JUNE 2008

LAGOS NSP EXCO PAY COURTESY VISITS TO HOSPITALS LAGOS STATE

The revitalization of the Lagos State Chapter of the NSP started in earnest with familiarization and courtesy visits to hospitals with physiotherapy facilities in Lagos State. The Chairman, Mrs Aderonke Eso reiterated that it is essential to start the sensitisation of the new wave of change and dynamism in the state by identifying and creating room for personal relationship with all members to enable a forum to share ideas on professional issues and share problems with each other as a family unit. She further stated that the task ahead in ensuring that the chapter is up and running belongs to everyone who is a professional physiotherapist in the state and the visitation which is scheduled as a continuous event throughout the tenure of this current executives is to enable sensitisation and gives a sense of belonging to members. The chairman and her team of versatile executive members are committed to ensure that the Lagos State chapter truly becomes the centre of excellence the state is renowned for.

JULY 2008

EKONSP CREATES MEDIA BUZZ

The Lagos State chapter of the NSP started out their advocacy campaign on an overwhelming publicity drive and media frenzy since the chapter’s repositioning earlier this year.

According to the public relations officer, Mr Ayobami Oni ‘It is essential that we are committed to advocacy and enlightenment in the quest to raise the profile of the profession to the highest of standards’ ‘Here in Lagos state, we are determined to live up to the reputation as a centre of excellence to pursue this cause and ensure that our projections for our noble profession physiotherapy reaches that peak we have always wished for’.

It is worthy of note that the state chapter has featured representatives in several reputable TV and radio programmes in the state and across national networks reaching out to millions of Nigerians, largely to raise the profession’s profile and serve as a medium to educate and empower them. It is a continuum that is projected to feature throughout the tenure of Aderonke Eso and her resourceful team of executives.

AUGUST 2008

WCPT-A REGIONAL CONGRESS REPORT

The World Confederation of Physical Therapy, Africa Regional Congress arrived in Abuja as scheduled in August, 2008.After much anticipation and to the delight of every Nigerian Physiotherapist and particularly the outgoing president, Dr Bridget Birabi who went the distance to ensure the hosting rights in Tanzania 2006.Indeed the biggest event in the recent history of the NSP has come and gone but the memories will continue to linger on.

The congress kicked off in earnest with a 2-day pre-congress workshop titled ‘Examination and treatment of stroke by Bobath Concept’ administered by Mary Riley, a renowned bobath instructor from South Africa . The turnout of physiotherapists from Nigeria , Africa and indeed the rest of the world was something worth the mention. The WCPT President, Marilyn Moffat and the Secretary General were present and played active roles in ensuring the success story of the event.

The opening ceremony was grand and held at the International Conference Center with dignitaries from all stakeholders including one of the Doyens of Physiotherapy, fondly called Papa Ajao who delivered a Special address. The theme ‘Diseases of Civilization’ has caught on as a phenomenon and has begun a wave of raising awareness about this insidious array of affliction to the general public. Prof Abiodun Akinwutan, a renowned neuro-physiotherapist in Diaspora, delivered a special paper highlighting physiotherapy in Nigeria , past, present and future. The day kicked into recess with a splendid cocktail organized by the Chief Medical Director, Dr Ajuwon of National Hospital , Abuja .

With emphasis on specialization and particularly continuous professional development that the NSP has always advocated for, the scientific sessions were very enriching and enlightening with an overview of better delivery of physiotherapy services as an essential part of the integrated health care team approach delivery system. The congress further progressed with the bi-annual general meeting chaired by the outgoing Africa Regional president which preceded the elections where Dr Esther Nkandu from Zambia emerged victorious as the president while our own Nigerian representative, Mr A.T Onigbinde emerged as the Vice-president. The meeting concluded after much deliberation with hosting rights for the next WCPT-A in 2010 going to Ghana .

The congress then drew its curtains close with a befitting dinner where the WCPT Vice President, Zola Dantile our very own from Africa was honoured for her representation and selfless service by Dr Bridget Birabi on behalf of the NSP. This forum afforded participants to socialise after hectic but fruitful time throughout the conference activities.

It was without doubt a long and winding road from 2006 when the task of hosting WCPT-A fell to our dear country Nigeria with the relentless efforts of our president Dr Bridget Birabi but with determination and shear resilience, the dream became a memorable reality.

So, here is to the success story despite the sleepless nights and restless days…Ghana 2010 here we come!

EKONSP TOPS DELEGATE REPRESENTATION IN WCPT-A

The Lagos State Chapter of the NSP turned out members in large numbers in attendance for the recently concluded WCPT-A Regional congress held in Abuja from the 18^th-22^nd, 2008. It is interesting to note that at that particular time last year, the chapter was still in doldrums but is gradually emerging as a vibrant one courtesy of all concerned stakeholders under the stewardship of Mrs Aderonke Eso and her team of executives.

The representation from Lagos state varied from assistant directors of physiotherapy services, head of departments, private practitioners and civil servants of different ages and clinical specialization interests. It was a good mix of the past, present and the future that show amazingly and impressively consistent trend of zeal and passion in raising the profile of our beloved profession. This further emphasises the commitment of the Lagos State Chapter in playing a constructive role in encouraging members to participate in capacity building and professional development with a view for advocacy and empowerment for the good of the profession.

LAGOS STATE LAUNCHES INTERACTIVE WEBSITE

The wave of InfoTech as a major means of communication and an essential tool for networking as obtainable everywhere else in the world set the precedence for the Lagos Chapter of NSP. The chapter’s initiative for an interactive forum to reach out in advocacy and enlightenment to professional colleagues around the world and the general public has materialised as an interactive website.

The site, www.ekonsp.org according to the secretary of the chapter, Miss Bakare is expected to be as interactive as possible and serve the purpose of reaching out and raising profile of the profession in Lagos state and the nation at large. The site is also expected to evolve overtime with new developments and trends.

DR. ABIODUN AKINWUNTAN REVISITS ALMA MATER

In accordance with the famous local saying that goes “A river that forgets its source will dry up”, Dr Abiodun Akinwuntan did well in proving he has yet to forget his roots. He took timeout of his very busy schedule when he was home on holidays to share from his wealth of experience. The endearing scholar proved his prowess when he came as guest presenter at the Department of Physiotherapy clinical grand round.

His paper titled “Acute Stroke Management” was scientific in words but the understanding was like prose. He outlined the intervention in acute stroke management as related to rehabilitation and opened a new perspective of approach with evidence-based practice. He later then opened a forum for general discussion on the physiotherapy profession here in Nigeria and what is obtainable in the United States and encouraged that the standards of the profession be raised as high as possible. He also pledged his support and assistance towards achieving this quest.

Dr Abiodun Akinwuntan graduated from the prestigious College of Medicine , University of Lagos in 1994 and has since become a trailblazer establishing a gold standard in a break through research in stroke management. He currently runs a virtual driving lab for post-stroke patients as a result of his ingenuity at the medical college, University of Georgia , USA .

BABAYINKA OLUTEYE AND THE SILVER

MEDAL WINNING OLYMPIC TEAM

Nigeria’s participation in the just concluded Olympic Games may be something many Nigerians would want to forget in a hurry because of the overall dismal outing but one stands out clear. The silver medal won in the male football event of the summer games.

Babayinka Oluteye, a member of the revitalized Lagos State Chapter of the NSP was the physiotherapist on the medical team that saw the Dream team IV as they are fondly called, achieve this feat. NPN spoke to him shortly after his return from Beijing and he had these few words.

‘There are a lot of factors to consider, a whole lot to be done to keep athletes at optimal performance level and at the same time managing injuries and rehabilitating at the shortest possible time to get them back into the game’. ‘To strike a balance with all of the aforementioned coupled with the athlete’s innate skill for the sport goes a long way in determining the eventual outcome of success or failure’. ‘I am very happy to be part of this story particularly as a physiotherapist in this field of endeavour’.

He further stated that as professionals in whatever field of specialization we choose to pursue, we should always strive for capacity building and high standards of practice. Babayinka graduated from the prestigious College of Medicine University of Ibadan in 1998, has since been acquiring invaluable experience as a sports physiotherapist and as well as role model to the upcoming physiotherapists.

SEPTEMBER 2008

WORLD PHYSICAL THERAPY DAY 2008 CELEBRATIONS IN LAGOS STATE

If music were the food of love, what is dancing? Every 8^th of September annually, is regarded as the World Physiotherapy Day. A day set aside largely to raise the profile of the profession. With this background, to mark this year’s World Physiotherapy Day, the Lagos chapter of the NSP in collaboration with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria celebrated the day in style at the SWAN secretariat, National Stadium, Lagos . The time has come to give an excuse to exercise instead of a reason not to.

General screening involving blood pressure measurements, waist to hip ratio and body mass index was used as baseline. Awareness and enlightenment on health related issues was emphasized as regards diseases of civilization. The activity for the day was a fitness and dance exercise session, which was co-ordinated by a Salsa instructor from the Latin dance club, Lagos .

Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter led by Mr. Niyi Oyeleke, the Chairman, turned out en masse in their gym wears. It was a day of exercise and fun with everybody having a taste of exercise in a more interesting way, with good music and dance, which was an interesting way to loosen up.

‘Movement for Health 2008’ which was the theme of this year’s celebration worldwide was memorable and graced with attendance by sports journalists, physiotherapists, medical officers, athletes and other members of the press. It was, indeed, a great moment that showcased the beauty of the profession-Physiotherapy.

 A SELFLESS AND PASSIONATE NIGERIAN PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN DIASPORA

Mr. Lukman Ganiyu of the Spine and Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Center, Wisconsin, USA had an interactive session with members of the Lagos Chapter of NSP during his visit to Nigeria, where he encouraged the Society to keep the zeal in raising the profile of the profession as a chapter and for the nation at large, he also emphasized the need for continuous education among Nigerian physiotherapists.

Mr Ganiyu qualified in Nigeria at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife under the visionary mentor Emeritus Professor Dr Vincent Nwuga where his love for manual therapy weaned almost two decades ago. He had since gone on to secure an MHSc (Orthopaedics) in St. Augustine, Florida and is currently in an ongoing PhD program. He is also a board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist.

The Secretary of the Chapter, Miss Bakare on behalf of the members thanked Mr Ganiyu for his resilience, willingness to serve and share in his overwhelming wealth of experience with a view to contribute his own quota for the good of the profession here in his home country. She then presented him with memorabilia from the state which he expressed profound happiness and gratitude.

Bond and Marriages

Former Miss Ezeobika Adaku, a physiotherapist with the Department of Physiotherapy, National Sports Medicine Center , Lagos got married to Mr Obinna Nwachukwu of the National Institute of Sports, Lagos at the Chapel of Christ our Light, Akoka, Lagos on the 20th of September, 2008.

NOVEMBER 2008

UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS START POSTGRADUATE PHYSIOTHERAPY PROGRAM

With the trend of metamorphosis in the physiotherapy profession over time, the College of Medicine, University of Lagos has finally joined other institutions for postgraduate training in physiotherapy starting 2008/2009 academic session. The program which got its approval earlier this year constitutes the following different specialty areas; Orthopaedics and Sports, Cardiopulmonary, Neurology with Ergonomics and Industrial Physiotherapy.

The Head of Department, Dr. S.R.A. Akinbo expressed delight that the programme, which ranges from M.Sc, MPhil and PhD is finally taking off after so much hard work and dedication in making it a reality. He expressed optimism that the initiative will in no small measures enhance professionalism and unveil a positive perspective for the good of mankind. The M.Sc program is scheduled as a minimum of 1 academic year while the MPhil and Phd and 2 and 3 academic years respectively.

He further stated that it is a good opportunity for physiotherapists to develop themselves to keep up with the ever dynamic trends of the profession and be able to compete favourably with the counterparts anywhere in the world.

ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE, CALABAR 2008

It was pomp and pageantry at this year’s Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy which was hosted by the Cross rivers state chapter from 4^th-8^th November, 2008. The conference tagged ‘Health Promotion in Physiotherapy’ with the sub-theme ‘Specialization: A tool for professionalism’ attracted physiotherapist from all over the nation.

The Lagos State Chapter of the NSP yet again topped the delegates list to Calabar and trailed blazed in all the activities held there. The conference kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at the State Library complex with representation from top government officials to grace the occasion. The scientific sessions were enriching and informative with the trend of having more physiotherapists’ participation in paper presentation. The LOC did well to organize a tourist train to the renowned TINAPA business resort and the famous MARINA resort in the heart of the city. It was fun galore and everyone had a splendid time out interacting with the environment.

Next up was the Annual General Meeting where the Birabi led exco were dissolved and it went on smoothly with transition into the elections proper. Revd Jaiyesimi emerged as winner of the Presidential race and all other officers that contested for the other offices were returned unopposed.

The list of the newly elected officers is as follows:

President- Revd Jaiyesimi

Vice President- Mrs Ladipo

General Secretary- Mr Olaseinde

Ass Gen Sec- Mr Jide Alaje

PRO- Mr UAC Okafor

Ass. PRO I- Mr Adegoke Akinfeleye

Ass. PRO II- Mr Jide Olowe

Tresurer- Mr Ojoawo

Financial Secretary- Mr Sotiloye

Auditor I- Mrs Iyabo Adeife

Auditor II- Mr Muyiwa Olosunde

The conference then wrapped up with a dinner and awards ceremony where two of our members in EKONSP; MRS ABOSEDE OKUNUGA and MR OLADIPO ODUNUGA were awarded with the top honour as fellows of the NIGERIA SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY for their contributions towards the development of the profession. The secretary of the state chapter, Miss Bakare Ummukulthoum presented on behalf of the state a Meritorious Service Plaque to the out gone President, Dr Bridget Birabi.

 DECEMBER 2008

 WORLD DISABILITY DAY MARKED BY EKONSP

The world disability day is 3 December annually set aside to raise the awareness about challenges encountered by physically challenged individuals. The state chapter adopted the day as part of activities that it will include in its calendar to run a as continuum in raising awareness and highlighting the challenges that the physically challenged face in our immediate environment, Lagos State and beyond.

In a media chat with Mr Godwin Enakhena of Lagos Television, the secretary Miss Bakare Ummukulthoum highlighted the key areas of concerns especially with disability access ways in public buildings in the state. Not many buildings have disability access ways hence posing a challenge. Many public transport means as well do not have the patience to wait to allow a disabled person to get in comfortably into the vehicle and the stigma that is associated with a physically challenge person needs to be eradicated. She further stated that the society will do everything possible to advocate and be voice to champion the cause to change the perspective to a positive one and the lead the era of change to enhance friendliness and accommodation of this group of people.