Ernest Asuzu recovers

SAD! How popular footballer was electrocuted in Lagos, buried

*Late Taiwo Victor Akinlusi

Residents of Ejigbo, a popular Lagos suburb are yet to come to terms with the tragic electrocution of popular socialite and ace footballer Taiwo Victor Akinlusi.

Akinlusi was until his death a renowned football enthusiast and member of the Ejigbo All Stars Soccer Club.

The 48 years old oil industry worker hailed originally from Iwoye- Ijesha, Osun state but lived most of his life in Lagos after studying at the Osun state College of Technology Esa oke.

Eye witnesses narrate how the deceased was descending the stairs of a popular one storey building complex  in the area after doing business at one of the numerous offices situated on it and mistakenly hit his head on a naked power cable and was instantly electrocuted.

According to the witnesses, all efforts to resuscitate him by those who were on ground at the scene failed as he was declared BID (brought in dead) at an unnamed hospital when he was finally evacuated from the scene.

A source who claimed he witnessed it all, narrates “The death of Taiye is a very unfortunate incident. He had a tall and huge frame and so quickly discovered the naked cables and lowered his head to pass into the office on his way up. Unfortunately, on his way down the stairs, he was busy reading a piece of paper and forgot to duck when the naked cable snapped him with a huge shock giving out a huge bang.

Since his unfortunate electrocution and recent burial at Ayobo cemetery,Lagos, friends, family and associates have been thrown into deep mourning.

According to David, proprietor Davsol schools whom he had left on that day with a promise to return soon after “I have never been shocked like I was on the day Taiye died. We had before then been seeing each other and passing by without closeness but in recent times a certain business idea brought us together. On the day he died, we were discussing our new found plan when I got distracted by a visitor. Taiye told me he was just going off to pick up something at the next bus stop and would soon be back to join me. You could then imagine how I felt when news came after about fifteen minutes that the person who told me he’d soon be back has died. The sad incident did not first strike me when the story of electrocution first filtered in. It was later that the victim’s identity was announced to me and I wept bitterly”

Members of his soccer loving “family” All Stars soccer club have also been lamenting the loss of a dear member. Members rallied themselves to support the organizing of what many consider a befitting wake and service of songs and eventual burial of their “main man”.

At the Ayobo cemetery Lagos where his remains were interred,  Chairman of the club Chief Ike Agina told ECD that “Taiye’s death is a big and shocking blow to All Stars soccer Club. He was a very supportive and cooperative member who made sure all went well. In his death, we lost a great mobiliser in our association. He was a happy man. On the field of soccer, he was a fine midfielder and we will miss him dearly.

I pledge on behalf of all members of Ejigbo All stars soccer club that we shall not forget the family our mate left behind according to the dictates of our constitution”

For another top member of the club Rudolf Obi “Taiwo was a good man, filled with passion for football that brought us together. Jolly good fellow, my heart goes with his family and all the loved ones till we meet again.”

By Fred Iwenjora

EXPOSED; REAL REASONS WIKE LOCKED DOWN PORT HARCOURT CITY

*Wike

….How popular hotel owner allegedly died of covid 19

It has been revealed reasons Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state locked down some areas of Port Harcourt

ECD findings revealed that a certain hotel owner in the Rumumasi area of the Garden city who just returned from Abuja had taken ill and was being attended to by his manager and some workers in his room in the two storey hotel.

A few days after his illness defied treatment, he died.

We gathered that his manager and workers got a cab, took his remains from upstairs to the cab and to UPTH morgue.

In the cause of investigation over the hotelier’s cause of death, his distraught wife called from Abuja to inform of the mysterious circumstances of her hubby’s death and all her suspicions.

The NCDC had to track down the manager in his village where he was nursing an ailment of fever, dry cough and catarrh similar t what happened to his boss.

He has been tested as well as other staff of the hotel who had contacts with Oga as well as the mortuary staff and morticians.

The cab driver is yet awol.

ECD believes that these developments were enough to rattle the no nonsense governor to action.

EXCLUSIVE; TENSION AS SOLDIERS BESIEGE PORT HARCOURT CITY

* Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state

Palpable tension has enveloped the PH suburbs affected by yesterday’s total lockdown order of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state to check the spread of the covid 19 pandemic in the state.

This is because as you read this, the affected areas seem to have been cordoned off with regular parade of a combined force of stern looking soldiers, navy, police, immigration, Civil Defence etc, yelling out orders.

The complete lockdown started today and would last till further notice according to Governor Wike.

 The affected areas are Elekahia,  Rumuomasi, Stadium road and  Rumuobiokani.

ECD Reporters say that Rumubiakani, market road Rumumasi /stadium /Elekahia area residents could be seen peering through window blinds of their apartments while others watched from in front of their homes as security vehicles roared through the deserted roads and streets.

Said a resident who proffered anonymity, “It is like a war zone. Before now, we were partially locked in as we were able to go out and buy personal needs but now, we are all peeping through the windows. Gov Wike’s announcement yesterday has made the security personnel to get very angry. I guess it is for our own good”.

WIKE EXCLUSIVE; With God we’ll soon win the Covid 19 battle.

By Our Reporters 

Rivers Governor,  Nyesom Wike, has sent out a message of  hope to Rivers state people, Nigerians at large and the world in general that with the help of God, Covid 19 will soon be a thing of the past.

Wike spoke during a broadcast Monday when he announced measures to check the spread of the Covid 19 pandemic in Rivers state.

According to Wike, Rivers state has taken measures with strong belief that “With these measures and ceaseless supplications to God, we are confident to win the battle against COVID-19 in our state.”

These measures include a total lockdown of some parts of Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas following the failure of residents of the affected areas to comply with the regulations put in place by the state government to check the spread of coronavirus. 

*Gov Wike

The complete lockdown started today and would last till further notice. The affected areas are Elekahia,  Rumuomasi, Stadium road and  Rumuobiokani.

Said Wike “all residents in these areas must stay at home. All shops, mini-markets, offices and business outfits in these areas must also cease to operate until further notice,”

The SUN reports that Wike went further to say that “as at April 26, Rivers State had six confirmed cases of COVID-19, with two fully recovered and discharged, two confirmed deaths, while two are active and presently receiving treatment in our isolation and treatment centre at Nchia General Hospital, Eleme. The recent positive cases, in spite of the strategic measures we have put in place, are clear evidence of gradual increase in transmission of the virus, which has happened as a result of the actions of those who either chose to breach or sabotage our directives on lockdown and social distancing. We consider the emerging trend as not only serious and risky, but also, one that compels us to step-up our strategies and prevent a spike in the transmission of the coronavirus in our State,” he said.

*During a tour of PH

Wike berated security agencies for allowing travellers to enter and leave the state at will despite the closure of the state’s borders. The governor also directed the Commissioner for Social Welfare to round up and deport all vagrants to their states of origin. He said Rivers residents should be prepared for stringent measures of a state lockdown if the situation did not improve.

He disclosed that the Task Force on Border Closure would be inaugurated today to effectively monitor the boundaries and ensure that no unauthorised “person and or vehicle leaves or enters our state under any guise in breach of the lockdown order.”

COVID 19; MORE COMMENDATIONS FOR EZE ALEX NWOYE FOR FEEDING LAGOS COMMUNITY

Nigerians especially residents of Ejigbo, a suburb in Lagos have been singing to the praises of Eze Alex Nwoye, industrialist, community leader and Eze ndigbo of Ejigbo.

Onyendu Eze Alex Nwoye

These torrents of commendations on the respected Igbo leader in Lagos is because for two weeks running, he threw his palace open for the community to troupe in and troupe out with food thereby cushioning the effect of the total lockdown of the country due to the Corona pandemic ravaging the world presently.

Aside from his fellow Ndi Eze Ndigbo in Lagos and across the country who have sent in letters of goodwill on the philanthropic gesture of Eze Nwoye,  President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos High Chief Solomon Ogbonna Aguene stormed Obi Ndigbo recently to personally pat him on the back for setting the pace in philanthropy in his community of residence.

L-R Chief Odinaka Iwu, Onowu, Onyendu Eze Alex Nwoye, High Chief Solomon Ogbonna, President Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos

Via a well circulated social media message, indigent residents of Ejigbo converged daily at the palace of Eze Nwoye to receive welfare gifts items.    

Uncountable tubers of yams, cartons of noodles, spaghetti as well as other food items and drinks were shared daily amongst the community members who went home elated with hopes and assurances for the family’s next meal.

In a brief chat with Eze Alex Nwoye, he said he was moved by the suffering of Nigerians due to the sit at home order by the federal government to control the spread of the virus.

According to him,” the fear of the corona pandemic is real and all should abide by the federal and Lagos government directive to prevent its further spread. Washing and sanitizing of the hands, social distancing and self isolation is still key. What we are giving out to the less privileged people is our widows mite to families who may not have enough at this time.  

THE STORY OF THERESA LAJA ADEDOYIN, NIGERIA'S MOTHER THERESA

 *How she picks and cares for abandoned children with serious congenital health issues

Laja Adedoyin

 Fred Iwenjora

When THERESA LAJA ADEDOYIN left a lucrative artistic directing job with the Commonwealth office in the United Kingdom to return to Nigeria, she never knew that her life would be so turned around inexplicably like it has.

She had planned to make films as well as other audio visual content to contribute to the booming culture business which she is an expert at.  But her plans soon changed. No thanks to a freak accident at the National Theatre Iganmu Lagos which pointed her to another path.

While bedridden for months after the accident which threatened her with amputation, she prayed fervently for healing with a promise to work for God if healed. God answered her prayers and she decided to fulfill her pledge to Him by directing her service to the care of children with varied congenital and sometimes terminal health problems.

She set up Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice in Surulere, the heart of Lagos, threw the home open in 2003 and have in the past 17 years continued to wade through the challenges of running such a home in a country where more and more children with such health issues are  regularly dumped or “thrown” away. A visit to the hospice and seeing her mingling and playing with her children will leave any visitor in awe.  

This is the story of Theresa Laja Adedoyin, Nigeria’s Mother Theresa, a woman with a big heart of Gold as told to FRED IWENJORA.

What inspired you to set up Hearts of Gold Hospice?

 A freak accident at the National Theatre Lagos that left me bed ridden for months was the spark that fired my interest to set up a home for children with terminal ailment. People I call society’s rejects who are always left to die. I can say that the journey to starting Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice began on 19th March 2000. My left leg was broken into three fractures. I was hospitalized and faced imminent amputation.

I prayed and prayed on my sick bed asking God to spare me of further pain. I specifically made a covenant with God that if He would save me and save my leg from amputation, I would work for Him. When I got healed, I almost forgot the promise I made to God. Yet He kept reminding me until I took the stand. So when I took the decision, I chose the area of care for physically and mentally challenged children. So I can say that Hearts of Gold Hospice is a fulfillment of my promise and vow to God. I am still very grateful to God because He saved me and saved my leg.

With her children 

 Working with people with disability must be a daunting task as they seem helpless depending on others for everything?

You can say that again. My relationship with people with mental disabilities started back in March 1990. I first was privileged to have gained experience in the area of special education with emphasis on children with challenging behavior especially children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral Palsy, Dyslexia and other neurological conditions associated with mental challenge. I worked for the Commonwealth as artiste in residence. We were about 48 of us from Commonwealth countries. I later set up Obatala Disability Arts Vocational and Training Centre. I also ran a centre for adult with learning disability in East London. I also lectured at Newham County College East London. I continue to thank God for the opportunity to walk, work, dine and wine with these special children. Through them, I have learnt to be patient, humble and more giving.

What were the initial problems at the time you answered this call of God?

When I answered the call, the first question to solve is the issue of funds. Where was I to get the funding to run this? That question was answered by a solid belief that God will provide.

Next was the venue. I did not have a place except my three bedrooms bungalow.  But I quickly answered those questions by heaping the whole load on God who I strongly believe sent me on the errand in the first place. I started by converting my small bungalow on Adebola street, Surulere into the hostel for the first few children. I commissioned experts in woodwork to furnish the hostels to habitable level for our special children.

The third problem was getting trained staff to help me in handling the special cases. Several nurses available were not experienced in the special cases that we handle. The available ones did not have the kind of friendly temperament to handle my special children. Even now we still have that problem because in Nigeria today, it is hard to find dedicated staffs who are devoted to this kind of service. Work attitude is also very poor. However we seem to have solved the staff matter which continues to recur.

More so, the welfare materials we require on a weekly basis including food,  provision, toiletries etc is still very scarce just as the resources to procure them is never enough. The secret of our longevity is the understanding and assurance that God sent me on the job so would see me through. And He has seen us weather all the storm and still running many years after some people had propagated that it was a fluke. In the past few years we have found dedicated staff and their welfare is paramount because the work is as tough.

What do you recall of the first inmates?

We started with two children and continued to expand. Our appearance on the then popular Funmi Iyanda show created the awareness that before we returned from the studio, many children were waiting for us. We spread our message to the hospitals and health centers across Lagos and children started being admitted. I am happy that today, we are registered agency with the Lagos state Ministry of youths and Social Development who facilitates the admittance of the children. They always refer to Hearts of Gold whenever a new special child is found. At the first home at Adebola, we grew to have 36 children. However at the home now, they have tripled. 

You agree that funding remains the major issue; How do you solve this particular problem?

Most funding is personal funds. We still depend of well spirited Nigerians for support and they have not failed us. Sometimes we have produced film and television content for marketing because it has always been my forte which also helps in generating funds.

Almost seventeen years and still running; what’s the magic?

I feel fulfilled without mincing words. It is only dedication that has seen us through the years and nothing more. It is all to the glory of God and Nigerians who have continued to support us. I know that if the children could talk, they will sing to the praises of several people who have not forgotten us. I cannot name names here because I may not ever name all who have done us well to make the children enjoy the basics of life in good health. Several people have been there for us since inception. But the children and I remain grateful to the Big Daddy of Hearts of Gold, Babatunde Fashola SAN for building for us a befitting home and for some of Nigeria’s top financial institutions for so much support. The story of how Fashola found us a home is a story for another day.  Former Governor Ambode did not abandon us just as Governor Sanwolu has also not forgotten us. Also Speaker of the Federal House of the Reps Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and a host of others some of whom remain anonymous who celebrate their birthdays with us yearly or support us with food and provisions daily are always in our hearts. Please this is not a roll call. I may run the risk of mentioning some and leaving out some of our numerous benefactors.

Fashola and a child

Why do we have to wait for another day to hear the story of how Babatunde Fashola SAN built a befitting home for you and your children? Please tell us now.

Well, If you must know. Babatunde Fasha visited Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice on one of his birthdays and was moved to tears on that visit and in agreement with his wife Abimbola continued to send emissaries to the home, discussing our needs with a resolve to continue to support us as best as he could and has never looked back. On his next birthday, he sent out an invitation to me and the children to a reception at a venue somewhere on the famous Alhaji Masha street. It was there he shocked me with the presentation of a new home built according to world class specification. I have never been so shocked in my life like I was on that day that Fashola presented the new home to us. I never knew he was secretly building an internationally designed ultra modern facility to accommodate these children.

He is the Big Daddy at Hearts of Gold with a resolve to be there for us at all times

and we will never stop being grateful to him. The children may never be able to thank him due to their condition but God knows they are grateful.
 

What about those who require palliative surgery….

Those who require surgery are given the best medical care with support from many corporate entities. We have relationship with local and internationally renowned hospitals in Nigeria and in many other countries including India, and UAE where emergency surgical interventions are done and still being done for some of the children.

You may have learnt lessons about the prevalence of congenital ailments in Nigeria as compared with the EU?

Founding and running Hearts of Gold children Hospice has exposed me to much prevalence of congenital ailments across western Nigeria. Parents tend to run away from such so called problems that they abandon the children or throw them away kind of. We take over the nursing of such children by managing their lives.

Any plans for tomorrow? I trust you must want this dream to outlive you? What do you envisage for the future?

I have already taken care of that. As soon as Barrister Fashola donated this building, I told him of my wish to let it outlive me. I decided that it is only the Catholic Church that can selflessly run it in perpetuity so we have made such arrangements to complete the paper works on the decision to bequeath the Home to the Diocese of Lagos.