Running 'cos a life depends on it!!!

 I recently found out - through my friend Bola - that Cancer Research UK  is the world's largest charity dedicated to cancer research by supporting the work of around 4,800 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK. Cancer Research UK’s scientists and doctors have made significant contributions to half of the top 30 drugs used to treat patients worldwide today. And with over 230 events taking place across the UK,  the Race for Life is Cancer Research UK's flagship event; vital in funding their work of preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. Good thing is it's open to public participation, and Bola and her friends have consistently been part of the ‘race’ for a while now. This year, she shares her experience with us. Hope you enoy it, while learning a thing or two... 

Bola Speaks 

On Sunday, the 18^th of July 2010, Dayo Okiji and myself, along with a group of our loyal supporters met at London Hyde Park for the annual Race for Life event.  The event was fun to watch and to be a part of; there were musicians and dancers entertaining the crowd and face-painting for the children. We arrived [and also started out] late, but that didn’t matter as we still had to do 5 kilometers. We didn’t actually run all the way because  it was way too hot and the ambulance wasn’t close enough – just in case I crashed so i took it easy[lol] We jogged… and walked … but still managed to hold it together till we got to the end.

 Dayo’s feet were killing her but she kept going. It all went smoothly until the part when i got stuck on a fence try to take a short cut L. Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of this particular scene because Dayo couldn’t figure out how to use the power button, but I survived as she eventually helped me down after laughing her heart out!

                                                                                        

On a whole, It was great to have the whole family there for support - shout out to Seun, Bukky, Joke, Mercy, Lekan, Mary and all the kids....we love you sooo much and thanks for the encouragement. Of course we’ll do it again next year!!! Till 2011, keep making a difference whichever way you can J Together we will beat cancer 

x 

For people who keep asking [or wondering] WHY we do it, here goes....

Why are we involved?

I bet every single person knows someone who has been, or is affected by cancer. We Race for Life for everyone who has died from cancer and in the hope that less people will die from the disease in the future. Whether it’s raising money for Cancer research or for children in need, it’s just about making a difference; we do it simply because we care. It is hard to describe the atmosphere at the event and what it feels like to see thousands of people who share the same passion as you. It is a humbling experience. It is truly inspiring to read the signs pinned to each person’s backs as everyone has a different story

                                                                                                        Dayo was real happy to cross the finish line. lol. Who wouldn't? 

Our sponsorship page is still open for donations, please show some love: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/boladayotemi

A Singing Sista's lyrics

Is it ever tiring to keep talking [or writing] about doing some good, making a difference, or being that change?! Well, not if that's what you're wired to do. Today however,I leave it to a guest Blogger to do all the talking. Sistasoul [born Veronny Odili] is a performing Artiste and dear friend, and when she told me about her 'i-Read Literacy network' project, I thought to myself "about time!" ; Nigeria was recently announced as having the highest number of children with no access to education, and even though a lot of well-meaning citizens as well as celebs have been trying to do something about it, it's rather galling that despite all the support from fans, not a lot of Artistes around these parts are passionate about social responsibility. Well, if the established ones won't do it, who says the newbies can't?!!

Veronny speaks

Contrary to what the media, particularly the western media says about Africa, we are hardly all about hunger, wars and diseases. We are a blessed continent with great people and vision.
That is not to say we do not have our own fair share of problems. We do, just like every existing society out there. Ok, maybe a little more :-) Many of our problems however, can be traced to ignorance; when we KNOW, then we are empowered. We cannot speak up with one voice most times because there is conflict of interests and unawareness from the larger percentage of the people. The ones who are in the know are generally fewer.

The iRead literacy network is a voluntary movement of many people with one goal; Stomp out illiteracy by teaching people, particularly children how to read, I say children, in particular because of their natural curiosity which ultimately creates the willingness that ultimately leads to the absorption of knowledge.

The benefits of literacy are limitless. We are using this network as a tool to impact knowledge, promote understanding between our cultures, improve self esteem, as well as giving people an avenue for sharing their gifts through volunteer teaching and mentorship.

In due course, there will be many programs which are centered around our goal but for now; we start with giving our time and knowledge to children in public schools who do not have enough teachers and those in children’s homes who are orphaned and/or those who ordinarily cannot afford teachers.

This is a call therefore to you, my good people. If you are moved to join the network, please by all means do. We have a facebook group [iREAD LITERACY NETWORK] where you can show your support. Presently, our first port of call will be at a children’s home/public school in Accra, Ghana.
Please join us if you can, and/or alternatively reach us with suggestions, ideas, questions and comments

Thanks so much and God bless.
One Africa, One Love, One Goal.

To connect with the project, please contact Sistasoul by Email: ireadafrica@gmail.com / sistasoul001@gmail.com
Phone: +233 (0) 541855661
Also read blog posts on: www.ireadafrica.blogspot.com
catch a feel of her music on http://www.myspace.com/sistasoul4always

A little something to help out wit

I've been getting tons of mails [especially since the last post about my trip to the Red Cross Orphanage] from people expressing their desire to do something positive. Well, I guess prayers do get answered - and quickly too - as there'll be a walk, just like the Walk Against Rape some months ago. But this time around, it's an awareness walk in celebration of the World Sickle Day, organised by the Sickle Cell Advocacy & Management Initiative [SAMI] in Nigeria

Details:
Walk for Change: Be Sickle Smart
Take off Point: National Stadium End Point: NIMR Hall, Edmund Close, Yaba
Take off time: 8.00am

FOR YOUR BRANDED TSHIRTS and/or CAPS TEXT 0809 800 7264 WITH YOUR NAME NOS & SIZE. Cost: T Shirts 3000, Cap 200 ( this is limited in qty)

and a Symposium

In Celebration of the World Sickle cell Awareness Day
Under the distinguished chairmanship of Dr Jide Idris, the Lagos State Honourable Commissioner of Health
Theme: 100 YEARS OF SICKLE CELL DISORDER – STILL SEEKING A SOLUTION”
Date: Saturday 19th June, 2010.
Venue : NIMR Hall, Nigerian institute of medical research, Edmund Street, behind Presbyterian Church, Yaba, Lagos.
Time: 12noon.

Free Genotype Testing Available
Refreshment follows

Help spread the word and create more awareness on Sickle Cell Disorder. And remember to go in your Jeans and Tshirt.

LEND & MTV saf ; The wait is over!

 OMG!!! After months of waiting patiently, the Lend/MTV staying alive video is finally out!

Incase this news sounds alien to you; in April I blogged about LEND and their MTV staying alive-sponsored programme which held in march and was totally inspiring. For more info, go to  http://ilove2volunteer.blogspot.com/2010/05/2-days-lending-hand.html . All I can say is "God bless Mtv Staying Alive Foundation and the LEND team - Eunice Eso, Desmond Okoro, Olusola Kayode, and Temitope Akinbomi"

Leaders with New Dimensions (LeND) from mtv staying alive on Vimeo.

My Day with the Kids

Children's day [May 27] may be gone, but I had mine with the kids at the Red Cross Orphanage, Yaba. The first time I met them was on Sunday, November 1, 2010; it was my friend Kofo's birthday, and she decided to ditch her usual glam get together for time out with orpans. So we picked up contributions [toys, clothes etc] from friends, bought drinks, food and supplies and spent the entire day with the lil' cuties. Well, I didn't get to do much on Thursday, May 27, 2010 which was Children's day, so I decided to go back and visit the children at Red Cross. I'd gone there on Thursday, June 3 to make enquires and Mrs. Obanife [the Matron] mentioned that the next day would be perfect for visitation as the children were on mid-term break. So next day it was! The rains came heavily and tried to hold me down, but I was determined and at 3:00pm I hailed a cab and went to Red Cross. These are the photos

 

My Personal faves, Charles and Fred

Happy Africa Day!

  Today is Africa day and this year’s theme is ‘peace and security for Africa’ . Peace and security are definitely two things we desperately need in Africa.

In Nigeria, they say 'The Police is your friend...' but honestly you can't even trust uniformed men who flag you down at night! and as for peace, the recent happenings in Jos questions our unity and peace. As Africa celeberates a day of Unity [which is what today is really about] I'm proudly waving my flag - which is green white green; what is yours? I'm also saying a prayer - one which I pray everyday for my continent - that we change from our status of the ‘hungry’, improverished third world continent to the opposite. Happy Africa Day! 

Yay! Children’s day is almost here

Okay okay I’m not a tot, so why should I be ecstatic about Children’s day? Well, apart from perfumes, shoes and dogs, Children are my greatest joy! Just seeing them makes me smile, and at the rate I dash to carry every Child I see, it’s laughable and a friend of mine says I could pass for a kidnapper. Lol. Imagine that! Ok, so in a couple of days [May 27, 2010], it’ll be Children’s day and I’ve been beating myself, trying to figure out the best gift to get them. Looked around and decided to put up some events - for those of you who love Children too and are interested in giving back. And just in case you’re wondering what to give, I suggest 3 things

i] Your TIME: visit an Orphanage, Hospital or School. You know what they say; sometimes, time is worth more than money. A lot of children have been abandoned [most especially physically challenged and/or special needs kids] and visiting them makes them feel appreciated and loved. But if you’re not off work or will be engaged, you could donate financially or otherwise to individuals or Organisations that have programmes, that way you’re still contributing indirectly.

ii] Your Resources; Money, money, money… they say it’s the root of all evil, but it’s also the problem-solver. So if you have some to throw around, do invest in worthy causes PLEAZZZZZZZZZZZZZ J you’ll make someone happy. Also you can give countless things out; food, clothes, shoes, toiletries, and a million other things. Remember not to give worn-out, begging-to-be-thrown-away items – these children are human beings too.

Iii] Love and Care: Probably the most important of the three, the need for affection cannot be over-emphasized. A lot of these children have had traumatic experiences even in their tender age and as such need to be soothed. So in any way you can, make them feel loved; when you go visiting, no matter how unkempt and/or uneducated they might seem, make an attempt to carry them, hold them close, speak to them and encourage them, you never know how far your words and actions will go

Some Projects You can help out with

Down Syndrome

Launching and Commissioning of New Resource Centre

The Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria [DSAN] is launching the Down Syndrome Foundation  and also the commissioning a new resource centre. At the resource centre, people with Down Syndrome will be trained to live an independent life; they will be taught craft, normal and specialized education, music and vocational studies. The DSAN has also introduced a boarding arrangement and have witnessed a great deal of students turn out. They’ve been able to achieve all these with YOUR support and wish to say thank you and ask that you join them on May 27th 2010 when we will have this event to say thank you very much.

Venue:    43 Adegoke Street Surulere, Lagos State, NIGERIA
Time:       10 a.m Prompt
Date:        27th May 2010

Click to join event on facebook

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112321088809765&ref=mf

Party and Project Support

Welcome to Lagos; Jo Watts returns

After an amazing time (4 weeks) in Lagos with the Charity - Wish For Africa a year ago, Jo Watts is be returning to Mafoluku to see how things are going in the Optimal Medical Centres.
This trip will include a party for local children celebrating National Children’s day 27th May.....Any help you can give to make this a party one they will remember is gratefully appreciated.

What you could do: make donations to provide gifts, food, cake, drinks etc for the children's party. Also, medical equipment – of any kind - is needed, as their new building in Alagbado is nearing completion and requires equipping. Any additional funds raised will be put into this project, which will make a huge difference to the poor in the area.

Jo’s trip:                             From Saturday, May 22 – Saturday, June 5, 2010

Children’s day Party:      Thursday, May 27, 2010

Venue:                                Mafoluku, Lagos, Nigeria

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112944595405557&index=1

The WAR is on!!!!

With all the stories I’ve heard, it almost seems like 4 out of every 10 Nigerian girls, were sexually molested as children – either by uncles, neighbors and sometimes, sadly… even their own fathers L. As if that’s not enough, they grow into beautiful young girls who are approached by ‘wealthy’ married old men who feel money can buy them fresh young virgins. And if that isn’t your story, thank God! But there’s also outright RAPE! Either by people you know or total strangers - while you’re walking on some deserted road, being robbed in your own home, or by a boyfriend who you’ve refused sexual relations. I’m thankful that I’ve never experienced rape, but a lot of girls have and are still going through it, although most of them can’t speak up because of the stigma attached to it. I think in our society; the victim is given more attention while the offender walks off with little or no penalty. And despite the trauma victims go through, we still choose to see them as ‘The girl who was raped’ rather than offer them empathy, help and justice. Sad, but it’s almost as though everyone’s thinking ‘what was she doing there at such an ungodly hour?’ or ‘she asked for it… I’m sure she led him on!’ Even if the victim in question is a ‘call girl’ or someone who stayed out way past her curfew, or whatever else, that is still no excuse for anyone to forcefully have sexual relations with anyone. More and more men are beginning to feel they can do this wicked act and get away with it. We need to act against this now; you never know, the next victim could be your sister, girlfriend, wife or even daughter!

p.s: Inspired by the Walk Against Rape [WAR] which took place on the 16^th of April, 2010. It all started with some people saying enough to rape, and various bodies, well meaning individuals loads of celebs and public figures came together for a peaceful protest against it. The walk kicked off from the Arch Bishop Vining memorial Church at about 10:00am, and ended at the Ministry of Women Affairs and poverty Alleviation, Secretariat, Alausa, Lagos State.

Roll call: Toni payne, Beanpole, Ofunneka Molokwu [Big Brother], Ego Ogbaro, Omo Baba, Holy Mallam, Zara, W4 Steel, Ololade Facus [Former Sisi Oge beauty Queen] etc etc

Zara, W4 and uche










Toni Payne and her artistes 'zara' and 'w4' were in attendance

Guess who? lol








Many Organisations and NGOs were represented but Gbonju couldnt attend as she's a doctor and was on call, so Tolu and I had to represent :-) 

Ofunneka and Ego were really active, they challenged us!

The weather was hot, the walk was loooong, but we were all charged. It kinda reminded me of the hymn "...the Church is marching on; the gates of hell shall not prevail...". Lol


Final Destination

       Final Destination       

Surprisingly, The men were around to support too. [pix] Holy Mallam [left]

2 Days LENDing a hand!

I totally enjoyed myself [for 2 days in a row!!!] on the 30th and 31st of March, 2010. Nope, I wasn’t on some shopping spree, and it wasn’t some party-animal weekend for me either; No thank you! I simply had an opportunity to do what I love doing best… volunteering and hanging out with kids.

Desmond had told me about the LEND programme [kicking off on March 29] a million weeks before, but trust me to totally forget. Honestly, I went red with shame when he called me up that morning because I was on my way out of town for some other engagement. I felt really sad, ‘cos I’d sooo wanted to be a part of the event. I made sure I concluded what I had to do and rushed back to Lagos, that same day, to be able to make the remaining days… and trust I didn’t regret that decision. You know that kind of joy you get when you help the needy, or give your stuff to the underprivildged?   That joy-bringing, roof-raising, omg-I-think-I'm-gonna-make-it-to-heaven type of feeling… that’s exactly how I felt. On the first day, it was a trip to Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired and on the second, it was off to Reagan Girls. Needless to say, it was crazy fun!! Denrela Edun, Ofunneka [from Big Brother Africa], Gxploits, Miss Nigeria 2009, Tarri [from project Fame] and sisi Oge Reps were all present. For all the juicy gist, go to Bee's Lend Story


The Photos from Wesley school for the hearing impaired:

The Kids from the Wesley School, may have been physically challenged [hearing impairity, but they definately mentally fit. They expressed their HIV/AIDS understanding through drawings, a dance presentation and a commendable drama presentation. They were just so excited to have guests [Ofunneka even presented them with some books, linking with her 'book project']... I definately learnt a lot of stuff from spending the day with them [especially the sign language]. p.s: i went around for days telling people 'I love you' in sign language. Cool, huh?

The Photos from Reagan Girls' :

The girls were so intelligent and aware. So many issues relating to sex, Aids, and youths were discussed. Trust denrele to be the mad man that the always is... but of course the girls loved him! And I think they were just so thrilled to have celebs over at their school.