

Politics Should Not Be a Full Time Profession for Those Who Practice it - Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye HON. (DR.) JIBAYO ADEYEYE is a medical doctor turned politician, an entrepreneur with special interest in farming.

He was one time majority leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and now the Special Adviser on Health to the Governor of Ondo State. In the following interview, he talks about such sundry issues as politics, health, farming and the youth, and suggests that politics should not be a full time profession for those who practice it…

In the last one decade, you’ve been within government circle, what would you say are your experiences and challenges?

I have got a lot of experience. Majorly, I was in the legislative house for 8 years and that was very challenging because, the house then was not alive to their responsibility as was expected of them because they had no legislative process like you want them to at that time.

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Be that as it may, to the glory of God, I left two very important laws that were my private member bills. One was special people’s law of Lagos state in 2011.

The bill was to make life easy for people with disability in the society and create opportunity for them in employment.

The other was the Lagos State health maintenance bill which was signed in 2015.

You are a medical Doctor, what led you into politics?

I was not just a doctor, I have my own private clinic. I work assiduously towards building a viral health care delivery system in my community. What led me into politics was my quest to contribute my quota in the governance of my fatherland, and not believing that all that I can or should do is the practice of medicine.

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Entrepreneur

You don’t require a qualification to lead the country, a State or any segment of it. All you need is to be purposeful and be focused and to have a direction, which I have. So, I joined politics and in 1998, I contested to be the chairman of Kosofe Local Government Area. I contest in 2007 to become a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly which I won. I was re-elected in 2011 by which term I was also elected as the majority leader of the house.

When you left active politics, what did you do in the period of your break?

It wasn’t too much of a break. I left Lagos house in 2015, and before I left the Lagos House, I was already into farming. So, I own a farm in Ondo. I also went back to school to study law at the Lagos State University.

How did you come about farming, did you have any farming skills?

Well, it is not by farming skills, I am an Entrepreneur, I invested in poultry, planting of cassava and maize. I have palm trees from where I get palm oil.

The skill I require here is a managerial skill. To the glory of God, we are the largest producer of eggs in Ondo State

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currently and we are still building on that to increase capacity of farm.

Should politics be a full time occupation?

Never, politics should never be a full time occupation for anyone, you must always have alternative address. You must never say politics is your address.

Though the Nigerian constitution in a particular schedule, discourages serving politicians from taking part in any other work. It said nothing shall stop a public servant or a civil servant from engaging in farming activities.

So, our laws allow you to be engaged in farming. I recommend that public and civil servants be engaged in farming especially In Ondo State where there is a lot of land.

As a Medical Doctor, do you think that Nigeria is getting it right with healthcare delivery service or what do you think should be done?

I think what is important at this time in Nigeria is to start a focus on health insurance to ensure that people no longer take money out of their pocket for health care services. A lot of our people only start looking for money

to pay for health care at the point of medical need; that must be discouraged by all levels of government in Nigeria.

Everybody should move towards health insurance. That was what motivated my private member bill to institute health insurance by the health insurance agency law in 2015.

In other words, are you saying the health insurance scheme is not properly driven in the country?

Yes, what we are doing now is not sustainable. A situation where somebody suddenly finds out he has cancer, and he needs millions of naira for treatment when in actual sense if he had contributed N500:00 or N1000:00 or more when he was not sick, the system will take care of him when he becomes sick. But a situation where nobody plans for health only to fall sick, and they start looking for money to start treatment, must be discouraged.

We have to start doing things that are sustainable.

You are now the Special Adviser on Health to the Ondo State government, what are the innovations that you are bringing on board?

It is too early in the day to talk about

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Entrepreneur innovations. I have ideas, I am still assessing the situation that we met on ground and it’s only after that we will see what we will be able to proffer solutions for.

You are now in Ondo State, unlike Lagos that is a beehive of activities, how do you intend to cope?

Human beings are the same everywhere and the needs are about the same, it’s only the approach to solving the problem that can be different. Lagos is very cosmopolitan, there is no family in Nigeria that does not have a family member in Lagos. But here in Ondo, we speak maybe close to a 100 languages and every environment has its own peculiarity. We want to ensure we proffer the most appropriate way of solving problems around here. I am not exactly new to Ondo State, even as I live in Lagos, I don’t think there is any week that I am not here in Ondo.

What advice do you have for the youths?

The most important advice to our youth is, they should be interested in governance and what happens in gov-

ernment. We should get to the era where we have very young people leading us.

People like Gowon led us in his very early 30s, even Babangida led us in his late 30s and early 40s. But now, we find a situation where we have ministers that are above 70, it is not acceptable.

The youths need to grab power, it is not a crime for the youth to take charge of their future. We keep saying the youths are the leaders of tomorrow but it looks as if the youths are yet to start. So I can only advice that our youth should start thinking of how to take over power and lead the nation to the right path.

What strategy do you think the youth can actually adopt to take possession of power?

There are no defined guidelines to anything, it is self-motivation. And to say you want to be part of leadership is determination. The entire strength and population of any political party in Ondo State for instance is less than 5%. So, if somebody else starts gathering people now, you still gather more than any high profile politician in the state. And thank God that our democracy is now working,

the votes are beginning to count. They just need to motivate themselves and are determined to take power from those that have been doing it.

How come you were able to serve in Lagos, while you are from Ondo State?

Lagos is cosmopolitan state and everybody lives in Lagos. Currently in the House of Assembly Lagos, you have an Igbo man that bears an Igbo name, and he won election. So how come myself who is from the South West will not be able to win election in Lagos? We have an Igbo man representing Lagos in the House of Reps that came from Surulere, is an Igbo man, so that is not an issue in Lagos.

Recently, you got an award, what was it for?

Yes, I did, the award was for the health maintenance agency law that I proposed and it was from the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria which was held at Sheraton Hotel Lagos. And by the grace of God, that law will soon come to force in Ondo State.

Gov. Akeredolu( 5th right), First Lady Betty(4th right), Deputy Gov. Agboola Ajayi (3rd right), SSG Hon Sunday Abegunde(2nd right),Chief of Staff Chief Olugbenga Ale (right) with commissioners and special Advisers during the swearing- in ceremony

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REALITY LIFE

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Inspiration

@71 KSA

Appreciates

God

T

hough low key, King Sunny Ade celebrated his Birthday in a grand style with special thanksgiving service held at the Redeemed Church, The Throne of Grace Parish inside his compound at Igba in Ondo City.

While chatting with RealityLife Magazine team of Editors, he appreciated God for keeping him and family alive. He said he had never seen a man that was celebrated for a whole year by people, and used the medium to appreciate all his friends, fans and well-wishers all over Nigeria and abroad for their love.

Asked what God has done in his life, KSA said:” if I should count all my blessings, it would not contain the days starting from when I was born till my 71 years birthday.” He acknowledges God for His grace upon his life, for good health, for singing and for people appreciating his songs.

On whether he has any regrets, he responded: “Life is full of problems and challenges. Sometimes it’s cloudy, sometimes it’s clear. When it comes to my

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Friends and Fans

music, challenges come all the time, because sometimes, you play, you laugh and when you check your pocket, you have to appeal to the boys. So it’s part of life, but we have to thank God for His grace always.”

King Sunny Ade said he couldn’t have imagined himself doing any other thing other than music. “As a young boy, I tried many other

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Inspiration things like, brick-laying, packing sand, construction engineering, swimming, playing football, playing golf, lawn tennis, table tennis, athletics etc. But because of my busy time, I have less time for them.”

On whether there are plans for any of his children to take over from him like some other musicians, he wisely replied that, “you just want to offend God, because you do not determine for God. (M)KSA with John Ozeweake (2ndR) Music is inborn, it’s in the blood, it is & Guests what you learned that you know.”

He further said: “God works in mysterious ways. I know that many musicians, their children would take after them while alive, some after death, while some, their grandchildren will; that is God’s plans. In my family, we have more than 10 dancers but my own priority and agreement with my children is for them to acquire their university degree first before becoming whatever it is they want to become, because, I did not have (M)KSA with Chief Ekwueme (2ndL) & Guests the opportunity to go to university.

“But I thank God for everything in my life, making me travel all over the world.

You can see all the many Awards. The prayer of every parent is for their children to be greater than they are. So my children must be greater than I am.”

RealityLife Magazines wishes Baba a Happy 71st Birthday and long life.

KSA with Church Members

KSA with Great Mercury Club, Members Ondo.

KSA with his Band Members

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Inspiration

KSA with cross section of Pastors & Church Members

KSA. with Management Staff of M &C Radio Station

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KSA giving thanks to God

KSA with Pastor Owoeye and Guests

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Health

With Daniella Akpakwu

Salad for Diabetics: Massaged Kale Salad

H

ello guys! Did you enjoy the meals? Today’s recipe is the Massaged Kale Salad. As you’ll find out in this post, Kale is a diabetic super food and a wonderful addition to the meal plan of a diabetic.

Kale is a leafy green vegetable from the cabbage family. This super food, though slightly bitter, is packed with loads of nutritional benefits. They are low in calories and carbohydrates and very high in protein. In addition to this, kale is great for lowering the cholesterol level in the body.

This is as a result of the presence of bile acid sequestrants which bind bile acids in the digestive system and prevent them from being reabsorbed, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol in the body.

Asides that, this super food is rich in antioxidant carotenoids and over 45 different flavonoids, some of which have been shown to reduce risk of certain cancers. It also contains a lot of Vitamin C (even more than oranges), yet another antioxidant which helps prevent inflammation and inflammation linked dis-

eases, remove toxins from the body and aid collagen synthesis. Kale contains about 7 times the recommended daily amount of vitamin K, a vitamin very important for blood clotting, helps prevent heart disease and osteoporosis. It is also a good source of magnesium, which helps in preventing type 2 diabetes.

What makes it so good for diabetics is the fiber and antioxidants found in the leaves. Kale contains a lot of fiber which helps to lower sugar level. It also contains an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid, which helps lower glucose level and increase insulin sensitivity.

Not only can you use kale in massaged Kale salad, you can add it to your meals by steaming them, using them in your smoothies and even other salad recipes.

Ingredients Kale leaves One teaspoon of olive oil One lemon Salt One green pepper Half a head of cabbage 1 apple 1 hardboiled egg Method Wash the kale leaves thoroughly and cut up the kale Add a teaspoon of olive oil, lemon and pinch of salt Begin to massage it with your two

hands until it is tender Pour massaged leaves into a bowl Shred the cabbage thinly and layer over the kale Slice the apple and layer on top of the cabbage Cut green pepper into bits and layer over the salad Layer with the toasted walnuts (you toast your walnuts by cooking them in a fry pan over medium heat and without any oil or liquid whatsoever. You can add a bit of salt as you toast.

Cut the egg and place by the side Massaged Kale Salad Dressing Ingredients Half of an avocado 1 Lemon Coconut milk Parsley Garlic Salt and pepper A teaspoon of olive oil Method Add all the ingredients except the olive oil into a blender or food processor Blend it all in the food processor Add a teaspoon of olive oil and blend again You can store the remaining salad dressing in a Mason jar or ice tray and freeze You can use this dressing for other types of salad as well Drizzle the salad dressing on the massaged kale salad and serve. ***Daniella Akpakwu is a Nigerian-Based Celebrity Nutritionist. She is the founder of Wellness Patron

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Health

How Much Do You Know About

I

ron weed, commonly known as bitter-leaf can be described as a wonder of nature. It’s called Onugbu in Igbo land while the Yorubas call it Ewuro. Its botanical name is Veronia Amygdalina.

This leaf is very familiar to some people but others may not have any idea about the many benefits of this wonder leaf.

Bitter-leaf is a tropical plant that can grow anywhere unlike other leaves that only grow in certain places and temperature. These leaves flourish anywhere they grow; the most distinctive characteristic of this plant is its bitter taste. Every part of this plant is as useful as it is bitter. The taste not-withstanding, this plant has a great many health benefits: • The bitter leaf plant is very useful in toning vital organs of the body especially the liver; the liver is one of the most important organs in the body, without the liver, all major processes in the body will be paralyzed. The liver is the largest organ in the body and has an approximate weight of 1-3 kg in an average adult individual. There are a lot of major functions that the liver does every day and this includes the production of bile acid that helps in fat metabolism.

• Bitter-leaf helps to remove toxins from the kidney- another very vital organ in the body. The Kidney helps in the excretion of waste products from the body.

• Diabetic patients can also use bitter-leaf as a form of medication to prevent high sugar level in the blood. Bit-

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Bitter Leaf ter-leaf not only lowers sugar level in the blood but also repairs the impaired pancreas; the pancreas is the organ responsible for the production of insulin. You can take advantage of this amazing plant by squeezing and juicing its leaves in ten litters of water and drinking for the treatment of diabetes • Research studies report that the bitter-leaf plant can stop gastric cancer cells, can inhibit the growth of tumors and can also inhibit the growth o f breast cancer

cells. A mixture of bitter-leaf and turmeric helps in breaking down and dissolving tumors that may lead to cancer.

• High potassium and alkaline compounds found in bitter-leaf help to reduce high blood pressure • Bitter-leaf can also be used in the treatment of typhus, malaria, typhoid, diarrhea, bacillary dysentery, respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, tuberculosis and a host of other infections and diseases.

• The high amounts of iron in bitter-leaf help in treating iron deficiency, washing and juicing a bunch of fresh bitter-leaves into a 250ml cup and drinking daily helps boost iron levels in the body. Caution: too much iron levels in the body can be poisonous, so it’s best to check with your doctor first before you begin this treatment.

• Bitter-leaf can also be used in the prevention and treatment of appendicitis; appendicitis occurs when the appendix is inflamed and filled with pus and is caused by blockage from foods and foreign elements not properly digested.

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Guess Who Reads REALITYLIFE MAG

Chief Dan Nwanyanwu

Yinka Odumakin

Dr. Yunusa Tanko

Dr. Olusegun Mimiko

Mrs. Tosin Dokpesi

KWAM1

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REALITY LIFE

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Events

Day The Mimikos Gave Out Their Daughter In Marriage

W

ednesday October 18 and Thursday October 19, 2017 will forever remain indelible in the hearts of Dr. & Mrs. Olusegun Mimiko, the immediate past first family of Ondo State.

These two days, the Mimikos played host to Nigeria’s crème de la crème drawn from the political, business, traditional and religious sectors, as they celebrated the wedding of Bibitayo, the first daughter of the former first family.

The two-day event kicked off on Wednesday when the popular Adesanya family from Ijebu-Igbo, in company of prominent sons and daughters, friends and well-wishers came to Ondo City with Adetola Adesanya, to seek the hand of Bibitayo Mimiko in a

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introduction first at Dr.Mimiko’s house and the traditional engagement took place at Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre the next day in pomp, pageantry, and colour, giving credence to the theme of the high profile wedding- ‘Royalty.’ This theme was conspicuously evident in the choice of colourswhite and gold- used for the decoration of the venue with fresh flowers, Tulip and Calla.

If the venue generally was a beauty to behold, the couple’s corner was something out of this world. Beautifully decorated with fresh flowers which pleasant fragrance filled the air, the couple’s chair was made of gold and silver and glittered all through.

Ex-Governor Mimiko’s mother, Alhaja Muinatu Mimiko, radiated joy as she arrived the venue in baby pink lace matched with tra-

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Events

Bride with groom’s parents

Bride with parents

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REALITY LIFE

Bride with Ooni of Ife and Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom

Events

Couple with Bride’s father and Some Governors

ditional Alari headgear. The 87year old came in the company of the step mother of former governor Mimko, Alhaja Memunat Mimiko, alongside other family members.

The bride’s father, Dr Olusegun Mimiko was dressed in Alari Dashiki and looked dashing and excited. The immediate past governor and his daughter held each other,

Couple with Bride’s and groom’s family and friends

moving beautifully in the magic of the moment.

It was an emotional moment that saw tears rolling down the cheeks of many dignitaries, loads of embraces and love brimming in every smile and every calculated step both father and daughter took on the dance floor.

Pretty Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, the mother of the bride appeared to be the happiest woman on earth on that day as she radiated joy.

It was an emotional Dr. Olaoluwa Okunsaga moment that saw tears and his wife, Dr. Toyin rolling down the cheeks of Okunsaga represented the groom’s parents with many dignitaries, loads of the same attire worn by embraces and love brimthe Mimikos. ming in every smile and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), former every calculated step both president of Nigeria Bar father and daughter took Association coordinated on the dance floor. the cutting of the cake. He was later joined by former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and former Governor

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Ikedi Ohakim at the cutting of the cake.

The Royal Father of the day was The Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, Jilo 111, who was later joined by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The Ooni advised the couple to allow Christ to reign in their marital life, and equally stressed the need for them to love one another and not allow third party to interfere in their affairs. He wished them a happy married life and admonished them to respect each other.

Other dignitaries that witnessed the traditional wedding include: the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, represented

by Prof. Bayonle Ademodi; Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Governor of Bayelsa State, Siriake Dickson; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Ayodele Fayose; Chief Olu Falae, Dr. Federick Fasehun, Pa Reuben Fasorati, Dele Alake, AIG Hilda Harrison, and Brig. Gen. J.A. Ataguba.

Others were Pa Jimi Solanke,

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Events Mrs. Modupe Oluwole, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Amb. Musa Alliyu. Bishop Michael Ibioye, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, Prof.

Muhammad Ali Pate, V.C. UNIMED, Prof.

Friday Okonofua; Amb. Bamidele, Roli Bode-George, wife of Kwara State Governor, Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed etc.

Others included the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun; his deputy, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji and other members of the house, past Commissioners in the state, especially those at the administration of the immediate past Governor, traditional rulers from various parts within southwest region, politicians as well as notable members of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) to mention but a few.

Adewale Ayuba, Shola Allison and Sean Tizzle were some of the artistes that added colour to the event with their popular Songs.

The bride dancing with father

Bride’s Mother with friends

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REALITY LIFE

l-r: Mrs. Dokpesi, Chief Nwanyanwu and wife Jane

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Couple dancing

Events

Chief Olu Falaye and other guests

Jomulobu of Ondo Kindom with Iyaloja

Dr. Mimiko with mother, Muinatu

r

Chief Adeniyi and a guest

Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), Dr. Mimiko and EyitayoJegede(SAN)

AIG Hilda Harrison with Brig. Gen. Ataguba

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Events

Ooni of Ife His Imperial Majesty Oba, Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye. ( L)Dr,Yunusa Tanko. Adegeye femi,(M) Alhaji Balarabe Musa (R)

(L-R): Bashorun Arogbofa, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Reuben Fasoranti (L)Ekiti State Gov, His Excellency Ayodele Fayose amd His Excellency Alhaji Shehu Shagari

River State Gov. His Excellency Wike

(R) His Excelllency Ohakim, Muazu Babangida, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (Bride’s father) and Seriake Dickson

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REALITY LIFE Bride Mother’s Sisters

Bride Mother’s Friends

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