The State of , May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

THE STATE OF OUR STATE; THE STATE OF OUR NATION; THE STATE OF OUR HEALTH; AND THE HEALTH OF OUR BANKS

By BASHORUN J.K. RANDLE, OFR

When I received the invitation to be the Chairman of this most auspicious occasion I treated the matter with healthy suspicion because I have serious reservations about my credentials regarding health (and by extension medical) matters. It was my grandfather Dr. J.K. Randle who was one of Nigeria’s pioneer medical doctors having qualified at Edinburgh University, Scotland where he won the Gold Medal for surgery in 1888 and practiced for many years at his mansion cum surgery at 31 Marina, and an annex that was actually his back garden which stretched all the way to Broad Street. He died in 1928 at the age of 73. What is relevant is that much of his life was devoted to public health, public service and philanthropy.

Perhaps I should add that he also founded Nigeria’s first political party – The People’s Union in 1908!!

My first choice as the topic for my address was : “WHEN WILL THE PAIN CEASE ?”

Because many of the challenges we are still grappling with were very much in evidence when my grandfather practised medicine. Granted that the scourge in my grandfather’s generation was the “Black Death” – fierce and lethal combination of scurvy; malaria; water-borne infections; jaundice etc. the “Black Death” is still very much with us. The only difference is that both the symptoms and the cure have found hibernation and manifestation in: • Cancer • Heart / Cardio-vascular diseases • Diabetes • HIV / AIDs Those of you who are more clinically minded would no doubt insist that special mention must be made of prostrate cancer which has been ravaging the Black male adult population in Africa and the diaspora with ruthless and relentless savagery.

Perhaps I should add what has been widely reported on the internet: “Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Salamatu Hussaini (who is a Chartered Accountant) has raised the alarm over the rate of infant and maternal mortality in the country. Speaking during her two-day advocacy to Ondo State, the Minister who spoke in Akure, blamed inadequate health facilities, non-incentives for health personnel, ignorance and cultural taboos for the situation. She said:

“Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortal rate with about 800 to 1500 per 100,000 live births, which contributes 10 per cent of the world’s maternal deaths. By implication, every 10 minutes, a woman dies from pregnancy related complications in Nigeria with high prevalence in the rural areas. Infact mortality is also high at 105 lives per (1000) births (sic) with under-give mortality rate at 178 per 1000.”

I am a Chartered Accountant like the Minister who has provided us with those chilling statistics. One of the kernels of our profession is that figures do not lie. Unlike doctors, we do not have the self-indulgence of burying our mistakes!!.

At this juncture, I would like to seize this opportunity to thank the Governor of , Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola S.A.N. for re-naming the Randle General Hospital at Randle Road, Surulere after my late father Chief J.K. Randle, Lisa of Lagos who died on 17 th December 1956 at the age of only 47.

If he were still alive, he would have been celebrating his 100 th birthday alongside his friends Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the first Premier of Western Nigeria; and Alhaji Ahmadu The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

Bello, the Sarduana of Sokoto and the First Premier of Northern Nigeria. My father’s involvement with the health sector was largely influenced by the selfless and patriotic contributions of his close friends – Chief (Dr.) M.A. Majekodunmi who became Minister of Health under Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and is still full of vigour at the ripe old age of 93; as well as late Dr. Oladele Ajose; Dr. Oni Akerele; Dr. Flavious Abiola Akerele; Dr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Awoliyi; and Dr. “Joki” Taylor-Cole (who delivered me!) The list would not be complete without mention of Sir Kofo Abayomi; Dr. Charles Norman-Williams and Sir Samuel Manuwa whose greatness and scholarship were acknowledge beyond the shores of Nigeria.

My own involvement with medicine and health policy or delivery of healthcare/services are somewhat limited and circumspect. I rely on the testimony of my elder brother and friend, the quietly spoken Dr. Gabi Williams who served with great distinction as the Chief Medical Officer of Lagos before shifting his allegiance to the Federal Government where he served under the inimitable Professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti. I stand to be corrected, but I vividly recall that it used to be the practice that the Chief Medical Officer was obliged to publish an annual report on Lagos for wide circulation. Indeed, I used to read Dr. Gabi Williams’ report with great interest. Sadly, those reports have gone into oblivion like most of the best things in Lagos!!

Let me digress by recalling that about three years ago, at a London Restaurant, Professor Bolaji Kuti; Dr. Bolaji Ajenifuja; Alhaji Femi Okunnu S.A.N; and I spent an entire evening discussing the problems and challenges of Lagos; and how our beloved city of Lagos was being stripped of dignity and sanctity (of life and property).

We talked far into the night and I walked all the way home – Knightsbridge; Sloane Street, King’s Road etc without the slightest concern for my safety even though it was well past midnight.

It brought back fond memories of what Lagos used to be – clean streets; peaceful environment, well equipped hospitals; silent vehicular traffic; constant electricity supply; law-abiding citizens and most significantly a total absence of any sense of danger as one walked along the waterfront from Ebute Elefun, Okesuna (where I went to school, Lagos Government School), all along the foreshore of Isale-Eko and the option of turning into Ebute Ero followed by the Marina all the way to Cowrie Bridge and ultimately the Bar Beach. You could even trek all the way to Ebute Metta, Yaba and beyond. Since the Governor of Lagos State is an old boy of Igbobi College, permit me to add that Igbobi was not considered part of Lagos. As its name confirms –“Igbo Obi” translates as The Cola nut forest” – in the outer wilds of civilization!!

The ultimate irony is that it is not King’s College which is located right in the centre of Lagos, at the Race Course now known as Tafawa Balewa Square, that has produced an outstanding leader in the person of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola S.A.N. That honour belongs to Igbobi College. For the avoidance of doubt (to quote lawyers) it bears repetition that “Igbobi” was forest !!

Thankfully, the Governor’s DNA confirms that he was already a Lagosian, going by his Fashola / Animashaun antecedents before wandering into the forest. It is all in the genes and pedigree.

This is not the appropriate forum for delving into what strange diet and concoctions young Babatunde was forced to consume in order to survive in the jungle or forest. We can only speculate that at regular intervals his diet was supplemented with the staple food of Lagos – “Agbodo” (fish); “Akan” (crab); “Yoyo” (whitebait); “ede” (prawns); “epa” (groundnuts); “guguru” (popcorn); “agbado” (boiled/roasted corn); “boli” (roasted plantain); etc.

Perhaps we should add “ice pokey-pokey” which defies translation.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 2 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

Anyway, you must forgive me for adhering to the tradition of Lagos. Our culture does not permit or take kindly to gratuitous praise-singing or self-serving adulation of those who are in power.

As “sons of the soil” we are not permitted to curry favours or reduce ourselves to court- jesters, opportunists or sycophants.

Regardless, Governor Fashola’s record particularly in the health sector speaks for itself. With vigour and tenacity of purpose he has been tackling most of those issues which Professor Bolaji Kuti; Dr. Bolaji Ajenifuja; Alhaji Femi Okunnu S.A.N. and I agonized over that long night of anguish which almost ruined our enjoyment of our dinner in a Chinese Restaurant in London - “The Good Earth.” Indeed, Lagos is slowly returning to “The Good Earth” – the paradise on earth which the Almighty divinely bequeathed to our ancestors who in turn handed it to us for safe custody until our own children are ready to take over. Somehow along the way or down the line the soldiers and politicians conspired to turn our beloved haven of peace and tranquility into hostage territory where fear and pain reign supreme - and a sanctuary for criminals who are hell bent on intimidation, rage and vengeance against innocent citizens. They claim that democracy is a game of numbers – hence the criminals are free to overwhelm the shrinking number of Lagosians.

Lest I be accused, by lawyers, of suppression of vital information and even obstruction of justice, I am obliged to direct your attention to the internet website; “Omo eko pataki www.com where the record of Governor Fashola’s interventions in the health sector are listed as follows:

(1) LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE 1. Upgrade of Primary Health Care facilities in all the Local Government Areas / Wards in the State. 2. Introduction of Mobile Clinics. • Mobile Dental Clinics • Medical Clinics. (2) SECONDARY HEALTH CARE

1. Refurbishment and re-equipment of all the General Hospitals in the State. 2. General Hospital Marina 3. General Hospital Gbagada with the establishment of Special Medical Units - Renal Dialysis (kidney) Unit & Special Cardiology (Heart) Unit 4. Provision of free medical services to pregnant women and children at all health institutions in the State.

(3) TERTIARY HEALTH CARE 1. Upgrading of the Teaching Hospital to accommodate more medical students for training and the introduction of specialized heart surgery for selected patients which is provided by teams from the USA on a yearly basis. 2. Establishment of a fully equipped Diagnostic Centre – The Diagnostic Centre at LASUTH for Special Health Assessments and Diagnosis of ailments.

(4) EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Upgrading and equipping/establishment of Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) points together with the introduction of training for Para-Medias and Doctors who operate the Service.

I understand that the latest acquisition of Lagos State are digital MRI and X Machines which have been installed at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.

Out of all these sterling achievements and compelling evidence that Lagos State Government is spending massively on the health sector is the revelation that The Governor

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 3 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle of Lagos State submitted himself and his family to medical examination at the newly completed Bola Tinubu Diagnostic Centre at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

I am reliably informed that the Governor passed the fitness test with flying colours. According to the doctor who performed the tests,

“The Governor is in excellent health. The only advice we can give him, strictly on medical grounds, is that he should switch his allegiance from Manchester United Football Club to the “Boys in Blue” – Chelsea Football Club.”

Up Chelsea !!

This is not to suggest that Lagos State or Nigeria can afford to rest on its laurels. Here is a report published in “The Punch” newspaper yesterday (April 16, 2009) Headline:

“Nigeria, 23 Others Account For 80% of Global Under-Nourished Kids.”

“A report by the United Nations Children’s Fund has shown that Nigeria is among 24 countries with large number of under-nourished children in the world. According to the report titled, “ Tracking Progress on Child and Maternal Nutrition”, released on Wednesday, there were 10,158 stunted children in Nigeria in 2008. It said that the number accounted for 5.2 per cent of the world’s stunted children in the year under review.

The report stated, “The level of child and maternal under-nutrition remains unacceptable throughout the world, with 90 per cent of the developing world’s chronically under- nourished (stunted) children living in Asia and Africa. Detrimental and often undetected until severe, under-nutrition undermines the survival, growth and development of children and women and it diminishes the strength and capacity of nations.

Under-nutrition in mothers and children is a factor in a third of all deaths of children under five. At the same time, the global financial crisis and rising food prices have left many more families struggling to put nutritious food on the table.”

The UNICEF Associate Director of Nutrition, Werner Schultink, said that the report drew attention to the fact that 200 million children under the age of five in the developing world suffered from chronic under-nutrition.

He stated, “Brought about by a combined lack of quality food, frequent attacks of infectious disease and deficient care, under-nutrition continues to be widely prevalent in both developing and industrialized countries, to different degrees and in different forms.

Nutritional deficiencies are particularly harmful while a woman is pregnant and during a child’s first two years of life. During this period, they pose a significant threat to mothers and to children’s survival, growth and development, which in turn negatively affects children’s ability to learn in school and to work and prosper as adults.

Children, who are undernourished, not optimally breastfed or suffering from micro-nutrient deficiencies, have substantially lower chances of survival than children who are well nourished. They are much more likely to suffer from a serious infection and to die form common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, measles, pneumonia and malaria, as well as HIV and AIDs.”

According to the most recent estimates, maternal and child under-nutrition contributes to more than one third of children’s deaths globally. Under-nourished children, who survived might become locked in a cycle of recurring illness and faltering growth, with irreversible damage to their development and cognitive abilities.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 4 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

The report also said under-nutrition greatly impeded countries’ socio-economic development and potential to reduce poverty. Many of the Millennium Development Goals – particularly MDG 1 (eradicate extreme poverty and hunger), MDG 4 (reduce child mortality) and MDG 5 (improve maternal health) – will not be reached unless the nutrition of women and children is priotized in national development programmes and strategies.

Schultink noted that the problem was concentrated in just a few regions, and 80 per cent of all chronically under-nourished children were found in 24 countries, including India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Vietnam, Sudan, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa.

He further explained that the 18 countries with the highest prevalence of stunting among children under five years incude Afghanistan, Yemen, Guatemala, Timor-Leste, Burundi, Madagscar, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Zambia. The prevalent rate in these 18 countries was 45 per cent or more, with the rate in nine of these countries topping 50 per cent.

Schultink, however, said under-nutrition could be greatly reduced “though the delivery of simple interventions at key stages of the life cycle – for the mother, before becoming pregnant, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding; for the child, in infancy and early childhood.

According to him, these interventions will improve maternal nutrition, increase the proportion of infants who are exclusively breastfed up to six months of age, improve continued breastfeeding rates, enhance complementary feeding and micro-nutrient intake of children between 6 and 24 months old, and reduce the severity of infectious diseases and child mortality.”

Therefore, UNICEF has taken it up to continue to work with partners on successful programmes that deliver food and nutrients to the children and families most at risk. Among other achievements the organization has provided vitamin A supplementation to about 80 per cent of vulnerable children targeted for assistance in the least developed countries. It has helped to ensure that 70 per cent of all households in developing countries now consume adequately iodized salt.

Advances have also been made in Africa, with programmes that encouraged exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months of a baby’s life.

Stunting affects approximately 195 million children under five years old in the developing world, or about one in three.

Africa and Asia have high stunting rates of 40 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively and more than 90 per cent of the world’s stunted children live on those two continents,” the report concludes.

Under-nutrition is a violation of child rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes children’s right to the highest attainable standard of health and places responsibility on the States to combat malnutrition. It also requires that nutritious food is provided to children and that all segments of society are supported in the use of basic knowledge of child nutrition. Nutrition must be placed high on national and international agendas if this right is to be fulfilled.”

Perhaps we should add the editorial in “The Punch” newspaper of yesterday:

Headline: “SAVE THE DEPLORABLE LAGOS ROAD ” “The deplorable state of roads in Lagos State of roads in Lagos State deserves urgent attention by all tiers of government. All over the state, roads are in disrepair and the rains have now worsened the situation. The enormity of the situation is underscored by the

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 5 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle reality of Lagos as the pre-eminent commercial and industrial hub in West Africa. Several industrial areas and business districts have been partially cut off by bad roads. The Apapa-Oshodi Expressway that connects the Lagos Ports complex to the rest of the country is dotted with potholes and gullies and this is replicated on the Lagos-Badagry Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway and major township and rural roads.

Complaints are voiced daily on the worsening state of the roads in the print media and on radio and televisions. The business community too has highlighted the enormous losses that arise from the terrible state of the roads. The silence of the government on the situation is rather unfortunate.

The federal, state and local governments share the blame for the poor condition of Lagos roads. The state government has in the past sought to escape censure since the major roads and bridges, including the Eko Bridge, the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikorodu Road, and the numerous expressways are federal roads. But the principle has been established and put into practice since Bola Tinubu became governor in 1999, that states have a responsibility to undertake rudimentary filling of potholes on major highways in the state irrespective of the ownership of such roads.

On its part, the Federal Government has, for years, abdicated its responsibility to regularly maintain its highways nationwide. In particular, the authorities fail to appreciate the importance of the highways that lead into and out of Lagos to the economy. The UN Habitat report 2008 names Lagos as the most populous city in Africa, the second fastest growing on the continent and is the seventh fastest growing city in the world. The city also has the largest and most extensive road networks in West Africa. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the city accounts for up to 70 per cent of the nation’s industrial production outside oil and gas while Lagos ports are the most important in West Africa.

When they do occasionally rouse themselves to undertake the maintenance of roads, the federal authorities compound their neglect and inefficiency by awarding the contracts to cronies who often lack the competence to perform such assignments but view the patronage as their share of the “national cake.”

But the fact that many state and local government roads are also at various stages of disrepair makes it imperative for the state government to wake up from its uncharacteristic slumber and begin once more, to fix the roads. If the Federal Government has driven Lagosians to despair, Governor cannot afford to abandon them to the mercy of bad roads. Apart from the anguish of bumpy rides and many hours spent in the traffic, the bad roads aid criminals who stalk motorists at particularly bad portions to rob and terrorise them.

The state government’s road rehabilitation programme must resume forthwith to roll back the decay. Once universally praised, the state government’s practice of filling potholes and resurfacing damaged portions of the highways should resume, especially as the year rolls to an end. The greatest challenge in road maintenance in Nigeria is ensuring prompt, periodic repairs as roads suffer the inevitable wear and tear before they deteriorate to the point of needing major rehabilitation with the attendant road closures and disruption of traffic flow that accompany such ventures. Many recall the rehabilitation undertaken in the past by the Public Works Department and wonder whether it still exists.

The first indicator of the effectiveness of governance to a visitor is the state of roads and the current condition of roads in Lagos does the government’s image no good. It has been suggested that some officials prefer roads to become really bad in order to enjoy fat kickbacks from big contracts awarded for complete road rehabilitation. Governor Fashola should frustrate such corrupt designs by entrenched interests by insisting that road maintenance teams swing into action as soon as potholes are noticed. The governor has

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 6 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle done much good in traffic control, beautification, street lighting and closure of illegal markets. He should set fresh targets in the area of road maintenance.

It is worrisome that the local governments have become inefficient to the point of irrelevance. The uninspiring performance of the 20 LGs and 37 development areas in road construction and rehabilitation may unwittingly give ammunition to those who oppose the yearning of the people for more local administrative units in this state of over 15 million persons.

The state government should immediately begin a co-ordinated programme that will see the LGs play a more useful role in road construction and maintenance in the state. At the moment, many view them as laid back entities, not development enablers.

The state government’s desire to make Lagos a mega city cannot materialize if the roads remain in their present state. Fashola has brought seriousness and sophistication to governance since his inauguration in 2007 and this needs to be urgently rekindled in the area of road construction and rehabilitation.”

I am always hesitant to dabble in matters pertaining to health largely on account of the fact that it is not only outside my professional competence, it is also bedeviled by confusion and bewilderment.

One minute we are told aspirin is good for us, the next minute we are told it is bad!!

Nevertheless, I would urge you to find time to read “ Saturday Punch” newspaper of November 21, 2009 Headline : “ THE ROT IN AYINKE HOUSE” “Ayinke House, the maternity wing of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, is generally perceived as one of the most conducive places for child birth and care because of its facilities and numerous medical specialists.

But the current condition of the edifice, which was donated to the public by a philanthropist, the late Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, in memory of his late mother, Ayinke, betrays the perception of most members of the public. An investigation by our correspondent over several weeks revealed that these days, it is a serious battle among women delivered of babies at the maternity to get bed spaces to rest and recuperate after child birth.

Investigations conducted by our correspondent showed that expectant mothers or their relations now have to give money to officials on duty to secure bed spaces on which they can rest before they are discharged.

An eye witness narrated how on a particular day in September, five women were delivered of babies at about midnight but had to share a sofa in the delivery areas because there were no bed spaces.

The eye witness, an employee of the hospital, said he was shocked when he found out from the nurses on duty that the five women that sat on a couch had just gone through labour.

He said, “Their babies were given identification bracelets and adequately taken care of. But the state in which I saw the mothers was touching. On getting to the Delivery Ward, I was shocked to hear they had been there since midnight after they were delivered of babies, and some of them could not have their bath or get a bed to lie on as at 11 am the next day.

I can recall that one of the women was sipping an energy drink lazily as she looked very tired and worn out. Interestingly, I heard one of the nurses asking her, “Why are you looking unhappy. Cheer up now. You should be happy. Don’t you see the other women?”

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 7 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

The maternity home boasts of no fewer than six delivery wards, each with at least three delivery beds. Apart from the general post natal ward, there are three other amenity wards. One of them is reserved for the members of staff while the other two are for financially buoyant individuals who may not want to stay in the general ward. But while the general ward is free of charge, the other two amenity wards may attract as much as N10,000.

Mrs. Olaoluwa Ladipo, a first-time mother who had just been discharged, told our correspondent at the hospital that her mother had come to book a bed space for her by parting with some money ahead of her delivery date. “It is very easy,” she said. “All you need to do is to come a bit earlier than the delivery date to secure a space. That was what we did. Just give something to the people on duty.”

But Chukwu Gold, whose wife had just had a baby by a caesarian section, is a loyal patron of Ayinke House. He told our correspondent that the problem of space occurred sometimes and not always, depending on the traffic of births on a particular day.

He said, “I love their services here because of the line up of specialists that patients are exposed to. And compared to other places, their services are cheaper. I paid N20,000 for the CS. But that is apart from other expenses on the drugs prescribed for us. Bed space problem happens, yes. But you just have to find a way out of it. What I know is that any woman who is coming here to have a baby must come with a relation who would be doing the necessary running around because doctors could ask you to go and get things from the pharmacy at anytime,” he said.

Idowu Laitan, another loyalist of Ayinke House, admitted that people sometimes had to spend money to get bed spaces. But he believes it is a “Nigerian factor.” “I know the medical people here intentionally create the bottlenecks so that people can wriggle their way through them. But what is that compared to the care that you need for your loved ones? I have witnessed six births here and I know that the professionals know their onions. But these other problems are here with us.

I also learnt that there was a time that the workers were not paid for more than three months. How does the government expect them to feed? They have to create a means for that. So it depends on what you want. It is nothing new at all,” he said.

Yet, the edifice is not enjoying the best of times. The physical structure of Ayinke House is now a shadow of its attractive old self. It was learnt that although the building which was last renovated and refurbished by a financial institution in 2004, had been penciled down for renovation since the beginning of this year, work is yet to begin even as the year winds up.

Apart from weather-beaten pillars and walls becoming greenish, excreta sometimes flows down through the open drains from the toilets upstairs, giving a stench that leaves much to be desired, particularly of a hospital environment.

The bath areas where the women clean up after delivery, it was learnt, are sometimes left with blood splashes unattended to.

The entrance into the antenatal clinic lounge through the corridors of the accounts, audit and laundry departments, were unkempt and unbefitting of an environment where new born babies are kept when our correspondent visited.

Another member of staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hinted that an airborne epidemic was recently discovered to be affecting some nurses and new born babies in some parts of the building; an issue which he said came up for deliberation at a recent management meeting presided over by the head of department.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 8 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

He wondered why the hospital had been left to suffer in spite of the millions of naira it makes daily, adding, “We see them carrying money to the bank in bags. So many people patronize the hospital. Normal delivery currently costs almost N10,000. The records in the last three months show that millions of naira was made. But one wonders why that is not reflecting on the welfare of the hospital,” he said.

He further hinted that employees of the hospital were planning to embark on strike soon to protest some unfavourable conditions of service. He said that in spite of the debate on whether to rebuild or renovate the building, nothing concrete had been seen.

The Chief Gynecologist, Dr. A. O. Fabamwo, was not available for comments when our correspondent visited his office on the second floor.

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Dr. Femi Olugbile, said in a telephone interview on Thursday that he was not aware of any epidemic outbreak at Ayinke House.

“I am not aware of any epidemic outbreak. We have a system that keeps a regular check on possible cases like that to nip it in the bud, and I am not aware of any. There is actually an infection control committee which sees to that, because we are very careful about the safety of everyone using the hospital,” he said.

While Olugbile said that there was no requirement to pay for bed spaces in the general wards, he noted that the services of the hospital were over subscribed to. But he said the plan for a new Ayinke House would soon become a reality by rebuilding or renovating it.

“I don’t know if the hospital will be demolished, all I know is that there is going to be a new Ayinke House. I am sure that the government will soon make a categorical statement on that,” he said.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who had assured some journalists in August that there was no plan to demolish Ayinke House but to refurnish and modernize it for better services, gave a contrary view on Friday, as he told Saturday Punch that the building would be demolished and rebuilt.

According to Idris, who spoke from outside the country in a telephone interview, the seeming delay in the take-off of work on the hospital facility was due to the process of planning which required reaching a final conclusion with building specialists. The work, which according to him can no longer begin this year, is now being considered for the first quarter of 2010.

He said, “We are looking at bringing the hospital to today’s standard in terms of structure and operation. But I won’t lie to you; it can no longer be this year, because we have to reach a conclusion on who handles the job. But I can assure you that we have discovered that rebuilding the facility will be more cost effective for the management than the earlier plan to refurbish it.

“We are building a new Ayinke House. But we don’t want to create a vacuum in the process of construction. So, we shall soon commission some alternative centres where staff will be posted to meet the needs of the public in the interim. These are located in Isolo, Ifako Ijaiye and Ikorodu.”

Idris, however, denied knowledge of any epidemic at Ayinke House. He promised to reach the medical director to obtain confirmation. On the payment for bed spaces and the inconvenience suffered by women who have to sit on couches after delivery, the commissioner said that such cases could occur from time to time.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 9 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

He said the problem was that the facilities had become inadequate and over stretched owing to the heavy traffic of people who preferred the services of the hospital. But he said that such problems had been factored into the reconstruction programme.

“These problems happen sometimes because a lot of people want to use Ayinke House, and we can’t turn them back. I believe that there is need to review the policy on operations, he said.”

We also need to make the point that we cannot deal with health in isolation of environmental and educational issues. Hence, I refer to the publication in “Daily Sun” newspaper of December 9, 2009.

Headline: “YOU CAN’T BELIEVE THIS !!” • In Fashola’s Lagos, this school is worse than a pigsty.”

“It’s a classic case of beauty and the beast. On one hand, it’s supposed to be a primary school, an institution where young, tender hearts are nurtured into graceful, virtuous citizens. On the other, however, the ambience is one in which those youngsters can only grow into tough, rough, anti-social urchins, taking a cue from the milieu in which they were nurtured.

Ironically, it is called Apostolic Primary School, Kadara, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Apostolic? Nothing can be farther from it. There’s absolutely nothing edifying or uplifting about this school. Right from the gate, what confronts you is decay, rot, garbage, and more decay. And when you venture in, you feel like Alice in Wonderland. A wonderland of neglect, degeneracy and waste. Even in a failed state like Somalia or Sudan, this should not be called a school, not to talk of in Lagos, the famed Centre of Excellence, where Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola has been taking strides that have earned him applause nationwide.

In this Apostolic Primary School, when pupils saunter in for studies in the mornings, what often confronts them? Used condoms on the floor; sachets and bottles of strong drinks consumed overnight by revelers, remnants of cigarettes, Indian Hemp, and then, wait for it, faeces splattered all over the walls.

Yes, this school is home for pupils during the day, and for miscreants at night.

Like attracts like. No doubt. Street urchins, known as Area Boys in local parlance, are attracted to this school, not just because of its location in a seedy neighbourhood, but because the very spectacle of the institution is a centripetal force, which draws them like ants to sugar. Blown off roofs, decayed ceilings, peeling walls, stagnant gutters, overfilled toilets sending a stink to the heavens. In fact, a pig may consider suing for slander and defamation of character, if you dare call the place a pigsty.

Ironically, this is not the first time Daily Sun is calling attention to this parody of an education institution. In our edition of February 28, 2008, on Page 17, we had drawn the attention of the state government to the sheer travesty called a school. We had written: “The school is located in an area inhabited mostly by hard-faced, homeless street urchins known more in Lagos as Area Boys. As you navigate through the Osholanke/Kadara Beach Road junction, your nose is greeted by the strong smell of marijuana from every angle. To describe the school environment as a slum, is in truth, edifying.”

Few days after the 2008 publication Daily Sun got the cheering news that Gov. Fashola had ordered an immediate rehabilitation of the school. Joy, ecstasy, praises for a responsive governor. But today, 21 months later, it is apparent that we all rejoiced too early. Apostolic Primary School is not only in its old form, it is in a worse state. Deterioration, degradation all the way.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 10 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

During a recent visit, this reporter was shocked to the marrows. The decrepit building, which served as office for the Head Teacher and other senior staffers, had given way. Crumbled. Despite the valiant efforts of the Parents/Teachers Association (PTA), what stands as class-rooms are no better than caves, some with holes deep enough to provide haven for wild animals. The school, established in 1955, is no doubt, in the final gasps, the last throes of death.

Hear Mr. Rasaq Onamade, a member of the PTA: “The situation is really, really bad. We don’t want the school taken away from this community, but government should do something fast. The school is surrounded by saw-millers, and children daily inhale sawdust particles. It is not good for their health. A fence should be constructed to keep miscreants away at night. We hear they even bring in females to rape. They do all sorts of abominable things. Gov. Fashola should please rescue the innocent ones who school here.”

Mrs. Fausat Raheem, another PTA member says twice, her child had come home, waving condoms like a trophy won in a school contest. The toddler did not know that not all that appear like balloons are truly playthings.

“The surrounding is not healthy. It is not fit for children to grow up in,” Mrs. Raheem declares sadly, adding that if you venture into the place at night, “you will shed tears.”

Azeez Aremu, a 12-year-old pupil says the school toilet has long ben abandoned, “because it is now blocked.” He adds; “The environment is unhealthy for us.”

Who will save Apostolic Primary School? Is it Gov Fashola or shall we look for another? But Fashola it is, because he has not been known to balk at any battle. He will win this one too.”

I understand the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN had confirmed that he would be present at tonight’s dinner. However, owing to certain developments which emanated at his presentation of his 2010 Budget to the State House of Assembly, he cannot join us. Kindly convey my good wishes to him.

In addition, I would implore him to take heed of the message (or first salvo) which has been reported widely on internet courtesy of “Sunday Champion” newspaper of January 24 2010 .

Headline: Tinubu gambles with Fashola’s second term “Sunday Champion gathered that the option of impeachment was muted.

PERHAPS one of the most trying periods for the former governor of Lagos state Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu may have been the count down to 2007 election. It was a time he fought one of the fiercest political battles of his life. He was tested, provoked, and stepped upon by Abuja led by his kinsman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who made sure that the state was denied the local government statutory allocations. To pick a successor while the battle to get the allocation was brewing was another challenge.

Even when he turned to his crystal ball, he saw nothing but pretenders masquerading as successors. Therefore Kangaroo primaries took place and at the end of everything the cast fell on Babatunde Raji Fashola who was then the chief of staff.

Hell was let loose, there was pandemonium in the party and Tinubu was forced to receive a lot of political punches, but he survived.

To political observers then, Tinubu had to endorse Fashola because he was looking for somebody who might not be able to surpass his achievements in office, so that he would

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 11 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle always remain a reference point. But unfortunately, the ways of man are not the ways of God.

Today after 25 months as the governor of Lagos state, Fashola has turned around the fortunes of the state in terms of infrastructural development and provision of adequate security; a situation that has encouraged the people of the state to be clamouring for his second term in office. These monumental achievements which the party ought to have been celebrating have now become a grave burden for all the stakeholders, though for different reasons.

It is somehow sad that at a time when the Action Congress (AC) in Lagos state ought to have gone to the drawing board, mapping out strategies that will outwit their opponents in 2011 election, they are busy fighting a needless cold war particularly with the governor of the state Babatunde Fashola for whom his godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu appears to be reluctant to approve a second term.

When the cold war initially came to public domain, all the stakeholders including the two combatants denied the allegation on the basis that fifth columnists were at work. But it is glaring from unfolding development that the godson and his godfather are no longer the best of friends.

Informed sources in the party alleged that some issues were fundamental to the cold war between the two including the issue of second term in office, reckless spending of the state money on election matters in other states and the question of who takes what in the control of the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

Prior to the AC convention in Lagos, last year, Sunday Champion gathered that at a stakeholders meeting called to settle the cold war. Tinubu stormed out of the meeting without saying a word to his admirers outside the premises of the meeting.

The absence of Asiwaju at the pre-convention lecture which was delayed for many hours the day before the actual convention in Lagos futher deepened the no love lost situation between the duo.

Speculations are rife that some of the foot soldiers of Tinubu are not comfortable with the rising profile of Fashola, hence they see him as ‘growing wings’.

The issue of second term for Fashola has almost turned the party into a theatre of war, although Tinubu is yet to say a word on it.

Our findings revealed that the current commissioner for environment Dr. Muiz Banire, former Commissioner in Tinubu’s cabinet, Mr. Tunji Bello and Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi are the foot soldiers who were alleged to have been working round the clock to make sure that Tinubu does not endorse Fashola for second term, a situation that has further polarized the party. The source further said that, that is the reason the governor has been very careful and cautious whenever he has the opportunity to talk to the press on the issue, because he saw the handwriting clearly on the wall.

Sunday Champion gathered that the option of impeachment was muted in the Asiwaju caucus, to rattle the governor and to let him know that if he failed t do their biddings he could be removed the way the former deputy governor, Femi Pedro was sent parking on the instruction of Tinubu.

This was reflected in the utterances of the lawmakers when Fashola presented the 2010 budget to the House of in November last year. Apparently speaking, the mind of the House where AC has 37 out of 40 members the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji cautioned Fashola to shun flattery from the so called admirers because flattery is like a good perfume; it is to be smelt, not to be swallowed.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 12 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

According to him, if insinuations going round are anything to go by, then the governor stands the chance of being swayed from the path of developing the state, adding that “my advice particularly to His Excellency, is that you should concentrate on your assignment and not be distracted by noisemakers. The real measure of your performance will be after your exit from office. Most of those who claim to love you today are the same set of people who nearly fought your predecessor and his loyalists to a standstill when it became clear that your predecessor gave his full support for you to succeed him.”

The speaker who ironically passed a political message to Fashola, pointed out that all the so called achievements for which he was being praised are over concentrated in one direction with other areas neglected. “While Lagosians in several constituencies commend the efforts of our government so far, the visit (to other parts of the state) also revealed some short comings and uneven spread in our development efforts”, he noted.

Not done yet, he warned the governor not to step beyond his bounds otherwise he would face the wrath of the House. “It has come to my notice that attempts by committees of the House to perform their oversight functions are often resisted and considered as confrontation by some members of the executive arm. It should be clear to all and sundry that good governance is premised on transparency and accountabililty. The oversight function of the legislature is a major part of the checks and balances enshrined in the constitution,” he asserted.

Political pundits wonder why the Speaker will choose the floor of the House to wash the dirty linings of the party if there had never been any under current before now.

They argued that as the number three citizen of the state, he has many avenues to speak to the governor if he actually wanted to do so, rather than on the floor of the House where many people were, including members of the opposition. With all indications, it showed that the Speaker was speaking from the authority that is beyond the confines of the House of Assembly.

Ironically his recent outburst that Fashola should not be over-joyous because he is not the only governor in the country that is performing says it all. He has reminded Fashola that the governors of Gombe, Rivers and Akwa Ibom are equally performing. The comparism is curious, despite denials. Perhaps the Speaker has forgotten that the states he mentioned are controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which is the opposition.

Besides, his bases of comparism are very shallow, against the backdrop that the mentioned states are less than 4 million each in population compared with Lagos of about 18 million. At this juncture, one must remind Ikuforiji that Lagos being the former capital of the country has many decayed infrastructure begging for maintenance without any special funds from the federal government to maintain them.

To further make the situation worse, the former commissioner of information and strategy in Tinubu’s cabinet, Mr. Dele Alake in a two-page advert in the media, tried to eulogise his boss for a landmark achievement as the governor of the state for eight years. What for, many are yet to fathom.

According to him, “the solid financial and developmental foundation laid for Lagos state by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu administration is obviously one of the critical factors that have enabled the administration of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) to hit the ground running and to raise the standards of governance and service delivery in Lagos State.”

With Alake’s position, one does not need any oracle to know that AC as a party is facing monumental challenges on how to manage their success in the state with the stakeholders afraid to tell the godfather the home truth that no game master changes a winning team.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 13 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

Analysts are of the view that no matter the internal crisis in the party, Tinubu could have used his wealth of experience to douse it, instead of allowing some fun-seekers who suddenly became top political advisers to miss direct him on the issue of Fashola’s second term which is the genesis of the crisis. Governor Fashola has remained smart and calm in all these.

In an advertorial, he denied that the State House of Assembly planned to impeach him. “I want to make it clear that there is and never has been an impeachment move to remove me from office. And I have the confidence and the authority of our honorable members of the House and my party leaders on this matter.”

He went further “we must not forget that Asiwaju who laid the foundation for the financial success Lagos is reaping today through internally generated revenue. Alpha Beta Company was in the middle of this, playing out the vision of financial engineering he laid down.

The people behind all the false reports and innuendos are fifth columnists and professional detractors who want to throw cats among the pigeons of Lagos, especially on two levels, namely the political model and the development level.” Just like the god-son, Tinubu also debunked insinuations of a cold war between him and Fashola. He said the tie between them is ‘unbreakable and unshakable’. Only if it were true, analysts wonder.

Speaking at the AC convention in Lagos last year, where the duo wore the same attire, Tinubu said “You’ve seen me here today; is there any sign of discord? Once in a while, I visit to really talk or review. I don’t like coming often to disturb him or distract him. But whatever stories you’ve heard about us having issues are lies; its fabrication coming from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and enemies of progress.”

However, speaking to Sunday Champion on condition of anonymity, a chieftain of AC in the State noted that the party wanted to carry their luck too far and when they realized that the situation was going out of hand and that Fashola cannot be impeached like they did Pedro, they backed out, adding “the result of their foolishness is what you people in the media are feeding upon now”

He pointed out that the party is being economical with the truth by insisting that there is no crisis in the party. “The truth of the matter is that some of the so called elders of the party both within and outside the state are not comfortable with the popularity of Fashola, therefore they are creating needless crisis between Asiwaju and the governor. You will not believe that it took the intervention of the first class traditional rulers in the state before the situation could be managed to this level.”

The chieftain of the party warned that if Asiwaju does not read the correct handwriting on the wall and allow himself to be deceived by some self seeking individuals, who do not want Fashola for a second term, then another party will give it to him with open hands and the consequences wil be too much for the party to bear.” The essence of any political party is to be in government, but if they allow the political storm that is now gathering to sweep all of them, the shock will be devastating in the long run” he added.

Let us also remind ourselves that there is a correlation between the state of our health, particularly our mind and our culture which is anchored on respect for elders and the sanctity of the family name. A case in point is that of our highly respected Alhaji Musliu Anibaba who is a Past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria [ICAN].

When he was a much younger man and having just returned from Britain, he joined a firm of Chartered Accountants – Hamood Banner & Co. Their office was at Niger House (John Holt Building) on the Marina, and they provided a flat in Ikoyi for young Anibaba whose

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 14 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle name at that time was “Cameron”. (He was named after a British Governor of the Colony of Lagos). As it so happened, the Anibaba family house in Isale Eko was only a short distance from Cameron’s office and whenever he visited his mother virtually he whole street would welcome him effusively.

Sadly, Cameron mistook their outpouring of affection as a prelude to their making monetary demands on him. He made the deadly mistake of not acknowledging the greetings of a group of elders who were busy playing draughts in the open air. They were livid with rage. The next time he visited, they totally ignored him. Even when he went even closer to them, they ignored him and just carried on with their game of draughts. He was puzzled and he was forced to enquire what the matter was. One of them provided the answer: “Look young man, Cameron. You have lost the plot. The affection we have lavished on you has nothing to do with your being a Chartered Accountant or your being one of the few black people living in Ikoyi (which was mostly occupied by white people). It is the love, respect and admiration we have for your beloved mother Sari that have prompted us to lavish our affection on you. We are not looking for anything from you. God has already blessed us with all the money we require to procure our Guinness stout for the rest of our lives. Get lost.”

I would like to conclude by reminding you that the State of our State and the State of our health are directly linked to our collective ability in the area of conflict resolution. Here is an example that is well known to Lagosians.

Many years ago, the young and dashing political activist and lawyer Mr. Femi Okunnu (ex- King’s College, Lagos; ex University of London; ex-Grays Inn) returned to Lagos as a bachelor. His roots are in Isale Eko. However, on the other side of Lagos was the object of his desire, Lateefat Oyekan (ex-Methodist Girls High School; ex-Queen’s College; ex- University of Ibadan) whose family house is located at Tokunbo Street in the Oke Popo Area. When word leaked that she was about to be “captured” by an Isale Eko boy, civil war nearly broke out !!

The youths and elders of Oke Popo considered it an affront that their dearly beloved “Area Girl” could not find a suitable partner in the neighbourhood and would soon fall prey to an invader. Perhaps, I should add that at that time, “Area Girl” was a term of endearment which signified that the girl was from a well known family with excellent reputation within the neighbourhood.

This particular young lady was very special.

Everybody in the neighbourhood readily acknowledged her quiet disposition, her diligence, her modesty and humility as well as sense of responsibility and dutifulness – not just to her parents but also to her older sister Morayo and her brothers Jubril; Tajudeen; Ashim and Bambo.

As the tension escalated, her uncle Chief I.A.S. Adewale (an Old Boy of King’s College) was prevailed upon to intervene and plead the cause of the young suitor. The elders assembled in our house and my father Chief J.K. Randle (an old boy of King’s College) presided. Chief Adewale pleaded for understanding and tolerance. He rattled off all the sterling qualities of the young suitor – brilliant lawyer, politician, good family background, devout Moslem, sportsman, etc. He made little impression and he was in despair until he suddenly interjected:

“He is an old boy of King’s College”

My father declared the debate over.

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 15 The State of Nigeria, May 2010 – By Bashorun J. K. Randle

“Ishiawu (Chief I. S. Adewale) why have you been wasting our time. What you have just said is what you should have said first. Since the young man is an old boy of King’s College, the matter needs no further debate. As for the Oyekan family, their patriach Lamina Oyekan was an old boy of King’s College. Three of his children Rasheed, (excellent cricketer), Jubril, and Ashim, were also at King’s College.”

Of course we all know that the young lady’s uncles M. S. Adewale and I. S. Adewale were at King’s College. Indeed, her older Sister Morayo married A.K. Amu, also an old boy of King’s College.

It was a King’s College affair all round. The product of that marriage is Justice Bisola Shuaibu who currently sits as a High Court Judge. She recently gave a ruling against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria of which I am a Past President. I have pleaded with my professional colleagues to treat my Lord as a first time offender. Court !!

In conclusion, I want to draw your attention to an advertisement in last week’s “Sunday Punch” newspaper which reads as follows:

MEMORIAL Celebration to mark the 80 th year of the departure of Alfa Bello Fashola of Isale-Igangan, . Among his Great-Great—Grand children is our Excellency Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola S.A.N. He is survived by children and six generations of descendants to date. - Signed. Engr. M.G.B. Fashola, (Olori-Ebi), Head of the family.

There is nothing more to be said except that last week I ran into both Professor B.K and Dr. B.A. at a wedding. I reminded them about our marathon session in London. The first was in despair: “Can you imagine the shambles and the cost of school fees for our children and what we have to pay for special lessons for the same children?”

The other was more sanguine: “It is our children and grand-children I feel sorry for. What kind of values are we passing on to them ? As for me I am just a doctor and when my time is up I can take consolation in the number of babies I have delivered. Today’s bride was delivered by me. So also, were her father and mother. As for the groom I also delivered him.”

Indeed, what else is there to be said except to wait until we meet again in London?

Bashorun J.K. Randle isChairman & Chief Executive, JK Randle Professional Services, Chartered Accountants, “X KPMG House”, One Ologunkutere Street, Park View, Ikoyi, (Opp. Astoria Hotel), Email: [email protected]

Published with permission on www.proshareng.com 16