There was this village known as Iroko. It was such a contradiction that Iroko as a tree represents tallness yet, a growing number of the villagers was short in height. The shortness of these people became of a great concern to the authorities who thought that something was amiss.
In the course of time the government set up a 50 man panel, made up of selected scientists and doctors to look into the increasing number of short people in the community. The panel was to find the immediate and remote causes of the abnormality, proffer solutions and advise the government accordingly.
After two years of research work, the panel came up with its findings. It reported that the shortness in height noticed among the people was not natural. In fact, the population was suffering from elements of dwarfism which had to do with insufficient iodine in their body system, which is as a result of lack or insufficient iodine in their diet, which in turn affected their thyroxine hormone production by the pituitary gland.
The report went further to point out that it wasn't this apparent dwarfism alone that the population was suffering. A good number of the people were also suffering from goitre which also had something to do with insufficient iodine in their diet.
As a way out, the panel recommended an aggressive iodine supplementation in foods. The panel was particular about children. It recommended that the government should champion the production of chocolate bars which will be fortified with iodine.
It further suggested that every child, starting from the kindergarten should be entitled to a free fortified chocolate bar on a daily basis.
The government didn't look back in implementing the recommendations of the panel to the letter. And before you knew it, the story changed for good, as this perceived dwarfism was gradually wiped out of the community.
The government and people of Iroko were very happy with the panel members that came to be known as the 50 wise men. A day was set aside to honour them.
Apart from a handsome cash reward, each member received the highest honour of the country and also had his or her name immortalised by the naming of a street each after their individual names.
On that day of the ceremony, the president himself was on hand to present the awards. Part of his speech read: "These are honourable men who have written their names in gold. They dedicated their time and talents, and gave their best in their service to mankind.
"They were so hardworking that they accomplished their work in record time. The innovation they brought, which is the use a chocolate bar to make people attain their normal height and stature is unrivalled anywhere in the world."
This last statement received a standing ovation from the crowd that kept clapping for a long time in praise of the 50 wise men.
In her acceptance speech on behalf of her fellow panelists, the chairperson, Dr Victoria expressed happiness for the appreciation of the government and people of the community with regards to the contribution they made.
Part of her speech read: "We're overwhelmed by the honour given to us today for the sake of doing our little bit for the sake of our people. By such elaborate display of appreciation, we're motivated to commit our entire life to the service of you, our brothers and sisters.
"Words will fail us to say how happy and elated we are. May God bless you all."
Her speech equally aroused the people who responded with a resounding applause and standing ovation.
Before the ceremony ended, one couple, a woman of 95 and her husbands of 102 became the cynosure of all eyes as they came to the centre stage unceremoniously to entertain the people. They made some dancing steps which were virtually out of tune with the rhythm of the music. All the same, the crowd cheered and clapped for them.
"These old folks appear to be particularly happy," someone remarked.
"Why wouldn't they?" Another person replied, and continued, "Don't you know them? They're the parents of Dr Victoria."
"You don't mean it?"
'It's true. That's the father and mother of Dr Vicky. She's their only child."
"Wonderful!"
