EKO NSP BRINGS LEE EVANS TO THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE

The local organizing committee of “EKO 2009” in conjunction with arguably the most prominent Physiotherapy Goodwill ambassador for Sports, Chief Olusegun Odegbami (MON) added colour and glamour to the big event of the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the society by bringing Prof Lee Evans, motivational speaker, two time Olympic gold medalist, world record holder in the 400meters and an inductee in the United States track and field Hall of fame as the guest speaker for the event.
He arrived in Lagos with his adorable wife and acknowledges that there was always a certain Nigeria way of life about him having spent sent years in Lagos and some other parts of the country many years back so a feels a lot at home. The focus of the conference and it theme “ Changing a Culture, Making a Difference” particularly fascinated him and he reiterated that change is the only constant in life and for positive progression to occur, change is key in all ramifications of human endeavour.
Mr Evans delivered his guest lecture with poise centering on how change is a dynamic tool as well as the importance of physiotherapy in athletic performance and well being. He stated that USAIN BOLT who is currently the track sensation now shattering world records as well as creating his own was far from being a well known entity just a few years before. His success story is all thanks to a physiotherapist who discovered that bolt had some biomechanical issues in the pelvis and intervened. The rest they say is history.
Mr Evans currently resides in Monrovia, Liberia with his family and he intends to work in Africa and contribute his own quota towards developmental programs of young African athletes on the continent.

CHIEF SEGUN ODEGABAMI PUTS PSHYIOTHERAPY UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

One of the numerous dignitaries to grace the red carpet event of the 50th Anniversary opening ceremony is none other than the great “Mathematical” himself, Chief Segun Odegbami. In his goodwill message to the society, he did not mince words in letting the world know how the physiotherapy profession plays an integral role in sports particularly focusing on his own personal experiences and encounters before he suffered a career threatening injury that kept him off the playing field. “It is really a shame that this profession is not getting enough recognition as it ought to and people who are in charge of our sports here in Nigeria have yet failed to embrace its relevance and cognitive importance to sports”.” I want to use this opportunity to apologize on behalf of my generation to physiotherapists for being the unsung heroes”. He further stated that no sporting endeavour regardless of the level be it amateur or professional can be self sustaining and successful without these group of medical experts. “Physiotherapy has to be there and it has to be first class”. He then congratulated the society on the milestone and used the opportunity to task stake holders into looking on how to integrate the potentials of the physiotherapists in the nation.

THE MAKING OF “EKO 2009”

Well…when I was asked to write this piece, I was wondering where I would actually begin. Is it from the tales of the ups and downs, smiles and frowns…sleepless days and restless nights or the long grueling hours of meetings to ensure details of logistics planning. Better still, the almost inevitable endless waiting for corporate meetings with potential sponsors and individuals? Hmmm…I guess maybe a good place to start was from the very beginning when the task of hosting the 50th anniversary and 49th annual conference was thrust upon our state chapter. There were mixed responses as to whether or not we had the capacity to pull such an event off in such a little time. The skeptism was more than the optimism at first but then again when we realized that we were hosting the event without doubt, we began to set the tone. We started out with two major things at the back of our mind: One was to project the image of physiotherapy under the spot light and two was ensuring a memorable outing for the entire event that will standard for others on the African Continent and well as the Global Village.
Under the dynamic leadership of Aderonke Eso and her versatile team of executives, the Local organizing committee was set up after much deliberation. Mrs Benedicta Njokanma in her usual selfless and dedicated ways went to work as the chairman of the committee and despite have a total of seven people at the initial stages nominated to work on her team, only four finished the race. In conjunction with the National executive council, the blue print began to emerge for arguably the biggest even of the Society’s existence. The theme of the conference was decided a few weeks into when the task began. One of the biggest inspirations to put it together is the Executive Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Raji Fashola. It was unanimous that he was symbol of change that is making a difference in the state as well as beyond borders. We then agreed to apply Change and making a difference as focal points for discourse, hence the theme came to life.The LOC and the EKONSP executives worked together and since Marc of 2009, reviews meetings were held every Thursday in LASUTH till the conference that was scheduled for 27th-31st October 2009.Incredible! There were emergency meetings as well as it became applicable and at some point we lost track of weekdays from weekends.
I would like to mention at this point the head of the department in LASUTH, Mr Olawunmi Olalekan who usually is “detained” till whenever our session ends for the day without complain every single time. The meeting area that we were given in LASUTH was so comfortable and electricity was stable regardless of whether or not the hospital itself was generating it, and we usually lose track of time when hard at work! There was one memorable day when I was heading home from Ikeja after one of such long meetings and I was stopped by the police of Ikorodu road. Despite identifying myself, they asked me to open my boot and all they could find was piles and piles of paper work and the mobile secretariat. They then began to ask me for the receipt of the printer, laptop etc and I simply brought them out and said “I am prepared and this stuff will remain in my custody till further notice for I have a conference to see through!” When they realized I was not willing to do it the “Nigerian” way, they let me go.
Follow-ups was another big nut to crack in planning no matter how small or how big the magnitude. Ok, you drop off a sponsorship letter to prospective partners and they tell you the usual stereotyped answer “ We’ll see what we can do or You will hear from us soon” and then you are counting weeks, not yet a word despite calling in every two days to have any hint of progress report. Sometimes the perseverance pays off, sometimes you are not so lucky and you get to be informed that they will not be taking any part. Some you will get a formal writing notice informing you that they will be a part of the event but based on the “EKO 2009” experience endeavour to always have plan B and C! There was so much to do in so little time and the countdown of the event was just days away. We had planned to begin the countdown 30days to the event. At this time, we had not secured the venue of the Opening Ceremony which we really wanted to be a red carpet event, we had less than 2 million naira out of the estimated 16 million for the budget and we had no clue of how it was going to come together.

Before I write the concluding part of this short piece, I would like to take one of my favorite quotes that is pivotal in any form of accomplishment. “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe”- Anatole France. The entire team that executed the project for “EKO 2009” believed and acted on the plan to dream it into reality. As the event kicked off as scheduled, the anxiety began to wear out and smiles of self satisfaction began to emerge. Of course certain challenges were posed during the time but nothing that plan B or C could not take care of! In conclusion, there were a lot of lessons to learn and many to be excited about going into the next decade of the re-invented image of our noble profession. Many thanks to the entire logistics crew who worked tirelessly with the LOC, House on the Rock crew: you guys really rocked! Mrs Aderonke Eso, I am almost certain that there is just one of her kind! Mrs Benedicta Njokanma, ever-rentless with her infectious smile and a positive driving ambience. The rest of the team that ensured that our Society became a focus of attraction, Mr Saka Ibraheem, Mrs Oluteye Ibukunoluwa, Mrs Funmi Adeniran, Mr Ayobami Oni, Mrs Olubunmi Imasuen, Mr Damola Onibokun , Mr Soji Ige, Mrs Ngozi Osuji and my humble self Bakare Ummukulthoum, through the challenges of running a vibrant secretariat. “EKO 2009” may have come and gone but it became a pivotal turning point for many positive reviews and perception of our profession which will continue to re-echo its impact for many more years to come.

DIGNITARIES STORM 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.

The opening ceremony of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy rolled out the red carpet to welcome A-List dignitaries from within the state and beyond its boundaries. Amongst the notable guest list was the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola and his entourage. He was also delivered a key note address where he highlighted the key role being played by the physiotherapist as an integral member of the health care delivery team. He further recounted his personal experiences as an avid soccer player and fan, having the privilege to grow up in one of our Doyen; Prof O.G Odia’s neighborhood. He further stated that his administration is spending a lot in the health care sector so that standard facilities are made available here as it is obtainable elsewhere in the world. Other notable guests include, Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), Rtd Major Gen. Adefowope, Mr Peter Nelson, Zonal Co-odinator of South West Zone of National Sports Commission.

WORLD EVIRONMENTAL DAY CELEBRATIONS
The Lagos State Chapter Secretary, Bakare Ummukulthoum joined as many Nigerians and celebrities including Kate Henshaw-Nuttall for the “Walk for Life” event to mark the 2010 World Environmental Day in Lagos. The “Walk for life” initiative was put together by the British Council in conjunction with Standard Chartered bank.
The World environmental day (WED) is June 5th annually set aside by the United Nations since 1972, as one of the principal vehicles through which it stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action. It gives a human face to environmental issues and enable people to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development. It is also a day for advocating partnerships among all stakeholders or perhaps, even more correctly, among all species living on this one planet and sharing a common future.
While chatting with physionews, she stated that the challenges of environmental issues are of grave concern to the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy as well because there is a meeting point of extrinsic factors such as the environment having positive or negative impact on the quality of life and wellness of the population at large. “Everything goes hand in hand. If we have cleaner air because our environment is clean and tidy, become more environmental friendly doing little things that matter to conserve nature and reduce the effect of global warming which is already making an impact”. “When we have clear playing fields to exercise and less of refuse heaps blocking our paths or clogged drainages liable to give us ill health, then we can promote healthy lifestyles and prolong the life expectancy in Nigeria which has significantly dropped according to the world health organization”.
She further stated that “We need to actively promote our health and maintain our fitness levels through structured exercise programs to avoid debilitating consequences of disease, if we intend to live a lifetime devoid of health related challenges. A life time is a long time”

PHYSIO NEWS REPORTS

World Physiotherapy Celebrations 2009

Every 8th of September, is regarded as the World Physiotherapy Day. A day set aside largely to raise the profile of the profession. With this background, to mark the World Physiotherapy Day 2009, the Lagos chapter of the NSP in collaboration with Lagos State Ministry of Health set up for the day in the premises of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital where general health screening and advocacy for movement for health was showcased. The general screening involving blood pressure measurements, waist to hip ratio and body mass index was used.
According to the state chairman Mrs Aderonke Eso, “ As physiotherapists, we are movement experts and we need to ensure that we have a productive population through health promotion which will in turn result into nation building” . Awareness and enlightenment on health related issues was emphasized as regards diseases of civilization. ‘Movement for Health’ which was also the theme of 2008’s celebration worldwide reiterated further the effects of the debilitating nature of the aforementioned diseases.

Lagos State Chapter Hosts NSP 50th Anniversary and 49th Annual Conference in grand style

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy rolled out the drums with pomp and pageantry when the association attained the golden age of fifty in 2009. It was indeed a time to reflect and a time to celebrate milestones of achievements of the noble profession with the attention of the rest of the world. The 49th annual scientific conference and 50th anniversary celebrations hosting rights was bestowed on the Lagos State chapter for several reasons and the chapter went all out to ensure it was memorable one.
The National executive council under the leadership and vision of Rev. Adeoluwa Jaiyesinmi in conjunction with the executive council of the Lagos State Chapter under the dynamic leadership of Mrs Aderonke Eso and the local organizing committee of “EKO 2009”under the chairmanship of versatile Mrs B.S Njokanma, pulled off a splendidly remarkable event. One which left a lasting positive impression about our noble profession with the populace in Lagos, the nation at large as well as the global audience. The conference with the theme “ 50 years of Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy: Changing the Culture, Making a Difference” and the sub-theme “ Best Practices in Physiotherapy” held from the 27th October, 2009 to 31st October, 2009.
It was a colourful and bumper packed event and it kicked off with Special Jumat Service at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Community Mosque, Ikeja on Friday, 23rd October 2009. This was followed by Special Sunday Service at the Chapel of the Healing Cross, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba and House of the Rock Christian Center, MUSON,Onikan on Sunday, 25th October, 2009. On Tuesday, 27th October, 2009 delegates began to arrive and the committee of heads of department commenced their workshop and meeting while the welcome cocktail took place on the same day as well at the MCR Auditorium, LASUTH, Ikeja. The parallel scientific sessions took place on Wednesday, 28th October, 2009 in LASUTH. The opening ceremony was next on Thursday, 29th October, 2009 and it took place at the Banquet Hall of National Arts Theatre, Iganmu. The 30th of October, 2009 saw the Annual General Meeting take place at LASUTH, Ikeja and the dinner at the Banquet Hall of Sheraton Hotels and towers respectively.
There were delegates from all over the country as well as the Diaspora at the event including professional colleagues from the health sector outside the Physiotherapy profession were the remarkable milestones of the society was celebrated in grand style under the spotlight. The impact of the 49th annual scientific conference and 50th anniversary celebrations will go a long way in having a positive resonation in the state and the nation at large.

Lagos State Chapter Holds Second Annual General Meeting and Elections

The Lagos State chapter held its second annual general meeting and elections on the 18th of March, 2010 at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi. The Aderonke Eso led team were given various accolade and ovations for the job well done in the past 2 years they had been in the helm of affairs of the state chapter. The outgoing executives thanked all the members for their invaluable support and reiterated that we should always do everything to project the right image and in the interest of our noble profession. Mrs Benedicta Njokanma emerged the new chairman as Mrs Eso stepped down from the mantle of leadership. Other members of the previous exco that we returned maintained their status quo. Mr Saka Ibraheem as Vice Chairman, Miss Bakare Ummukulthoum as Secretary, Mrs Oluteye Ibukunoluwa as Financial Secretary, Mrs Adeniran Funmi as Tresurer, Mrs Olubunmi Imasuen as Auditor, Mr Oni Ayobami PRO I. Mr Obika kelechi joined the team as the new Assistant Secretary.
The incumbent executives promised to ensure the vision for the state chapter continues to live on as they embark on laudable projects for continuous professional development and capacity building as they look forward to their tenure which will run from 2010 through to 2012.

Lagos State Chapter pays Courtesy Visit to WCPT secretariat in London

The Lagos state chapter in the quest for positive, progressive partnership globally paid a courtesy visit to the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Secretariat in London, United Kingdom. Miss Bakare Ummukulthoum, the secretary of the state chapter was given a warm and hearty welcome by the WCPT Secretary Brenda Myers and the rest of the office staff.
The WCPT was founded in 1951 and it is committed to furthering the physical therapy profession and improving global health through encouraging high standards of research, education and practice; supporting the exchange of information between WCPT regions and member organizations and collaborating with national and international organizations.
After a tour around the office and discussions, Miss Bakare thanked the WCPT staff for the hospitality and reiterated that she was excited about the recognition of the status of Nigeria as a key member nation of the organization. She further stated that the alliance between both organizations is something the NSP will continue to nurture for as many more years to come.

 

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