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The Month of October and the Women of my life_

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BY: Niyi Ojuolape

 

Cherished remembrance of my Sister. Her name is Funmilayo Sanusi, nee Adeniran. She would have been 58 today, 30th October.

October, for me, carries profound significance, extending beyond personal milestones. It stands as a month of remembrance, where the threads of joy and sorrow are intricately woven. It’s the month that cradles not only my own birthday but also that of my late mother and dearest sister, Olufunmilayo.

 

These two remarkable women, though sometimes at odds, etched indelible imprints on my soul.

The objective of this piece is to pay a more than deserved tribute to a remarkable woman whose life was a living embodiment of virtue. Funmilayo Sanusi, known for her roles as a sister, daughter, mother, aunt, and mentor, transcended these titles to become a guiding light in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

 

The year 2007 marked a significant turning point when we lost my dearest Sister, in the month of October. She left behind a loving husband and three beautiful daughters. Over the years, these daughters have grown into accomplished young women, with two of them finding love and beginning their own journeys in matrimony.

 

As a younger sibling, I carry vivid memories of my Sister’s unwavering mentorship and deep affection. She was not only my sister but also a source of wisdom and support during the tumultuous years of youth. Her patience and tolerance for my youthful exuberance were boundless.

The chapter of her life that began with marriage might have seemed like a transition to an unknown world, but in her husband, we discovered a true gentleman, a man of unparalleled humility and grace. It will not be an exaggeration to testify of Brother Fatai as the most gentlemanly homo sapien I know. This gentleness and kindness have remained steadfast even in the face of her untimely departure.

 

October!!! Because it is the month of my birthday, no one ever realizes the struggle I go through during this period. October 30 is my late Mother’s birthday and also that of my darling Sister. October is also the month in which the cold hands of death took her away.

 

They share birthdays. I remember with profound amusement and fondness, how these very lovely and loving beings used to disagree on a lot of things. Both of them were the prime Women I first got to know in life and the fact that they are no more is a burden I carry albeit very calmly and with strength every month of October. It is also the month of birth of my Wife, my first Son, my Mother in law and my Sister in law also. And, that is not all, my eldest Sister (Sister Funke) was also born in October. Sister Funke’s is another completely different story which I will take time to etch on paper soon. Between her and my Mum, I am not sure I have seen any other women with such strength of character, gait, poise, confidence and courage. They have the famed characteristic ‘never say die’ spirit of October borns. No wonder!!!

 

With this convergence of family celebrations and reflections, October is indeed a month where emotions ebb and flow. So, if there is anything called the month of mixed feelings, this is it for me. I find solace in the enduring memories of these incredible women.

 

In honoring Sister Funmi and all the October-born women who have touched my life, I acknowledge and recognize the divine order in which their paths intersected with mine, or rather became the predicate of mine. The scripture reminds us to “rejoice always,” and it is with this sentiment that I choose to celebrate their lives, their love, and the profound impact they have left on my heart.

 

In my role as the Country Representative of UNFPA in Somalia, I find a profound intersection between my work and the legacy of these remarkable women. Just as my dear sister Funmilayo and the strong October-born women in my life exemplified unwavering strength, I am dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of women and girls worldwide. Their enduring spirits fuel my commitment to creating a world where every woman and girl can thrive, just as they did in their own unique ways.

 

The work I do at UNFPA is not just a vocation; it is a tribute to their memory, a dedication to continue the legacy of strength and resilience they embodied.

Shalom! May their memories be a blessing that endures for all time.

 

 

 

Niyi Ojuolape is the Country Representative of UNFPA in Somalia. He carries within him the legacy of these remarkable women, whose spirits continue to inspire him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Society

Mushin LG Chairmanship Aspirant, Tunde Ogunmola Unveils ‘S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda’

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As Lagos State gears up for the local government elections, top journalist, ‘Tunde Ogunmola, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the chairmanship seat of Mushin Local Government, while he has also unveiled his S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda for the development of the community.

 

 

 

Ogunmola, a grassroots politician with passion for service, has contributed significantly to Mushin’s socio-political landscape. Among other services, he had served as a member of the publicity and media committee of a frontline political party during the 2023 general elections in Mushin where he brought his wealth of experience to bear on the much-vaunted aspiration of the party from below to the highest possible offices.

 

 

 

Tunde Ogunmola has also authored two volumes of “Icons of Mushin,” a book that celebrates distinguished individuals Mushin has produced and also provides answers to probing questions often asked about Mushin community.

 

 

 

Speaking in an interview with journalists, the chairmanship hopeful emphasised that his aspiration is driven by a genuine desire to serve and change the narratives in grassroots governance.

 

 

 

While unveiling his comprehensive development blueprint tagged S.E.R.V.I.C.E Agenda in alignment with the Lagos State government’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, Ogunmola pledged to work assiduously to improve the lives of Mushin residents.

 

 

 

“Mushin Local Government does not exist in a vacuum; it thrives within Lagos State, a hub of exponential growth and development. Therefore, our programmes must align with the state’s socio-economic agenda while addressing the unique challenges of Mushin residents,” he stated.

 

 

 

S.E.R.V.I.C.E, is an acronym for my envisaged administration’s seven points strategic development agenda, and this stands for: Security and Safety, Education and Healthcare, Resounding Economic Empowerment, Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement, Infrastructure and Agric Development, Comprehensive Youth Empowerment and Sports Development, and Environmental sanitation and Sustainability.

 

 

 

Speaking further, Ogunmola stressed that it’s high time ideas, opportunities, and good governance are explored to bring about transformational and integrated development to Mushin. Hence, his mantra is, “Mushin Project, exploring ideas, opportunities, and good governance for a greater Mushin”.

 

 

 

“Development planning will also be the fulcrum of my administration of Mushin LG. Because through development planning and implementation of planned objectives, resources will be allocated wisely, priority will also be given to the needs and pressing demands of residents of Mushin”, he emphasized.

 

 

 

The grassroots politician vowed to bring transformative change to Mushin by implementing impactful policies and programs, while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

 

 

 

“I will be committed to serving my people to the best of my ability. We cannot continue doing the same thing and expect different results. That is why I’m stepping forward to serve. My mission is simple; deliver the best for the people of Mushin.” he stated.

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Society

Just In: Dr Doyin Okupe Is Dead

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Dr. Doyin Okupe, a prominent Nigerian physician, politician, and former presidential aide, has died.

 

He passed away at the age of 72.

 

According to sources close to the family, Dr. Okupe had been critically ill in the weeks leading up to his demise.

 

His health had reportedly deteriorated significantly, prompting concern among his loved ones and supporters.

 

A reliable source confirmed that his death was linked to cancer, marking the end of a long struggle with the illness.

 

 

It was reported  in October 2023 that Okupe was hospitalized with prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment.

 

However, it was learnt that his condition did not improve as he and his family expected.

 

Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later developed sarcoma in his right shoulder.

 

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Society

Alleged $340,000 Fraud:  Court Adjourns Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager’s Case till May 14

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Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned the alleged $340,000 fraud case involving Ezekiel ThankGod, former manager of gospel artiste, Mercy Chinwo till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

 

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had filed a three-count charge against him bordering on money laundering and dishonest conversion to the tune of $340,000.

 

One of the counts reads: “That you, EZEKIEL ONYEDIKACHUKWU THANKGOD and EEZEE GLOBAL CONCEPTS LIMITED sometime in 2023, directly retained the sum of $260,494 (Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety-Four USD) in EEZEE GLOBAL MINISTRY Zenith Bank Plc account number, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity, the dishonest conversion of the said sum, property of Mercy Chinwo and Judith Kanayo.”

 

The offence is contrary to Section 18(2)(d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

 

He was to have been arraigned alongside his company, Eezee Global Concepts Limited, on February 17, 2025 but his absence stalled his trial. The court had also issued a bench warrant for his arrest and ordered him to appear in court today March 6, 2025 either by the subsisting bench warrant or production by his counsel.

 

His counsel, Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN had also assured that he will be in court on the adjourned date.

 

At the resumed sitting on Thursday, prosecuting counsel, Bilkisu Buhari informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to arraign the defendant who was present in court.

 

“The matter is for arraignment and subject to the court’s overriding convenience, we are ready to commence,” she said.

 

Justice Owoeye, however, held that: “There is an administrative procedure on this matter and I cannot proceed until the determination of the procedure.”

 

The case was thereafter adjourned till May 14, 2025 for hearing.

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