Jehovah's Witnesses extend support to people with disabilities .

...As the world marks International Day of Persons with disabilities

A global religious organization , Jehovah's Witnesses has reiterated their commitment to supporting people with disabilities as the world marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities .

The global educational work of Jehovah’s Witnesses highlights the Bible’s message of hope for a future when disabilities will be no more. 

In a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, Oyo state capital today  by the spokesperson for Jehovah's Witnesses ,Jahswill Stephen, the mistreatment of the physically challenged is an age-old practice, in some cases even fueled by cultural misgivings. 

He explained further that there are stories of the disabled being mistreated in passages of the Bible but out of love, God made provisions for disadvantaged ones to be protected and even shown extraordinary kindness, even outlawing their mistreatment in any form.

Also, a Jehovah's Witness identified as Elizabeth Gbenoba said " The idea of ‘never being sick again’ as promised in Isaiah 33:24 fills me with hope of a beautiful world to look forward to. 

“It is thrilling to know that even disabilities will be gone forever, according to the book of Isaiah. I eagerly look forward to this and will continue to share this

comforting hope I have with others”. 

On Dec. 3, 2023, nations around the world observed International Day of Persons with Disabilities, instituted by the United Nations in 1992 to “promote an understanding of disability issues.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),one in

six people globally live with a significant disability, which may include dementia, blindness, loss of a limb, or paralysis. 

 The WHO explains that “health inequities arise from unfair conditions faced by persons

with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and

employment, and barriers faced in the health system itself.”

More than just preaching about a better future, Jehovah’s Witnesses also offer practical suggestions on how to endure successfully with disabilities now. 

On jw.org, their official website, an entire section titled “Coping with Disabilities” contains numerous online articles and videos featuring persons who have found purpose in life despite being

disabled.

OYSCOHEST PROVOST, OLUYEMISI MORADEKE OYEWO RECEIVES MERIT AWARD FROM PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA, OYO STATE BRANCH.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch has bestowed  a Merit Award on the Provost of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology,  Eleyele, Ibadan,  Pharm. (Mrs) Oluyemisi Moradeke in recognition of her invaluable roles,   professional accomplishments and contributions.

This is contained in a statement issued  by the College Public Relations Officer of the College, Mr Sola Samuel Ojewole and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

Presenting the Merit Award to her at the Year 2023 Luncheon and Award Ceremony of the Society, the Representative of Oyo  State Commissioner for Health,  Dr Gbolahan Abass congratulated the recipient for the recognition by the Society. 

In her remarks after receiving the award, Mrs Oluyemisi Oyewo appreciated God for His grace and the great  privilege and thanked the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch for the honour and recognition.

Present at the  Ceremony which was held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, were the President,  Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,  Prof. Cyril O. Usifoh, the National Chairman of Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Pharm. Prince Adewale Oladigbolu, fellows of the Society, past Chairmen of the Society and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the occasion,  the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria,  Oyo State branch, Pharm. Adegboyega Oguntoye  congratulated the awardees, stating that the occasion was organised to celebrate,  honour and reward distinguished members of the society,  who have played historic roles in the advancement of pharmacy practice and contributed greatly to the progress of the society. He also stated that their meritorious services to humanity, brand reputation,  value,  credibility,  dedication,  patriotism and selfless sacrifices for Pharmacy profession are recognised,  resulting in the award as a reward for them  and he encouraged them to continue with the good works in promoting the good image of the Pharmacy profession.

Other categories of awards were Recognition award, Friends of Pharmacy award,  Leadership award and Living legend award. 

Pharm. Oluyemisi Moradeke Oyewo graduated as a Pharmacist from the  University of Ibadan in 1987 and has practised over the years in various capacities, as a Hospital,  Community and Administrative Pharmacist. She joined  the service of Oyo State Government in year 2000 in the Ministry of Health,  until she was seconded to the then School of Hygiene,  now Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology in 2011,  as the head of Pharmacy Technicians' training department. She was appointed the Provost of the College by the Executive Governor of Oyo State,  Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, DSc in September,  2023. 

Other merit awardees included the Director of Pharmaceutical Services,  Ministry of Health,  Pharm. Lukman Babatunde Akinwande, a retired Director of Pharmacy, State Hospitals Management Board, Pharm. Dr. Hamidu Adediran Oluyedun, Pharm. Mrs Bolanle Ajao, Vice President,  South West Zone of the Association of Lady Pharmacists and Pharm. Lanre Tiamiyu, CEO, Midas Pharmacy among others.

IGE Oyo Zone Organizes Free Training Programme For NAPPS

The Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Oyo Zone, Dr. Tunde Aremu has Charged National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) to pay their statutory revenue to the State Government cover as at when due.

He stated this during a free seminar organized for the Head of private schools in Oyo zone with Theme "How to Grow Private Schools Business" held at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.

Dr. Aremu said the free seminar was organized for the Proprietors of Private Schools to grow their businesses.

He added that when their businesses are grown it will be easier for them to pay their statutory revenue into government purse.

He said "when their economic status improves, the resources that are available would be used for their general well being and contributed meaningfully to the State Internal Generated Revenue".

He continued "this is in tandem with His Excellency position, Governor Seyi Makinde Sustainable Action on Economic Recovery to migrate many people from poverty to prosperity".

Dr. Aremu charged the participants to utilized the knowledge provided for them free of charge so that they can be more comfortable economically on their school business.

The (NAPPS) Chairperson, Oyo State, Dr. Mary Odedare commended the State Government for approving the seminar for her colleaque in the private school business.

She enjoined proprietors of private schools to pay their statutory revenue to Government as at when due and make sure that the needful is done as far as Government revenue is concerned.

The guest lecturer Dr. Mrs Olajumoke Martins admonished the school proprietors to adopt new innovations to grow their school business and fulfill their obligations to the State Government.

Professor Olagoke Tasks Government On Poverty Reduction

 

Shafaudeen Boss and the Executive Director,Center for Religious Cooperation and Tolerance,Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke JP has expressed  great

worry at the deteriorating living conditions of the masses in Nigeria, especially the physically challenged, orphans and widows, and has therefore challenged Government at all levels to take urgent  measures in ameliorating the deplorable condition of the masses that constituted the bulk of the voters in the election that ushered in the new Government at  all levels- State and Federal. Abject poverty and ostentatious form of living by the leaders are not expected to be the dividend of Democracy.

Olagoke Ariyo, who is also the Mogaji of Ogunelu Aare Alasa Ibadan gave this admonition recently while delivering a lecture at an Empowerment programme organised by Hands of Love Family, a Non Governmental Organisation, seeking better lives for the Widows, less privileged, orphans, physically challenged and the downthroden in the society.

 In the lecture titled, Assisting The Less Privileged; How it begins with you, Prof Olagoke emphatically stated “We expect Government to take care of all, in her annual budget with respect to all encompassing funding formula that takes care of people’s welfare and wellness, without discrimination or marginalisation ”

Prof Olagoke said there should be the promotion of all inclusive society that is expected to afford all able and disabled to have rights to basic needs and infrastructure:- Education , Housing, Employment opportunities, Manufacturing and Production, Food, Health care Services among 

many other privileges.

He therefore advised Government officials to shun ostentatious lifestyles at the expense of the masses and do the needful by channeling funds to projects that will impact positively on the people .

While commending the founder of the Organisation, Prof Olagoke described Mrs Gloria Ukagwu as an epitome of Philanthropy. He commended her efforts and asked her not to relent in her efforts as greater reward awaits her from God.

Palliative materials, including Food stuffs, Provisions, clothing materials and cash gifts were distributed to about 800 less privileged people present.

The CEO of Hands of Love, Mrs Gloria Ukagwu estimated the cost at about five million naira.

She expressed her passion to help the less privileged, a project dear to her heart and which she has been doing for over ten years.

YAWI Celebrates International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women

Every 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, established in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly.

 

In a statement issued and signed by the  Executive Director Young and Women Initiative, Ambassador Adebobola Agbeja which was made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital said the campaign was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991.

Ambassador Agbeja said It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

 

She said the day is also known as Orange Day because the colour orange is worldly recognised by United Nation Women to symbolise a future without violence against women.

The theme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2023 is "UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls"

Agbeja said “Be supportive, keep yourself, your family and community healthy and protected. Say no to any form of violence – including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or economic violence. Nothing can be an excuse for violence against women."

She countinued "Awareness-raising is key to spreading the clear message of zero tolerance of all forms of violence against women and girls. It's also key to informing victims of their rights and the support services available to them". Ambassador Agbeja said 

Keep Supporting govt’s efforts On Education, Education Commissioner Charges Old Students

Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, has harped on the need for old students of various schools to give back to their alma mater, saying that this will ensure development of the schools.

The commissioner stated this during the commissioning of the Administrative building donated by Mr. Niyi Gbadegesin to Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Oyo State.

The Commissioner, who said the education sector must not be left in the hands of government alone, maintained that by providing support and assistance to their former schools,

standards of education would be improved.

He commended the donor for the laudable project meant to elevate the standard of the school.

Commissioner explained that philanthropists in the State have done a lot to move education forward by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development in schools. 

He maintained that the present administration has provided better funding for the education sector by raising its budgetary expenditure to 23.2% from 16% and increasing the subvention of tertiary institutions in the state to 100%.

He therefore appealed to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities.

He said: "I feel highly elated to be part of today's epoch—making occasion of the official commissioning of an administrative block built by Prince Adeniyi Bankole at Baptist Grammar School, Otu, Itesiwaju Local Government.

"From what could be seen and records available, Philanthropists in the State have done a lot to move education forward by complementing Government efforts in the areas of academic and infrastructural development of our schools. They have helped in the construction of the administrative block, renovation of school buildings, equipping

libraries with books, provision of toilet facilities for students, donation of computers to schools, engagement of the service of security guards in our various schools, to mention a few. For these and others, the present administration in the State remains eternally grateful.

"Let me commend Prince Adeniyi Bankole for the construction of a block of the administrative block — one of the eminent sons of the soil.

"Your support and partnership with the government in the provision of qualitative education in the State is highly appreciated. In the words of Anne Frank- a German girl and Jewish, victim of the Holocaust, “No one has ever become poor from giving”. Also, Audrey Hepburn opined that "as you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others”.

'Oyo State, under the able leadership of the  Governor, Engr. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE, has shown strong determination in its efforts at the repositioning of the Education sector in the State. These Government's landmark achievements are numerous to mention.

"The introduction of free and qualitative Education in the State, the regular payment of teacher's salaries and allowances, the promotion of teachers as and when due, provision of 26,500 pairs of furniture for students, appointment of over 5,000 teachers and 692 Education Officers, purchase of science equipment, sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University, organisation of intervention classes for graduating SSCE students, purchase of textbooks and notebooks for students across the State, and construction of over 50 model classroom buildings. 

"Other achievements are: reduction in the number of out of school children by over 25%, reinforcement of Teachers' quality through training and retraining (ICT, Science Practical, Pedagogical Skills), approval for organizing education awareness day with awards for various categories of stakeholders who did the State proud, upgrading of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to University of Education and sole ownership of LAUTECH. In addition, the University was expanded to a multi-campus status starting with the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, and the state university was increased from one to three and lots more."

The State Government is therefore imploring other stakeholders in the society, for example: Old Students' Association, Corporate organizations, non-government organizations, individuals, philanthropists, and Parent Association to partner with her in the funding of Education in the State.

"I wish to boldly affirm that Oyo State Government is glad to identify with Prince Adeniyi Bankole and the Government shall continue to synergize with any individual, organisations and Associations whose goals are designed to promote the development of education in the state. 

"I want to appeal to the school management not to relent in their efforts in the monitoring and maintenance of the school infrastructural facilities as well as the facilities that are being commissioned today,  23rd November, 2023," he added.

Earlier, the principal of the School, Mr Egunsola Oladele appreciated the donor, Mr. Niyi Bankole, who graduated from the School in 1988 and donated the building in loving memory of His Royal Highness, Oba Jonathan Gbadegesin, Oniro of Otu (1983-2001) and Olori Beatrice Bankole for their love for Education.

In his remarks, the Oniro of Otu, His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Adepoju, thanked the donor for deeming it fit to build the edifice to his former school, saying that it would go a long way in assisting the school.

He therefore called on others to emulate the good gesture of the donor.

Speaking on behalf of the donor, who is presently in Canada, Arch Dare Gbadegesin, said the donor is a lover of education and that was why he decided to give back to his Former school.

He hinted that the donor will continue to bring development to his former school.

Oyo Perm Secs Condoles With Late Gbenle's Family

The Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, General Managers led by the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni has paid a condolence visit to the family of a Retired Permanent Secretary, late Ms. Olaitan Gbenle who was murdered in cold blood recently.

She said late Ms Gbenle was dedicated to duty, down to earth and very hardworking when she was with State Civil Service.

The Head of Service in her condolence message said: "it was with rude shock that we received the news of your demise, we believed you are resting in the bosom of your creator, you were hardworking, forthright and loving while you were with us in the service, we pray that the good Lord will be  with the members of your family amen. Adieu Ms Olaitan Gbenle" the statement said. 

It would be recalled that the retired Permanent Secretary, late Ms Olaitan Gbenle was murdered recently by the men of the underworld inside her house at Idi Ishin, Ibadan. 

Responding, her daughter, Dr. Folorunsho Olajide appreciated the State Head of Service and her team for paying  Gbenle family a visit.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

November. 2023