Thinking Aloud Magazine: Jul-Sep 2023

THINKING ALOUD

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE publication of rehoboth dream solid foundation (rdsf)

ISSUE

23 JUL - SEP 2023

CONTENTS

Cover Photo: Dr. Niyi Borire

Dr. Folasade Hunsu Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Mr. Patrick Edebor Editorial/publishing consultant. Owner, Patrick Edebor and Associates.

Mr. Akin Adejuwon Curator, Institute of Cultural Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mr. Rotimi Lawuyi FCA Owner, RAMA Editors.

Dr. Mrs Olayinka Opadiya Senior Pastor, Every Nation Church Sydney Australia.

Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe Founder/Executive Director, Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) Oladeinde Joseph , Chairman, Board of Trustees Pharm. Samson Igbokwe Mrs Roseline Igbokwe Mrs Ronke Osikoya Ms Ketumi Alasa Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya Dr (Mrs) Yinka Opadiya Mrs Abimbola Komolafe Rear Admiral (Rtd) K O Komolafe

Editor Bimbo Komolafe

Project Team

Publication & Design

Othniel Komolafe

Edison Egere

Benjamin Eze

Grace Adoga Celestina Osiki

Project Manager

Dorcas Adekunle

Tomi Olatunde-Idowu

Amarachi Uduma

@2023. Thinking Aloud Magazine, a publication of Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

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EDITORIAL Bimbo Komolafe Editor

Dear readers, Welcome to the vibrant pages of our Quarter 3 magazine. We are thrilled to bring you a collection of articles to entertain, inform and educate you. There are so many individuals making a difference in their communities and quietly making impact. In each edition, we strive to bring you one of these inspirational stories.

Our cover story in this edition showcases an exclusive interview with Dr. Niyi Borire, a remarkable neurologist, researcher, and NeuroLeadership expert based in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Borire's journey from a medical practitioner to an award-winning specialist is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. His insights into the world of neurology and leadership shed light on how we can shape our destinies by pursuing our passions with unwavering determination.

Our magazine also takes pride in sharing some of the heartwarming success stories of the beneficiaries of the RDSF scholarship program. In this edition, Olanrewaju Blessing shares her story. Through the foundation's timely intervention, she not only achieved her dream of education but also transformed her life. Today, she holds a NCE and a degree in education and runs her own school, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.

In the Trustee’s corner, we have as guest Pharmacist Sam Igbokwe, one of the pioneer Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF). He shares his experience as a Trustee with our readers.

Planning for retirement is a topic that impacts us all, and our finance article offers valuable tips and insights into securing a comfortable and financially stable retirement.

Health is wealth, and this quarter we bring you two insightful health articles. Dr. (Mrs.) Sylvia Olomu sheds light on the concerning issue of "High Blood Pressure in Teenagers." Her expertise and advice serve as a wakeup call to address this growing health concern among our youth. In addition, we delve into "Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Treatment" with insights from Dr. (Mrs) Titilayo Ademoluti-Folami. This article not only educates but also advocates for awareness and timely intervention in combating this often underestimated health issue.

As we navigate the pages of this magazine, let's remember the power of resilience, knowledge, and community.

Together, we can overcome challenges, inspire positive change, and create a brighter future for all.

Thank you for being part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more stories of inspiration and transformation in the coming quarters.

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connect with us on social media | thinkingaloudmagazine

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Cybersecurity

IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING YOUR CHILD AGAINST CYBERBULLYING

by Mrs Akinbowale Sileola Adebusola

their friends’ names.

5. Make internet time family time.

You watch movies together. Why not browse the web together? Making it a family event can be fun. You’ll learn more about your kids’ interests, and can guide them to websites that are more appropriate to their age.

News about rape and other form of children abuse is becoming rampant in our society, we need to make all efforts to stop this menace as parents, protecting our children from all sorts of abuse and stopping their exposures to danger both online and otherwise should be a priority.

Parents need to teach children about cyber threats that put in danger their online safety. But we also need to “preach” online protection from malware threats and phishing attempts that usually target unaware or uneducated minds.

How do you keep your kids safe from online threats today? What methods are you using? Here are simple tips for keeping your children safe online: 1. Have a conversation with your kids. Kids are getting their first internet-connected gadgets at pretty young ages. So, start talking to them early. Warn them about malware, dangerous websites, and sex offenders.

2. Keep your computer in a common area of the house. It's more difficult for sex offenders and online bullies to harass your child when you can see what your child is up to. So, make sure your kids aren’t going to bed with their laptops and phones.

Keep internet time in the common areas.

6. Know your children's passwords. If you’ve got a younger kid, create an account for them in your own name to avoid exposing your kid’s name and so you’ll have the password. But please respect the age limitations on accounts. If a site says you should be 18 to sign up, then maybe your child should wait. Whatever your choice, though, make sure you get their passwords and warn them that you’ll be checking their accounts from time to time to make sure everything’s kosher. (Spying on your kids’ accounts without their knowledge could weaken their trust in you.)

3. Know which other computers your children are using. Your children most likely have access to computers at school or their friends' houses.

Ask them where they go online, and talk to their friends’ parents about how they supervise their own kids’ internet use.

7. Watch for changes in your children’s behaviour. Being secretive about what they do online, withdrawing from the family, and other personality changes could be signs that an online sex offender is preying on your kid. So, keep an eye out for any behavioural changes.

4. Remind your children, "Don't talk to strangers - or meet them". Make it clear that online strangers are not friends. Remind your children that people often lie about their age, and online predators often pretend to be children. Emphasize that your children should never reveal personal information like their name, address, phone number, school name, or even

8. Pay attention to any gifts anyone gives your children. Sexual predators may send physical letters, photos, or gifts to children to seduce them.

Stay alert, and ask your kids about R any new toys they bring home.

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9. Check your children’s browsing S history. Open your child’s web browser and look for “History” to see F | 4 |

a list of websites they’ve been to. Also check the recycle bin to see if any files have been deleted. You may be surprised.

10. Set rules - and stick to them. As a parent, it’s your job to limit your kids’ screen time, set boundaries for inappropriate content, and make sure your children stick to them. So, do it. Talk to your internet service provider about filters you can use to block pornographic or violent websites, or invest in a Wi-Fi router with parental controls.

11. Educate your kids about cybersecurity and online threats. When it comes to cybersecurity, education plays a vital role during the learning process, and parents need to talk to their children about safe browsing on the Internet, malicious sites they can access, explain about different forms of cyberbullying, and other necessary topics that help them have a bigger picture of what’s going on.

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12. Set usage limits and time spend on the Internet for your kids. If you notice your kid is developing an addiction to staying up all night to be on the Internet, it could be a sign to set usage limits and time spend on the Internet.

Make sure you clearly tell them about the time they can spend on their computer or laptop. | 5 |

13. Install an antivirus solution on your kids’ devices. We all know that kids are naturally curious and attracted to new things, and they can easily access malicious links from untrusted websites or download video games from unknown web locations.

Thus, you need to consider installing a good antivirus solution from a reliable company that packs a realtime scanning engine, firewall and automatic update.

Various choices and decisions should be made to increase our family’s security strategy, but we need to establish what is it that we are afraid of.

Children need to acknowledge that online actions lead to real-life consequences and have cyber hygiene on how to use the Internet safely.

14. Secure your Home Wireless network from prying eyes. The home Wi -Fi network is usually accessed only by members of the same house, but that doesn’t mean that malicious actors can’t get unauthorized access.

To better secure your home wireless network from prying eyes, the first thing to do is set up a strong and unique password so neighbours or other people can’t take control over your personal data.

As challenging as might be for children to understand the risks of being online, cybersecurity awareness is vital these days. We should teach them to avoid talking to strangers online, how to distinguish between fake and real news, and explain about the most frequent security risks out there.

A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

RETIREMENT TIPS

by Amos Gagar

8. Address the effect of inflation. Inflation erodes your purchasing power over time. Your investment philosophy should be designed in such a way that your retirement funds keep pace with increasing costs as much as possible.

We know that the day of disengagement from active work life will come someday and should not take us by surprise. Our situation might be different, some are in paid employment while others are self-employed.

Whatever situation we find ourselves in, we should intentionally plan for our retirement.

As I plan for a second retirement at the end of September 2023, though not tired, I would like to share some tips for those who have retired or are retiring soon. I have practiced these principles over the years, and though not exhaustive, they have significantly helped me.

1. Deliberate savings for retirement.

Buy annuity, pensions, other streams of income, etc. Gratuity might not be enough to sustain your current lifestyle. Build a robust portfolio of investments, this helps to manage and average out the upsides and downsides of different industry segments and jurisdictions.

2. Take care of medical. Take out medical insurance, health plans, etc.

The expenses of one or two ailments without the succour of an insurance cover can wipe a significant portion of your savings.

3. Liquidity. Prioritise liquid assets over illiquid assets, prioritise operating expenditure over capital expenditure.

4. Avoid the ‘Big Bets’. The reward could be enticing especially if you feel the need to catch up on your savings. Mixing emotions with investing decisions is a potential recipe for heartache and regret.

9. Mismanaging retirement withdrawals. You need to manage your withdrawals in a prudent, tax savvy, and strategic manner. Striking a balance between being too conservative in your investments and risk having Inflation strip you of purchasing power or being too aggressive and you risk losing your money.

Take too much out early in your retirement and you risk running out of money in your later years. Too stingy with your withdrawals and you might be cheating yourself out of enjoyable and memorable experiences.

10. Enjoy your family!

Don’t fall for Ponzi schemes. If the reward or promise is outrageous, you need to look critically and seek professional advice before you leap.

5. Liquidate debts. Retirement is not the season to be servicing debts. Try to liquidate your debts as you move into retirement. It is not the time to experience foreclosure of your assets as a result of default. The trauma is not worth it.

6. Review your WILL/Estate. Be deliberate as to how your estate will be administered after your passage.

7. Lifestyle adjustments. Some adjustments might be required after retirement. Be engaged to stay alive and try a light business, academic, hobby, voluntary activities, outreaches, mentorship, etc.

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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN TEENAGERS ?

by Dr. (Mrs.) Sylvia Olomu

children, aged thirteen and older, elevated blood pressure is defined as blood pressure of 120 to 129mmHg systolic and less than 80mmHg diastolic, and high blood pressure as blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 systolic and 80mmHg diastolic, according to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline 2017.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN TEENAGERS? Hypertension is characterized as “primary” or “essential” hypertension when an identifiable disorder cannot be found and “secondary” hypertension when there is an underlying cause. Although secondary hypertension was previously more common in children, essential hypertension, previously considered a disease of adulthood, is now the most common cause of hypertension in teenagers.

High blood pressure has long been a neglected issue in children. It is a growing problem in children and teens that is often overlooked. Hypertension in teenagers is increasingly recognized as a serious public health problem, not only because of its rising prevalence but because growing evidence indicates that elevated blood pressure early in life has serious lifelong effects on the heart and blood vessels.

There is extensive evidence that risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels occur early in life and cause premature organ damage that tracks into adulthood. Stiffness of the arteries has been observed in children and teens in relation to high blood pressure, hence, early detection of this and other changes is essential for effective intervention and prevention of health consequences in older ages.

WHAT IS BLOOD PRESSURE? R

Blood pressure is created by blood D pushing against the wall of the arS teries when the heart pumps blood.

This is important for the proper flow F of blood from the heart to all the | 8 |

body organs and tissues. It is the measurement of the force exerted against the arteries when the heart pumps blood through the body.

Blood pressure readings are given as two numbers and are written this way: 120/80. The number at the top, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries while the heart is pumping. The number below, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the blood pressure when the heart rests between beats. One or both of these numbers can be high.

Increasing body mass index, obesity, and abdominal circumference are correlated with increased rates of essential hypertension. Being black and being male, family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease, low birth weight, sleep disorders as well as smoking and dietary factors (eating too much salt and having high cholesterol) are also contributary. Secondary hypertension however is mostly caused by health conditions like kidney diseases and diabetes mellitus.

WHAT IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

HOW IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DIAGNOSED IN TEENS?

High blood pressure is when blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. This means putting an increased amount of pressure on the blood vessels causing the heart to work harder than it should. For long, the diagnosis of high blood in children was only made in the presence of very elevated blood pressure levels. With the advent of blood pressure nomograms, however, it became apparent that more children than normally thought had blood pressures above the normal range. In

Typically, high blood pressure may not have warning signs or symptoms.

However, severe symptoms such as severe headache, vomiting, nosebleeds, or even seizures can occur in some individuals when the blood pressure is very high. The only way to be certain of the presence of high blood pressure is to have the blood pressure measured. This can be done at home using a home blood pressure monitor or at a healthcare facility by a healthcare professional. For a diagnosis of hypertension to be made, A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

blood pressure should be measured by a trained professional. The correct blood pressure cuff size is important for measuring accurately.

It is also important that blood pressure is measured with proper technique, in a quiet environment with the child resting comfortably. Blood pressure may be measured two or three times and on more than one occasion before a diagnosis is made.

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the child’s medical history and family history of hypertension. It is important to determine whether the hypertension is essential or secondary, the doctor will therefore order tests to check how the kidneys and heart are functioning.

doctor might recommend one or more blood pressure medications.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO Parents must: • Take their teens to see a doctor for a yearly blood pressure check if high blood pressure runs in the family.

• Monitor the blood pressures of their teenagers at home and see a doctor if values are higher than normal.

• Do home monitoring of blood pressure for teens on medication.

• Encourage their teens to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

HOW IS HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TREATED IN TEENS? If a teen is diagnosed with slightly, or moderately high blood pressure, the doctor will likely suggest trying lifestyle changes to lower the blood pressure, before prescribing medication. These lifestyle changes include: maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, cutting down on alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking. If lifestyle changes are not enough, the THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 23 | JUL - SEP 2023

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•

Ensure that teens on medications comply with them and do follow-up visits with their doctor.

See the doctor if prescribed medications don’t seem to lower their teen’s blood pressure.

SUMMARY As concerning as high blood pressure is among teenagers, there are ways to prevent and manage it. Most of the time, high blood pressure can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medicines, if needed. Having uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to a lot of serious health problems including heart attack, stroke, kidney problems and loss of vision. When it concerns blood pressure, it’s better to be proactive. Teenagers should have regular health checks. Where their blood pressures are high they should follow their doctor’s advice for bringing it back to a healthy range.

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Viral Hepatitis

AWARENESS & TREATMENT

by Dr. Titilayo Ademoluti-Folami

with an infected person, use of infected needles or transmission of infected blood, cause symptoms like fever, muscle weakness, fatigue and could get worse causing jaundice.

If left untreated, it can progress to become chronic and cause liver cirrhosis where the functioning of liver cells become replaced with scar tissues that cannot function as liver cells anymore or even worse, liver cancer and ultimately death.

DIAGNOSIS. Diagnosis is carried out through blood tests that detects the antigen of the virus and/or antibodies to the viruses.

Hepatitis is a term that simply means inflammation of the liver. It can be infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal) or non-infectious (alcohol, drugs, autoimmune). This article focuses on viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses; Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV).

TRANSMISSION.

“In recent times, there has been an increase in the prevalence of viral hepatitis in Africa.”

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Hepatitis A, D and E viruses are transmitted via the feco-oral route, that is, through consumption of food and water contaminated by these viruses. HDV causes a unique infection that requires the assistance of HBV particles to replicate and infect liver cells. This means that HDV is transmitted often with HBV. HBV and HCV are transmitted sexually or via | 10 |

contact with infected blood and body fluids. In recent times, there has been an increase in the prevalence of viral hepatitis in Africa.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS.

“...hepatitis B and C when transmitted through sex with an infected person, use of infected needles or transmission of infected blood, cause symptoms like fever, muscle weakness, fatigue and could get worse causing jaundice.”

HAV, HDV and HEV, if in the system, may not cause any noticeable symptoms. They may however cause mild symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and can get worse to cause jaundice or liver failure but most times the body is able to clear them with some treatment. On the other hand, hepatitis B and C when transmitted through sex

TREATMENT.

“Advancement in technology has made the management of hepatitis B infection and cure of HCV possible.”

HAV, HDV and HEV can be treated supportively based on the symptoms with or without antiviral medications. Advancement in technology has made the management of hepatitis B infection and cure of HCV possible.

Once diagnosed with hepatitis, it is important to avoid/restrict other things that can damage the liver e.g., alcohol consumption and use of NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs like paracetamol.

For Hepatitis B, the Gastroenterologist will send for some investigations like a DNA panel, Liver Function Test, Abdominal Ultrasound Scan, and any other test necessary. The results will determine the next line of action(s).

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The Physician’s likely action is, antiviral medications, If acute, or if chronic infection that can be transmitted, has been detected. This will also determine the frequency of clinic visits. If followed up properly there is less risk of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, and a healthy life can be achieved.

In the case of HCV, the Gastroenterologist will request a viral load and other investigations, give medications, and monitor until cure is achieved. The drawback here is that treatment is expensive for an average African, hence the need for active prevention.

“If followed up properly there is less risk of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, and a healthy life can be achieved.”

PREVENTION.

b. For Hepatitis B and C, ensure safe sexual practices; Abstinence, Being Faithful to one partner and proper condom use, avoid sharing sharp objects, ensure all blood is well c.

screened before transmission, ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces soiled with blood/body fluids.

CONCLUSION. Viral Hepatitis infection is on the increase and it’s important to manage it properly and prevent its transmission. It is real. Let us ensure we save our lives and stay healthy while doing the work of our Father in heaven.

d. Pregnant mothers with hepatitis and should ensure proper Ante Natal Care as there are services for prevention of mother To child transmission that will be offered to protect the child. e.

Ensure vaccination for hepatitis B in children (this is enshrined in the National Policy on Immunization in Nigeria), adults and booster doses for persons who have been vaccinated a long time ago and are exposed to hepatitis B.

Viral hepatitis is preventable. a.

For the feco-orally transmitted Hepatitis viruses ensure proper hand washing, wash, cook and store food properly to avoid contamination and kill germs in it.

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INTERVIEW WITH DR. NIYI BORIRE

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Kindly tell us about your family, education, and professional background.

I was born and bred in Lagos, Nigeria. I am the second of five children with two other step sisters from my father’s second relationship. Three of my siblings are here in Australia with me and my brother resides in the UK with his family. We grew up in Nigeria under difficult circumstances because my parents had some challenges with their relationship which led to my father leaving at a time and had two other girls with another woman.

They are both lovely girls, I have a good relationship with them, they are both at the university. As a background for myself, I finished primary school at 8 years old and finished high school at 14 years old.

I went to college and studied for a Diploma in Computer Science which was really exciting but I have a real passion for Health Care.

I have always wanted to help people who are vulnerable even though I was more inclined to Mathematical subjects. I was more gifted in careers that have mathematics as a foundation such as Engineering and Architecture but somehow I found myself studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos because of my passion for health care, and looking after the sick and vulnerable in the society.

I graduated after 6 years of medical school and completed a year of internship. I migrated to Australia where I went through Post-Graduate training and residency training followed by Advanced Training in Neurology with a specialization in Neurophysiology.

After that, I completed my Ph.D. at the University of South Wales which is really amazing, I won a lot of awards through my research. For the last seven or eight years, I have been practicing as a consultant Neurologist in the teaching hospital and I also run a practice in three locations here in Sydney.

I work for the Royal Australia Air Force as a Neurologist as well.

“We grew up in Nigeria under difficult circumstances because my parents had some challenges with their relationship which led to my father leaving at a time and had two other girls with another woman.”

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How have your upbringing and early life experiences influenced your career path and choices?

My upbringing was a whole lot of experiences. We initially started as a typical middle-class Nigerian family. My father was a senior manager at the Nigerian Security and Minting Company before he started his own business. My mother was a senior supervisor at NITEL and was retrenched in the early 80s and became a “stay-at-home mom”.

Life was good until my father’s business collapsed in the mid to late 90s. It was really hard for us, he was in a lot of debt which just made life tough. He lost all his assets and some properties. It slowly affected my parents' marriage and we began the rapid descent from comfortable children to days where there was no food at all. I remember having to trade our textbooks for fried yam just to get din ner, eating unripe plantains and palm oil on Christmas day. My parents had to batter their clothes for money.

I was quite young but those experiences made me mature very quickly. All of that drew me to God, my faith came alive in 1998 just before my fifteen birthday. It made a huge difference and helped me process my life in a different way. Those tough situations made me mature earlier than my peers and gave a sense of purpose and direction, I was so motivated. I hated poverty so much and was driven to break the circle of poverty over my life and my family. I was determined not to suffer.

I got through college by faith and I survived. I was healthy, getting distinctions in school, I had no textbooks only a few notebooks, and used the library. It made me resilient, and more confident even when I begged on the street for money, I was a better person altogether. The challenges gave me a bigger view of life. I left home at the age of fifteen and never moved back in, only going for holidays from time to time.

Looking back at your upbringing, can you share with us some of the challenges you faced and moral principles that helped you to navigate through those challenges?

One of the issues is that the challenges drew me away from my family. I wasn’t super close with my parents and siblings. I didn’t like the environment, it was odd, hot, and tense. There was poverty and the parents were also not getting along well of R course it transferred to the children. The relation- D ship with my loved ones is still something I am try ing to navigate and build up the closeness up till S now.

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Who is the one person who influenced you the most whilst growing up? What was the messaging and the dynamics underscoring the relationship?

Growing up, the person who influenced me the most was this wonderful man, Mr. Ayo Awe. I will always mention his name because God used him amazingly for me. I had friends who were always encouraging and supporting me then but this man played a huge role in my life. In my first year of medical school, I was about to drop out because I couldn’t pay the fees.

I went to church on Sunday, I was a children's teacher then. After the service, I was in a sober mood when Mr. Awe saw me, I explained my situation to him and he took me in since then, gave me a room in his house, paid my fees every year, and gave me a monthly allowance until I graduated from Medical school and even when I was going to Australia he supported me.

He helped with the school fees and WAEC fees of my siblings, paid bills at home, electricity bills, and so on. That gave me a good foundation as he wasn’t there financially only but also emotionally. He was a mentor, coach, and spiritual father to me. I wanted to be like him when I grew up. I hope I’m getting closer to that each day.

“I went to church on Sunday, I was a children's teacher then. After the service, I was in a sober mood when Mr. Awe saw me, I explained my situation to him and he took me in since then, gave me a room in his house, paid my fees every year, and gave me a monthly allowance until I graduated from Medical school and even when I was going to Australia he supported me.”

In your view, what is the most significant factor in your childhood that shaped the man you became today?

My faith made a huge difference by not allowing me to go astray. I have a lot of friends who became hooked on drugs and all sorts. My connection with Jesus brought a lot of hope, and focus and I found my purpose early. The most significant factor was my relationship with Jesus and I still have that relationship today.

With the benefit of hindsight now as an adult, if you could, what advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

I am not sure there is anything I will look back and say I did wrong or regretted, everything happened for a reason. Maybe my relationship with my parents and siblings was not that great. That’s not an excuse. My academics were excellent and my faith was my consolation, I had graduated with a Distinction in Computer Science and preparing for Medical School at sixteen, I was so driven. I would encourage my 16-year-old self to continue in the line of God and maybe open up my relationship with my family but I’m not sure that’s fair to a 16-yearold.

Neurology is an extremely exacting and elitist field in the medical field. Why the choice of neurology as a career and also why did you choose the research line?

I didn’t know much about neurology until I read the book “GIFTED HANDS”. I was really keen on anything that deals with the brain. During the Neuro Anatomy course in my medical school first year I really enjoyed the complexity of the brain and knew it was going to be my thing. After my fellowship program, I felt like I needed to do some research work. My Father died shortly before I travelled to Australia due to neurological complications of diabetes. I was really interested in studying Diabetes Neuropathic which was what I studied for my Ph.D.

What is something about you and your specialization that most people who are familiar with you do not know?

For me, medicine is not a career, it’s a calling. My work is ministry and also I am lucky enough to pastor a church, so I understand what ministry work is.

The same dedication and commitment that I put into my pastoral work is what I put into my field of work as a physician. What most people don’t know about my field of specialization is that most neurological conditions are incurable, only manageable. I help patients understand how to help make the

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journey easier for them. A lot of patients are grateful when they understand what their body is telling them. There are times when great miracles happen and there are testimonies. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Explaining medical conditions to families, helping them accept, and making the patient comfortable is my job. That’s probably one thing people are not familiar with.

“What most people don’t know about my field of specialization is that most neurological conditions are incurable, only manageable. I help patients understand how to help make the journey easier for them. A lot of patients are grateful when they understand what their body is telling them.”

Neurology is most commonly perceived as brain surgery. What common misconceptions do people have about your line of work and what is your response to them?

Neurology is not Neurosurgery, and a Neurologist is not a Neurosurgeon who conducts operations. I am a brain physician and we deal with conditions that don’t require operations like headaches, migraines, epilepsy, dementia, nerve injuries, and complications. We manage and treat them medically.

What advice would you give young people aspiring to follow in your path as neurologists?

If you want to be a Neurologist, it starts with being a Physician. You must have a passion for medicine, care for people, and help people, it is a demanding career. It is technical but doable.

If you are a people person, you will probably survive in the field of neurology. You can be a neuroscience researcher if you don’t want to deal with patient care.

You were awarded the prestigious Golseth Award by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine in recognition of your contributions to the field of neurology. Looking back at your career, what would you say was the most rewarding aspect of the entire experience as well as of winning the prestigious Award?

The most rewarding of my experience as a Neurolo gist so far is the difference I make on a daily basis. I am always excited about going to work, I don’t THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 23 | JUL - SEP 2023

struggle at work, I’m in my comfort zone. I shine at work. I wouldn’t be this happy if I was an engineer or programmer. The most rewarding experience is not the public recognition, awards, or Google reviews. It is the joy and happiness of making someone else’s life better.

The award was a good moment for me, what hit me on that day was standing in front of thousands of people being one of the three or four black persons there, I remember my days in YABATECH, when I struggled with tenses and expressing myself. I had low self-esteem.

I remember I used to dream that one day I would stand before hundreds of thousands of people in the audience and I would talk, and people would hear and understand me. It was a magical moment. I was like “Wow, dreams do come true”. If you are a dreamer, keep working at your dreams, it may tarry but it will come to pass.

“I remember I used to dream that one day I would stand before hundreds of thousands of people in the audience and I would talk, and people would hear and understand me. It was a magical moment. I was like “Wow, dreams do come true”. If you are a dreamer, keep working at your dreams, it may tarry but it will come to pass.”

As a leader in your industry, how do you stay ahead of the curve and continually innovate?

What drives you to explore new ideas and push boundaries?

I wouldn’t count myself as one of the top leaders in our industry. Everything I do within our field is to make a difference in the lives of people. I stay ahead of the curve by listening to my patients.

God has created us to be diverse, what you’ve seen before will come in a different way. Things that have helped me are being flexible, adaptable, openminded, and not being biased.

No one has a monopoly of knowledge, working in a team, attending meetings, conferences, workshops and seeing how you can apply that in your practices and getting involved with technology within our field have been very helpful.

The real motivations are making a difference in their lives and contributing to society. My heart cries to help people get better, refine our ideas, and have a better understanding of diseases and their treatments. | 15 |

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There was an uproar recently on social media when Nigerian legislators attempted to stop the migration of young medical doctors out of Nigeria. What is your view on this and what measures can be put in place to ensure Nigerian doctors are encouraged to practice successfully in Nigeria?

I left Nigeria when I was very young at the age of 25. I am forever grateful because Nigeria trained me as a Doctor. I lived in poverty and things were very hard for me so I had to leave. It was more of an economical decision for me. I had been to England and saw how Medicine was practiced, it was organized, that was when the desire came, and I knew I would thrive in that type of environment where the healthcare is good and the patients are the center of healthcare. That was one of my motivations and things were really hard.

My father died in my ward where I was working as an intern in Nigeria. Everybody leaves for different reasons. The way I have tried to compensate Nigeria for the support I received in my early years is to give back. I have been going back to Teaching Hospitals to organize some training and donate medical equipment. I would be in FCT this year R doing the same. I don’t know what measures to put in place because I haven’t lived in Nigeria for the D past 15 years, maybe incentives and improvement of S the economy, pay and working conditions. There’s a global doctors shortage.

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How do you approach parenting and the responsibilities of raising children within a marriage? How do you ensure that you and your wife present a united family when making decisions that affect your children?

This is a very important question. The way we approach parenting and raising our children within our marriage is by being intentional. So I think the first thing is about intentionality and not just allowing raising the children to be on “autopilot”.

So these are conversations that my wife and I have had about our approach to parenting in terms of how much of freedom we offer our children and how much of control we give to them. And one person is usually the prime mover, and then the other person is the supporter. So my wife is often the prime mover. She has more contact with the children, so she is the prime mover.

I therefore allow her to set the tone and to set the pace. I always back her up. So the way we operate is that she makes most of all the simple decisions, she decides most of the simple things that would happen in terms of tasks for the children, in terms of the activities. This usually requires some negotia tion with them.

As an example, what kind of activities do they want? While my twelve year old likes basketball and my six-year-old likes football and a bit of music.

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Both of them are involved in music as well, even though my 12-year-old is not a fan of music, but we still encourage him to get involved with it. So she sets the pace and then I sort of back her up usually.

this, when these indiscretions are called, we also cooperate in discipline. We try not to do it out of anger. Sometimes it’s hard to do it, but the other person will sort of calm the other party down.

“So the way we operate is that she makes most of all the simple decisions, she decides most of the simple things that would happen in terms of tasks for the children, in terms of the activities.

This usually requires some negotiation with them.”

So we are not perfect, certainly not. And of course, I feel for our boys as well because our boys are all born in Australia, but to Nigerian parents.

And of course, what that means is that I’m not always on their neck in that sense. My boys often have a way with their mum and I think it’s just the same thing for most families where boys and mums are often, so sometimes, they may want to take advantage of her softness because my wife is really soft, but then I would come in and make sure that discipline is enforced.

So we would often back ourselves and usually if my son comes to me for something, and says, hey, can I have this? Or can I have a snack? Or can I get this?

I would often ask, have you asked mum? Because mum is prime mover. So if you want a new pair of shoes or socks, all right, you first of all discuss with mum because mum keeps an inventory of things and I don’t know, for example, how many pairs of trousers my son has. It’s just the truth. I don’t keep an inventory of that.

I know, of course, what he does in school and every other thing like that, but some of the basic everyday items that he needs, or maybe if he wants to go visit his friend, maybe during school holidays, mom would usually have plans for them.

So I would say, hey, let’s run it past mum. So I would not approve anything on my own without me running it past mum, just to make sure that she is involved in that decision-making process and she doesn’t have any other contrary plans.

So she would often plan that, for example, they ’re on school holidays now and she would plan out the school holidays and say, okay, this is what they would do, they’ll spend some days with their cousins. And then I would approve. If I have any views, I would.

So this school holidays, I also suggested, oh, why not let’s go out for a musical? So we went to the theater to watch Beauty and the Beast stage musical production. So pretty much that is how we work it.

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And it is a completely different situation where you want to bring them in that culture, African culture of respect. But then they also have to sort of navigate their journey here. Striking that balance has been challenging for us. They are exposed to a lot of technology.

“And it is a completely different situation where you want to bring them in that culture, African culture of respect. But then they also have to sort of navigate their journey here. Striking that balance has been challenging for us. They are exposed to a lot of technology.”

For instance, my six-year-old can do lots of stuff on his device. Though he doesn’t have a mobile phone, but he has an iPad and he can do a lot of stuff there.

There are restrictions though. We keep those restrictions there in terms of how much technology they have, but it’s still very technology-driven.

Everything, learning, reading, everything is based on tech. So it is a whole new challenge, you know, having to keep up with all of that and making sure that, like my twelve-year-old, that there are still boundaries and those boundaries are not sort of erased.

But boys will be boys and they will cross lines at times. And it is our duty to sort of keep them in line and help them understand what’s important.

Our boys do housework. They’re involved in domestic chores. They all have their responsibilities and mum runs a decently, reasonably tight ship to make sure that everyone is in line, including myself. My wife runs the family. She is the boss and I am there to support her, provide, and help.

I defer a lot to her because I trust her judgment.

She is a wonderful woman. She is a great and amazing parent. So I trust her judgment, particularly when it comes to, you know, raising our boys and being there for them to provide all the support and care for them. We are also very sensitive to our boys. They are different. | 17 |

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Dr Borire and his wife Mrs Yemi Borire.

Our older boy is more sensitive and the younger one is more brash and probably much more like me.

There was a day when our older son was reluctant to go to school, thankfully we engaged him, we are not trying to judge him or accuse him of being lazy.

How do you define the roles and responsibilities of spouses within a marriage? Do you believe in traditional gender roles, or do you prefer a re-distribution of tasks and responsibilities?

He opened up to us, that the previous day someone had racially abused him in school. That’s the first time someone called him the N-word. I think that touched him because he’s a very sensitive soul. So we had to talk to the school.

Our view of the roles and responsibilities of spouses depends on giftings. We are gifted by design. We are blessed with different gifts by design. My wife and I are not the same. I am more of a task-oriented leader. All right, I like to get tasks done. I can barely sit still. I want to get something done.

We had to validate his feelings, validate his thoughts, support him, and give him all the encouragement that he needs to be able to go on.

And you know, he’s moved on and he is doing well.

As a matter of fact, he’s now a friend of the boy who said those words.

So most of the projects in our homes, our investments, our major strategic decisions, or career decisions often fall to me. I am the prime mover. Of course, her, input is very essential, but that is the thing.

In fact, during the school holidays, they went out together to watch a movie in the cinema. I ’m not a parenting expert so I can’t tell you about the principles of parenting. I can only talk from my own lived experience.

My wife is a very caring, kind person. She likes everything to be in order. She likes things to be put in the right place. And that’s just a natural gift. So I realized that I have to tap into this. So my wife runs the home.

R We don’t get it right all the time, but we are also vulnerable. We are not trying to tell our sons sorry D when we get it wrong. And we do get it wrong S from time to time. And so we apologize to them and make sure that they understand and feel supported F in every way possible.

“My wife is a very caring, kind person.

She likes everything to be in order. She likes things to be put in the right place.

And that’s just a natural gift.”

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She tells us what to eat. I don’t decide what I eat.

She tells me what I eat. She knows what I like and what I don’t like. And so she makes the schedule for what we eat, how we do things, everything. She’s very on time. She makes sure we go to church on time.

Everywhere we go, we go on time. She will almost be the first person to get to an event if we are invited. So she keeps us in line. I allow her to sort of thrive or run the domestic affairs. I have seen the gift, and what she likes, and she is able to thrive.

My wife also works with me in our business. So we’ve got a medical practice and she is a practice manager. And she runs the practice. So she runs the home. She runs a medical practice. She pays all the salaries. She gives me money when I need money. I have got access to the money as well. But she runs, she knows all our family finances and so pays most of the bills and salaries from the business.

Although I’m involved in, as I said, the big strategic decisions of dealing with banks and dealing with in surance companies and dealing with all the bigger stuff. So that’s how we have operated. So it’s all based on what are you gifted in? What are you blessed at? What are you graced to do? And what are your strengths? And so we support each other in that aspect.

My wife was not very financial astute initially. She had nothing to do with finances. She just left it to me, but I had to say “No”. I remember we fought about this over and over, getting her to be used to our finances. We have got the software, the different software we use for our business in terms of finances. She is aware of what is going on.

She knows what’s going on, what’s coming in and everything. One day she decided to do an audit of all the unpaid invoices in our business. It was amazing how much we were owed by different companies, insurance companies, and all sorts who had not paid for services that we had already rendered.

She is therefore really in the “game” now and she is grown in that area.

In our home, for example, when you eat, you wash your plates. Nobody washes anybody’s plates. Even when I eat, I wash my plates. Rarely do I ask my son. Sometimes if I am tired, I ask him to do so and he will do it, but we clean the home together.

My wife of course does more than I do, but I don’t think it is anybody’s duty, but she sets the tone and when she needs help, she calls out for help. So I think we have worked well for that. This morning, I had done the laundry and I hung the washings outside on the line. Sometimes we have some defined THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 23 | JUL - SEP 2023

tasks like taking out the garbage and the garbage bin and all that. That is often my job to take all the garbage bins out.

And you know, my son helps me now to do that.

And if we have any major cleaning to do or packing and all that, I will do that as well. So it is more of a collaborative thing and just working with our strengths.

“In our home, for example, when you eat, you wash your plates. Nobody washes anybody’s plates. Even when I eat, I wash my plates. Rarely do I ask my son. Sometimes if I am tired, I ask him to do so and he will do it, but we clean the home together.”

What advice would you give to couples who are just starting their marital journey or facing challenges in their relationship? What are some key lessons you have learned from your marriage?

The advice I would give to couples who are just starting their marital journey is about friendship. I run a marriage counseling course in our church and that takes weeks, sometimes months to get through.

If I were to give just one piece of advice, it would be building friendships. Friendship! Friendship!!

Friendship!!! Marry a friend, marry a friend. If the person is not your friend, make sure you are friends with that person. I reckon that genuine friendship would make the marriage last, that is number one.

So friendship, (or “mateship”), I think is a foundation of a true lasting marriage, where there is mu tual respect. This is very important. When you are friends with someone, you freely communicate with that person. The fuel of love is communication.

When you start talking, you start loving and when you stop talking, you stop loving. It is just the truth. If you don’t talk with someone for a long time, you become distant from that person. This is not just talking around issues, but just talking, having one-on-one chats that are deep and meaningful.

I think that especially when you get to the phase where you’ve got children and all that, that may be something that can become lost. We have faced a challenge where most of the conversations we have are just around our children and their wellbeing and different things and business and not talking about ourselves and how we feel and how our bodies are changing, our health changing, and all the different things that we may be going through, the | 19 |

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Dr Borire and his wife Mrs Yemi Borire.

insecurities, the uncertainties that we will be facing as individuals.

“If I were to give just one piece of advice, it would be building friendships.

Friendship! Friendship!! Friendship!!!

Marry a friend, marry a friend. If the person is not your friend, make sure you are friends with that person.”

So communicate, communicate, communicate, and be friends. I believe if you build that friendship, of course, it will be tested, it will be stretched. You have arguments, you have difficult moments and hard conversations, but that’s all part of friendship.

That’s all part of mateship. So I would say that, yes, build friendship, not so this fleeting affection or fleeting attraction that is not really deep. So there ’s a lot to talk about but I think communication is the main thing. When people don’t talk and they’re not open or vulnerable in their relationships, then they would struggle.

R So I realized that I get the best out of my wife when I’m vulnerable as a man. If there are challenges D there, I tell my wife. The other day I was sharing S with her some of the things the Lord was correcting me about, about my own uncertainty. I shared with F | 20 |

her and she was able to sort of reinforce and strengthen me in that area as well. So I think there’s a lot that goes on in our lives. If you share with your partner and you’re open and you are vulnerable, you will go far. That will be my answer to that.

How do you balance the many facets of your life – the person (Husband/Father), the preacher, the people builder, and the professional? How do you keep up with the various responsibilities with your busy schedule.

Many will be wondering if you ever rest. Well, you’re not serving others, how do you relax?

Yeah, so this is a really interesting and very important question that I initially struggled with, but I’ve found a way to be able to sort of deal with this.

So one of the things that I have done is I don’t chase work-life balance. I strive for work-life integration. I think work-life integration is a better way to do it rather than work-life balance.

One of the ways I have tried to do this and it is still imperfect, but it’s to make sure that all the different facets of my life are well-supported and robust enough. So as I said, on the home front, I make sure that my wife is well-empowered, she’s wellsupported and she’s independent and our relationship is deep. The other thing is because I think the A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

home front is the main one. Being a husband and a father is my primary assignment.

And so one of the things I have done is to make sure that my wife is well aware of all the other ones, all the other responsibilities, and she’s involved in it.

So she’s involved in almost all the other things that I do, she’s aware of what we do, what I do in all the different areas. So for example, when it comes to pastoral work, preaching, and pastoring, we are copastors. So we are involved in it together.

In fact, she’s more of a pastor than I am. I’m more of a preacher and she’s more of a pastor. She’s so caring and very, very committed. By doing it together, it helps the person. Because I’m doing ministry with someone that I’m also in love with.

And the same thing with our profession. Even though we are both in the healthcare, we have a business together. And I said she also helps with the practice and we work together. Integrating work and life together can be helpful. She is not heavily involved in my people-building assignment but she’s abreast of if, and she has her own protection.

Initially, it wasn’t like that, she was just a wife, she was not happy at that time and I discovered how I was running it was not good enough so I had to get her involved. She got involved and knew what God called me for, I also got involved in what she was doing and showed interest.

In church, we have an amazing team of leaders and each person is empowered and trained to do their work; I don’t micro-manage people, I empower them and hold them accountable. So that is my own style of leadership.

Also, I find time to relax, that is very essential. I take at least four or five days off a month. Most Thursdays I don’t work, I relax or go out to chill alone or with my family. The good thing that works for me is that I have control of my schedule, I ’m not on a salary and I don’t report 8-5 although I have a busy schedule. Pastoral work is really hard and I get really busy. Life is kind of balanced that way.

I tell people “You must always have weekly metime” I have my own me-time. Myself and my family also have regular getaways. So, I built a team around myself, empowered and trained them to be capable of making my work easier, and at home, I delegated to my wife, she manages me and I back her up and I love her.

“Also, I find time to relax, that is very essential. I take at least four or five days off a month. Most Thursdays I don’t work, I relax or go out to chill alone or with my family.”

By mutually supporting each other’s passion, it worked out well, and now working together, we find it enjoyable but what I also did was to give her in dependence, so I don’t micro-manage her. She is like my chief operating officer, she reminds me of everything.

“One of the other things I have done is to make sure I delegate, for example, in my people-building assignment, I have a team of executive assistants and others.

Most of them volunteer and some of them get paid, a lot of them are my mentees.”

One of the other things I have done is to make sure I delegate, for example, in my people-building assignment, I have a team of executive assistants and others. Most of them volunteer and some of them get paid, a lot of them are my mentees. They run the show behind the scenes, I get a task list of what we are doing for the day. By having that, it takes care of stuff.

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INTERVIEW WITH MR SAMSON IGBOKWE BACKGROUND

Tell us a bit about your background – childhood, family & educational.

I come from a polygamous Christian family, with my late father having two wives. My mother was the first wife and she had nine children (six boys and three girls), while the second wife had eight chil dren (three boys and five girls). Despite our family structure, we shared meals from a communal pot.

My father, a devote Christian, would wake us up at 5 am for morning prayers at CMS Church. Whenever any of us misbehaved, my father would wait for us to go to bed and then wake the offender to administer appropriate discipline.

Regarding my education, I attended St. Andrew Primary School, Okeruwa, but because I was playful and did not take my academics seriously, I was de moted to Primary Two instead of progressing to Primary Four.

I later improved and began achieving top positions in class until the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil R War in 1967. During the war, my siblings and I relocated to our village, and we returned in 1970 afD ter it ended. With the lost years, my father enrolled S me in Primary Six at Ebenezer Primary School, and I eventually gained admission to St Patrick’s SecF | 23 |

ondary School, Iwaro Oka. I pursued a B.Pharm degree at the University of Ife (now OAU) and selffunded my MBA at the University of Lagos.

“Despite our family structure, we shared meals from a communal pot. My father, a devote Christian, would wake us up at 5 am for morning prayers at CMS Church.”

Is there any way your upbringing has influenced your choice of charity? Are there other charity organizations you volunteer for?

My involvement in charity work stems from childhood experiences and my Christian faith. As a child, my late father would give us money for church offerings every Sunday, and I observed the kindness and assistance provided by both my parents, especially during Christmas.

Upon embracing Christianity in adulthood and learning from Bishop Mike Okonkwo, I discovered the greater blessing in giving than receiving and the value of being a cheerful giver. Although I am not affiliated with any other charity organization, while in Nigeria, my wife and I would occasionally give gifts to old people’s homes, support less privileged individuals in Ebute Meta Lagos, and assist widows in our church.

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You serve on the board of trustees of the RDSF, can you share with us what influenced your decision to join the board despite it being a pro bono service?

My decision to join the board of RDSF was influenced by the esteemed individuals involved, their strong faith, and their demonstrated integrity during its establishment.

Based on your career success as a pharmacist, where did you find the connection between your profession and philanthropy.

The connection between my profession as a Community Pharmacist and my philanthropic endeavours arises from my deep concern for human lives and their well-being.

The health sector is one of the critical sectors in any country and Nigeria has a gamut of problems ravaging this sector. As a pharmacist with over 40 years of experience, what advice do you have for the government in addressing the lack of access to basic health care, especially in rural communities?

The government’s support for the nation’s health sector is inadequate. There is a pressing need for the construction of well-equipped health facilities, adequate compensation for healthcare workers, reduction in healthcare costs, improvement in the quality and accessibility of healthcare for everyone especially the poor.

“My decision to join the board of RDSF was influenced by the esteemed individuals involved, their strong faith, and their demonstrated integrity during its establishment.”

In recent years, Nigeria has experienced a rapid increase in the migration of health workers from the country despite the shortage of human resources experienced across medical facilities in the country. How best do you think this situation can be addressed?

To address the significant exodus of healthcare professionals from Nigeria despite the shortage, we must confront the major challenges within the healthcare sector. This includes providing adequate funding to develop and maintain modern infrastructure, ensuring proper training and fair compensation for healthcare workers, prioritizing healthcare as a national concern, as well as making THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 23 | JUL - SEP 2023

healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Nigerians.

Despite the government’s effort in curbing drug abuse in the country, there seems to be a rise in the number of young people abusing drugs in Nigeria. What role do you think individuals can play in assisting the government in the fight against drug abuse?

Fundamentally, parents or individuals should lead by example. Additionally, they should foster a close relationship with their teenagers, being aware of their friends, monitoring their activities and whereabouts. It is crucial to establish rules, regulations, and consequences, provide support, and monitor prescription drugs to prevent abuse.

Herbal medication has always been an alternative treatment adopted by Nigerians in mainly rural communities with inadequate access to modern health facilities. Are there imminent dangers embedded in such practice especially because many users do not go for medical diagnosis?

Herbal medicines are often mis-labelled and can contain undisclosed additives and contaminants due to a lack of regulation. Improper consumption or high doses of certain herbal medicines can lead to allergic reactions or toxic effects that pose serious harm.

You have been married for over 30 years. Can you share with us some of the marital values that have kept your marriage?

The core values that have sustained my marriage are rooted in the love of God within our union, mutual trust, reciprocal submission, agreement and transparency in our daily lives.

Even as a pharmacist and entrepreneur, you and your wife who also had a successful career path had to train your children. Kindly share some tips on how you were able to manage your family routine with work-life demands.

With the love of God embraced in our marriage, we recognized the importance of raising our children in His teachings and guidance. We prioritized dili- R gence at workplace and balanced it by creating time D for our children to see that they received a quality education through shared responsibilities and a di- S vision of labour.

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PERSONAL VALUES, ETHICS, AND CULTURE

ENHANCING EDUCATION

Youths nowadays would posit that the pressures and expectation of their own contemporary period are different from what obtained before. Is this position valid and what are your views on the values the youths of today have from a values, ethics, and cultural perspective.

The RDSF focuses on economic empowerment through charity activities in education, mentoring, and skills acquisition. In your opinion, what is the most challenging problem confronted by the educational system of Nigeria?

There are notable differences in values and culture between older and younger generations. Technological advancements have made younger individuals more adept at adapting to life situations and often holding differing opinions on ethics and culture.

The millennial generation exhibits a greater acceptance of new cultures, working with diverse people, places, and situations. When it comes to differ ences in behavioural and belief systems, it is the re sponsibility of older generations to impart truthful wisdom and hold steadfast to it.

“My interest includes supporting and financing the educational needs of exceptionally talented but financially disadvantaged students from secondary to university levels.”

The primary challenges lie in inadequate funding as well as poor infrastructure and educational facilities. My interest includes supporting and financing the educational needs of exceptionally talented but financially disadvantaged students from secondary to university levels. This endeavour is particularly emotional for me because it lifts such students out of a background of poverty and sets them on a path to a better future.

Based on your experience, what would be your advice to a Nigerian interested in joining the board of an NGO or seeking to set up one?

I would advise individuals to assess the NGO’s structure (ensure that it is formally registered) and well set up to achieve their goals. Furthermore, before joining the board of an NGO, it is also important to verify the intent and integrity of the founders/other Trustees.

R D S Mr Samson Igbokwe with RDSF Trustees and the winner of the 2018 RDSF Teachers' excellence award.

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OLANREWAJU BLESSING AN RDSF SUCCESS STORY

BACKGROUND I am Olanrewaju Blessing; the first child of a family of two children and I am from Esan Local Government Area in Edo State.

I studied English Language Education – NCE & B.E.D. I am the proprietor of Auxano Haven (Early Years & Primary School) and I am happily married with a child.

A-level program was defeated as I was not able to meet up with the financial requirements.

“Unfortunately, my mother passed on to glory before my tertiary education began. The goal of the A-level program was defeated as I was not able to meet up with the financial requirements.”

HOW IT ALL STARTED. Growing up for me was difficult, as my mother who had a failed marriage struggled alone to raise my younger brother and I, while living with our grandmother.

My mother did all kinds of jobs to cater to our needs. She managed to see me through my primary & secondary education. After my secondary education, I applied for the A-level IJMB program hoping that would help prepare a better platform for my admission to the university.

Unfortunately, my mother passed on to glory before my tertiary education began. The goal of the

I therefore couldn’t access my results, even though I came out well with 13 points -BBB; but the results were withheld by the school administration as I had not paid my school fees.

THE SEARCH FOR GREEN PASTURES. I left Ilorin where I sat for my Alevels for Lagos to stay with a church leader who promised to get me a job in his school, so as that I could save up money for my school fees. I worked there for several months while living in the school premises before I was called by the school where I did

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the A-levels to come get my results freely. I happily travelled down and got my results.

THE STRUGGLE TO ACCESS EDUCATION. Having gotten the A-level result, I applied for admission to Olabisi Onabanjo University. I was granted admission into 200 Level to study English Language.

I paid the acceptance fee and other fees. Unfortunately, during the final registration, my A-level results which was the basis for the offer of admission was rejected.

“I paid the acceptance fee and other fees.

Unfortunately, during the final registration, my A-level results which was the basis for the offer of admission was rejected.” | 27 |

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I made several calls to a professor in the school who made way for me to see the school heads, as well as the vice chancellor; but all to no avail.

In the end, the admission was withdrawn and the fees paid were not refunded. It was a tragic experience indeed! I went back to square one.

“In the end, the admission was withdrawn and the fees paid were not refunded. It was a tragic experience indeed! I went back to square one.”

In fact, I couldn’t go back to Lagos, since I had already resigned from the school I worked to resume school at OOU.

After securing the admission, I had another milestone of paying the school fees. At some point, I lost hope and went in search of a job at least to feed myself. While my mates went to lectures, I went to work.

Fortunately for me, I got a call from one of my church leaders – Mr. Komolafe, who linked me up with Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF), and that changed my story for good.

Rehoboth paid my fees all through my stay in school and I was able to settle down with the school work where I eventually graduated with the best results in the department of English language and School of Languages.

“Fortunately for me, I got a call from one of my church leaders – Mr. Komolafe, who linked me up with Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF), and that changed my story for good.”

God helped me, as I completed my NCE programme, I applied for a degree programme as a part -time student while working with the NCE results.

Here am I today, managing a school in a bid to impact and mould lives for a glorious future.

Many thanks to the Founders and the Board of Trustees for giving people like me hope.

TURNING POINT One of my leaders in the church told me of an admission opening at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.

At first, I was reluctant to process that, as I had no money on me and of course, no one to help or support; especially as all the money I saved while working had already gone down the drain as I pursued OOU admission earlier.

This leader paid for the forms on my behalf and I went for the school screening. I went to the school because I had no other choice; never could I have imagined myself going for a National Certificate of Education (NCE) programme.

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“After securing the admission, I had another milestone of paying the school fees. At some point, I lost hope and went in search of a job at least to feed myself.”

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RDSF Volunteer’s Profile

OMOLOLA FUNMILOLA ADEYEYE Is there any way your upbringing has influenced your choice of charity?

Kindly tell us about your background, family and education.

I am Omolola Funmilola Adeyeye, née Osho, an indigene of Osi Ekiti in Ido Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State. I was born into a family of seven, I grew up in the ancient city of Kano in Kano State.

I obtained my first degree in Chemistry from Kano University of Science and Technology in 2008, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

I have twelve years of teaching experience with the Lagos State Ministry of Education and I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of my students by helping them discover their unique potential.

My desire to learn and provide my students with a deep understanding of the subject matter led me to acquire a second degree in Chemistry from the prestigious University of Lagos and currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Environmental Chemistry at the same university.

I am happily married to my best friend, Prince Adegbolahan Adeyeye, and our marriage is blessed.

Growing up, I saw how my parents were actively involved in charitable activities despite their own financial struggles. This taught me the importance of giving back and helping others right from a tender age.

Since my university days, I have volunteered for different charity organizations so when I saw the opportunity to volunteer for Rehoboth Dreams Solid Foundation (RDSF), I jumped at it with enthusiasm.

Many people know you as a teacher but you are quite more engaged with students outside academic curriculum.

Please share with us some of the initiatives and avenues through which you mentor young people?

As a class and subject teacher, I’m deliberate on building a strong bond with my students, this makes them to trust me and as a result I’m able to impact on them easily.

Being the coordinator of the School’s JETS club, I usually invite professionals from different walks of life to share insight into their careers and offer advice to the students.

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My zeal to instil entrepreneurial desire in my students led me to start a group named “Shining Stars,” where I encourage my mentees to explore their natural gifts and use innovative thinking to solve life’s problems.

I also often engage my students in community service projects tagged “Clean-up Majidun” where they give back to the community by volunteering to clean the streets and markets close to the school, I do this with the intention of teaching the students about civic responsibility and empathy.

We admire your commitment as a volunteer at RDSF. What project would you consider the most emotional to you and why?

The RDSF project I find most emotional is the student sponsorship programme. The testimonies and feedback from the financial aid given by the foundation have provided succour and hope to the less privileged in our society, this has brought so much joy to my heart.

Thank you, RDSF for standing in the gap for these individuals.

How would you describe your experience as a volunteer at RDSF? My experience with RDSF has been fantastic. Although I have spent just six months with the foundation, I can say that I have no regrets about joining this team of great and creative minds. R Their activities are transparent and fair with no form of bias at all. | 29 |

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RDSF Updates INTRODUCTION

TESTIMONY FROM A BENEFICIARY

The Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation (RDSF) is an initiative of some like-minded people who have a common passion and burden to assist the less privileged students around them. These people, who had in the past offered financial and mentoring support to indigent young people in their individual capacities decided to reach out to other people via a formal channel in order to extend help to more people.

The mission of the Foundation is to engage in charity activities that will enhance the economic well-being of the less privileged through educational support, mentorship, and skills acquisition. The Foundation is registered with the United Nations, Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning, and other regulatory agencies in Nigeria.

The Foundation was established in September 2009 and began operations in 2011. It has awarded scholarships to over 250 students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

We do not just give a one-time financial support but continue to assist every of our beneficiaries financially until they complete a degree programme irrespective of their level of education at the time the scholarship was awarded. While many of our past beneficiaries have become breadwinners and are able to support others to achieve their dreams, others have ventured to acquire additional certifications at home and abroad.

On the 5th of June 2023, the Foundation published it’s call for scholarship applications for the 2023/2024 academic session. This was to give indigent tertiary students across the country the opportunity to join the other 72 students currently benefiting from the programme. This opening lasted until the 5th of July and the screening process has commenced.

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“We do not just give a one-time financial support but continue to assist every of our beneficiaries financially until they complete a degree programme irrespective of their level of education at the time the scholarship was awarded.” | 30 |

RDSF PARTNERSHIP WITH FEET OF GRACE The Feet of Grace Foundation is one of the organisations RDSF partners with to support indigent students who are in primary or secondary school. The Foundation provides prosthetic limbs to amputees in order to improve their mobility and autonomy. In 2016, RDSF forged this partnership with the Feet of Grace Foundation to provide continued education support to some of their beneficiaries.

Timilehin Odole (middle) has been a beneficiary of this partnership since 2016 and we are excited about his progress.

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RDSF ICT AND SOFT SKILLS TRAINING

He holds a bachelors of engineering in Electrical Electronic Engineering from the Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna and an MSc in National Security, and War Course , National Defense University Islamabad, post graduate diploma in Computer Security, University of Liverpool.

Admiral Ibrahim served in various capacities during his career, amongst which are Weapon Engineering Officer onboard many Nigerian Navy ships, Training Officer II Armed Forces Simulation Centre, and Commanding Officer of Weapon Electrical Engineering School Sapele.

The speaker, Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim (DSS).

One of the core charity activities of the Foundation is to sponsor skills acquisition programmes aimed at developing entrepreneurial, employable, and leadership skills amongst young people. The first edition was held in 2015 when the Foundation sponsored 13 undergraduates to a 5-day skill-up program organized by a Human Resources company called The Workplace in Lagos, Nigeria. Subsequently, the Foundation has organized other ICT and soft skills trainings at various tertiary institutions across the country.

He was also Head of Nigerian Mission Control, National Emergency Management Agency, General Manager of Yard Services Naval Dockyard, Deputy Director of ICT Naval Headquarters, Admiral Superintendent of Naval Shipyard Limited, the Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited, and currently the Managing Director, of Admiralty Maritime Services Ltd. Admiral Ibrahim has over 20 years of IT experience. He is an IT hobbyist and holds certification in Seven Domains of Cybersecurity, A+ Certification, SSCP, and Project Management and he is a certified ethical hacker and programmer.

Course outline:

On the 22nd of July 2023, the Foundation organized the 9th edition of its series of webinars.

The topic was Fundamentals of Cybersecurity and the guest speaker was Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim. Unlike previous webinars where participants were made to join the training virtually, the Foundation took a step further to enhance participation by making it a hybrid session with physical centers at five tertiary institutions across the country. The onsite venues were the University of Ilorin, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Ekiti State University, University of Uyo, and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba. The speaker, Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim (DSS) born on 12 April 1970, was enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1989 and subsequently commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant in 1994.

• • • • • • • • •

Concept of Cybersecurity Unique Attributes of Cyberspace Human Convergence in Cyberspace The Threat Spectrum The Basics of Cybersecurity Threat to Cybersecurity Staying safe and making it safe for others Cybersecurity as a Business Opportunity Career path

This webinar had over 408 live participants with positive feedback. The training was appropriate and practically delivered by the speaker. If you would like to watch the webinar or share it with others, please visit our YouTube channel at Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

R D Prof Michael Nnamseh, Department of Business Administration, University of Uyo. A special guest at the July 2023 training on cybersecurity.

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Participants at the University of Ilorin

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RDSF Visits NKO COMMUNITY IN CROSS RIVER STATE

RDSF Administrator and the clan heads of Nko community.

RDSF Administrator and the clan heads of Nko community

“This programme is sponsored by a benevolent Nigerian who had approached the Foundation with his desire to support indigent students in his community.”

L-R Mr Egere RDSF Administrator, Mr Edet Principal Itamuno Private school, Mr Akpan a volunteer from the community.

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Students of Itamuno Private School

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Students of Nko Community Senior School

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Lending a Helping Hand 6 WAYS TO SUPPORT THE VISION & MISSION OF RDSF

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ADOPT A STUDENT SCHEME

SPONSOR A WORKSHOP/TRAINING/EVENT

Under this scheme, the Foundation will recommend indigent students who will be adopted and sponsored for their full academic program.

The sponsor can choose to be anonymous or meet the beneficiaries.

Here the sponsor will also be provided with a periodic statement of the beneficiary's academic performance.

You can also choose to sponsor any of our programs like the Annual Lecture, Thinking Aloud Magazine and Teachers’ Excellence Award or R support the skill acquisition program organized for indigent D undergraduates in various tertiary institutions to equip them with S relevant ICT and soft skills relevant to career success.

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ONE TIME DONATION

PLEDGE

You can give one-time donation through a transfer to the Foundation's account or donate online through a secured donation link on our website. https://www.rehobothdreamsolidfoundation.org/donations Bank: First Bank Nigeria Account name: Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Account number: 2015884815

Sponsors can also make a pledge to give some money to the Foundation on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually).

Such sponsor will just send an email with details of the pledge and credit the Foundation's account.

Matching gifts are charitable workplace donations made by corporate entities that matches employees’ donations to eligible non-profit organisations. It is a way to show their employees that they are mindful of their social needs and support the causes they are most passionate about by empowering them to donate to any non-profit of their choice.

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WORKPLACE GIVING & MATCHING GIFT

Different organisations have different matching policies and it will interest you to know that some international corporations do up to double of your donations or more. What this means is that if a staff should donate a $100 to an NGO through a matching gift channel or work place giving, an organization with a 2:1 matching policy will donate additional $200 on behalf of that employee; making it $300 donation.

Many employees are not taking advantage of this platform and some are not even aware of the various workplace giving opportunities opened to them in their organisations; especially multinational corporations. As a donor, you can increase your impact by simply donating through a matching gift platform like Benevity. The process is very simply and automated in most organisations.

To do this, simply find out about your organisation’s workplace giving policies from your HR department. If you would like to get RDSF listed or registered for your organisation’s workplace giving program, kindly send us an email through rehobothdream@gmail.com and we will be happy to onboard.

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You can also volunteer your time and expertise by joining the RDSF team to carry out its daily operations and execute various projects across Nigeria. Most of these voluntary services can be done remotely.

VOLUNTEER

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FITNESS SPOTLIGHT WITH MRS NGOZI MBONUIKE How did you start your fitness journey and what is the motivation and story behind the attention you pay to exercise and fitness?

Thank you for sharing your fitness story with us. Please introduce yourself to our readers by telling us about yourself.

My name is Ngozi Mbonuike. I am a Food Technologist with over thirty-three years of experience in the food industry. I currently head Quality Assurance at Intercontinental Distillers Limited.

The success of any organization lies in the people and a successful leader gets to the finish line with his team. I am passionate about building teams, this has seen many young professionals reach their potential through mentoring and coaching.

I am a fitness and wellness enthusiast and run a healthy food business in Lagos Nigeria, Santé Wellness Hub. I am fifty-seven years old with three young adult children.

“I am passionate about building teams, this has seen many young professionals reach their potential through mentoring and coaching.”

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I have always loved exercising. Growing up at University of Nigeria I always took long walks with my friends around campus. My father also exercised by cycling around campus and took long walks also, this he did till he died at seventy-six. Coming to Lagos in 1988 I discovered I could not go for my long walks anymore.

In the year 2000, I had my first baby and added so much weight, I weighed almost 96kg. I knew I had to do something drastic. I got exercise videos and started working out while working on my diet. I joined “Ayodele Slimmers”, and this helped me get back in shape. Since then, I have continued to find ways to exercise.

“In the year 2000, I had my first baby and added so much weight, I weighed almost 96kg. I knew I had to do something drastic.”

How often do you work out and how do you create time for your routine?

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Consistency is key for any fitness journey. I create the D time to work out at least three times a week. I go to the S gym either early in the morning, if I have a late morning F meeting in Lagos or after work in the evening. | 35 |

Share with us the various ways you keep fit.

Are you currently enrolled with a gym?

Do you have an exercise buddy? What is the benefit of having a fitness accountability partner?

Yes, I am currently enrolled in a gym.

I have exercise buddy’s, IDL FITFAM and my coaches.

I still take long walks when I am in a safe environment.

Whenever I travel, having a gym in the hotel is a priority for me. As previously mentioned, I started with long walks, then aerobics exercises. I use various exercise platforms on YouTube. This really helped during covid when movement was restricted.

I however found I constantly plateaued: that when despite all you do the scale does not shift.

I started researching and found out only aerobics won’t give the desired results particularly for menopausal women. Research revealed strength training was key to getting optimal results. I then registered in a new gym, got a coach, and started lifting weights and working out with machines. The results are amazing. Not only am I energized, but my dresses also started fitting better.

A few years ago, I started a fitfam @ work and this has helped some of us workout at least once a week.

Having an accountability partner cannot be over emphasized, my two coaches are my accountability partners, these guys are like 20 years younger than me, they are huge motivators. I give them the respect due them and obey their instructions…. I am seeing results.

Because I respect them, they go out of their way to update me on the latest techniques.

When I started doing deadlifts for example, I could barely lift the bar without weight. They kept pushing me till I lifted 100kg. What? Me? Yes! When you join a gym, please get a coach. You can’t do it on your own.

Many people struggle to stay motivated and keep to their fitness routine. How do you motivate yourself on days when you do not feel like working out?

I am naturally self-motivated. My coaches are great motivators. Like I said earlier, if they don’t see me, they check to be sure all is well.

The greatest motivator is when you start seeing results.

How important are food choices in your fitness journey?

Food is the major contributor in my fitness journey, I would say about 80%. Exercise contributes only about 20%. This is why many people spend so much time exercising and don’t see results.

I have done all kinds of diets, fruits diet, protein diet, slimming teas (they just run your tummy and you are back to where you started), the truth is that these diets are not sustainable.

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“I started researching and found out only aerobics won’t give the desired results particularly for menopausal women.

Research revealed strength training was key to getting optimal results.”

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To succeed in your fitness journey, you must work around foods available to you and your household.

Currently I just cut down on the quantity I’m eating and make sure I keep my meals healthy. I eat pounded yam and all our staples. Moderation is the key.

Sante Wellness Hub started with the aim of providing healthy food options. All our products are healthy options to replace processed foods. We serve: Greek Yoghurt, Parfait, Tigernut Milk, Granola, Cold-Pressed juices & Sandwiches.

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“To succeed in your fitness journey, you must work around foods available to you and your household. Currently I just cut down on the quantity I’m eating and make sure I keep my meals healthy. I eat pounded yam and all our staples. Moderation is the key.”

What advice or tips do you have for busy executives struggling to juggle fitness with their busy schedule?

You can’t be too busy, if the doctor tells you, you have few hours to live unless you exercise, you will create time to exercise. We need to creatively create time to exercise either you do it in the morning or in the evening or anytime in between. Long walks, especially if you live in a safe area a few times a week, is ok. Get a treadmill.

Have a plan and follow through.

Can you share three essential tips that make your workout routine effective?

Have a coach.

Have a structured plan for exercises you do each time you go to the gym.

Be consistent.

Reach Sante on Instagram: @santewellnesshub WhatsApp: 08037200487

“You can’t be too busy, if the doctor tells you, you have few hours to live unless you exercise, you will create time to exercise.

We need to creatively create time to exercise either you do it in the morning or in the evening or anytime in between.”

How important is routine medical examinations in the quest to stay fit and healthy?

Routine medical examinations are very important. You need to know your medical standing before embarking on any diet or exercise regime. Most ailments, when detected early, are easily treated. The big diagnostic centers have packages for routine examinations, and they are pocket-friendly. Most times people say, “It’s not my portion”. That is a wrong approach. We pray things don’t get out of hand.

Follow me on social media: @ngozimbonuike Thank you for you time!

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True Love IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR

friend. Or if you’re like me, you have a list of people you feel this way for.

Friends that have literally been with me through thick and thin, friends that have hurt me and yet, we reconcile and come back stronger.

Friends that literally do life with me and go through difficult situations together. Friends that I have not let go of for years and I don’t plan on doing so.

You see, when you find relationships like these, when you find true love like this. Hold on to it. Tightly.

Clear up misunderstandings, open up your heart, be vulnerable, let them in, fight for your relationship, I promise you, it is worth it.

I was having a conversation with someone a while ago and the person said: ‘Some friendships are worth fighting for.’

And I responded like this: ‘I know, and I’ve decided that this one is not one of them.’ I probably sounded harsh as I made the statement, but the reality of those words really dawned on me.

I’m no stranger to friendship break ups. I have learnt that as we get older, sometimes we make new friends and sometimes we let go of old ones. Sometimes friendships end, not out of spite, but just because ‘life happened.’

One or both parties involved stopped prioritizing the relationship as much and as a result, the friendship died a natural death. No hard feelings, no anger, just 2 people deciding to take different ships and drift away. (See what I did there?)

You can look back on the relationR ship and smile, you wish them love D and happiness while also realising that this person no longer has the S same role in your life as they once had and vice versa.

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Sometimes, it’s an ugly ending, a falling out, a misunderstanding.

These kinds of break ups are painful, emotionally and sometimes even physically. Mourning the loss of what was and the future plans and possibilities that you planned with them in it. It sucks. But it’s life. It happens.

However, there are sometimes, where you find yourself so connected to someone, so deeply in love with someone that it almost seems like in your eyes they can do no wrong.

Stop being afraid to love and be committed to people because you’re afraid of ‘chopping breakfast’, breakfast na national cake, e go reach everybody. Lol But even if after all this, if things don’t work out and the friendship sails away, you’d know in your heart that you recognised that this was special and you did all you could to keep the ship sailing on the right course.

Some very rare friendships feel like this, they’re a bit intense, a bit more intentional.

The scales seem balanced for once. They’re putting in as much effort as you. Misunderstandings have to be cleared up, you’re holding on to them so tightly, that even if they want to leave you’d ask them to stay.

Something like what David and Jonathan had. You find that friend that sticks closer than a sibling.

That person that’s holding on to you as much as you’re holding on to them. As you’re reading this, I’m sure you can think of at least one A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

We appreciate every support over the years and your continued support and commitment that has made it possible for us to continue to provide succor to the less privileged in our society. We pray that God will bless you and grant you success in all your endeavors.

Donations: You can make your donations online at: https://www.rehobothdreamsolidfoundation.org/donations Bank: First Bank Nigeria Account name: Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation Account number: 2015884815

the rehoboth dream solid foundation board of trustees Rear Admiral Oladeinde (‘Deinde) Olusoga Joseph was born at AraMoko, Ekiti State into the humble family of late Mr. Joseph Owolabi and late Mrs. Ajibabi Owolabi on the 9th of May 1948.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Navy in July 1967 and later graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna and was commissioned as a Sub -Lieutenant in July 1971 in India. He received professional training as a naval officer in India, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Rear Admiral Joseph is a graduate of the Nigeria Command and Staff College Jaji and the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru.

As a professional naval officer, he went through all the ranks in the Navy until he was promoted to the full Rear Admiral rank in 1998. While in the Navy, he had 4 sea commands, which included that of NNS Aradu (the Navy’s flag ship), 2 Training bases and 2 Operational bases. He had 2 tours at Jaji Staff College as Chief Instructor and Director of the Naval Faculty. He was also the Military Governor of Ogun State between 1990 and 1992. His last job was Chief of Navy Personnel at Naval Headquarters until he retired in June 1999.

Married to Mrs. Katherine Lolade Joseph since April 1975, Rear Admiral ‘Deinde Joseph is blessed with 3 children; Toyin (now Mrs. Borisade), and the boys Seyi and Jide, all University graduates.

His hobbies are photography, reading and he is a handicap 9 golfer. A practicing Christian of Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu since 1967, he has a passion to help the less privileged in the society. Rear Admiral Joseph is a recipient of the National Honour of the Commander of the Order Of the Niger (CON), and brings his experience and goodwill to the Foundation as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Ms. Ketumi Alasa studied Computer Science in the then Sheffield City Polytechnic now known as Hallam University, Sheffield, England. Worked in various capacities as an IT professional in leading multinational Oil and Gas, Insurance and Iron and Steel companies in Nigeria for 28 years cumulatively.

After a successful and rewarding career in the corporate arena, she took an early retirement and launched out to fulfil her entrepreneurial dream in real estate and retail management. As a real estate entrepreneur, she has made remarkable progress in development and management of properties. On the retail front, she runs a chain of interior decoration shops.

She is a practicing licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant and a certified Canadian Education Consultant and Foreign Student Recruiter for Canadian schools.

She is the CEO of Canada Outreach Immigration and Academic Consultancy, Managing Director of J-Three Sixteen Associates and Managing Director of Kay Kay Enterprise Interiors. She also serves on the Boards of a couple of christian and philanthropic organizations.

Blessed with five children, she enjoys playing the game of Golf. She served as a Lady Captain of IBB Golf and Country Club.

She is a Christian with a deep passion and commitment to supporting Missions work and the under privileged. Ms Ketumi Alasa is also a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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Deacon Samson Madu Igbokwe is a 1983 B.Pharm Graduate of Pharmacy from the former University of Ife (Unife), now known as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). In addition, he gained a Masters in Business Administration Degree (MBA) from the University of Lagos (Unilag) in 2000. He also acquired a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM).

Shortly after his Youth Service Corp at Military Hospital Lagos, he set up his own pharmacy business at S.W. Ikoyi, Lagos in 1985 which he has been running as Chairman/Managing Director till date. This is a company that supplies and distributes pharmaceuticals to its community and hospitals in Lagos State.

A devout and practicing Christian, he gave his life to Christ on March 31, 1991 in The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Akoka. Since then, he has served in various capacities in TREM as House Fellowship Centre Leader, Zonal Leader, Assistant Area Co-coordinator and Financial Secretary/Treasurer of Caleb Group of the Christian Men Fellowship.

He is currently serving as the Chairman Hospital Visitation Ministry in TREM. He is a member of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and a Treasurer at Ikoyi Pharmacy Community Zone. He has passion for contributing to his community, and often assists in reaching out to orphans, the fatherless and widows in the community.

Periodically, he visits in a group and prays for the sick in hospitals in Lagos, ministering to their spiritual, physical and material needs. He is happily married to his amiable wife Mrs. Roseline Igbokwe and they have 5 children. Deacon Samson Igbokwe is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

In loving memory of Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe, a Founding Trustee: November 2, 1965 - June 19, 2023. She was married to Pharmacist Samson M. Igbokwe, and together are blessed with five children.

She was an alumna of Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), Gangtok, India and the University of Lagos (UNILAG); Bsc. in Applied Information Technology, Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration(MBA) from the same institution.

She held a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Systems Management (CPISM), Advanced Diploma in Systems Engineering (ADSE), Certificate in Strategies for Managing and Collecting Data (LBS) and Certificate in Core Sales Skills (LCT). She worked with Texaco Nigeria Plc as well as Chevron Oil Nigeria Plc as Food Mart Supervisor, Senior Retail Business Consultant, South, and then MRS Oil Nigeria Plc as District Sales Manager, Southwest Nigeria, Credit Control Manager for Nigeria, Aviation Commercial, Retail Sales Manager for Southeast/Southwest Nigeria and Head, Sales & Marketing, Nigeria.

A hard worker with enthusiasm for excellence, in 2006 she won the ‘African Pakistan Global Downstream 2006 Cultural Award, of Customer Facing and Market Focused’ in Chevron, having executed superior and consistent execution and sales implementation of all programs, processes and systems. She had focused the department’s organization around achieving the best business financial targets through an agreed set of Profit & Loss control measures in all MRS Oil Nigeria Plc service stations in Nigeria.

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She was an ordained minister with The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM): and at various times has held the following positions: Assistant Secretary, Young Women Fellowship; Assistant Secretary, Christian Women Fellowship and Chairman Disciplinary Committee of the Evangel Voices Choir and Team Lead with the Christian Women Fellowship. Deaconess Roseline Igbokwe was a Founding Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

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Pastor (Dr.) Joshua Gbadebo Opadiya is the Senior Pastor of Every Nation Church Sydney, Australia, a worldwide family of churches and ministries. He is currently serving as the Hub Leader of the Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea and Fiji) overseeing the ‘Every Nation churches and ministries in the Oceania region.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya previously lectured in the Lagos State University, Nigeria for 6 years, before moving with his family to Innsbruck in Austria where he lived for almost 6 years. Thereafter, the family moved to Sydney Australia in 1999 where together with his wife, Dr. Mrs. Opadiya started the ‘Every Nation Church.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the reputable University of Ibadan in Nigeria and holds a doctorate degree in Ecotoxicology from the Technical University, Innsbruck, Austria.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya has a burden to raise godly leaders and see the nations return to Jesus Christ.

He has travelled and ministered in several nations worldwide.

Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya's passion is to connect with young adults and adults alike who are leaders, peacemakers and bridge builders in their colleges, universities and in their communities. His life has been dedicated to this cause, reaching out, equipping, counseling and mentoring. He is also the dean of Every Nation Leadership Institute, a part-time program that is purposefully designed to provide discipleship training and biblical teaching for people from all walks of life. Pastor (Dr.) Opadiya and his wife have been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. He is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya is a senior pastor with Every Nation Churches and Ministries. Alongside her husband Pastor (Dr) Joshua Opadiya, she oversees the multi-congregational Church organization in Sydney, Australia – a church with members from diverse cultures, age groups and professions.

She is a teacher and motivational speaker with a passion for teaching about God's love and His purpose for humanity. She is also passionate about women and youth ministry; and is committed to mentoring women and young girls.

Her heart-cry is to see ‘the Church’ respond to the Great Commission of ‘making disciples’ and transforming nations. A graduate of the prestigious Universities of Ife and Ibadan in Nigeria, she also holds a Doctorate degree in French (Women Literature) from the University of Innsbruck in Austria. She had worked as a French Lecturer in the Lagos State University and in various schools in Sydney Australia. Dr. (Mrs.) Yinka Opadiya been married for 31 years. They are blessed with children. She is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Mrs. Ronke Osikoya holds a law degree (LLB) from the University of Lagos and an MBA (1988) from the same University. She is a Certified Trainer for the Commonwealth Association on Corporate Governance and has facilitated on the Directors course on Corporate Governance. She is a Management Consultant that co-runs a management consulting firm, Pedion Partnership Limited.

Her values are strongly shaped by her Christian faith and she believes very passionately in supporting the under-privileged, particularly children, which accounts for her involvement with the Foundation.

Mrs. Osikoya is a Trustee of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation and lives with her husband and 2 sons in Lagos, Nigeria.

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THINKING ALOUD | ISSUE 23 | JUL - SEP 2023

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Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe is a devout Christian who was ordained as a Deaconess of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the year 2000 and as an Assistant Pastor in August 2013. She served as a Coordinator in the Teens ministry of the Resurrection Parish of the RCCG in Lagos where her passion for supporting the education of the less privileged was birthed .

She is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Banker and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Mrs. Bimbo Komolafe has taken various management, Leadership and professional courses, within and outside Nigeria and is an Alumna of the Lagos Business School. She worked for 9 years in a reputable Merchant Bank in Nigeria and thereafter worked for 20 years with one of the leading Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. She currently works as a Principal Consultant for Threshold of Trust Nigeria Limited.

Married to Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd) who is also an Ordained Pastor of the RCCG Nigeria, they are blessed with 3 children. Together with her husband, they are committed to providing financial support to as many less privileged students as they can accommodate. Mrs Bimbo Komolafe is the founder and Executive Secretary of the Rehoboth Dream Solid Foundation.

Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd), is a highly revered and distinguished military officer who served meritoriously with impeccable records in the Nigerian Navy. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1980 and was commissioned as a Naval Officer a year after. Due to his quest for knowledge and passion for competence, he proceeded to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated in 1985 with a B.Sc. Degree in Accountancy. He attended several courses nationally and overseas and witnessed consistent career growth during his active years in the military.

Rear Admiral Komolafe is a change agent with a commitment to providing transformational leadership and ensuring realignment of processes, operations, resource and people on various integrated fronts for optimum value creation. He held various sensitive positions in the Navy before his voluntarily retirement from the Service after 35 years of meritorious service. He presently sits on the Board of many prestigious organizations. Beyond his Military career, Rear Admiral Kehinde Komolafe (Rtd.) is a lover of God and a Pastor. He is married to Mrs. Abimbola Komolafe and they are blessed with 3 children.

R D S

Charity to the less priviledged

Skills Acquisition programmes

Raise funds for the needy

Supporting the poor

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A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE