Oyetola hits another milestone in Apomu

There were jubilations in Apomu Community of Osun State Monday as the First Lady of Osun State, and President of IleriOluwa Development Initiative, (IOD-Initiative), Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola) added another pep to efforts at empowering unserved and underserved girls and women in the State.

On Monday, she handed over IOD-Initiative fully rehabilitated mentally-ill teenager, Labake Najeem, who had also been impregnated to her community in Apomu.

The rehabilitation of the Labake, also signposts one of the measurable interventions of IOD-Initiative in the campaign against sexual assault and gender-based violence in the State.

Telling the story at the handover ceremony to the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, Mrs. Oyetola pointed out that her intervention had been part of many being undertaken by the IOD-Initiative in the State.

She said Labake’s case had been seen by staff of the IOD-Initiative as part of the organization’s core objective hence her offering to take the girl away for a rehabilitation program when she discovered was in Apomu community while launching a financial empowerment scheme for Apomu Market women.

IOD-Initiative currently has as one of its programs IOD-Commerce Assist program which gives interest-free loans and grants to rural traders, who deal in sales of Agricultural produce.

She said, “On the 2nd of October this year, while I attended the unveiling of the Apomu Women cooperative at the Palace of the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi. I spotted Labake Najeem, a lady with a promising future, looking unkempt and heavily pregnant.

“Further enquiries stated that she suffered a mental health challenge and has been a regular face at the palace.

“Disturbed with the condition I found her, I quickly requested that I take her for proper medical care under my close watch. While with us, Labake initially gave us a tough time. Series of tests were carried out and some medications were given to her until she was delivered of her baby.

“I can boldly say now, that Labake is now a different person. I thank God that I took only Labake away for medical care but now, I am returning labake and her newborn child to the Palace. I also want to thank the medical personnel at the State Hospital, Asubiaro, they tried a lot and took very good care of her.

“Labake is not the first (mentally challenged person) that I have taken care of, the first was 16 years ago after she was stable, I sent her child to primary and secondary school. She has written JAMB and I have spoken to the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University on her admission.

“I, therefore, urge the great people in Apomu to support Labake and not discriminate against her so that she can fulfil her destiny. I have good plans for her and I pray God supports me in making it a reality.”

The wife of the traditional ruler said, “Something happened on October 2nd, the day l launched an interest-free loan for Apomu market women. l didn’t want to be hasty in talking about it. I wanted to wait till the end. Yesterday, December 14, the end manifested. Now l can share the story.

“Labake, a mentally ill pregnant teenager came into the hall through the back door. She went through the crowd unnoticed until she got to the front. A Security man in a black suit grabbed her arm and pushed her out. That action attracted the attention of Osun State First Lady, Kafayat Oyetola, who was sitting next to me. In a whisper, she asked me” who is that girl?”
” l don’t know her” l replied.

“She asked Kabiyesi the same question. Kabiyesi said the girl is mentally ill. Someone took advantage of her mental illness and impregnated her. She comes to the palace hall whenever there is an activity to beg for money to eat.

“The first lady was touched. She instructed the same Security man who pushed her out to go and bring her back. Oyetola’s wife announced that she will take Labake away for rehabilitation, and take care of her till she delivers. Promise made. Promise kept.

“Yesterday she brought back Labake and her baby. There was heavy jubilation as the First Lady walked into the Palace hall carrying Labake’s newborn baby. The joy was infectious.

“Suddenly the guy that impregnated Labake surfaced and climbed the stage to join her. Who no like better thing? l felt like asking him to leave the stage. But l changed my mind because he looks like someone who needs help too.

“The baby was officially handed over to me. l received the baby as a gift presented to me 48 hours to my birthday l see the baby as palace responsibility.

“The first lady has done her part. It is now our turn to do ours. Kabiyesi has granted Labake’s first request. Labake requested through the First Lady that a proper naming ceremony be done for her baby.”
Preparation for the occasion has started.

Ekunnews