The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) in collaboration with critical organizations in the Human Rights community, Labour movement, Students Movement and Diplomatic community celebrated 2018 World Human Rights Day on Monday, 10th Of December, 2018.

The program explored the theme: Human Rights, Quest for Good Governance and the Crisis of Corruption in Nigeria.
It was held at the N.L.C Secretariat at Yaba, Lagos. and had Guest speakers which include Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and Prof. Laja of the Department of Political science Lagos.

The event also featured an award session where some individuals who were nominated for the award of ”PEOPLE-FRIENDLY PERSONALITY” by members of the public were awarded.

One of the recipients of the awards, Dr Ajibola Ishola has however expressed His profound gratitude to the organisers especially the president, Mr Buna Isiaq Olaitan and shared his joy as a recipient of such high profile award.

While speaking with Sahara Weekly in an interview, he spoke deeply on what he does, how he feels about the award, to mention a few.

Excerpts below:

For record purposes, Can we meet you sir?
I Am Ajibola Ishola, Am Orthopedic surgeon trained at Orthopedic Hospital , IGBOBI. I went for a course in management and I became a chartered member and capped it with MBA to prepare for leadership.

On joining Lagos State services I found the background useful in being Director of Clinical Services( Operations), Head of department, acting Medical Director and lately Substantive Medical Director in Somolu General Hospital and Lagos State Accident and Emergency centre, Lagos . The positions allowed me opportunity to relate with colleagues, patients and the community as stakeholders

You were given an award recently by the human rights monitoring agenda, how do you feel about this?

Quite unexpectedly I least expected awards from the HRG. Honestly! But this is the second time am given awards by the HRG. The lesson I learnt from it is that , when you are in position of authority or some influence people take stock of your actions, activities , conduct and disciplinary conduct to the minutest details . When confronted with certain steps, decisions and interactions one was involved I marveled . Some I don’t even remember . It’s interesting that even on the floor of Lagos State House of Assembly at a session with all Medical Directors ,Honorable Rotimi Olowo was full of praises for my contributions to Somolu General Hospital and the community . It only challenged me to add more quality and landmark in LASAEC and grace of God ,I added a value or two .

I really thank them for appreciating me and rewarding good when clear and seen. I see them as barometer of uprightness, astuteness and service dedication

Why do you feel you were chosen as a recipient of the award

The reasons are best known to them but some can be pointed . I inherited an anger charged relationship between the community and the hospital . There was a decision to attack the hospital structure and personnel for what was considered a “careless care occasioning an avoidable death “ God granted the wisdom to heal the sores. I re-organize service delivery strategies, improved revenue, solved a soak away lingering problem, built a TB center with Gene -Expert installation and installed CCTV to improve security surveillance amongst other

What advice do you have for Nigerians especially the anti-people elements?

My background as a Medical Association leader at several levels added a knowledge that anti people elements wil always be there , its the people that should encourage resistant groups for their desire and benchmark for good governance at all levels . My believe however is that the pedestal for a better society is entrenched, enforced and sustained law and justice . All good societies rest on that . If I have opportunity for service I have only one agenda- JUSTICE – all issues will fall in place.