The Federal Government has increased the school fees of new students into Federal Government colleges otherwise known as Federal Unity colleges to ₦100,000.

The increment was made known via a circular released from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department of the Federal Ministry of Education, dated 25th May, 2023, and addressed to all Principals of Federal Unity Colleges. According to the circular titled, “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students“ and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, new students are expected to part with ₦100,000 instead of the previous N45,000.

The circular in part reads

“The latest fees/charge increment will affect virtually all aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniform, text books, deposit, exercise books, prospectus, caution fee, ID card, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lesson, insurance, et al. Please be informed that the ministry has approved only the underlisted fees and charges for all Unity Colleges,”

Meanwhile, parents under the aegis of Nigerian Parents Forum had in June 2023, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Education to shelve the plans to increase the fees paid by students in Federal Government Colleges or Unity schools. The parents argued that the increment in fees is arbitrary, insensitive, ill-timed and inconsistent with President Tinubu’s promise of welfare programmes to help Nigerian parents cope with the economic challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal in the country.

The police in Anambra State have arrested suspects in connection with the death of a young lady, Miss Chinyere Awuda, found dead at the abandoned swimming pool of Cosmila Hotel in Awka, the state capital.

The Guardian gathered that the deceased, who hailed from Nnobi in Idemili South Local Council of Anambra State, was reportedly found dead and her corpse dumped in the swimming pool.

According to sources, the young lady was at Club Mila, a nightclub reportedly owned by Cosmila Hotels in Awka, where one Gabriel Chinemere and friends believed to be clubbers as well, started beating her for reasons yet unknown.

The source alleged that despite efforts by people in the club to rescue the girl from the hands of Chinemere and friends, they continued to beat and molest Awuda.

The source said the alleged molestation took place in the presence of the club’s manager, one Steven Junior, who allegedly directed the club security guards and bouncers to stand down and turn off the lights, while the girl was being beaten and dragged outside the club.

“The family of Awuda, upon receiving the news, went to the hotel, where they found the body of their daughter at the abandoned swimming pool. The incident had since been reported to the Anambra State Police for further investigations, while Awuda’s lifeless body has also been recovered,” the source added.

When contacted, spokesperson for the Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspects are already in custody, while investigation has commenced.

However, Ikenga could not say how many suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, but added: “The persons suspected to be involved are in custody and further investigation is going on.”

MEANWHILE, Anambra State government has sealed off Cosmilla Hotel, Awka, where Awuda allegedly lost her life.

Commenting on the incident, the state commissioner for culture, tourism and entertainment, Don Onyeji, said the hotel has been sealed.

He said the hotel would remain closed pending the outcome of investigation into the matter.

Onyenji, in a telephone interview said: “We have visited the hotel, and also sealed it off. We are in touch with the police and investigation has commenced.”

Recall that the report of Awuda’s death had gone viral on social media, where it was alleged that some persons, beat her to death and threw her remains into an abandoned swimming pool at Cosmila hotel.

However, one version of the story relating to her death, said the lady was picking and pocketing money being sprayed on a birthday celebrant.

Another version said the lady stole some money from wraps of naira meant to be sprayed on the celebrant and attempted to escape, before she was apprehended.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Delta State council has called on state government to as a matter of urgency, provide palliatives to the state workforce as a measure to cushion the hardship imposed on workers by the fuel subsidy removal.

The state Council Chairman, Goodluck Ofobruku, who made the call in a statement made available to newsmen, condemned the incessant increment in the pump price of fuel and other refined crude products in Nigeria, noting that the increment is an unnecessary infliction of suffering on the common man especially workers whose salaries are fixed.

Ofobruku in the statement insisted that workers can no longer afford such pains due to their poor remunerations; therefore calling on the PDP led government to reduce taxes, increase basic salaries, transport and other utility allowances as well as provide buses for transport at subsidized rate.

He also called on the Federal Government to handle the situation at hand expeditiously and put an end to the suffering of the people as he appealed to workers to be patient and continue to do their jobs while expecting government to remedy the situation of things as soon as possible.

Nigerian afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced a whopping sum of ₦237 million donation to the less privileged in 424 orphanages across the country.

The 30-year-old afrobeats star announced this via his social media account on Thursday.

Recall it was reported in November 2021 that Davido fulfilled the promise he made on his 29th birthday by donating N250,000,000( a personal donation of N50,000,000 plus a gift donation of N200,000,000 from his friends) to 292 orphanages across Nigeria, with the theme ‘We rise by lifting others.’

The DMW label boss said his goal was to make the donation a yearly tradition in celebration of his birthday and to give back to those in need.

He wrote: “I’ve always wanted to use my platform to serve others. Thankful that through your generousity, I’ve been able to do so. We recently disbursed over N200m to several orphanages in Nigeria, a tradition that started a few years ago around my birthday. Thank you to everyone who donated. With your help, we are changing lives. This is what I mean when I say We rise by lifting others. These are words in action. God bless you all!”

The multi-award-winning international singer expressed his sincere gratitude to individuals and corporations across various sectors and regions as well as eminent, compassionate, and well-meaning Nigerians for their generous contributions to the humanitarian course.

The ‘Stand Strong’ crooner affirmed that his foundation remains committed and steadfast in its mission to uplift and support vulnerable communities across Nigeria.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD

The National Association of Seadogs (a.k.a Pyrates Confraternity), Vito Corsica Deck (Aniocha/Oshimili and Ika Federal Constituencies), last Saturday, 15th July, 2023, concluded her celebration of the year 2023 Feast of Barracuda (FOB) with scintillating lectures

This year’s celebration tagged “Effective Home Management Towards Attaining An Effective And Better Home”, which was chaired by Mr. Okuma Aghogho, a retired Permanent Secretary in Delta State Civil Service, had in attendance members of the Pyrates Confraternity with their respective families, members of the Civil Society Organizations, journalists, some members of Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) as well as other invited guests.

The lectures were delivered by Patricia Arinze (Mrs) and Dr. Eseoghene Oluwasemilore Enejedu, a dietician, while Comrade Vivian Nkechika, an ace broadcaster/Presenter with the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), served as the moderator of the day.

In his welcome address, the Cap’n of Vito Corsica Deck of NAS, Engr Emeka Okolo, stated that the Feast of Barracuda was an annual event of the Pyrates Confraternity where salient national issues were discussed and possible solutions presented.

He asserted that “In today’s world, managing our home effectively has become more crucial than ever, that we often find ourselves balancing multiple roles and responsibilities making it help us run our households smoothly.

“In this lectures, we will explore various aspects of home management upon areas such as budgeting, Time Management, Meal Planning and Home Maintenance.

“We have arranged expert speakers and facilitators with Great wealth of experience in this field, our expectation is that they will share invaluable insights and practicable techniques that can be implemented immediately at home.” Engr. Emeka Okolo added.

Presenting her paper themed “REQUIREMENT FOR EFFECTIVE HOME MANAGEMENT TOWARDS ACHIEVING A BALANCED AND HAPPY HOME”, the Keynote speaker, Patricia Arinze, opined that “currently the country’s economy was tainted with gloom. The skyrocketing prices of goods and services, many Nigeria seem to agree that getting on with their daily lives has been pretty difficult and indeed, the country is teetering dangerously on the edge of the abyss.”

She said there was need for a clarion call in order to rejuvenate the economy and save it from total collapse that the situation had brought about an increase in the poverty situation in our various homes and society.

According to Arinze “For many homes, this is a challenging time and it requires a lot of sacrifice and adjustment and prudence in the management of limited resources to navigate the economic crisis. We should not allow the current economic situation to degenerate into medical problem such as hypertension. Some spouse can be intolerant and that can create tension in the family. We should show love even amid these challenging situations. And above all, we should surrender all our problems to God.”

Taking her turn to lecture the audience on the topic “Embracing Good Nutrition As A Woman To Ensure A Healthy You And A Healthy Family”, a dietician with the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Eseoghene Oluwasemilore Enejedu, stressed the need for every adult to see exercising as a daily ritual.

Enejedu urged adults to be mindful of what they consumed and maintain good hygiene to live a healthy living.

In a research, Spadeng.com researched that the concept of the Feast of Barracuda is derived from the experience of Seafarers of old who encountered the Barracuda, a large predatory tropical marine fish and an opportunistic predator that preyed on other aquatic lives and sometimes humans.

Oral traditions has it that sailors and merchants of old saw this predator as a huge impediment to their smooth sail, travel and trades. Because the barracuda was considered an impediment to seafarers, they would feast on it at any point where they were able to conquer it. Relating the idea to NAS, the event puts forward topical issues that militates against the attainment of an egalitarian society for debates and possibly proffer solutions. Therefore, such gathering is celebrated as the Pyrates Confraternity’s Feast of Barracuda (FOB).

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Barracuda” by the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aghogho Okuma, as participants feasted on it with utmost excitement.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD

The Network Of Information Communication and Technology Dealers Association (NICTDA), have Congratulated Chief (Mrs.) Shimite Bello, aka. Madam Sabificate, the immediate past Executive Assistant on Export Initiatives, Coordinator UNIDO Center And Executive Secretary Small and Medium Micro Enterprise in the last Administration, on her appointment as Special Adviser by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State.

Describing her as a pragmatic leader par excellence, great mobilizer, goal getter, and a Philanthropist in a congratulatory message signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Kenneth Nwaobi and Ejiro Ejiro R. Onwuegbuzie (Mrs), NICTDA said “We rejoice with you on your well deserved appointment. May the Almighty God grant you Wisdom & Grace to discharge your duties efficiently & effectively in the actualisation of the M.O.R.E Agenda for all Deltans & non- Deltans.

“The impact of your wealth of experience, generosity & Philanthropic nature has been widely spread across the State as you equally played vital roles in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the just concluded National and State Elections.

“NICTDA, the Umbrella body of all Computer Engineers/Technicians and ICT Dealers in Delta State, once again congratulates the Akpeli Ugo Fufu I of Ebu Kingdom.”

The National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting at Asaba has been prayed upon to dismiss the entire election petition filled by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and PDP against INEC, Labour Party and Hon. Ngozi Okolie.

The Counsel to the 3rd Respondent, (Hon. Ngozi Okolie), Chike Onyemenam, SAN, made the prayer last Saturday, 15th July, 2023 during the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting at Asaba, Delta State.

Chike Onyemenam, SAN, told the Tribunal that, the following points were, from the written addresses and the oral arguments canvassed, the Petitioners, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and PDP abandoned their Claims that Honourable Ngozi Okolie of the Labour Party (LP) won the Election into the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency by a Landslide Victory by defeating Honourable Ndudi Elumelu with more than Twenty Thousand Votes.

He noted that, the Petitioners also abandoned their Claims that the Election was rigged or was invalid and that the Tribunal should declare the Election Null and Void and order INEC to conduct fresh Election for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

Chika Onyemenam, SAN, Counsel for the 3rd respondent, consequently urged the Tribunal to Strike out Grounds 14(2) & 14(3) of the Petition and paragraphs 15, 18-33 of the Petition since both Parties agree that they have been abandoned.

4. The 3rd Respondent’s Counsel argued that, the only Ground remaining in the Petition is the Claim by the Petitioners that Hon. Ngozi Okolie was not qualified to contest the Election for several reasons.

Counsel to Hon. Lawrence Ngozi Okolie now prayed the Honourable Tribunal to dismiss the entire Petition with the submission that, “since none of Three Witnesses called by the Petitioners adopted a Depositon or gave any Oral evidence to say that Hon. Ngozi Okolie was not qualified to contest the Election for any reason, the Petition is deemed in law to have been abandoned as the Supreme Court has decided that where a Petitioner fails to field a Witness to adopt his Depositon or fails to lead oral evidence in respect of the Petitioner’s Claims, the Petitioner is dead and cannot be revived by looking for evidence from the Opponents(Defendants) to revive a dead Petition”.

He further cited Supreme Court decisions which recently held that the Tribunal is also not permitted by Law to start inspecting the INEC Documents and Reports tendered by the Petitioners’ Counsel from the Bar and by the INEC Witness on Subpoena without any evidence to support or link the Documents and Reports to any part of the Petition; so as to discover violations inside the Documents, because the Supreme Court has decided that such Documents dumped on a Tribunal without Oral evidence are worthless Documents.

The 3rd Respondent’s Counsel also cited Supreme Court Judgements which established that PDP and its Candidate do not have the Locus Standi or right to complain that Labour Party and its Candidate did not hold Primary Election for which the Petitioners equally did not lead any Oral evidence in respect of, save to tender Reports and Exhbits not linked to any Oral evidence or any part of the Petition and urged the Honourable Tribunal to dismiss the Petition for failure of the Petitioners to lead any evidence, let alone, credible evidence, to make out a prima facie case against Honourable Ngozi Okolie and Labour Party.

Justice Christiana Obadina of an Osun State High Court sitting in Ikire on Monday, July 17, sentenced a clergyman with the Cherubim and Cherabum Church, Solution Chapel, Ikoyi-Ile. Phillips Segun, to death by hanging for conniving with one Owolabi Adeeko, 23, to kill a final year student of Lagos State University, Favour Daley-Oladele,who was Adeeko’s girlfriend.

The court while delivering judgement sentenced Adeeko, 23, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of the final year Sociology student after luring her to Ikire from Lagos while his mother, Bola, 46, was convicted for eating human flesh.

During the trial, the prosecution team from the Ministry of Justice led by Mrs Adekemi Bello, called nine witnesses, including the police investigating officer and tendered several exhibits before the court, while the convicts testified in their respective defence without calling any other witness. The prosecutors told the court that Owolabi and Favour had been dating for about a month before he lured her to Ikire under the pretense that she should come visit his uncle while Owolabi, his mother and Prophet Segun had concluded plans to kill her and use her body parts for money ritual.
The prosecution team said unknown to Favour that her boyfriend had planned to kill her, she agreed to follow him to visit his Uncle. However when they got to Ikire, Favour was killed in the church after Owolabi smashed her on the head with a pestle and her organs used for ritual before her remain was buried in a shallow grave outside the church on December 8, 2019.

The prosecution team told the court that few weeks later, the body was exhumed by the police after arresting the suspects who confessed to the murder and they were first arraigned before the court in November 15, 2021 on two counts bordering on conspiracy and murder contrary to sections 324 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap. 34 Laws of Osun State, 2002.

In her judgement, Justice Obadina said that prosecuting counsel has proven her case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The troops of the 192 Battalion Army operating in the 81 Division Area of Responsibility on Saturday intercepted an ammunition smuggling syndicate while transporting a truckload of smuggled ammunition from Mali to Anambra State.

Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu revealed this in a statement shared on Nigerian Army’s Twitter page on Monday.

The truckload of the ammunition was discovered by the troops during a stop and search operation along Ajilete-Owode road in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State.

The statement partly read, “The troops, who acted on actionable intelligence conducted a meticulous and rigorous Stop and Search operation along Ajilete-Owode Road in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State and uncovered the illegal ammunition in a truck with Registration number ENU 697 XY, loaded with 720 packets of Red Star Cartridges of 12 Calibre, containing 25 cartridges per packet, totalling 18, 000 cartridges and an additional 250 packets of live (black) cartridges containing 10 packets each, totalling 2500 cartridges of the same calibre.

“Identified suspects, Mr Eric Seworvor, a Ghanaian national, and the driver, Mr Lukman Sani, have been taken into custody and are helping with ongoing investigations.

“Information gathered during preliminary investigation revealed that the ammunition, which was surreptitiously concealed in a supposed empty truck was imported from Mali, via Idiroko International Border, where the criminals had successfully beaten several other checkpoints en route their final destination in Onitsha, Anambra State, where they intended to deliver the illegal ammunition.

“Timely intervention by the vigilant troops however thwarted the chaos that such volume of ammunition would have unleashed on innocent members of the public, if the criminals had succeeded.”

No fewer than 26 inmates at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos State, have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria in various disciplines.

The inmates, who received their certificates at the convocation ceremony organised by the institution on July 13, 2023, were pronounced graduates after the completion of their various programmes for the 2022/2023 academic session.

They comprised of three females and 23 males who had undertaken courses for both Masters Degrees, Post Diploma in Education, and undergraduate degrees.

It was gathered that three inmates graduated with Second Class Upper Division, while another one completed a Master’s Degree programme in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adekunle Ogungbe, who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, praised the management of the facility for giving the inmates such an opportunity.

He said such feats should be emulated by other inmates yet to undertake any programme with the institution.

According to him, other inmates should seize the opportunity and maximise their time by emulating their graduating colleagues.

He said, “As they are seeing their colleagues and counterparts being celebrated today, they have to be emulated or be motivated to register with us. Once they register with us, learning has started.

“Those that are here are still going through a trial for one offense or another, but as you know, education is a tool to facilitate moral changes, overall learning, and development of the individual.

“So once the mind of the individual is developed, it means that there is going to be a change in character and behavior and when there is a change in character and behaviors, we are saying that, the person has learned.”