The First Lady of the State of Osun, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, on Monday, under the aegis of the IleriOluwa Development Initiative (IOD-Initiative) handed over a fully rehabilitated mentally-ill teenager to her community in Apomu.
Mrs Oyetola had visited Apomu on October 2, to launch financial empowerment scheme for Apomu Market women, when Labake Najeem, the challenged teenager who was also heavily pregnant at the time, tried to intercept her procession to ask for alms.
Apart from fully rehabilitating the lady, the IleriOluwa Development Initiative, which Mrs Oyetola alsi presides over, assisted the lady through her pre-natal process till the time of her delivery.
Speaking at the handover ceremony to the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, Mrs. Oyetola pointed out that her intervention in Labake’s situation was part of many being undertaken by the IOD-Initiative in the State.
She described Labake’s case as one that resonates with the core objective of the IleriOluwa Development Initiative, adding that it was the reason why she offered to take her away for a rehabilitation program when she discovered her in Apomu community.
According to her: “On the 2nd of October this year, while I attended the unveiling of the Apomu Women cooperative at the Palace of the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, I spotted Labake Najeem, a lady with a promising future, looking unkempt and heavily pregnant.
“Further enquiries stated that she suffered a mental health challenge and has been a regular face at the palace.
“Disturbed with the condition I found her, I quickly requested that I take her for proper medical care under my close watch. While with us, Labake initially gave us a tough time. Series of tests were carried out and some medications were given to her until she was delivered of her baby.
“I can boldly say now, that Labake is now a different person. I thank God that I took only Labake away for medical care, but now, I am returning Labake and her newborn child to the Palace. I also want to thank the medical personnel at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro; they tried a lot and took very good care of her.
“Labake is not the first (mentally challenged person) that I have taken care of. The first case was 16 years ago, who after she became stable, I sent her child to primary and secondary school. She has written JAMB and I have spoken to the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University on her admission.
“I, therefore, urge the great people of Apomu to support Labake and not discriminate against her so that she can fulfil her destiny. I have good plans for her and I pray God supports me in making it a reality”, Oyetola stated.
The wife of the Alapomu, Olori Afolabi, commended Mrs Oyetola for her intervention in Labake’s case, adding that Labake’s rehabilitation was a joyful occasion around the town.
Olori Afolabi said: “On October 2nd, Labake, a mentally ill pregnant teenager came into the hall through the back door. She went through the crowd unnoticed until she got to the front. A Security man in a black suit grabbed her arm and pushed her out. That action attracted the attention of Osun State First Lady, Kafayat Oyetola, who was sitting next to me.
“The first lady was touched. She instructed the same Security man who pushed her out to go and bring her back. Oyetola’s wife announced that she will take Labake away for rehabilitation, and take care of her till she delivers.
“Promise made. Promise kept”, Olori Afolabi stated.
