Ìjàpá àti Ajá
Ìjàpá o̩ló̩gbó̩n è̩wé̩ o̩ko̩ Yáníbo àti Ajá jé̩ ò̩ré̩ tímó̩tímó̩.
Ní o̩jó̩ kan, Ìjàpá ati Ajá lo̩ ja olè ni òòru ò̩gànján,
Ìjàpá jí isu ogún, Ajá jí isu mé̩fà,
Bí wó̩n se ńsálo̩ ló̩nà ní agogo méjì òru
Àgbè̩ tí ó ni oko rí wo̩n ó sì bè̩rè̩sí ńsáré tè̩lé wo̩n.
Ajá ju máàrún nínú isu rè̩ so̩nù,
Ìjàpá kò̩ láti ju díè̩ sílè̩ nínú isu rè̩.
Ajá ńsáré lo̩ níwájú, Ìjàpá kò lè sáré
Ìjàpá bá bè̩rè̩sí ko̩ orin wípé:
Ìjàpá: Ajá dúró ran mí le̩rù ) x2
Olùgbè: Fe̩e̩re̩kúfe̩ )
Ìjàpá: Bí o kò bá ràn mí le̩rù màá kígbe olóko á gbó̩
Olùgbè: Fe̩e̩re̩kúfe̩
Ìjàpá: Á gbó̩ ò, a kó wa dè
Olùgbè: Fe̩e̩re̩kúfe̩
Ìjàpá: Á kó wa dè á gbà wá nísu
Olùgbè: Fe̩e̩re̩kúfe̩
Ajá ko da Ìjàpá lóhùn, aja tesè̩mó̩rìn o nsáré lo̩
Okan nínú isu Ijapa bo sile, Ìjàpá si duro lati mú isu yi
Bi Ìjàpá ti ńtú isu rè̩ dì ni olóko dé
Olóko yi si mú Ìjàpá padà wa sí abúlé rè̩
Ó de Ìjàpá lókùn mó̩lè̩ títí di àárò̩ o̩jó̩ kejì.
Ajá ti fesè̩ ho̩, o ti délé.
Ìbéèrè
Oókan. Kíni a ńpe àwo̩n ò̩rò̩ wò̩nyí ni èdè gè̩é̩sì
a. Ìjàpá b. Ajá d. ogún e. àárò̩ e. ò̩ré̩ tímó̩tímó̩ f. méjì g. o̩ko̩
Eéjì. Irú ìwà wo ni Ajá àti Ìjàpá hù yi nípa lílo̩ sí oko olóko?
E̩é̩ta: Kíni a ńpe ni ojú kòkòrò ni ède gè̩é̩sì.
E̩é̩rin: Kíni orùko̩ ìyàwó Ìjàpá?
E̩ fi ìdáhùn yín ránsé̩ sí: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr. Andrew Loblaw, Clinician Scientist Professor of the Department of Radiation Oncology of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Odette Cancer Centre) talks with OASES NEWS about PROSTATE CANCER .
OASES NEWS: What is Prostate?
Dr. Loblaw: Basically the prostate is an organ in the male body that is responsible or contributes to reproduction or having babies. Men’s ejaculate is made of two point the sperm which is the testicles and prostate fluid. 98% of the volume you ejaculate, is from the prostate. It produces fluid which protects and enriches sperm. The prostate is about the size of a walnut or plum and sits between the bladder and base of the penis and in front of the bowel.
OASES NEWS: What is Prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: Cancer is abnormal cells in your body that grow but don’t know when to stop. If you cut yourself or hurt yourself in some way, your body can repair itself. For example, if I was to cut my arm a scar would form over a couple of days or weeks, would eventually fall off as the new skin underneath repairs itself.. But normal tissue knows when to stop growing. Cancer cells “forget” or evolve so they don’t have braking mechanisms to know when to stop. Cancer has the ability to get past our bodies’ normal defense mechanisms and spread elsewhere in the body. I must emphasise that when a prostate cancer is found early (when there is no evidence of spread), with the best treatments, it is highly curable with the cure rates approaching 95% these days. This is much better when I started working 15 years ago, when only 50% of men could be cured.
OASES NEWS: Is prostate cancer curable?
Dr. Loblaw: When prostate cancer is found early it is curable.
OASES NEWS: What is PSA?
Dr. Loblaw: PSA is Prostate Specific Antigen shortened to PSA. It is a protein produced by the the prostate gland and is secreted into seminal fluid. Prostate cancer cells make higher amounts of PSA than normal prostate cells, so it’s a useful test for diagnosing and following patients with prostate cancer.
OASES NEWS: How is the PSA test carried out?
Dr. Loblaw: The PSA test is a simple blood test, taken from the arm, which measures the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) protein in the blood. It is common for PSA to be found in the blood in very small concentrations.
OASES NEWS What does high level of PSA in the blood indicates?
Dr. Loblaw: Higher levels of PSA may indicate the presence of cancer, but can also be an indicator of other prostate conditions. More tests will be done to find out the presence of cancer. Hence the PSA test is not the only test to be done to find out prostate cancer. Other associated tests will be done along with it.
OASES NEWS: How often should men go for checkup on Prostate?
Dr. Loblaw: For a man with a family history (someone with a father, uncle or son with prostate cancer), we usually recommend getting checked 10 years, before that person was diagnosed. If you are in your 50s and diagnosed with prostate cancer then your son should start the screening process in his 40s. For the average man we usually suggest getting screened between the ages of 50 and 70. Some experts suggest getting a baseline PSA test in their 40s and using the value to determine what the next step should be. If the PSA is high, then one needs further testing. If it is low
OASES NEWS: What are the signs and symptoms of Prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: Prostate cancer has no signs until it is advanced. The symptoms you should look for are: dramatic changes in urinary function, e.g. if your urination significantly worsens compared to six months ago; or severe pains in the bones which interferes with activities and requires strong pain killers to cope with.
OASES NEWS: How do we diagnose Prostate Cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: The only way to diagnose prostate cancer is to do a needle biopsy (usually of the prostate) and have it read by a Pathologist. We determine who should get a prostate biopsy by looking at each man’s risks of having prostate cancer:
1. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): This is protein released by the prostate. Normally, PSA is present in the blood, higher protein concentrations indicate prostate enlargement and much higher concentrations indicate prostate cancer and metastasis.
2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): If your doctor can feel a nodule in the prostate, this is a warning sign of prostate cancer. Note that the DRE is not critical to do for screening and shouldn’t dissuade men from getting PSA testing.
3. Family History: People whose father, uncle or son had prostate cancer, are at a higher risk than those without a family history.
4. Ethnicity: Black African and the Black Caribbean have a higher risk than Caucasians.
OASES NEWS: Are there risk factors associated with Prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: Gender (being a male), getting older,, family history, ethnicity (African and Caribbean men are at higher risk)
OASES NEWS: At what age should men go for the screening?
Dr. Loblaw: Early age between 40 -45 average without family history. Earlier if there is family history.
OASES NEWS: What are the things that increase the chances of someone getting Prostate cancer?
Age, family history, ethnicity.
OASES NEWS: Is Prostate cancer hereditary?
Dr. Loblaw: 5 – 10% of prostate cancer is hereditary. This means that one or more genes that cause prostate cancer are passed down from a patient’s parents. It is different from familial prostate cancer which means that one or more genes that increase one’s risk of getting prostate cancer, are passed down.
OASES NEWS: How can Prostate Cancer be treated?
Dr. Loblaw: There are several standard management options:
(1) Radical prostatectomy: this is the surgical removal of the prostate
(2) Radiation Therapy: this can be given by external beam radiation therapy (radiation is focused from outside the body), or with brachytherapy (placement of radioactive seeds into the prostate) or a combination;
(3) Active surveillance which is watching the prostate cancer to see if it shows signs of aggression. Treatment can be avoided in about 75% of men.
(4) Hormone and chemotherapy. These are treatments that work through the bloodstream and therefore can attack the cancer wherever it is in the body.
OASES NEWS: Which of these is the best treatment?
Dr. Loblaw: The good news is that the treatments are getting more effective, are more convenient and have fewer side effects than ever before. It is hard to know which one is the best because it depends on the individual patient. We recommend that a patient hear about the advantages / disadvantages of each treatment from their doctor.
OASES NEWS: After the prostate cancer treatment can men have active sex life?
Dr. Loblaw: Each treatment has different effects on a man’s sex life. Our goal is to help the patient have a normal sex life after treatment and there are a number of medications and options available if help is needed.
OASES NEWS: Are there any recommendations on how to lower the risk of Prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: There’s nothing we know that can do to lower the risk of clinically significant prostate cancer. Some medications can prevent low risk prostate cancer but these cancers don’t need treatment anyway. They don’t prevent intermediate or high risk cancers that do require treatment. Some say eat fruits and vegetables, tomatoes, drink red wine, but none of these have proof that they work.
OASES NEWS: Are there vaccines to prevent Prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: There are no vaccines proven to prevent prostate cancer.
OASES NEWS: Some men have phobia to go for prostate test, why?
Dr. Loblaw: There shouldn’t be any fear, the early detection of prostate cancer the better to commence treatment instead of allowing prostate cancer to metastasize due to late detection. Early detection can save lives. Also after the treatment the patient will live normal life.
OASES NEWS: What is Metastatic Prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: Metastatic prostate cancer means that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body.
OASES NEWS: What happens if prostate cancer is left untreated?
Dr. Loblaw: If prostate cancer is left untreated it can cause:
1. Local problems: pain in the pelvis, bleeding, blockage of bowel, blockage of urinary flow.
2. Distant problems: the cancer can spread elsewhere in the body and can cause bone pain, loss of appetite, weight loss or swelling of legs. A very serious problem is called spinal cord compression where the cancer presses on the spinal cord and causes paralysis, numbness, loss of control of bowel or bladder, and feet and weight loss.
3. It can result in death
“Our goal is to help the patient have a normal sex life after treatment”
OASES NEWS: what should physicians know, in helping identify those with more aggressive disease of prostate?
Dr. Loblaw: Doctors should know that there are a number of risk calculators that can help estimate a patient’s risk and outcomes. The Sunnybrook Prostate Risk calculator is one which incorporates all known risk factors and tumor markers for prostate cancer and calculates an individual’s risk for prostate cancer. The following factors must be known about yourself or your patient; current age, ethnic background, family history or any relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer, presence of urinary symptoms, Total PSA value, Free total PSA ratio value and digital rectal Exam results (DRE).
OASES NEWS: It is known that Africans or the blacks have prostate cancer than other race, what is your suggestion to the health care industries in Africa on how to lower the risk of prostate cancer?
Dr. Loblaw: We would suggest that generating awareness, setting up programs for PSA screening and ensuring timely access to effective treatment programs would really help a lot of men minimize the impact of this potentially deadly disease.
Dr. Monday Gala holds Ph.D. in Geophysics from Western University (formerly, The University of Western Ontario) in London Ontario, Canada. He talks about issues going on in Nigeria and how we can move forward OASES NEWS was with him for this interview. Please read.
OASES NEWS: When did you come to Canada?
Dr. Gala: I came to Canada to study for my Ph.D. in Geophysics at The Western University in London, Ontario in the 1990’s
OASES NEWS: Why did you decide to stay after your Ph.D. program?
Dr. Gala: I had a good job in Nigeria that I loved; there was no reason to stay here after my Ph.D. program but I got involved with our campaign for democracy here in Canada. The annulment of the election of MKO Abiola in 1993 by the dictatorship of Babangida regime gave Nigerians the badly needed reason to get rid of authoritarian military government. I was one of the very public faces in the diaspora that was fighting to actualize Abiola’s mandate. We did this by publishing articles in Nigerian newspapers against Babangida’s regime and lobbying foreign powers to take positions against the dictatorship. By the time Abacha took power we had become effective enough that some of us were on the list of people that were to be arrested upon entry into Nigeria as a result of this most of us did not return home.
OASES NEWS: How did you participate in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria while in Canada?
Dr. Gala: I belonged to a group called Association of Nigerians Abroad (ANA). This group opposed the continuation of Nigerian Military government, the group acted as a pressure group and a thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian Military Government. We established a radio station which we named Radio Kudirat in one of the Scandinavian countries. We transmitted in short waves which were received and appreciated by Nigerians. Here in Canada, a group of just five of us joined forces with other progressives in places like Toronto to pressure the Canadian Government to condemn the actions of our military rulers and we were very effective.
OASES NEWS: So Nigerians in diaspora were such a powerful force then, are Nigerians in Diaspora still powerful now?
Dr. Gala: Yes they can be, unfortunately we do not seem to have found the kind of rallying together that we had in the 90’s. We have been incapable of finding the common idea that would bring us together. Nigerians rallied around a common goal in the 90’s, they fought for democracy. Nigerians in diaspora are very powerful force outside Nigeria; they just need to find the reason. But even in the 90’s, we had our detractors. We had those that called us crazy; yet we had those that would give us, say, $50 for the campaign but would openly appear to oppose us for fear of reprisals. But by and large, a lot of vocal Nigerians were united in our struggle for democracy. Now that we have democracy in Nigeria, it is funny to see some of the people that called us crazy following visiting Nigerian politicians like swarms of bees. It is really funny. So I belive that if we give Nigerians a common goal, they will rise again to better Nigeria.
OASES NEWS: Do you still think that Nigerians in Diaspora could influence policies in Nigeria?
Dr. Gala: Yes, Nigerians in diaspora can influence policies in Nigeria but they must have a common goal and speak with one voice in order to achieve this. Recently, I thought that the kidnapping of almost 300 girls from their school dormitories was going to be the rallying point. I attended a round table conference and tried to make that point but I did not see that happen. For some interesting reason, Abacha was given the opportunity to defend the position of his government after Ken Saro Wiwa was killed. Remember that Canada was at the forefront of the move which resulted in Nigeria being suspended from the Commonwealth. Abacha sent his Minister of Information to address the Canadian Legislature but when we found out we requested for permission to challenge this Minister because we were speaking with one voice. The man that Abacha sent was brilliant; he made a very convincing case to ease the sanctions against Nigeria. However, to people who really knew what was happening in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta in particular, the brilliant presentation was built on a very shaky foundation. It was very easy for us to show his story for what it was that it was a pack of lies. So, your question is “can we influence policy in Nigeria”? Absolutely, but we must find a common goal and speak with one voice. Take this Boko haram issue for example, if all Nigerians, Muslims and Christians, can unite in our condemnation of this terror group, they will have no hiding place. It would be far easier to destroy them.
OASES NEWS: You said that you did not see that zeal in our people in the case of the abducted chibok girls compared with the struggle for democracy in Nigeria in the 90’s. Does that mean that those Nigerians in diaspora are now individualistic?
Dr. Gala: Not necessarily. People must have a common cause. I thought that the kidnapping of the 300 girls would do it that is where we would draw the line. We need to rally around it and try to influence how things have been happening in Nigeria. I do not know how big Boko Haram is neither do I have the logistics and the information that is necessary for me to make that conclusion on why our Military are not able to eliminate Boko Haram. But we must agree that when you compare Boko Haram with the Nigerian Military, it is like comparing an ant with an elephant in terms of size of personnel and equipment. Why is it that we have been unable to remove this cancer that is eating on Nigeria? Why? So that can be a rallying point for Nigerians to ask this question. Where are the service chiefs? None of them has commented on the Boko Haram and the abducted students. Why did it take the outcry of international leaders such as the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper and United States President Barack Obama for our president to start addressing the issue of the abduction of these 300 girls? I thought that would be the rallying issue. But what is happening instead is that Nigerians have bought into the fallacy that Boko Haram is about Moslem vs Christians. If a Nigerian wants to get away with murder they just need to convince Nigerians that it is about Islam and Christianity. They will say it is Islam vs Christianity. I think that is what Boko haram is doing. Boko Haram may use Koran to recruit and to blind the nation but I don’t think Boko Haram has anything to do with religion. This is what ought to be bringing us together but alas! We have been divided and Boko haram is getting away with killing and terrorizing Muslims and Christians
OASES NEWS: Do you think that the military should come back?
Dr. Gala: Never, I would take a bad civilian government over, over and over again rather than have a military regime. Military regime should never be allowed to come back again. We don’t need them again. No matter how bad the civilian government is the military should never be given the chance to come back. We don’t need those people to take any political office in our country.
OASES NEWS: The military is no longer popular in the world but our Civilian government is not performing as expected after all, so what is your take on this?
Dr. Gala: I am glad for this interview with OASES NEWS because I have the opportunity to say this, the reason why I will take our bad democracy over military is this; take the South West in the last election as example, the South West did not like their incumbent PDP governors and at the primary level they tried to put the people that they liked to run for governorship but they were unsuccessful. What did the South West do? They went to another political party and almost 100%, they elected APC governors in the South West. PDP did everything to win those elections but the people on the street or the common people were not willing to sell their mandates. So it starts with the person that is casting his vote who is the voter, to the polling officer, electoral officer, right through to the Resident Electoral commissioner, if these people do not enable rigging nobody can steal their election.
Another Example is in Nasawara state, they did not like the incumbent governor and again at the primary level, the PDP would not allow the true mandate of the people and what did the people of Nasarawa do? You guess it, they went to the APC and defeated the PDP. Now you think attempts were not made to steal this mandate? But these attempts were not successful because the people of Nasarawa state did not sell their souls to the highest bidder. So, Nigerians have the power to change things, we just need to stop selling our souls.
As a matter of fact, the people of the South West then, in pragmatic fashion voted with the winning party in the presidential election, which happened to be PDP. These friends are excellent examples of why we who are the common Nigerians have our destiny in our hands.
Everyone just need not to sell themselves. The power of the people is the only thing that can change Nigeria.
We like to blame the federal government for everything, if the elementary teachers do not get paid in Nigeria we blame Goodluck Jonathan, Goodluck Jonathan has nothing to do with that. Goodluck Jonathan sends subventions to the state governments who take the money and squander it and we sit and cheer for them while we blame the national government. If there is a pothole in the road going to my village I blame the governor why not holding local government Councilors and Chairmen accountable?
OASES NEWS: How do you think we can redeem Nigeria’s corporate image or how can we improve Nigeria’s image.
Dr. Gala: Proper accountability and transparency by running a government that is not corrupt, doing what is good for the people, then the world will respect us, especially as the most populous country in Africa. Nigeria has the most highly educated people. Nigerians for a long time have recognized the value of education. Education teaches you to be a self-advocate; in a country such as Canada, you have to be able to sell yourself, dig out the opportunities that are not visible to other eyes. Nigeria has resources because of these, the world is begging to respect us but we keep throwing away all opportunities because most of our things are not working back home, no regular power supply, no good health care system, transportation systems are poor, no portable water to drink and so on. If you do not respect yourself by making good use of your human and material reources, nobody will respect you.
OASES NEWS: How do we avoid this persistent unrest in Nigeria?
Engage our youths to get jobs because Boko Haram will continue to recruit the unemployed Nigerians. Nigerians should learn not to allow others to use religion to divide them. I will let you in on an open secret to make the point. The only reason I am a Christian today is because the Christian missionaries reached my village before the Moslems. For me to now to think that my brand of religion is better than another person’s is foolish. If all Nigerians can get this important point, then it would be harder for anyone to use religion to cause unrest in our dear nation.
NEWS: What are your expectations from different ethnic group leaders in Nigeria?
Dr. Gala: In an ideal world we would put policies in place which break down ethnic splits. However in our real world, we should make every effort to live in unity with other ethnic groups. Talk to our people and shun divisive partisan politics, abhor corruption and be principled. All must know that in doing good we project a good image of our ethnic group.
OASES NEWS: What do you expect the government to do for the Northern part of the country?
Dr. Gala: Effective and adequate Security system is a must to protect the lives and property of the citizens. The Northern part of Nigeria could be a source of great social and economic strength if the government at all levels establish functional industries, support and make investments to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to put the North back to a new and growing economy which will eventually create jobs for the jobless. Education is very important for the citizens of the North; government must continue to make this as priority. Provision of social amenities will also be helpful to alleviate the suffering of the Northerners. Finally, the government at all levels should continue to educate all Nigerians on Religious tolerance.
OASES NEWS: How can Nigerians in diaspora be part of the governance in Nigeria?
Dr. Gala: Government should involve the Nigerians in diaspora who are skilled in different professions. The Nigerian communities in diaspora must be engaged in the process of nation building. As a matter of fact, visiting government officials ask Nigerians in diaspora for inputs but as soon as they leave, we never hear from them again. In fact the joke which is making the rounds is about the visiting government officials whom we host in our homes and provide them with solutions which are affecting their sectors and they turn around and do not bother to answer our calls or meet with us when we do visit Nigeria. The government of the day must meaningfully engage professionals in the diaspora to help solve some of the enormous problems we have back home. Making it easier for diaspora Nigerians to be part of nation building should be a priority and focus of our governments.
She had some qualities similar to Florence Nightingale – attractive, slender, graceful, pleasant, hardworking, approachable, ever smiling, respectful, understanding and a complete gentle woman. Patients would come and go without paying their medical bills, she would smile and with a wave of hand she would say, “well, go, health is wealth”. On her death bed she told her children to forgive those who burnt down her Hospital and Maternity and she quoted the bible “1 Timothy 6:7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it”. This piece is about Late Mrs Fajoyomi The Florence Nightingale of Owo, Ondo State. Nigeria.
Late Mrs. Fajoyomi was well known in the ancient town of Owo in Ondo State, Nigeria as the Florence Nightingale of our time as she would go from one household to the other to treat sick residents for free. Mrs Felicia Ibidun Adekunbi Fajoyomi was born on September 27,1927 to Prince Adedapo Orimalade (The First Nigerian Accountant General of the Federation) and Madam Susanah Orimalade a trader/business woman both from Owo, Ondo state. She got married to Chief Fajoyomi of Owo in 1954 and was blessed with children. Her husband was once Owo Local Government Chairman.
Consequent upon the need to assist the Community she was among the few ones who left to study Nursing Program which she did successfully at Wesley Guild Hospital Ilesha, Osun state and University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan respectively after which she came back to Owo to work at St Louis Hospital Owo, where she eventually retired as Chief Matron in 1986.
Life after retirement very interesting for her as she had the time to read her Holy Bible and was able to take care of the sick ones. Her retirement gave her the opportunity to establish her own private Medical Centre called Orimalade Memorial Hospital and Maternity Home situated at Aralepo Street, Owo, where she cared for people, the young, old, pregnant women and students and she trained so many Auxiliary and Aides Nurses free of charge as part of her own contribution to the development of the Community.
In year 2000, a political riot broke out and her Hospital and Maternity was torched nothing could be salvaged as the Hospital was burnt down by the rioters. When she got the news of her burnt investment , she smiled and prayed for the rioters. Ten years after she fell sick as she could no longer continue her practice consequent upon destruction of her Hospital and Maternity. Mrs Fajoyomi passed on to the glory in 2010.
Mrs Fajoyomi was until her death a staunch member of St. Andrews’ Cathedral Church, Owo. Ondo State. Nigeria. When she died the ancient town stood still, sympathizers trooped in droves, some of these sympathizers would come very early in the morning to express their condolence and would utter words like “who would step into the big shoes the woman left behind to assist the less privileged or the down-trodden ones now?” No wonder she was fondly called The Florence Nightingale of Owo. May her gentle Soul continue to Rest In Peace.
OASES NEWS has interviewed Karen Stintz, Olivia Chow and now another candidate Dewitt Lee. The Toronto Mayoral race is becoming interesting day by day, four contestants; Rob Ford, Karen Stintz, David Soknacki and Sarah Thomson have officially withdrawn from the race, now the major contestants vying for the post are: Olivia Chow, Doug Ford and John Tory. Now Dewitt Lee, who ran for Mayor in 2010 and finished 12th place says that he has supporters all over the city that are “Ready For ‘De Vote” and are willing to cast their votes for him to become the next Toronto Mayor come October 27, 2014.
Please read the interview.
OASES NEWS: You seem to be new on the race and you are not popular like others, why?
Dewitt Lee: I am not new at all in this race. In some areas of Toronto and some circles in the city, I may be considered a new name but I have spent almost every day since my 12th finished for mayor last election in 2010 to change that. This is the biggest city in Canada and 4th in North America, it’s going to take time. This is exactly why I am so grateful for independent media outlets like Oases News who have a true commitment to serve its readers with the news most relevant to their values and concerns. I believe that my campaign and this moment in election history is very important to the Afro/Caribbean community in Toronto and we need as much help as possible to get the word out.
OASES NEWS: Do you have the resources for this mayoral race competition in terms of human, materials and financial resources?
Dewitt Lee: We are people powered. I consider our greatest resource is to be the passion of our volunteers. Their commitment to have a positive impact in their community through this campaign is really inspiring and the real reason we are building such momentum. In regards to people capital, I would say we are doing very well, but on the financial front, we have a lot of work to do. We have been very creative in our fundraising activities and have some great and exciting things planned for the remainder of the campaign. I would like to invite everyone to go to my website, www.dewittlee.com and look at our calendar for information on up coming events.
Dewitt Lee- City of Toronto Mayoral Candidate
OASES NEWS: The last time you were on TV was about five weeks ago when you had debate with other contestants, why did you go underground?
Dewitt Lee: Truthfully, I would have to say that we have been the absolute opposite. Since the live to air broadcast on CP24 of my 1st debate, I have been featured in several publications and radio programs. The face recognition from people just in public has really increased and that has helped me to connect with many people in a very real and intimate way. The truth about being underground, although it may be just be a figure of speech, is there really an “underground” community of citizens and because of my grassroots approach to campaigning and outreach we are able to inspire those people. Many who have never experienced being included in this process and are now stepping into the light with us, from “the underground” and seeing the city for the first time.
OASES NEWS: Did you really have any political experience before venturing into politics?
Dewitt Lee: My experience as a politician officially started as a candidate for Mayor in 2010. I have spent the past 4 years getting myself familiar with how our political system works. From watching council meetings to speaking at budget meetings and fighting for unfair cuts and TTC fare increases. I have spent these past years meeting elected officials in and outside City Hall, building the kind of relationships you need to successfully navigate through the council voting process.
I have studied and consulted with many of our past political leaders and I believe I have learned a lot from my consistent dialogue with them. The most profound experience I have had politically, I must say is being present twice in Washington D.C. as I witnessed President Barack Obama’s inaugurations.
I witnessed politics being a drawing force of people through diversity and unity. I worked on his first campaign and the energy and excitement that his candidacy brought to us all really changed me. My overall experiences in politics have left me extremely optimistic about what we can accomplish here in Toronto, together.
OASES NEWS: What are your programs for the community?
Dewitt Lee: Our campaign message is to “Rise Up and Build” which comes from the Bible (Nehemiah 2:18)
To me it starts with the individual, the family and the community so our programs are designed with that in mind. We are also building programs that we can launch which are not dependent on me necessarily being elected Mayor. Far too many campaign promises are given to the people with one stipulation, only if I’m elected. I am sensitive to that and I would much rather offer programming we can do together and get it done! We have fitness programs for those who are battling addictions, we have family after school and weekend programs and we have created the Toronto Community Advisory Board, which its intention is to bring every service to every citizen, to ensure that each ward in Toronto is filled with the programs, services and resources, equally. Our mission statement is to make sure that every citizen’s right is defended and every promise of opportunity is delivered.
OASES NEWS: Why do you want to start from the top (Mayor) instead of from trustee to councilor to Mayor?
Dewitt Lee: Many people ask me that question and I respect the logic in the suggestion. My relationship with Toronto is different, since I was born here but I didn’t get a chance to really live here until 2000, so I have a love affair with the entire city, every individual feels like family and every inch of Toronto is special to me and feels like home. I believe the city needs someone who will represent the diversity of the city, the culture in our lifestyles and someone who can reach out to the youth of our city and invite them to be involved and included in the building of a new Toronto.
As a believer, I know the voice of God and He told me in 2009 that I would be mayor of Toronto. I didn’t get the how part from Him, but I got who and why, so I am stepping out in faith and trusting His guidance. After finishing 12th place out of 40 candidates in 2010 for Mayor, I proved to a lot of people that I was mayor material and having spent the last 4 years representing the future leadership of this city. I have gained the confidence needed to handle the pressure of the position and I have gained the respect of the voters, who will vote for me in 2014 as Mayor.
Also it’s very clear, by just looking at the candidates for Mayor, that the Afro/Caribbean community in Toronto truly needed someone to represent them and speak for them in this very important election as Mayor. As a mayoral candidate, I wish to build a political community much more than my political career. By running for Mayor, I am able to give anyone in Toronto the opportunity to have their voice heard through their vote for me. In past elections, people were not invited in or involved in the decision to elect leadership, that is going to change this year!
OASES NEW: Why haven’t we been seeing your flyers everywhere like others?
Dewitt Lee: I have to say much of our campaign marketing has been conducted online, which is where we are able to update our base and introduce ourselves to new people in a much more intimate and real time experience. It’s also an economic reality, we are doing a good job fundraising but we are not where we need to be to reach more people and more frequently as my competitors. On my website, www.DewittLee.com people can donate and I would invite readers to help fuel our campaign. We know every dollar represents someone’s hard earned wages and we will work hard to make it count.
One thing I would like to stress is that we are participating in the Toronto rebate program which means any amount between $25.00 and $300.00 donation, the city will give you back a refund of 75% of it so interested supporters are encouraged to donate.
OASES NEWS: What do you feel about those dropping out from the race?
Dewitt Lee: One of my early campaign promises while seeking donations was not to drop out. Can you imagine someone who made a sacrifice to donate to your campaign and you drop out? That’s wasted money in my opinion and every donation to my campaign is an investment for the future. I also know the value of running and if I’m not at the table to represent us, then we lack a voice. I am determined to prove, to Toronto and the rest of the world watching, that we have strong leadership in the Afro/Caribbean community. Politics is where we combat injustice, inequality and inadequate resources and services in our communities. We have a very limited opportunity through elections every 4 years to fight for leadership in this city and quitting is not an option!
OASES NEWS: Do you have support from the entire ethnic group in Toronto?
Dewitt Lee: I know that once we inspire our community to Rise Up and Build, then and only then can Toronto be considered a 1st class and World class city.
I must say that I have great support across other ethnic communities, such as the Asian, South Asian, the Latino and the Europeans. Even people from the United States have come up from Buffalo, N.Y. to help volunteer here in Toronto and make this a true international effort.
OASES NEWS: Why do you all have the same programs?
Dewitt Lee: I don’t believe that all of our programs are the same, but the truth is we are battling similar issues as Torontonians. So I believe in the case of the voter’s point of view, if the plans seem to be similar, vote for which planner you believe can execute the plan. A lot of my programs really differ because I haven’t placed a contingency of my become mayor on them. I believe my initiative of the Toronto Community Advisory Board, which is essentially is a citizen’s union is very unique and a much needed collective to keep people engaged and informed.
OASES NEWS: If elected you would be the first black mayor in Toronto is that right?
Dewitt Lee: That is correct; I would be the first elected mayor of Afro/Caribbean decent. I am standing on the shoulders of the great ones before me such as William Peyton Hubbard, who represented Ward 4 in 1894 and also served as Acting Mayor on occasions when the Mayor was absent.
I believe that we have a lot of ground to cover in winning this election, but I know that we are trailblazing a way to that goal and no matter how far we get this year, we will be entering into unchartered waters and it will be a historic finish. (Similar to the first Black Canadian Physician Anderson Ruffin Abbott, Canada's first black physician.)
“In a world when people have every reason to jettison integrity. In a world when people, ministers, leaders, students, presidents, senators, governors, house assembly members lecturers, business gurus (Job was a business man Job1:3) are hustling for money and power at the expense of integrity, men like Job were operating on high level integrity”. Please read on as Dr. Pastor Amos Dada sheds more light on Integrity.
What is integrity? It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. The psalmist has been known for many things, but not much as being a man of integrity. But a close look at Psalm 26 helps us to know what makes David tick. What drew God as a magnet to this young man that will not let him go? The Psalmist himself gave tenfold testimonies which I want to call his ‘walking principles’ that guided his life that after 3000 years on earth his descendants still remember him with their flag –The Star of David.
“I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; I shall not slide; Your loving-kindness is before mine eyes: I have walked in thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons; neither will I go in with dissemblers. I have hated evil doers; I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. My foot standeth in an even place”
Integrity is one of the fundamental values that employers seek in the employees that they hire. It is the hallmark of a person who demonstrates sound moral and ethical principles at work. While we are not sure of when Job lived, we are sure he imbibed this great quality that was noticeable to God and God did not only admire it but was ‘bragging’ about it to Satan “Then the LORD asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.” Job2:3;1:1
In a world when people have every reason to jettison integrity. In a world when people, ministers, leaders, students, presidents, senators, governors, house assembly members lecturers, business gurus (Job was a business man Job1:3) are hustling for money and power at the expense of integrity, men like Job were operating on high level integrity. What is the purpose of this article? To ensure you reap the benefits of a life of integrity. Your lack of integrity is hurting our world. We cannot continue to cheat and defraud one another, embezzle the nation’s money just because we have access to it and think it will not have a dangerous effect on this generation and the next. The opposite (antonym) of integrity is deceit, dishonour, disgrace, dishonesty, corruption, incompleteness. Those are not words that should be used to describe you or myself!
Amy Rees Anderson said, “If I could teach only one value to live by, it would be this: Success will come and go, but integrity is forever. Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching. It takes having the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences will be. Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that would damage your integrity.
A person who has integrity lives his or her values in relationships with coworkers, customers, family and stakeholders. Honesty and trust are central to integrity. Acting with honor and truthfulness are also basic tenets in a person with integrity. People who demonstrate integrity draw others to them because they are trustworthy and dependable. They are principled and can be counted on to behave in honourable ways even when no one is watching.”
Let me ask you as an usher, pastor, leader, lecturer, president, senator, governor, market woman, student, voter, vulcaniser, pharmacist, medical doctor, televangelist, housewife, trader, civil servant, bank manager, business owner, realtor, manufacturer, father, mother, wife and husband, do you perform your role with integrity in your heart? Or do you have mole in your eye accusing others of peck in theirs?
Amy Rees Anderson continues in Forbe Magazine “We live in a world where integrity isn’t talked about nearly enough. We live in a world where “the end justifies the means” has become an acceptable school of thought for far too many. Sales people over promise and under deliver, all in the name of making their quota for the month. Applicants exaggerate in job interviews because they desperately need a job. CEOs overstate their projected earnings because they don’t want the board of directors to replace them. Entrepreneurs overstate their proformas because they want the highest valuation possible from an investor. Investors understate a company’s value in order to negotiate a lower valuation in a deal. Customer service representatives cover up mistakes they made because they are afraid the client will leave them. Employees call in “sick” because they don’t have any more paid time off when they actually just need to get their Christmas shopping done. The list could go on and on, and in each case the person committing the act of dishonesty told themselves they had a perfectly valid reason why the end result justified their lack of integrity.”
I guess the question agitating your mind is how I can become a person of integrity. I can say start now. Determine to live it now. Let us go back to David; he made ten vows in Psalm 26 that I believed help him, it has helped me in my personal life ‘not that I have achieved but I am pressing on:’
“I do not spend time with liars, or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash mine hands in innocence. I come to your altar (serve God in truth). I sing a song of thanksgiving (meaning I am contended with what I have) I tell of all thy wondrous works. I do not go with murderers, bribers and mischief makers. I live with integrity. I stand on solid ground, and I (will) publicly praise the LORD”
The summary of what David was saying is that there are many factors that determine your personality but one of them is your association, so he says I watch the company I am associated with. I guide jealously the kind of people that speak to my destiny. Do you? When you lie down with dogs you get fleas. Inevitably we become more and more like the people we surround ourselves with day to day. If we surround ourselves with people who are dishonest and willing to cut corners to get ahead, make fast money at the expense of others then we’ll surely find ourselves following a pattern of first enduring their behaviour, then accepting their behaviour, and finally adopting their behaviour. If you want to build a reputation as a person of integrity then surround yourself with people of integrity. Jeremiah gives us the danger of such life: Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay are those who gain riches by unjust means. When their lives are half gone, their riches will desert them, and in the end they will prove to be fools .Jer 17;11
Warren Buffet, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway said it best: “In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first one, the other two will kill you.” A person’s dishonesty will eventually catch up to them. It may not be today, and it may not be for many years, but you can rest assured that at some point there will always be a reckoning. Maybe the reason you are constantly fired is because you lack integrity. May be the reason your marriage is not working is because you lack integrity. Maybe the reason your business empire has collapsed is because you built it on fraudulent practices and the staff also is making you to reap what you sow? Can you remember how you secured admission to college/university? Maybe you cut corners now the course is too tough for you. Can a person live in integrity in one area such as family, but be out of integrity in others? Yes this occurs all the time. A crooked businessman might be a wonderful father and wonderful husband buying all the best video games for the children and latest cars for the wife, or a cheating wife might love and care well for her children but cheat on her husband. In these cases, neither person is living in integrity unless they correct their behaviour in all areas of their lives.
How do you live a life of integrity? I think a good idea is to make a list of consequences and read it to yourself often. From Leadership magazine, a guy named Randy Alcorn lists consequences of a moral tumble. He says, "Whenever I feel particularly vulnerable to sexual temptation, I find it helpful to review what effects my action could have: grieving the Lord who redeemed me; dragging his sacred name through the mud; one day having to look at Jesus, the righteous judge in the face, and give an account of my actions; following the footsteps of people whose immorality forfeited their ministries and caused me to shudder; losing my wife's respect and trust; hurting my daughters; destroying my example and credibility with my children; causing shame to my family; losing self respect; forming memories and flashbacks that could plague future intimacy with my wife; wasting years of ministry training; undermining the faithful example and hard work of other Christians in our community; and on and on."
As we conclude, resolve from this month to move your life to integrity pavilion. This requires a rather constant re-examination of all aspects of one’s life. Look for ways that in-congruent or unwholesome ideas, associations, desires, ambitions, beliefs or behaviours have snuck into your life, and then purge them. Job said “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid” Make a covenant with your eyes, with your ears, your mind with your thoughts with your legs, your body that they are for the Lord!
Job tells us the benefit of a life of integrity: But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home. And though you started with little, you will end with much.” Job 8:5-7. May your life end in prosperity. May your life be a blessing and not a curse to your generation? May generations after you bless you. May you champion the course of integrity for this generation and the next? As the angles of glory carry you to the paradise of Christ may you hear these words from the Master, The Lord Jesus Christ: “Well done good servant enter to your place of rest?
Pastor Amos Dada is the Senior Pastor and District Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church Bethel Toronto Ontario Canada Himself and the wife are the Conveners of The International Gathering of Eagles Conference holding September 18-21,2014 in Toronto with the theme ‘Proclaiming Jesus with Power and Integrity’ Reachable at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; www.igoeministry.com; www.cacbethel.com
Toronto is the heart of Canada; the world is now waiting to know who is going to be the next Mayor of Toronto. Vying for the position of a Mayor in Toronto is like vying for the position of American President. The closer the date of the election day of October 27, 2014, the hotter the debates and interviews and the more we hear about programs coming from these contestants. In this interview, Oliver Chow one of the contestants talks to OASES NEWS details of her program for Toronto if she eventually becomes the Mayor. The interview is very short, detailed, technically oriented and backed up with financial plans. According to Olivia Chow; “the change is now not ten years’ time”
OASES NEWS: What is your first priority on the agenda if elected as the mayor?
Oliver Chow: Investing in children after school activities for kids so they could grow up and be smart and strong. Hire some young people to teach children basketball, soccer, music, art and so on. These children can learn skills after school at the home work club to improve their academic performance at school and keep them out of trouble and provide a good role model for them. This is a top priority for me and it is very important.
OASES NEWS: If elected as the Mayor of Toronto how you would solve the subway congestion that we are currently experiencing in the city of Toronto?
Oliver Chow: There are four things in terms of making people to move faster; I would ensure there is 10% increase in bus service, put shuffle in the ground to build the light rails on Finch, Sheppard and Scarborough from Kennedy to McCowan, build the subway relief line and also make sure everything runs well. All other candidates talk about 10years from now, Children and young people cannot wait for ten years, women waiting at the bus stop cannot get home and cannot wait 10 years. People need to get to work on time. The improvement needs to happen now not 10 years from now, we need to see the results in the first year not 10 years later.
OASES NEWS: We have two new candidates who just joined the race; will this change your plans and campaign strategies?
Oliver Chow: No, it won’t change my plans or strategies.
OASESNEWS: What are your plans to minimize poverty level in the City of Toronto?
Oliver Chow: The present poverty level is unacceptable, 29% of children are living in poverty, it is a national disgrace and it is unacceptable.
OASES NEWS: How would you tackle that?
Oliver Chow: By building 15,000 units of affordable housing would help families, right now a lot of people are spending most of their salaries/income in paying for housing cost and not much is left for groceries or for anything else, some cannot even afford to buy a pair of shoes for kids because not enough money is left and my plan is to build 15,000 housing units.
OASES NEWS: Do you have any special plan for the youths of Toronto?
Oliver Chow: The young people live upon jobs. 1 out of 5 young people cannot find a job now and we must develop young people we have to get companies that do business with the city to hire them.We can do that through Community Benefit agreement; that is those companies doing business with the city to hire young people. Corporation doing business with Toronto will employ youths and train them and give out 5,000 jobs.
Dolani Oladele is a native of Owo in Ondo State, Nigeria, she registered with Mr. Ogunbode Olalekan in 2009 for her acting career but started acting in 2010 with Mr. Afolabi Sounde popularly known as Sir Folly. Dolani told OASES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT on how she started acting. Dolani was happy to say and she has been working with him since 2010 till date. She has no regret whatsoever since she joined the Entertainment industry, hear Dolani “ I have been moving from glory to glory, I thank God”
Dolani starred in the following movies; Ija Orogun Part 1 & 2, Iyawo Tisa, Adebisi Paraga, Sisi Pelebe, Agbeke, Apanilekun, Igbeyin Part 1 & 2, Atari Ajanaku, Imule Nla, and many more. She also actively participated in these new movies due to be released soon; Ago Iboji, Semilore, Eegun Sanyeri. Dolani has passion for acting because she wants to be famous. Her advice to the upcoming actress is ”believe in whatever you are doing, have focus and above all have faith in God”.
Chief Princess Madinat is a native of Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria. She sings traditional music (Owo traditional music). Madinat started singing at the age of 13 and she has been representing Owo and Ondo State locally and internationally. She has travelled several times outside the country performing and showcasing her talents to the admiral of her well-wishers. She is popularly known as MADI in Owo and all Yoruba land in Nigeria.
Madinat and her band
Madi thrilling her well-wishers
OASES NEWS was at the Campaign launch of a 35- year-old Nigerian-Canadian; Benn Adeoba who is one of the 13 contestants eyeing the City Councillorship post for Ward 2 in Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario.
Benn as he is fondly called by many, believes that his energy and background coupled with his interactions with the residents in the Etobicoke North are the qualities he has that would give him the opportunity to be ahead of others in this race.
The race is for all, out of the 13 candidates one must emerge as the winner. Benn Adeoba believes in Jim Rohn’s idea of “whatever good things we build end up building us” hence his interest to join other contestants vying for the position. He has the following Visions to make him represent the Ward 2 Etobicoke; Building a stronger infrastructure, community and economy. Benn believes that with people coming together with one voice the mission would be fulfilled
At the Campaign Launch and fundraising party organized by Benn Adeoba on Thursday August 7, 2014 at the Catch The Fire Ministries, Adeoba called for support to move Etobicoke forward. He agreed that the big shoes belonged to him based on his vast business experience and serving various communities and he is ready to work with the Etobicoke residents. Benn narrated how he immigrated to Canada with his siblings from Africa 16 years ago, in pursuit of the Canadian dream. With background in Business Accounting (Humber College), Property Management (IHM), and 3rd Level CGA Candidate, Benn is a real estate broker with Canada’s number one brokerage, he has enjoyed helping Canadian residents to acquire their dreams, while gaining outstanding sales achievement awards.
To the admiration of his supporters, Benn explained how he understood and tailored the principle of progression by starting his career as a Security Officer while attending college coupled with his demonstration of strong leadership skills, dedication and hard work. Benn became the Director of Security and Operations at Etobicoke’s Cloverdale Mall which necessitated him to later pursue a property management certificate program and progressively became a property manager, managing Not-for-Profit social housing and co-operative homes, condominiums and shopping plaza. According to Benn, “if elected, I would bring my management experience to assist the City Council in balancing budgets, preventive maintenance through meeting etiquette”, he concluded.
When OASES NEWS asked what he has done for the community to qualify him to be a Councilor, Benn was quick to say that he currently serves as a Soccer Coach for under 14/15 boys and girls with Bram East Soccer Club and Brams United Girls Soccer Club, worked with Toronto and Peel District School Board in youth development through co-op placement programs in the past.
Presently, Benn is the Head Youth Coordinator with Yoruba Community Association in Etobicoke and Religious Educator at the Children Ministry of his home church (Rhema Christian Ministries). Benn Adeoba concluded that his on-going involvement with the Canadian Black Caucus as the Director of Finance make him to believe that he has done his best for the community to climb the councillorship ladder.
