Professor Okwa tasks government on effective control of parasites, malaria

Success Damian:

Adequate funding, provision of cost effective drugs have been advocated as parts of measures government must take to ensure the successful control of parasites and malaria in the country.

Professor Omolade Olayinka Okwa, Professor of Parasitology, Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, made this known as the 79th Inaugural Lecturer of the Lagos State University (LASU). She spoke on the topic ‘Parasites: The Unwelcomed and Ungrateful Stranger; the Battle Line’

While delivering her lecture on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo Campus, Professor Okwa said “To facilitate research in malaria and NTDs along with the WHO/NTDS road map, adequate funds should be provided in the health sector. There are basic and fundamental research problems requiring little funds and gadgetry which are crying out to be solved. Health funds must be continually increased and funds from international donor agencies should be properly monitored, follow up, accounted for and not diverted.”

She also maintained that cost effective drugs is one sure way of combating parasites ‘It is the government’s responsibility to execute mass drug administration to endemic areas and this should be carried out efficiently. The rural populace in remote endemic rural areas should be of top priority.  Antiparasitic drugs such as anti-protozoa (e.g. Metronidazole (Flagyl), Tinidazole), anti-helminthic (e.g. Ivermectin, albendazole, thiabendazole, Pyrantel pamoate) should be at the reach of the poor. Fortunately, most of these drugs are broad spectrum drugs and their use appears as the most cost-effective means of treating and controlling many parasitic infections.” 

She further tasked government on clear cut health policies and interventions, saying that it is compulsory for the government to be aware of the relevance of parasitology to man and his health.  She said that the same energy used to create awareness for COVID-19 will come a long way in curbing malaria and NTDs. The social media, radio, television should also incorporate information about parasitic diseases in their information and news schedules

Okwa added that environmental sanitation should be everybody’s business as it will go a long way to control parasites. “The monthly environmental sanitation and market sanitation should be sustained and monitored.  There should be efforts to stop open defecation, water control from feacal contamination and improved conditions of living.” 

 

 Still on what government should do to control malaria, Okwa made some other recommendations saying “In malaria control, mosquitoes are the weak link in the chain so the destruction of their larvae habitats, improved drainage systems, clearing out water ways, proper sewage systems should be of high priority.  Education of the populace on mosquito breeding and habitats should include clearing bushes, cleaning drainages and open gutters, destruction and removal of containers, plants, tires, sachets, and anything that can hold water. 

 

“It is important for the Nigerian government to key into the W.H.O goals and other malaria control agencies such as Roll back malaria (RBM), Action and investment to defeat malaria (AIM), Malaria No More (MNM) and CDC.  There is a need to meet up with neglected interruptions associated with malaria in this COVID-19 era.

 

“The most effective way to prevent a disease is by vaccination which stimulates the host protective immune response. A malaria vaccine produced by the University of Oxford team has proved to be 78% effective in early trials and could be a major breakthrough against malaria. This R21 vaccine is the first to reach the W.H. O’s goal of at least 75% efficacy. When trialed among 450 children in Burkina Faso, the vaccine was found to be safe, and showed "high-level efficacy" over 12 months of follow-up. The trials of this malaria vaccine started in 2019, long before coronavirus appeared - and the Oxford team developed its COVID vaccine (with AstraZeneca) on the strength of its research into malaria vaccines,” she stated.

She maintained that the R21 vaccine should be welcomed in Nigeria. Then, the government can create awareness on the need for children as a vulnerable group to be vaccinated against malaria just as the interventions and awareness made for COVID-19.
                                                                                                     

HHer recommendations to individuals on Malaria prevention include avoiding malariogenic activities.  She encouraged sleeping  in well ventilated rooms or under insecticide treated mosquito nets and wearing of protective clothing. “Screen your doors and windows and use safe insecticides or mosquito repellants. Objects, excavations, plants, empty soft drink bottles and anything that can hold water must be eliminated in homes. Water storage containers in homes should always be covered and dispose unused ones. Place useful containers upside down under a roof or seal with a tight cover. Change frequently water troughs of domestic animals and garden flower pots in homes. Keep trash cans tightly sealed and drill a hole at the bottom in order not to retain water that may serve as breeding sites. 

 

“Tree hole-fillings must be carried out regularly and fill up eroded soils, natural depressions, excavations and empty rain-filled receptacles around the home. Swimming pools in homes should not be left unused and untreated. Drainage systems, ditches, and gutters must not be dumped with waste to avoid clogging, thereby making them stagnant for mosquitoes to breed. Outdoor pyrethrum spraying of domestic animal shelters, garages, and outdoor latrines is essential and spraying oil on stagnant pools to kill mosquito aquatic stages. The use of larvicides such as Paris green, application of petroleum oils on surfaces of stagnant water is recommended because it asphyxiates the larvae stages of mosquitoes.

Earlier defined two major terms which threw more light on the topic of the day and consequently ensure that her audience understood the topic better.                                          

The first was to define a Zoologist. She said “I am a proud Zoologist with specialization in Parasitology. Zoology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of animals in all aspects of life. Zoologists are lovers of animals and so a Zoologist is a person that studies animals in all ramifications and in relation to their environment.

Quoting Otubanjo (2007) she defined Parasitology as an aspect of symbiology, which deals with the study of parasites. It is the study of the biology of parasites and their interactions with their hosts (Cox, 2004). “Parasitology is synonymous with Medical Zoology or Sanitary Zoology and combines medical and ecological science which encompasses the study of parasites and the diseases they cause. It emphasizes classification of parasites, identification and elucidation of their life cycles and factors affecting their distribution thus gaining insights into their prevention and control.”

 

New Data highlights opportunity for Kaduna State to emerge regional leader in Financial Inclusion

Cyriacus Nnaji

EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 - Kaduna State Deep Dive Survey shows that 38% of adults in Kaduna State are using formal (regulated) financial services, such as banks, microfinance banks, mobile money, insurance, capital market or pension accounts.

The majority of those adults are using bank services; 33% of adults in Kaduna State are banked. While Kaduna State has the highest rate of financial inclusion in the Northwest, 62% of adults in Kaduna State still do not use any regulated financial services. 

Financially excluded adults in Kaduna State are more likely to reside in rural areas, have lower levels of education, be microentrepreneurs or farmers, and have limited access to bank branches or other financial access points. Women continue to be more financially excluded than men, with only 30% of women in Kaduna State using formal (regulated) financial services, compared with 46% of men.  Restrictive gender norms contribute to this gap in access; for example, only 21% of women in Kaduna  State have the final say on whether they can work to earn income, compared with 87% of men. 

For the first time, the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 Survey measured the financial health of Nigerian adults. Only one-quarter of adults in Kaduna State are considered financially healthy, meaning they can plan, save, manage their day-to-day spending, and are resilient towards financial shocks. 

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said that Kaduna State views financial inclusion as a contributor to economic growth and is taking policy steps to expand it. “The Kaduna State Government has developed a roadmap and blueprint for the adoption of a state-wide digital payment infrastructure, with the support of the Gates Foundation. Kaduna State is also partnering  with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) to improve financial access points in all the 23 Local  Government areas of the State.” 

Malam El-Rufai also explained that “KDSG appreciates the strong impact that access to  telecommunications services has on financial inclusion, Therefore, KDSG is working in partnership with  IHS Towers to improve and provide mobile network (voice and data) in 42 blind spots across the state. Aside from digitising payments, Kaduna State is digitising identity, capturing the biometric details of over the 3.5m residents in the database of the Kaduna State Residents Registration Agency (KADRRA).  The goal is for KADRRA to reach 9m residents, about 90% enrollment of residents, by December 2022.” 

Dr. Jeremie Zoungrana, Nigeria Country Director, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, looks forward to continued partnership with Kaduna State and said that “the presentation of findings from the  survey on access and use of financial services in Kaduna State will provide important baselines for measuring progress. It will also highlight the scale of the challenge that lies ahead. This is a challenge worth tackling which when surmounted delivers compounding benefits.” 

The EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 - Kaduna State Deep Dive Survey highlights significant market opportunity for financial service providers to address the financial needs of adults in Kaduna. For example, only 1% of adults in Kaduna State are insured, but 0.7 million uninsured adults say they would be interested in microinsurance. While only 33% of adults in Kaduna State are banked, 2 million unbanked adults in the state own mobile phones and could be reached with mobile money. 

Ashley Immanuel, CEO of EFInA, said, “This Kaduna State Deep Dive Survey is the first time that  EFInA has conducted such detailed financial inclusion research at the state level. The data shows that, while there is work to do to improve financial inclusion and financial health of adults in Kaduna State, there is also tremendous opportunity to do so by expanding the reach of relevant, affordable digital financial services and agent networks. We are pleased to provide this data as a resource for stakeholders such as government, financial service providers, development partners and others to  develop targeted strategies to drive inclusion in Kaduna State.” 

To learn more about EFInA visit: www.efina.org.ng 

To read the Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 Survey Report: visit www.a2f.ng To request the Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 Dataset: send a request to info@efina.org.ng 

For more information on the Access to Financial Services in Nigeria Survey Report: Call the research officer - Oluwatomi Eromosele at 09087491836 

Call the chief executive officer - Ashley Immanuel at 09087491854 

The EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 Survey was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. EFInA is a financial sector development organization that has been at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria since its establishment in 2007. For more information on the survey report visit www.a2f.ng or www.efina.org.ng 

 

CWON President Dame Mary Gonsum mobilises Catholic women leaders against COVID-19

Success Damian:

As the third wave of COVID-19 affects the global health and economic community, Dame Mary Ashibi Gonsum, President, Catholic Women Organisation Nigeria (CWON), has engaged Catholic women leaders across the nine provinces and fifty-five dioceses of the Catholic Church in Nigeria as part of the concerted efforts to reverse the trend of the pandemic.

Speaking at CWON’s National Conference Closing Ceremony on Sunday, in Jos, she urged the respective Provincial and Diocesan Presidents of the organization nationwide to engage in sensitisation programmes at the provincial, diocesan, deanery and parish levels to curtail spread of the third wave of the coronavirus.

“The fear of COVID-19 third wave is the beginning of wisdom, the rate of the infection is again on the increase. We need to do everything necessary to stay away from getting infected. As leaders, we have to constantly be in touch with our leaders at the diocesan, deanery and parish levels to ensure they sensitise their members on the third wave of the virus and the need to stay safe.

“The guidelines are simple, we expect our members not to relent in wearing face masks, washing their hands, using hand sanitisers, maintaining social distancing among other measures, not only at meetings but wherever they are at any time. They should ensure that their families do likewise.

“The national, provincial and diocesan presidents should therefore mobilise, sensitise and convince our leaders and members at all levels especially at the Parishes to maintain COVID-19 protocols and other public health interventions such as COVID-19 risk education, prevention, presenting themselves for COVID-19 testing when necessary and take-up of a vaccination,” Dame Gonsum stated 

Noting that while some people do have valid fears and questions regarding the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, the CWON President advised the women to be careful about misinformation but rather look out for objective facts and take the vaccine.

On a final note, she prayed for recovery for those affected by the virus as well as the health workers and other professionals on the front lines of the unexpected battle. Reminding the women that God is in control, Gonsum said, “We believe God is our healer and He never fails. I’m confident that we will live and see the goodness of the Lord at the end of this pandemic.”

 

LASU 78th Inaugural Lecture: Prof Afolasade recommends Preventive Counselling method to ensure general wellbeing

Success Damian:

Professor Afolasade Airat Sulaiman, Professor of Councelling Psychology, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), has recommended Preventive Councelling method as best means to enhance the general well being for all.

Sulaiman took the position while delivering the 78^th Inaugural Lecture of the institution at Ojo, on Tuesday, July, 2021.

In her recommendations and steps to be taken towards ensuring the wellbeing of all through preventive counselling intervention, Sulaiman said that counsellors should be employed and functional at all levels of education, in all institutions and organisations as stated in the National Policy on Education.

While applauding the existence of a counselling unit in the Lagos State University, she however urged the institution to facilitate effective service delivery and optimise professional best practices, and that the counselling unit should become a centre on its own. “This will further enhance the counsellor's role in ensuring proper adjustment of every individual to ordinary day-to-day developmental challenges and probably eliminate the need for remedial or compensatory counselling intervention. Counsellors are mandated to be more disposed to preventive counselling than remedial or compensatory counselling in their service delivery to maximise the extent to which they could be broadly helpful to a larger number of individuals.”

Sulaiman further maintained that the populace needed to be informed about the presence of counsellors and the importance of their services to individuals and the community in general. Hence, the need to extend counselling services to the community through education and massive enlightenment programmes using the media.

She said for proper integrative religious counselling, mainstream counsellors should receive adequate training in the two major religions in the country and the body regulating University programmes -National Universities Commission (NUC) and the national body of counselors Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) should facilitate compliance and enforcement.

She asserted “There is also the need for collaboration between counsellors , pastoral and mainstream , and the clergy to enhance the role of both counsellors and clergy. The collaboration will be an avenue for both parties to learn about salient issues and related themes about each other's religion.

She disclosed that it is not just about establishing inclusive schools, the government at all levels (Federal, State and Local) should ensure proper adjustment of the inclusive schools to physically and psychologically reflect the presence of persons with disability in the schools, adding “Interconnected path ways, rails, tactile orientation, electronic/mobility equipment, special education teachers and support staff must be available in the schools. There must be continuous and constant evaluation of inclusive education in inclusive schools to ascertain areas of needs for prompt interventions. Mandatory laws and policies to enhance commitment and reduce the neglect of students with disabilities in schools and community should be enacted.”

She said the change in pattern of sexual violence calls for a more drastic approach to prevent the spread. “All concerned; the rapists, their victims, religious bodies, law makers, law enforcement agencies, various levels of government and non-governmental organisations and civil societies must develop a zero tolerance for sexual violence of all forms.

“Part of zero tolerance is being vigilant; parents, guardians and teachers should be more careful and vigilant, especially with the girl child. They should not be left in the care of any male/suspicious adults and receiving of gifts from any adult should not be ignored or taken for granted. Parents should constantly remind their kids about the acronym PANTS and other defensive /preventive skills.”

She added that Sexual violence should be treated as a criminal offence and legal actions should be more proactive and responsive. Government should support all agencies to ensure that all laws on sexual violence are enforced.

Sulaiman said reporting rape cases will expose perpetrators and facilitate Prosecution. “Victims need to have the assurance of getting justice without delay and not being stigmatised or victimised. Encouraging victims to speak up and report the crime to law enforcement agents without entertaining any fear of intimidation or stigmatisation could serve as deterrent to perpetrators, realising that there would be no escape from justice irrespective of their position or status.

“The media should be used to educate the populace on the consequences of rape on victims, the need for victims and perpetrators to get assistance/treatment, preventive/defensive strategies and the need for reporting and getting justice,” she stressed.

Finally, Sulaiman said, teaching sexuality education in schools and institutions should be a must. “Adequate knowledge about misconceptions, symptoms and long-term effects associated with sexual abuse is the first step of assistance; knowledge will influence behavioural change. Students need to learn about different defensive/resistance strategies and social skills for prevention and protection,” she said.

Sulaiman said Counselling is a one-to-one, person-to-person, interpersonal relationship between two individuals, a client or group of clients and a trained counsellor who helps the client(s) to understand and clarify their views of their life space and learn to reach their self-determined goals through meaningful, well informed choices and through resolution of problems of an emotional or interpersonal nature.

 

Alumni support is key to institutions' growth, ranking, says Panelists at LASU alumni inaugural webinar

Success Damian:

A combined team of season administrators and academic icons, who were speakers at the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association Inaugural Webinar have agreed that the support by the Alumni Association of any higher Institution is key to its development, survival and global ranking 

The webinar was held via Zoom on Saturday, 24th July, 2021.

The president of the Lagos State University Alumni Association, Maj. Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), welcoming all participants, was delighted to have everyone on the journey.

The Chief Host recalled how the association was enmeshed in some crises in the past and how the challenges were resolved."With this webinar, we will hear what alumni is all about, role of the executives, members, relationship with the Institution and more from the speakers. Thank you for being part of this adventure," he ended.

The Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oyedamola Oke, in his opening remarks, outlined his own idea of Alumni Association as "to help in building relationships, mentorship, assist others build their careers, attract funds to the Institution, sustainable development and more".

Speaking further, Prof. Oke noted that the contributions of the Alumni are a factor considered in ranking of the Institution. He advised the LASU Alumni to bring into their fold the young graduates, adding that they have been excluded in the scheme of things. He wrapped up by thanking the Alumni for its contributions to the Institution and asked the body to do more.

The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Paul Idomigie, SAN, in his remarks asked if the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the university were still on course.

"LASU is ranked 2nd best University by Times Higher Education (THE), also, 1st among under 50 universities recently and Centre of Excellence in Africa. Those are achievements for me. Associating with LASU is noble, no wonder, We are LASU, We are proud slogan", the chairman said.

Speaking on the roles of the Alumni, Prof. Idomigie reeled out the functions to include organising matriculation, orientation for newly admitted students, networking, award of scholarships, mentorship, career support to students, amongst others, saying that the relationship between the university and the Alumni Association must be symbiotic. Thereafter, he declared the webinar open.

The Lead speaker, immediate past Vice Chancellor, LASU, Prof. 'Lanre Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM set the tone for the evening with his paper *"ALUMNI DEVELOPMENT OF THE INSTITUTION, LASU IN CONTEXT"*.

 The Professor of Environmental Law set off by pointing out that crises would undermine the quality of research and the ranking of any Institution that worth its salt, so, stability is key for giant strides. He maintained that understanding what Alumni is all about would help the key actors of the Alumni to support the institution. 

Prof. Fagbohun went down memory lane and confessed that as the Vice Chancellor, LASU, he had no illusion as to the great help the Alumni could render.

"On frontier projects, the LASU Alumni responded well and when we started the LASU Career Development Centre, the association came handy.

The National Productivity award winner listed some of the functions of the Alumni as providing support for the Institution, building the institution's brand, marketing, acting as brand ambassador, nationally and globally, mentoring, providing internship for students, career opportunities etc.

He ended his presentation by enjoining the Alumni to avoid conflict of interest, personality clash and crisis, alluding that for the Institution to grow, the Alumni must respond to contemporary issues and act as partners of growth alongside the Institution.

On the part of Prof. Odion Odaman, he was of the view that the Alumni must help raise the profile of the Institution, assist to boost the reputation, constantly maintain membership, help to broaden the admission base, connect on Linked in, not only on television or radio as well as have robust engagement on social media platforms, in order to sustain relationships.

Furthermore, he admonished the Alumni to make use of the Instagram for pictures of events, create photo albums, provide information on events, collect data, celebrate achievements of members and students. He said all those actions would attract others to the Alumni and help the Institution to grow in leaps and bounds.

Next to speak was Amb Folake Marcus Bello, an alumnae of LASU. She tasked the association to bring everybody in, those with degrees, certificates and even short courses must be brought into the Alumni nest.

The one time Nigeria's ambassador to Zambia and Malawi advised the Alumni to incorporate a system that would bring every graduate in, right form graduation. On registration and how to raise funds, she insisted that all fingers are not equal and the stake should not be too high. She added that the Alumni must show members the benefits of being a member of the association.

"The Alumni should open a shop for ties, scarfs, pins and other materials. Alumni must hunt for egg heads and pay for their Ph.D programmes. It must support the university. The university Management must respect that the Alumni too is an entity on its own and not competing with the Management. We must look for people who have passion for this university", the principal legal practitioner at Folake Bello& Co signed off.

Prof. Omi Ujambi, Former Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ambrose Alli University said the duties of Alumni Association include endowment of chairs, awards to deserving members of staff, donations of books to departmental and faculty libraries, provision of networking opportunities to students, capacity building and others.

The Professor of Geophysics admonished that the culture of Alumni should be incorporated in the students in the system, so, that by graduation, it won't be new to them." 

The bond between university and Alumni should be organic and of mutual benefit", he wrapped up.

Another female contributor, Career Specialist, University of Houston, USA, Mrs Ayo Ogunye averred that the biggest organ of the university where she works is the Alumni Association. She said from her experience, the newsletter must be topnotch with great contents and the Alumni's website must be attractive, adding that the Alumni must take full advantage of technology to attract more members.

She stated "engagement is key. The Alumni must look after people, those who are out of jobs, how to connect them with members who are doing well. Also, those students who can't pay their bills, Alumni can engage high flying members to help in this regard. Lifetime membership will help to generate funds, which could be spread over the time. Lifetime membership will help members to be committed and always think of doing something for the Institution. Mentor/ mentee relationship is very important.

On a final note, the LASU alumnae voiced out that Alumni Association has to be territorial, saying what works elsewhere may not work here, a lot should be taken away from this webinar and hoped a working group would be put together to drive home all the submissions.

Adding his voice, the immediate Past President, LASU Alumni Association, Mr Lekan Ogunbamwo was excited the webinar was put together. He called on all members to show utmost interest in the happenings of the Alumni and be fully committed. 

"We just have to sit up. We need to set up an active secretariat in the university, employ capable hands to interface with the students, university authorities and other stakeholders. The Alumni must work with whoever emerges the next vice Chancellor of this great university", the former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Television posited.

The last speaker of the day, ace broadcaster and owner BISCOM, Mr Bisi Olatilo, on his part, commended the Alumni for the *LASUITE* magazine. He insisted that for any organisation to grow, peaceful environment is non negotiable. He gave the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Fagbohun, a pat on the back for the feat and equally appreciates the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oke for sustaining the momentum.

Mr Olatilo, an alumnus of LASU called on Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, the visitor, LASU to give the Governing Council a marching order to quickly select a substantive vice Chancellor for the university.

In his goodwill message, the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, an alumnus of LASU, who was part of the Webinar, thanked all the speakers and the organisers. He believed the submissions would bring about greater development for the Alumni and the university.

 

Experts harp on collaboration, quality research as LASU School of Transport holds Training Workshop ... Task institutions to build strong research culture

A Training Workshop organised by the School of Transport and Logistics,  Lagos State University, with the support of Kuhne Foundation titled "Deepening Transport and Logistics Research Capacity in Nigeria”, was concluded with a charge for researchers to embrace collaboration with colleagues in the academia and the industry, to develop practical solutions and attract funding opportunities. SUCCESS DAMIAN reports.  

Prof. Adegoke Oke of the W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University, USA, who was the Guest Lecturer at the one-day programme tasked researchers to develop top quality research works that are capable of being published in international reputable journals.   

Delivering his lecture titled "Leading through Research in Logistics and Supply Chain Management" the multiple grants and award winner said: "when it comes to doing quality research, the impact of collaboration cannot be overemphasized. You must collaborate, whether with colleagues in the academia or the industry, seek collaborations. Our collaboration with the industry is what yields our largest funding in Arizona State University....As a researcher, you must train yourself, read widely, find the right kinds of Journal for quick wins, stress the paper contributions,  seek expert review feedback, have a submission plan for each year and present your work at conferences. 

He further challenged researchers to develop quality research: "as a researcher, you must consistently do valid and impactful research. The quality of our research translates to the quality of what we teach our students. Quality research leads to quality teaching, practice and policy recommendations, demonstrates the capability of the researcher, raises the profile and motivation of the researcher." 

He also stressed the leadership roles in building a research culture in the University, noting that it is important for Universities to have a research culture: "what makes up a research culture are the symbols institutions deliberately put out, power structure, the stories her people tell, the organisational structure, the routines and rituals observed, incentives, mentoring as well as the control systems put in place. Leaders should put these in place to foster research culture in the University."

The Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, who joined the lecture virtually, in his contribution, praised the LASU School of Transport and Logistics for taking research in Transportation forward. 

"For years, this is something we have been clamouring for. Transportation is becoming a big issue in Lagos State and it's important we have professionals who can advise government on the right course of action to take us out of the challenges we are facing", he said. 

The immediate-past Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, Prof. Samuel Gbadebo Odewunmi, speaking at the beginning of the event, praised the Kuhne Foundation for its support for the international conference and the School as a whole. He revealed that LASUSOT&L enjoys its most productive partnership with Kuhne Foundation, adding that the Foundation currently funds research at the Masters and PhD levels, in addition to sponsoring experts for fully funded TTT programmes. These he said, are in addition to the sponsorship of international distinguished lecture series. He urged the Foundation to consider sponsoring at least two additional PhD students in the School.

The Coordinator, Kuhne Foundation, Stephen Akut, in his response, said that the need to build capabilities in Logistics and Supply Chain Management motivated the Foundation's support for the workshop. "We need to build our capabilities to be able to manage process of logistics and supply chain considering how expensive transportation has become. This is the way to go not just for LASU, but for every University in Sub-Saharan Africa.  No one will fix our economy for us. Our problems will be fixed by us and this workshop is an opportunity to tap from the Diaspora with Prof. Adegoke.

The Director, Directorate of Research Management and Innovation, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, who was represented by secretary to the Directorate,  Mr. Oluwaseun Asesanya, promised that the Directorate would continue to do more in order to strengthen research culture in the University, praising the organisers for the brilliant programme. 

The Dean, LASUSOT, Prof. Charles Asenime, on his part was full of appreciation for the sponsors, the lecturer and all who attended the programme both physically and virtually. 

The Workshop was well attended by dignitaries from within and outside the University, including former Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Dr. Dayo  Mobereola; the University Librarian, Dr. Emmanuel Layi Adebayo and scholars from within and about five other countries. Several members of academic and Non-Academic Staff from across different faculties in the University were also present.

The programme held on Friday, 23rd July, 2021 at the Conference Room, School of Transport and Logistics, LASU Main Campus, Ojo.

Roseline Idimogu commends constituents, joins husband in empowering constituents at Eid-El-Kabir

Success Damian:

Lady Roseline Idimogu, wife of Honourable Jude Chukwuemeka Idimogu, lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 02 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, has extolled the virtues of men and women in the constituency.

Lady Idimogu made the commendation on Monday, July 19, 2021 during the distribution of food items to the constituents by the family of Idimogu to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Speaking on the reason the women of Ejigbo and Isolo constituency 02 so much believe in her, she said “We all know that it is not easy to lead people, it takes a lot of patience, and one thing with women is that if you promise them something and fulfill it, they will stand by you, anytime and anywhere. I always encourage them that we women should try to be role model to our children because if people see our children outside, and look at you, if the children are the other way round, they will be wondering, are you sure these are these people’s children.

“So when you train the children in Godly way they will not depart from it. And I thank God for all the women for believing in me because they know that I always try my best.”

Lady Idimogu also spoke on some of her activities to assist the women “Many of the women always come for assistance like school fees, house rent, even for their businesses, and I always try my best to offer assistance to the best of my ability.

“We like to touch people’s lives, we like seeing people happy. If you come to us with tears, you go home with joy in your heart. At least we want to leave a legacy behind for people to emulate, because we can’t be there forever,” she said.

She thanked the constituents, saying “I want to thank all our constituents both men and women, not only the women, the men too, they are so wonderful, both Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas, and others; they really believe in us. This is because what they don’t see in other leaders, they are seeing it in us, we always give them a listening ear and we always reason with them, and we say a big thank you to all of them, God will continue to bless them abundantly, strengthen them and give them life to witness another Sallah, amen.

Over 1000 men and women were empowered with various items of food to put smiles on people’s faces during the Sallah celebration and also to cushion the effect of current economic hardship in the land

The food items were also distributed without party allegiance, tribe or creed.