Cover, Edition 171, February 8-14, 2009

A spirit of Sounds

BY BENSON IDONIJE
Lekan Babalola is currently one of the busiest and most sought-after percussionists on the jazz scene. Based in Dorset, about three hours drive from London, he has performed with almost all the top names in jazz. But it is with Cassandra Wilson that he has done the greatest amount of work, notably Loverly, a recent album of standards, into which Lekan infused intriguing elements of African music.
When Lekan, who participates in almost all the jazz festivals is not playing music, he is in Dorset, managing a non-profit-making organisation called, “Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust” whose aim is to foster and develop Yoruba contemporary arts all over the world.
The conversation began with the object of his mission to Lagos:
“I am in Lagos because it’s time to come back home. It’s time to come back home to take stock of what I am doing. I am in the middle of my career now, and this is my home. This is where I was born. I have come so that my own family can meet other families. I came with my wife.”
What implication does the visit have for your music?
In Europe where I am, I’m working with musicians who are from their own tradition and I think it is good for me to come back to my own background and cultural heritage. I’m here to work with other musicians. I have been doing this in the last two weeks.
I am producing an album of Alaba Pedro for Jazz Hole Records. I’m not doing anything new. I’m just changing the colour of the music. The structure is already there, everything is there. What I’m doing with Pedro is introducing highlife to the youth, making it more accessible to them just like jazz appeals to them through hip hop.
Why Alaba Pedro?
I was here in October 2008 and I met Alaba Pedro at a gig. The venue was Nimbus. I heard him play and said, wow, this is a combination of Kenny Burrel, Taj Mahal, B. B. King and all of them. I spoke to him briefly and we played together with Duro Ikujenyo, Tee Mac, Jimmy Solanke. Chike Nwagbogu was there, taking care of business.
It was from playing together that I realised that if Alaba was put on the same stage with Biodun Bakare, it would be great. I spoke to Kunle Tejuoso, the president of Jazz Hole Records, whom I have been wanting to produce for. He agreed.
Where exactly are you based?
I live in Dorset, which is about three hours drive to London. I run a non-profit making organisation called Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust (IYCAT). The aim is to foster and develop Yoruba contemporary arts all over the world. I work with my wife who is a composer and clarinettist. She is also a producer of children’s music education.
Through the organisation, we raise grants from funding organisations. The children compose the songs. It’s a workshop where the children write the songs and perform them with professionals.
How would you describe yourself?
I am an artist, a percussionist, and a composer. I am also a producer. I work with other artists, namely Cassandra Wilson, Branford Marsalis, Earnest Ranglin, Roy Ayers and many other artists. I did an album with Rycooder, a guitarist for Alifakatore from Senegal. The LP, In The Heart of the Moon, which I did with him, won a Grammy.
Presently, I am working with jazz singer Cassandra Wilson-from Mississippi, USA.
Whom have you found most comfortable to work with?
I have enjoyed working with everybody, but I must say that presently, I am learning a lot, playing with Cassandra Wilson.
I am learning the culture of African American jazz, blues, the whole formation of it. It is a new dimension. Cassandra usually gives the musicians a free hand to contribute to the music. This is what led to the new album I did with her for Blue Note called Loverly.
What inspired Loverly?
The Blue Note president, Bruce Lundval wanted Cassandra to do jazz standards. Cassandra wondered how she could take jazz standards to Africa.
That was where I came in. The drummer, Herlin Riley from New Orleans and I did most of the arrangements. Cassandra liked it. Blue Note loved it. And now, the album has been nominated for Grammy 2009.
What are these standards?
The standards comprise Caravan, one of Duke Ellington’s classics. The others include Dust my Broom by Robert Johnson, Till there was you, St. James Infirmary and Black Orpheus
What would you say has recommended it for nomination?
Critics say that it is Cassandra’s best work so far. There is a serious commitment on the part of Cassandra to identify with her roots. There was a deliberate effort to Africanise it. Cassadra requested me to bring the sensibility of African music to these standards, and it worked. These were some of the qualities that must have endeared it to the Grammy award people. The album must have won because of its African overtones, something that Cassandra had not done before in all her career as a jazz singer.
How busy is your performing schedule?
I have performed at several jazz festivals including Monreal in Switzerland, Monterey in California, Montreaux in Switzerland. I am privileged to have stood on the same performing stages that the likes of Miles Davies, John Coltrane, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Rollins and others performed on. I give thanks to God for that.
Which has been your most memorable experience?
I think it was one evening when I was going to Monterey, California and I changed planes in San Franscisco. I met Herbie Hancock with whom I eventually sat face to face on the same plane. We were both going to participate in the festival. This feeling blew my mind.
However, I was in Cape Town last year. Cassandra with whom I performed was also there. Carlos Santana,Wayne Shorter, Dee Dee Bridge Water, Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, Blind Boys of Alabama, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo and all the jazz greats were there. It was a memorable experience.
I also found the Umbra Jazz festival at Perujia, Italy interesting in July 2008. There, I saw Sony Rollins, David Sandbom, New Orleans Youth Jazz Orchestra. I was also there with Cassandra Wilson.
Last December, we were in the Caribbeans at the Coyman Island Festival. Anita Baker, George Benson and others were also on the bill. What I found even more memorable was the kinds of discussions we had in the dressing rooms, off stage.
How do you mean?
You hardly talk about music when you are off stage. You talk about other things.
For example, I had a wonderful experience with pianist Joe Sample in East St. Louis at the St. Louis Jazz Festival last year when we were together off stage for about four hours. He opened the show on this festival date. We discussed English football, food and so on. He said he liked the way Nigerians carry themselves in Huston Texas, the way they do business. They are always successful in their various endeavours.
He spoke highly of their industry and integrity.
What do you think of the Lagos
International Jazz Festival?
I contributed to the whole idea. In 2005, I met Shadare at the Market Square in Capetown during that year’s North Sea Jazz Festival. I heard him talking about the idea of getting involved in the festival. I introduced him to Rasheed Lambert and I told him if he could do the legwork, it would be nice to do a Lagos International Jazz Festival. I heard Shadare did his best last year to put the first edition together. I heard he brought Britain’s Curtney Pine, a great saxophonist.
The idea of the festival will foster the development of music education in Nigeria. It will attract a lot of business with people moving in and out of Lagos. The big companies should sponsor the festival because they have a lot to gain. It will attract a mammoth audience and will open up a hole new economic opportunities and advantages.
As a tourist attraction, the influx of people from all over the world will generate business for hotels, more of which will spring up. Besides, the audience will experience quality music to improve peoples’ minds.
Lagos is a mega city, which is as big as Paris, London, Rome, Belgium, Brussels and all these cities, which continue to host Jazz Festivals, Jazz Festivals are comparable to the Olympic Games, which have huge economic advantages to the host cities. The Lagos International Jazz Festival is a source of economic power. Everybody is involved- the journalists, the market woman, the taxi drivers, you name it; everybody. Lagos needs an annual music festival.
Are you participating in the next edition?
If I am invited I will come. It will be good to come and promote some of my recorded works. I love to come and perform with my band.
What about Cassandra?
It’s the same requirements that her management will ask from promoters- performance fees, hotel accommodation, good sound system, venue and other logistics. But I was told that MUSON invited her for their festival but could not come up with a Business Class ticket. She doesn’t travel without it.
What are your future plans for the industry?
My vision is to have a version of Jazz at the Lincoln Center – the type that Wynton Marsales involved with in New York, a centre with performance exhibition, Theatre space, lecture room, Administrative office, center for art in education for children, workshop, practice room and so on. It is a total package.

For a Rendezvous

BY ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA
LOVE is in the air. And, you shouldn’t be left out of the celebration. Give your soulmate some special treat. That leisure spot in your neighbour that you hardly give a second look beckons. But just in case you are not interested in the local, familiar hang-out, nevermind, here is a checklist of places that you can try out. It sure promises to be fun:
Checklist of fun spots to visit
Lagos
Eko Hotel and Suites
For a sumptuous treat, the place to visit is the Sky Restaurant where a six course meal and special chef delight await diners with a glass of champagne and live entertainment set in the colourful atmosphere of the restaurant. Other eateries to visit in the hotel include Food of Sun Restaurant; Case Chianti; the Steak House and Ocean View Restaurant.
Federal Palace Hotel and Suites
Savour a blend of natural ambience and special treat from the chef. A welcome drink and cocktail would also form part of the special offerings.
Lagos Sheraton Hotel
The Cockpot and Phili and Phili are places to check out for those with good appetite ready to treat their dates and spouses to a delightful Valentine dinner.
Mainland Hotel, Ebuta Metta
A Valentine buffet dinner with live music, discounted room rates are among the special package of the season.
La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort
Nature, Sea and Love Festival is on for three days beginning from Friday evening when guests would enjoy a boat ride to the resort with bouquet of Roses for each person.
A stopover at Bolakeja bar for drinks and music will lead to an all night party featuring three DJs performing simultaneously at three different sites within the resort. Bonfire and fireworks will spice the scene till the next morning when breakfast is served at 6am on the beach.
There will also be various competitive acts such as romantic kiss and the longest kiss winners will enjoy a weekend treat at Calabar, Paris and La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.
Lunch would be served on the big stage of the resort buffet style while Saturday night will indeed capture the essence of love with all night gig starring May Seven, Afe and Yemi Juju.
Sunday the last day of the fiesta is tagged a dedication day with picnic and music all through the day. The fees for day visitors is N8, 000 for couples and N5, 000 for singles while those seeking a safari experience can rent a tent for N25, 000 per night.
The regular accommodation — Labalaba, Oso and Holiday Homes are also available for use during the three days festival.
Beach party, picnic, boat cruise, a hydro bike, safari and wilderness experience and other water related leisure activities form part of the special presentation of the resort.
To ensure that patrons have a delightful and memorable time, the resort is offering a chopper ride from the mainland to the resort ground in Lekki - Epe. The helicopter ride also affords a romantic flight at the resort with your Val overlooking the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Love Bananas @ LTV
Top entertainers — musicians, comedians, dancers — will rock it out at the Valentine Love Bananas on Sunday, February 15 at the Lagos State Television (LTV) Main Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja. Buchi and Gordons, the two major acts during the maiden edition of the show in 2007 will also return to the seasonal love show. Also performing is Koffi, who thrilled audience at last year’s show held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Other popular artistes on the show, which is billed to start at 4pm include Jedi, World to God, Xplicit, Charlo, Edge, G-House and the group BNG.
Speaking on preparation for the show, Olisemeka Obi, executive director of Edensquire Entertainment Ltd, noted that they are building on the successes of previous editions.
The 2007 editions played host to such stars as Buchi, Julius Agwu, Gordons and the dance group, Peace Makers. The 2008 edition was heralded by the likes of Koffi, Wamilele and duo of Tosin Martins and Segun Obe.
Obi said that Love Bananas offers families — the young, old, single and married, the opportunity to revitalise relationships while enjoying comedy, music, and dance.

The Coliseum
The hunting ground for the well-heeled members of the society and the ruling class will treat its members to special package that include dance, music and comic acts in a most classy manner.
O’jez Restaurant
The now popular Nollywood celebrities hang-out would be on song this Val with a special treat for all the regular patrons of the house..
National Theatre
It is another fun harvest spot in Lagos to savour different flavours of entertainment. The expansive ground of the theatre provides ample opportunity for family picnic.
Other spots to visit in Lagos include the Bar Beach, Kuramo waters, Lekki beach, Fantasyland, Suntan Beach, Tarkwa Bay, Alpha and Eleko Beaches. Also seek out Whispering Palms, Museum Kitchen, Silverbird Galleria, Eko Tourist Village, Akodo and Funtopia.
Abuja
The Millennium Park, Maitama Amusement Park, Abuja Wonderland, Sheraton Hotel, The Dome, Bleak Restaurant, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja Zoological Garden, Octagon Nite Club, Bolingo Bar, De Grand Mirage Nite Club, Two Four Seven, Julia Useni Park, Mediterranean Resort, Chopstick and Salamander Cafe
Calabar
Marina Front, Tinapa, Old Residency and Museum Restaurant, The Mirage, Pyramid Hotel, Metropolitan Hotel, Aqua Vista Farm Resort, Obudu Ranch Resort.
Asaba
Grand Hotel and Conference Centre, Giddy’s Place, Dema Kitchen and Garden, Melrose Hotel, Richard Landers Anchorage and Asaba Recreation Club.
Warri
The Woodridge, Wellington Hotel and PTI Club
Abraka
The Tuft Club, Ethiope River Motel, Games Village.
Abeokuta
Olomu Rock Tourist Complex, Hubert Ogunde Cultural Centre and The Hilltop.
Jos
HBC Resort, Rayfield Resort, Jos Club, Solomon Lar Amusement Park, Jos Wildlife Park and Zoological Garden, Assop Waters, La Cuisine Speciale Restaurant, Pandam Wildlife Sanctuary and Cedar Tree Restaurant.
Port Harcourt
Obi Wali Cultural Centre, Isaac Boro Park, Le Meridien Hotel and Ogeyi Place, NAF Club, Boat Club, Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, Hotel Presidential, Protea Hotel and Novotel Hotel.
Bauchi
Yankari National Park, Zaranda Hotel, Awulah Hotel, Unity Park, Apo Apartment and Protea Hotel.
Kaduna
Adriels Hotel, Command Guest House, Trappco Ranch and Resort, NAF Club, Hamdala Hotel, Dixie Amusement Park and Gamji Park.
Uyo
Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Ibom Plaza.
Owerri
All Season Hotel, Imo Concorde Hotel, Oguta Lake Motel and Golf Resort.
Umuahia
Hotel Royal Damgrete, Enitona Hotel and War Museum Restaurant
Aba
Binex Hotel and Abia Hotel.
Anambra
Rojenny Tourist Village, Oba, Marble Arch Hotel, Awka
Benin City
Ogba Zoo Garden and Resort, Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Prest Hotel, Hexagon Bar, Excalibar, Benin Motel Plaza, Saidi Centre, Royal Precious Motel, Benin Museum Kitchen and Jon Vee
Enugu
Protea Hotel and Nike Lake Resort, Hotel Presidential, Polo Club, Michael Okpara Square, Golden Gate and Resort Bar, Zodiac Hotel.
Ilorin
Owena Hotel and Avalon Hotel, Offa.

The queen’s mission for the young

BY CHUKS NWANNE
Our first meeting failed due to her busy schedule, so, we had to reschedule for another day on the Lagos Island. Driving down to the venue, Banke Olutimehin called:
“Hi, are you there already?”
“On my way,” I responded.
“I’m sorry, I won’t be able to make it as planned; my driver is not here yet. Please, I’ll call you when I get there,” she said remorsefully.
Having left home already, I decided to hit the Island, possibly hang out with some friends while waiting for the queen’s arrival. At last, she called.
Her lemon green branded car was parked outside the premises with a guy seated very close; that must be the chauffeur that caused Banke’s lateness. Dressed in a simple, but elegant outfit, Banke led the way into the busy office, with about three guys working on a computer system.

A STUDENT of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Lagos State University, Banke had no plans of competing for any beauty pageantry. For the Ondo State native, modeling for top Nigerian fashion designers as well as gracing the faces of billboards in the country is enough achievement. But a friend, who knew her capabilities, forced Banke to enter for the 2008 edition of the Miss Telecomm Beauty Pageant
“She pushed me into it,” Banke quipped. “Before you know it, I was among the shortlists for the contest. Even at that, I wasn’t really keen about participating. In fact, I was the last but one person to report to our camp in Lekki, Lagos.”
Already in the house with 12 other contestants, the first year student of LASU resolved to play along in the programme that lasted for a week. Her bandwagon approach came to an abrupt end the day she was called to lead the rest contestants in dance lesson.
“I felt very embarrassed that day,” she said. “I’m not really a dancing type; although I sometimes dance privately in my room, but not in public,” she said giggling.
Unveiling the winning prize was an eye opener for the contestants, especially Banke, who never gave the competition the desired attention.
“When I saw the car, I told myself, ‘this is real.’ Seeing that car was a kind of motivation for me; that was when I started thinking of winning.”
From 13, the contestants were trimmed down to 5, with Banke emerging Miss Photogenic.
“I knew at that point that anybody could win; I forgot about my beauty,” she noted. “I was actually looking forward to the stage, but there was no panic.”
Why?
“Well, my target was to make it to top 5 stage. Having made it to the stage, winning the crown was like an added advantage.”

WITH the crown on her head, Banke, “I’m still my very self, though there are some things I might not be able to do now such as taking a ride on okada. As a queen, you have to live like a queen. But the truth is, it doesn’t change whom you are.”
“Everyone knows, I’m very shy, humble and easy going. When I’m wearing the crown, you can call me the queen, but without it, I’m Banke.”
All through her reign, Banke intends to channel all her energy towards sensitizing the youths on how to be successful in life.
“The problem here is that most youths are confused,” she observes. “Some of them, who managed to go to school, get frustrated after graduating without a job. Funny enough, most of the employers will ask for four to five years working experience, what happens to fresh graduates.”
“There are lots of opportunities in this country and my aim is to open the eyes of our youths through sensitization and motivation.”

ASIDE her academics and role as a beauty queen, Banke still has her eyes on modeling, which actually brought her to limelight while working with John Fashanu on Deal or No Deal.
“I’ve always wanted to be a model,” she informs. ‘In fact, my dream is to be on every billboard in Nigeria. I have worked for top designers such as Tiffani Amber, Deola Sogoe, and Lanre Da Silva among others.”
She recalls her experience with Tiffani Amber in 2007 as a fresher in the runway business.
“I was at the audition, where I saw a lot of models, who wanted the job. Luckily, I was picked. But on that day, I was very scared of the crowd. I was afraid of falling into the swimming pool because the runway was actually on top of the pool,” she says bursting into laughter. “I thank God, I was able to pull it that day.”
If there’s anything Banke would love to change in Nigeria, that must be poverty.
“A lot of people are poor in this country; people are really suffering. A good number of them are homeless, jobless and hopeless. If I’m given the opportunity, I will give them life and keep them busy.”

Sofisticat @ 30, Warming up to a Grand party

PERHAPS, Lagos-based pioneer fashion company, Sofisticat, may not only represent a rallying point for Nigerian politicians, company executives, and trendy men, who wish to satisfy their ‘fashionable’ tastes; it is also a place where men, deemed ‘sophisticated,’ converge to express deep dress sense.
Inside any of the showrooms, the compelling impulse for a first-timer will be to, first, relish the aesthetic beauty, which variety of garments and other accessories confer on it, before taking a decision on what to pick. In case he has a camera, it will be ‘no-holds-barred’ as to the number of clicks.
Some of the fabrics now on display at some of the centres are imported, but the enterprise, which Lanre Ogunlesi the managing director co-founded with his younger brother in the 70s, goes down in history as one of the first ventures that pioneered the business of garment making in the country.
Of course, price tags on the items look deterring to people in certain rungs of the social ladder. But, with the exotic array of garments –– suits of all kinds –– shoes, ties and other fashion accessories with palatial picture of nobility, the customers need no doubts.
At the Bank Anthony, Maryland, office of Sofisticat, youthful Ogunlesi, explains: “We attain great quality, but also attain price that is not crazy. Now, if the normal street price for sewing is N8, 000, we cannot sew for N20, 000. We only review our prices by 10 per cent once a year to cover inflation”.
Indeed, there is every sign that, the current global economic meltdown, notwithstanding, the business outfit is having a good outing.
“The depreciation of the Naira will have automatic impact on telecom companies, car dealers and generator sellers, who place orders, but for us, it will take a while before we get the impact”, he says.
As the company counts down to the grand finale of its 30 years anniversary, later next month, there is no doubt that the Ogunlesis and the Sofisticat brands have been successful in their rights.
The CEO would boast to any one that cares to listen that the men’s fashion house is probably bigger than some companies, which stocks are today traded on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. “We are bigger than some of the people who are listed, but we don’t really want to go that way.”
Why not? “That will be a discussion for another day.”
How the personality of this Ijebu-born dressmaker has helped to drive the Sofisticat brand, and vice versa, has remained unclear. Before delving into the then murky waters of fashion business, Ogunlesi only had a stint with an advertising agency, a development that highlights the role of determination and entrepreneurial drive in the celebrated success of the venture. Ironically, he now preaches the sermon of, “one must be a tailor to go into tailoring.”
He, therefore, thinks beyond the business of garment making, exploring opportunities in training graduates on how to use sophisticated equipment, an idea, he says will help the country compete favourably in the international market.
“We are looking at setting up a graduate training school to mature people, who have had the basic education and want to go into clothes making with sophisticated machines,” he says.
“We hope that someday, Nigeria will compete with the West in the industry. We have the infrastructure and the population –– we only need to teach people the skills.
“We plan to establish a grooming centre for men upstairs. We are also planning a mass revolution of this premises, because we are going to have a lounge and a real massive redevelopment and designing,” he reveals.
Ogunlesi’s personality underscores the brand name, which is a smart coinage to express the target market — the very sophisticated. Looking elegant in his tight-fitting suit and tie to match, the exuberant proprietor of says there’s no limit to elegance at Sofisticat.
“I’m sophisticated; and I dress very well. Sofisticat is derived from the word, sophisticated,” he owns up.
“Traditional wears for different tribes — Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa — it is the men’s shop. We have everything for men — shirts, ties, traditional wears, and shoes.
Sofisticat’s clientele profile? Almost intimidating — “politicians, presidents, business men, civil servants, governors” — boasts, the proud CEO.
“ In fact our clientele is very wide. It is for the man, who is conscious of what he wears.”

Abinitio, the outfit as a business had ambitiously set out to carve a niche: “We have three different shops with three different qualities catering for three different categories of the market.
“We are also in cosmetics and many of our products are copied in Europe, especially skin beauty. We didn’t register that brand in the UK. So, they copy the product and even use the brand. It is incredible”
Tracing the origin of the outfit, Ogunlesi says Sofisticat started business over 30 years ago, when the art of garment making was not a fashionable business. At that time, 100 per cent of the clothes that gentlemen wear were imported.
“All you had then were boutiques importing ready-made garments from Europe. Nobody thought that garments could be made in Nigeria.
“Maybe the military government felt it was a drain on foreign exchange and decided to put a ban on the importation of ready-made garments around 1978. With that, we saw a business opportunity; and we set out for it very quickly. Within six months, we were able to get our factory running, on July 1, 1976.”
He says securing the initial capital was relatively easy, as he and his younger brother had set out with N13, 000, which probably would amount to one million Naira, today.
“We had premises we could use then. We bought new singer essential equipment that were required to start the business.”

Ogunlesi informs that the vocation is good, once you get the right skills and loyal workers, as well as being able to cope with the general infrastructure problems which are the major obstacles to sustaining profitability.
“There is production problem, because we have shortage of manpower. I talked about not having skilled manpower and people not having the patience to serve a master for three years –– they rather prefer selling recharge cards by the roadside –– because they and their parents need money”.
Perhaps, Ogunlesi’s worry at moment has to do with the dwindling profit margins. Of course, he had relished the boom of the late 80s and early 90s, when tailoring, as a business, was substantially profitable.
“Now, you have to spend money on generators and diesel. He, however, believes that should the government lift the ban on textiles, foreign investors would be attracted into the fashion industry.”

In service of vision

DR. Elizabeth Eromosele left the University of Benin in 2003 with a degree in Optometry and a dream to make money and enjoy life with her family, but that dream soon changed, when she was confronted with the plights of people on the verge of going blind; and wallowing in ignorance. To help provide succour, the Optometrist along with some other medical practitioners, started providing free eye screening and consultancy services to the people in her community and its environs. She speaks with OMIKO AWA on her activities and the work of caring of the eyes.
Background
I was born in 1976. I am the first child in a family of five children and a mother of two kids. My parents are from Umuahia, Abia State, but I’m married to a native of Edo State. I had my primary education in Lagos and secondary in Bida, Niger State, before moving on to the University of Benin, where I graduated in 2003, and had worked with various eye clinics and hospitals, as optometrist, before venturing into private practice as the medical director, Vantage Point Eye Clinic, Idimu, Lagos.
Why charity organisations?
I grew up to discover that I had a problem with my right eye, which was as a result of catapult fired at it, which dislodged the muscle; it never had any effect on me until later in life; when the vision on that side became impaired. If my parents had been rich and enlightened enough, they would have sought the right help for me. So, I decided to help provide succour to those in such positions, who cannot afford to pay their hospital bills as a result of their low income and also to enlighten people on the care of the eyes.
What do you hope to achieve with your participation in community service?
I want everyone to have a good eyesight and to enjoy good health. I hope to see a situation, where there will be a holistic free medical care for all. Most of the accidents you see on the roads are often caused by people with poor eyesight.
How do you assess community services?
It is good, but on our own part, it is a sacrifice. It is very good as it enables people, who cannot afford some basic needs to have them. In this country, we don’t have the culture of going for medical check-ups, until the situation has gone out of hand. We enjoy free things; it is until it’s said to be free, will you see people coming for it. It should be encouraged as it makes people, those in pains, the aged and those at the verge of going blind and cannot afford the normal hospital bills to get attention and be treated.
How do you combine your home with your community service and practice?
It’s just by the grace of God and my supportive husband that I have been able to do all you saw me do. Generally, it has not been too easy combining the home with work and my community projects, but since I am on my own, I try to manage my time among other variables. I do bring my children to the office, when they are not in school and my patients do bear with me; with this I am able to move out, to reach out to people in the community.
Some of your laudable projects
We did the eye test of Idimu primary school teachers and other schools within the locality; we have screened the eyesight of the commercial cyclists and given lectures to policemen in Ikotun police station alongside other projects in churches and cooperative societies, among others.
Any regrets?
Yes! My regret is that some of those we screen do not always continue with the prescriptions given or come back for treatment; even those we refer to the General Hospitals do not always go; this to a large extent do not help matters, because when you come across them again their situation that ought to have improved would have deteriorated and it is highly demoralising and annoying.
Happy moments
I am always pleased to see people eagerly waiting to hear our lectures and receive treatments. Also, I feel elated each time people we had treated come on their own for follow up. But I will be much happier if the multi-nationals could help us settle the bills for the drugs or provide other logistics that will make the eye screening and treatment exercise totally free.
How many Nigerians are blind or would soon be blind?
There are many blind people, majority of whom are blind in one eye as a result of glaucoma. Unfortunately, most people are not aware that something is wrong with their eyes until it is too late to prevent vision loss and even blindness, as glaucoma has no symptoms and vision loss due to it can never be regained. So, when we screen people, we give them a comprehensive test to know the state of their sight and advice them on what to do. We advice everyone to see the optometrists at least once in every six months, most especially, if you are 40 years and above, and also for people not to expose their eyes to hazards, if your work brings you closer to light, dust or other things that may be injurious to them, try to use the eye goggle. People with history of diabetes or high blood pressure are at risk of having glaucoma outside having the case of blindness in their family.
And for children
Parents and teachers should avoid indiscriminate flogging of the child on the head or face in order not to hit the child in the eyes.
On children with squint (strabismus)
Correction is by muscle training, which can only be done before the child is eight years old, after this age nothing can be done. Myopia (short-sightedness) often progresses in children’s if uncorrected while hyperopia (far-sightedness) tends to let them lose interest in their studies. Astigmatism (visual defect caused by unequal cornea) cause visual fatigue, where the eyes easily get tired. This leads to skipping of lines and blurring of lines, when reading or writing. The child also begins to feel sleepy while reading and would not be able to read for long.
How can we care for the eyes?
Don’t just use any eye drop because you see someone use it, and don’t self medicate or add all manners of concoction or fluid to the eyes; whenever you have problems with your eyes endeavour to see a doctor. Ladies, who use contact lenses should always abide by the rules.
Government
Government cannot do everything, however, it would be better, if it uses the clinics in each community to meet the needs of the people. When you say there is free eye test at the General Hospitals, there will still be people that would be incapacitated to go, but with the community clinics many will surely be reached.