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Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation Beams Light of Hope, Distributes Mobility Aids to PLWD

Published

2 years ago

March 23, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The main hall of the Saint Micheal, Raphael and Gabriel Catholic Church, Satellite Town, Lagos, and the entire premises were bubbly with humanitarian activities as the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation of Nigeria took it upon itself to reach out to Nigerians living with disabilities with various forms of mobility aids, ranching from crutches, wheelchairs and walking sticks.

The Foundation, which has in the last eight years, since 2016, been saddled with the responsibility of caring for the less privileged and other indigent persons, also conducted free eye tests as well as gave out free medicated eyeglasses for the virtually impaired.

Speaking at the occasion, and tracing the eight years journey of the Foundation, the Founder/CEO, Mrs. Tarela Aghanti, who is also the United Kingdom Ambassador for the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Europe Chapter, noted that she was motivated to embark on the journey, which has translated to pure selflessness and humanitarian, upon discovery that her own son was not only born with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but was not properly diagnosed and treated, until she was opportune to take him abroad, where he received better treatment and attention. She noted that it was the need to extend the privilege her son had enjoyed that prompted her to ensure that the processes are replicated back home in Nigeria.

“The motivation was purely humanitarian, and with me having gone through that issue of having a child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and with everything that I went through personally for the fact that there was no awareness about it, and I didn’t know what my son had, and there was no proper medication that was recommended for my son. That got to the bottom of my heart. And when I eventually got an opportunity to give my son treatment, I felt there was a need to come back home and give back to humanity. And the reason I felt that need was because I had an opportunity of a lifetime that changed my life and my son’s life.

“My son became a human being again; my family was intact. For me, family is very important, so I felt that need to go back and breach the gap where people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta can be human, and have their own family; be united with their family and be brought up by their own parents.

“I’m so grateful that the Foundation is doing just that, and we are able to achieve even more, bring in OI professionals and specialists from the United States to conduct surgeries for these children,” Mrs Aghanti informed.

She added that humanitarian-giving by the Foundation has been sustained in eight years, and in 2024 at the very event, a total of 314 mobility aids including wheelchairs, crutches and walking canes, were given out to various categories of Osteogenesis Imperfecta patients.

In her remarks at the occasion, the Ambassador of the Foundation in Nigeria, Yeye Adenike Agnes Shobajo, expressed her delight at the selfless efforts of Mrs Aghanti and her team in giving to Nigerians, what otherwise they would not be able to access, describing her as a superwoman, who deserves a national award.

“If there are few individuals in this country, who deserve to be honoured on the national scale, Mrs Aghanti qualifies to be one of them. She deserves a national honour and recognition for her selfless efforts,” Yeye Shobajo said.

The OI Ambassador proceeded to honour Mrs Aghanti by presenting her with a medal honour, thanking her for her efforts as well as pleading with her not rest on her oars in affecting the society positively.

While acknowledging the accolades, Mrs Aghanti called on the government at all levels to come to their assistance in reaching out to more Nigerians as funds required for the assignment are huge.

“The challenges are huge. In the first place, we’ve not had any funding in the Nigerian space. A lot of the funds we have used are from fundraising in the UK or individuals supporting us. But from the Nigerian space, we have not had any help.

“Again, we are in dire need of medical doctors for the children, who need a level of bone juice every six months to keep them going, and it reduces fracture among the children, who are very fragile and allergic to any form of stress. The juice and surgery can correct any deformity in the child. So funding and provision of medical personnel are highly needed.

“We certainly need the government to partner and work with considering more that we are working in the grassroots. We are actually locating families of children that have been abandoned, picking them up and giving them life again,” Aghanti said.

She further advised on the need to identify the Osteogenesis Imperfecta patients on time because the only record of loss recorded in the Foundation are those of children discovered after they have been seriously battered and rendered almost lifeless, noting that early discovery makes therapy and treatment easy and rewarding.

“It is my privilege to let our policy know that Osteogenesis Imperfecta do exist, and there are a lot of Nigerian children suffering from the disease. They need assistance, and more importantly policies that will enable them live their normal lives as human beings,” Aghanti added.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the wheelchairs and others to citizens who desired them. Among the first of recipients was young Tishe Ajayi, who presented emotional poems before receiving his wheelchair.

Other members of the public, who have benefited from both the generosity of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation and Mrs. Tarela Aghanti as a person, were also on hand to express their appreciations.

The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation is already eight years in the business of rendering humanitarian assistance to the special needs persons, and according to the Founder, they are not stopping any time soon.

“Our Foundation is in search of a country where the needs of people living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta are understood, respected and affected to fully meet their potential,” Aghanti concluded.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease, is a disease that causes weak bones, making it to break easily. The OI can also cause many other diseases such as weak muscles, brittle teeth and hearing loss.

Photos: Ken Ehimen

Featured

Governor Adeleke Celebrates First Lady, Titilola Adebusola Adeleke @60

Published

14 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Eric

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has celebrated his wife, the First Lady, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, as she marks her 60th birthday, describing her as “a pillar of support and a symbol of discipline and morality”.

In a birthday message he personally signed, the governor recalled with nostalgia how the bonding started and how the good Lord blessed the relationship with innumerable achievements and successes , noting that “ the first lady stands for all that a man wants in a woman as to discipline, self control, courtesy among others.

While praising her humility, respect for fellow human beings and capacity to manage people, the governor commended the first lady for her consistent perseverance, her passionate support for the family and her huge contributions to his development and progress in all facets of life.

“My dear wife, you have always been there for me in rough and good times. You are a strong pillar of support who strengthens me in all spheres of life. You remain a paragon of beauty, self control and discipline in your private and public conduct.

“Ever since we met, you have demonstrated your deep love and affection for me. And in the last few decades, your contributions to the family growth and successes cannot be under-estimated. Your day is therefore blessed as you are a blessing to countless beings on this earth.

“As you mark your day in good health and strong heart, I pray to the Almighty God to continue to strengthen, protect and prosper you in all your endeavours. Together, we have been winning. I know and pray that we shall continue to win together.

“As you clock 60 today, I pray for more wisdom and strength as you contribute your own quota to the development of the family and our dear state. You are an indispensable partner as we paddle the canoe of the state ship for good governance.

“My dear wife, I truly love you and I say happy blessed birthday”

Featured

Sunny Irakpo Launches SILEC International Magazine in America

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

Drug Use Prevention Advocate, Founder and President of SILEC Initiatives, and U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumnus, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, has unveiled SILEC International Magazine (SIM), a groundbreaking media platform exclusively dedicated to reporting drug-related issues across Africa, the United States, and the global community.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with partners in New Jersey, where Ambassador Irakpo is currently participating in a series of community-based and public-safety initiatives to deepen his expertise in combating substance use disorders and illicit drug trafficking both in the United States and worldwide.

A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Drug-Focused Journalism

Ambassador Irakpo emphasized that SIM is designed to shape public consciousness by promoting value-driven storytelling and providing credible information on the rising tide of drug abuse and illicit trafficking—a crisis he describes as “a looming danger destroying the vibrant youth populations of many nations.”

He noted that the magazine will spotlight the work of NGOs, CEOs, advocates, and policymakers, churches, and companies with strong social responsibility particularly from African perspectives, while amplifying influential voices and advancing global understanding of effective anti-drug efforts.

Drawing inspiration from media leaders such as Dele Momodu, Chairman of Ovation Media Group, and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television, Irakpo described SIM as “a beacon of hope and a tool for societal transformation.”

Recognizing U.S. Efforts Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Ambassador Irakpo commended the United States for its continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and addiction—efforts strengthened under previous and current administrations. He particularly noted that the U.S. government under President Donald Trump demonstrated “exceptional courage, political will, and capacity in confronting the opioid crisis and the destructive forces fueling illicit drug trade,” encouraging world leaders to emulate such resolve.

He reiterated that addressing substance abuse requires a combination of drug-demand reduction, citizen sensitization, international collaboration, and sustained public education.

A Platform With Social Impact and Youth Empowerment at Its Core

Irakpo highlighted SIM as a top-tier media platform that will not only drive awareness but also create employment opportunities for young people and support underprivileged students—particularly in Nigeria, where more than 20 million children remain out of school due to financial hardship.

He added that SIM will serve as a sustainability engine for the ongoing anti-drug overdose campaigns of SILEC Initiatives, a leading nonprofit that has educated and sensitized communities for nearly two decades.

Experienced Editorial Leadership

As SIM prepares for its U.S. take-off, Irakpo announced the appointment of veteran journalist Julius Eto as Chairman of the Editorial Board. Eto brings more than four decades of experience across Nigeria’s premier news organizations, including The Guardian, ThisDay, The Punch, Daily Times, and The Trumpet.

He will be joined by distinguished academics including Prof. Oscar Odion Odiboh and other seasoned professionals committed to advancing the magazine’s mission.

A Call for Media Reawakening and Global Collaboration

Ambassador Irakpo called for a media renaissance in Nigeria to strengthen societal values and elevate African leadership in global discourse. SIM, he said, intends to claim its rightful place as “an African voice on the world stage.”

With the official launch of SILEC International Magazine (SIM) scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in the United States, Ambassador Irakpo extended an invitation to corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals worldwide to support this far-reaching vision.

“With hope, determination, and the resilience symbolized by the eagle, SIM is prepared to soar across the globe. Members of the public are respectfully enjoined to visit our friendly, rich anti-drug abuse website, www.silecinitiatives.org.ng,” he added.

Featured

How Tinubu Helped to Crush Military Coup in Benin Republic – Presidency

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

The Presidency, on Sunday night, said acting on the two requests by the authorities of Benin Republic, President Bola Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Presidency, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu commended the swift response of the gallantry of Nigeria’s military.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

“The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

“In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

“The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”

“Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.

He further stated: “Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

“It took some hours before the government’s loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

“In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”