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How Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi Paid N4.850m to Rescue 20 Years-Old Tosin Ojelabi from Killer Disease
By Eric Elezuo
For Tosin Ojelabi, the true meaning of joy has been made manifest. For her, joy is God sent; joy is a woman; joy is Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, who kindheartedly doled out a whopping Four Million, Eight hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N4.850m) to cure and rescue her from a a disease that was at the verge of snuffing out her life. A disease diagnosed as acute Budd-chiari syndrome
In February 2019, the never tired of doing good and coming to the rescue of the sick and the needy in the society, and Founder, Esther Ajayi Foundation and General Overseer, Love of Christ (Generation) Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Clapham, England, Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, heard the cries of the Ojelabi family, whose 20 year-old daughter, Tosin, was being ravaged by the Budd-chiari syndome, which is associated with the liver failure and bloating of major body organs including the legs and stomach.
Promptly, the woman, better known as Iya Adura by well wishers and faithful, dispatched her spokesperson, Mr. Abiodun Paseda, the CEO, Focus on Disability Foundation, to Ibadan, where Tosin and her family live, for a preliminary assessment of her situation.
Tosin, with Mr. Paseda, during her critical days
Tosin was discovered to have suffered from the ailment since 2015.
Reviewing her case when he visited her in her Ibadan abode, Mr Paseda disclosed that she needs to undergo Transjugalar Intrahepatic Portosystemic (TIPS) shunt Surgery, which will gulp about N4.7 million, and through to type, the ever kind Reverend Mother promptly released the money, even in excess, and the surgery was billed to take place at Eurapharma Care Services in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Today, Tosin is on her feet again, looking robust and set to grab life again.
Tosin’s ordeal started when she was in 15 years old and in SS1. She’d noted that her legs were unusually swelling up; a situation she dismissed as normal, as according to her, she was always sitting in the class without moving around. Even a visit to the doctor when the situation persists informed her that nothing was amiss, but her sufferings intensified.
A highly thankful Tosin after the surgery
It was reported that “Tosin was having a lot of fluid accumulating in her distended abdomen. About 33 litres of fluid was being drained from her protruding belly monthly. She carried the protruding belly around for the next couple of years. Her life was anything but normal during this period and could best be described as a living hell.” That was when God through Reverend Ajayi took over her case, paid her bills directly to the hospital and brought succour to her life and her family’s.
Mr. Paseda also revealed that medical experts were brought in from the United States, who gave thorough diagnoses of Tosin’s case in preparation to her operation. Consequently, on March 9, 2019, the EuraPharma Care services successfully performed the operation, the first of its type in Nigeria. The surgery which lasted five and half hours was led by a US trained Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Hammed Ninalowo.
A fully recovered Tosin, ready for life again
Expressing her joy after the surgery, a highly elated Tosin heaped encomiums on the person of Reverend Mother Ajayi through whom God came to her rescue. She intoned “there’s a huge difference in quality of life for me now…school is the next thing for me definitely. Now I’m fully recovered, I plan to write JAMB exam next year, and hopefully, I’ll gain admission.
In his remarks, Paseda reminded all the Reverend Mother Ajayi, whose stock in trade is putting smiles on the faces of the needy is not done yet, as she continually goes about doing good in cash and kind.
“Mama is one of a kind. Her heart for goodness is unrivaled,” Paseda submitted.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has once again brought before the Senate a petition alleging sexual harassment from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. But this time, it was signed by her constituents.
During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not. Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegation in the chamber. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday owing to procedural irregularities.
During the plenary on Thursday, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law. But she said it was not. Following protocol, the lawmaker was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.
The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report to the Senate.
This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegation in the chamber. A previous petition was dismissed on Wednesday owing to procedural irregularities.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
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