Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investments, Maryam Uwais has said some children are out of school because of a levy of as little as 80 Naira, IGBERETV reports.

Uwais revealed that some children were out of school in Northern Nigeria because of an N80 levy.

Uwais who spoke during a Channels Television interview, blamed the country’s population for the increasing figure of out-of-school children.

She added that state governments must stand up to their responsibilities in reducing the number of out-of-school children.

In her words;

“We have a population that is growing faster than our economy, and we are not targeting those issues that are increasing the numbers. There are so many differences. We need to determine the reason for these numbers. We need to be more strategic in ways to solve the problem.

“So it is essential to monitor the situation, to get the causation factor being given as feedback. We are under the National Bureau of Statistics; they can analyse the trends and address the issue.

“I will give you an example; I was in one State, I won’t tell you the State, but it is a northern state, I saw 13 children playing, and I asked them, ‘Why aren’t you in school? They gave different things, and they all had aspirations as young children. They said they aren’t in school because of N80 as Parent Levy or something like that.

“Now, if we can use such information coming from all communities or that being the most prevalent issue for out-of-school children, it can be tackled at the state government level because these are hidden levies that impact the ability to go to school.”

Nigeria’s out-of-school-children figure stands at 20 million according to recent data by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.

The statistics showed that India, Nigeria and Pakistan have the highest number of out-of-school children globally between ages 6 and 18.

"culture where money, rather than respect, is the cornerstone is a low culture, that may prosper materially, but will never prosper spiritually or politically. A culture where a child can open his mouth and call his own father "a nobody"? Tufiakwa! Nyama!

What is money? Something that we will all leave on Earth. That is how you rate a life? Do you know why a Bini man will fight you physically if you dare insult the Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo? Because they view him not as a king, but as their father. That is why for over a thousand years, their culture has stood. Firm!

Until a culture has been recalibrated to stop revolving around money, and to gravitate towards respect, it will always be under the control of higher cultures that are built on respect. Just look at pre-colonial and post colonial Nigeria. Not much has changed in terms of power structure!

Because you worship money, you also feel that everybody is motivated by money. Like you. Listen to me carefully: Bola Tinubu is a known drog lord (deliberate spelling to avoid you know what). If he is on fire, I will not urinate on him. No amount of money and or post will make me support him. I will protest and support the Peoples Democratic Party petition against his victory with my money and my energy. But as far as I am concerned, if the Supreme Court does not overturn his victory, which I pray they do, I will recognise and accept him as my President on May 29, 2023, and torment him if he toes the path of Buhari.

It is you and your likes that do everything because of money. For 500 years, my lineage has never been poor. And I am not about to be the weak link that will bring poverty into my pedigree. My actions are the result of my principles."

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Osun Sector Command, has recovered N27.171, 400, and N21,900, at the scene of a fatal multiple car crash that claimed six lives on Tuesday morning, April 4, 2023, IGBERETV reports.

According to report, the collision involved a green Zafira Opel Saab with the licence plate GBA 440XA and a red Toyota Sienna with the plate KTU 896HX which were travelling in opposite directions on the Ipetu-Ilesa axis of the Ilesa-Akure highway.

Eyewitnesses attributed the accident on unsafe overtaking and excessive speed.

Confirming the incident, Osun FRSC Sector Public Education Officer, Agnes Ogungbemi, said N27.171, 400 was handed over to the relatives of the victims while the N21,900 belonging to the driver was handed over to the police in Ijebu-Ijesa.

“The accident involved 11 males and three females. Six males lost their lives, while seven others sustained severe injuries and only one person was unhurt. The injured victims were taken to Wesley hospital Ilesa while bodies were deposited at the same hospital morgue,” Ogunyemi stated.

“N21,900 that belongs to the driver who drove GBA440XA OPEL ZAFIRA was handed over to the Nigeria Police Ijebu Ijesa. The Nigerian Police towed the vehicles to their station,”

The sum of twenty seven million, one hundred and seventy one thousand, four hundred Naira (N27,171,400) only was recovered and handed over to the victims' family members," she added.

The money was given to the victims' family members in the presence of personnel from the Nigerian Air Force base Ipetu Ijesa, and NURTW members.

Receiving the money on behalf of the leadership of the Hausa community, Alhaji Isiaka Alilu thanked the officers of the FRSC, especially, the leader of the rescue team, Mr. R.A Omolekulo for their patriotism and sincerity which has carved the corps name on hearts.

The police in Lagos arraigned social media influencer, Blessing Okoro (a.k.a. Blessing CEO) in court for alleged Cyber-bullying and Libel, IGBERETV reports.

Blessing was picked up by men of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department FCID on Thursday, 30th March.

Following her arrest, she was arraigned before the court on Friday on a six-count charge of alleged cyber-bullying, libel, and for exhibiting uncensored movies.

The prosecution counsel, Rotshang Faith Dimka of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, told the court that Blessing Okoro of Lekki, Lagos, on October 16, 2022, “intentionally sent messages using her Instagram handle @officialblessingceo to bully, threaten and harass one Folashade Samuels, a.k.a Mamajazz, a younger sister to the late Bimbo Ogbonna, wife of automobile businessman, Ikechukwu Ogbonna aka IVD. Dimka also told the court that Blessing used her Instagram handle @officialblessingceo, to injure the reputation of Folashade Samuels and the late Bimbo Ogbonna, by exposing them to hatred, contempt, and ridicule.

The police said some of the messages allegedly sent by Blessing include;

“Let’s ask Mamajazz where her father is?? ? Their father had exactly the same issue with their mother Ebele and he ran away for his dear life. IVD’s crime was that he was not man enough to run… The family of late Bimbo is after IVD’’s properties and life. Especially her elder sister Mamajazz. Bimbo and IVD are well-known people in Lagos and it’s not a hidden fact that even in their estate that Bimbo is violent. Everybody knows how she breaks a bottle on her husband’s head on a daily .. Bimbo killed herself and has always wanted to kill herself right from childhood. Evidence loading. All the voice notes and evidence will be on my YouTube and Facebook. Subscribe,”

I will ask Mamajazz, the late Bimbo’s sister few questions…where you in talking terms with your sister before (she) died? Are you owing your late sister 18 million? Did she block you before her death? Do you even like your sisters’ children?? Answers this question because | will slam the internet with raw facts and evidence.”

I am stepping into the case as the official relationship therapist of IVD… Will drop all the evidence that IVD did not kill his wife or even hurt her. The late Bimbo was the violent person and suicidal victim”

The police told the court that the defendants contravened Section 24 (2)(a)(1) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, and Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act. They also contravened Section 33 of the NFVCB Act, 2004.

Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty, when the charges were read to her.

The presiding judge, Justice Yelim Bogoro remanded Blessing in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services till May 30 for the hearing of her bail application.

Portable has denied knowing that the people who came to arrest him at his bar were Police officers, IGBERETV reports.

The controversial Nigerian singer was captured in a viral video resisting arrest and verbally abusing police officers who had come to his bar to arrest him on March 28.

Portable was later arrested on Friday, March 31, after the 72-hour ultimatum given to him by the Ogun State police command expired. When he was asked about his faceoff with the police officers at his bar, the singer denied knowing that they were security operatives.

Eze Ekene Obinali, the traditional ruler of Umucheke in Umuobom in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, has been arrested by the operatives of the Anti-kidnapping Unit of the state police command for allegedly sharing a write-up on WhatsApp that was said to be very critical of the state Governor, Hope Uzodimma, IGBERETV reports.

According to report, the embattled traditional ruler had on March 20 reposted the write-up on a WhatsApp group platform called Ideato Voice.

The publication, titled “Gov Hope Uzodimma in a fresh scandal”, addressed the role of the late Ahmed Gulak during the 2018 All Progressives Congress governorship primary election in Imo State.

Publisher of Ideato Voice newspapers, Dr Vitus Ezenwa, was arrested by police for the publication but was granted bail after the police apprehended the traditional ruler, Eze Ekene Obinali. The traditional ruler was at the Anti Kidnapping Unit, Tiger Base, Owerri, at the time of filing this report.

Senator representing Enugu-East district, Chimaroke Nnamani, has said that the south-east geopolitical zone should support l the incoming President-Elect Bola Tinubu's administration, IGBERETV reports.

After failing to secure his re-election, Nnamani who was expelled for “anti-party and failed activities” by the Peoples Democratic Party, said in a statement, that Tinubu's administration will be fair to all, and that South-East leaders should align and negotiate like others for national resources and political largesse.

He said;

“Tinubu has won the election. If anybody has any reason to think otherwise, the courts are there to adjudicate. The courts are there as part of the electioneering process.

“What I expect our people to do is to align with the incoming administration, negotiate like others for national resources and political largesse for the benefit of our citizens.

“A Tinubu administration will be fair, just and equitable in the allocation of resources to every part of Nigeria.”

Popular Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie has reported the death of his 16-year-old son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, to the Lagos State Police Command, IGBERETV reports.

Kambilichukwu died on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Mother and Child Hospital in Lagos where he was rushed to after developing a seizure, while playing football with his mates.

Spokesperson for the police in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the development in a statement on Friday morning, March 31, said the actor reported the death of his son to the command.

The PPRO said the matter will be forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department on Friday, March 31, for investigation.

"Five suspected armed robbers were reportedly burnt to death, weekend, by angry mob at people's club Nkpor old road Onitsha.
#say no to stealing.
#say no to jungle justice."

"I was in Awka, Anambra State, today for the celebration of Gov. Chukwuma Charles Soludo's One Year in Office. As a firm believer in building a better society, I maintain that politics should transcend partisanship and be free from tribal and religious affiliations.

"We all must join hands to build a better society for all. I congratulate my very dear brother and Governor, Prof @CCSoludo, as he marks his first year in office. I will continue to pray for, and wish him well in office. May he succeed! -PO"

"Earlier today, I visited my friend and brother, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, CEO of Innoson motors. We shared some convivial moments and had very productive discussions. -PO"

"I am very grateful for the quiet time with the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the Anambra airport yesterday. We exchanged views on the state of play and state of the nation. -PO"

"So I am here in London to acquire my 4th crib abroad and my twin brother @rudeboypsquare just bought himself another crib in Atlanta! Omo! Some people are really teaching us a big lesson after the Elections

Congratulations @iamkingrudy"

Former governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose, has said that anyone who believes they can unseat President-elect, Bola Tinubu, is daydreaming, IGBERETV reports.

Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, Fayose pointed that the election is already done and dusted but said that those who are aggrieved have the courts where they can seek redress.

In his words;

‘’I am not desperate for an appointment. I have been governor twice. I am contented but for anybody to say he will unseat Ahmed Bola Tinubu, you are daydreaming. It is a nightmare you are putting yourself through. That election has come and gone''

Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that the Lagos state government has no space for bigotry or ethnic coloration in its system, IGBERETV reports.

Some residents argued that they were ethnically profiled by some thugs and prevented to vote at their polling units on Saturday's governorship election in the state.

While speaking to residents of the state during an inspection of a project in the Yaba axis of the state, Governor Sanwo-Olu said;

‘’We do not have any space for ethnicity or ethinic bigotry in our system. We do not have any space for any divisive coloration that will want to continue to divide us''

"After due enquiries, I regret to say that the arrest of Mr Nnamdi @chude__ is a further confirmation of Nigeria’s poor and declining performance in the Rule of Law, Voice and Accountability, and other governance indicators.

"With Voice, and Accountability, the No 1 key indicator of good governance, it is very important, particularly for those in authority to note and accept that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and ingredient for the development of a good society.

"While I appreciate that the freedoms must be exercised in line with the rule of law, arresting Nigerians for tweeting on their leaders and those in authority decimates the opportunity for inclusive governance and accountability which are highly needed in a developing country like Nigeria. As we are all Nigerians and Nigeria is our only country, we must continue to make efforts to build a better Nation where justice, fairness, equity, tolerance, prosperity, accountable leadership and rule of law shall reign with no Nigerian feeling suppressed or oppressed. As leaders, it is important for us to know that there are several consequences of occupying public office. For instance, citizens will have their different thoughts on us and we have the right to reply. Arbitrary use of our office or in unrestrained way will do no one any good, including those in authority.

"I therefore appeal to all concerned to please treat the issue most objectively on rule of law, and compassionately release the young man in question.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. - PO"

"#CongratulationsCatrionaTheyHeardYou and decided to give you more fascinating election
@CatrionaLaing1"

"Election is over! While waiting for the authentic results! Am in a country “that works” learning that BIG LESSON I am taught! We go dey alright las las!"

"Even your so called politicians and there children all go for treatments and school in that same country that works! Be deceiving yourself! “They are not even in Nigeria?”
Election was postponed and you expect me to postponed our tour in a country that works? Dis PDAPC people"

"God bless you for everything you did..@PeterPsquare I wish I had the opportunity to travel, after everything that happened in this election, I don't think I will ever come out of this depression I'm mentally down.. "

"No hope is lost here my dear! I didn’t japa or ran away! I am here on our world tour! Although as a successful artiste well known, we are hardly in Nigeria! Have faith! Nigeria will be great again!🇳🇬

WE WANT TO MAKE NATION BUILDING A PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT. Remain blessed dear"

“This man can confidently threaten voters because he is state backed. This isn’t the first video of him threatening voters but somehow, he still has not been arrested.

@jidesanwoolu call your thugs to order. This is a democracy not a dictatorship.

@BenHundeyin do your job!”

"I strongly condemn the attacks on Olumide and his team. I have repeatedly called on Governor
@jidesanwoolu
to call his supporters to order. I take his silence to mean he approves the violence.

Make no mistake, we will win on Saturday, and the perpetrators of this violence will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

"Baby LIGHT IS 2.

On the 15th of March 2021, God blessed me with the Greatest Gift and my biggest heart desire. A Shining LIGHT and the most precious, adorable little girl. I never knew how much my life would change and how much comfort and Joy a human could bring... My smart and loving Princess, I love you more than life itself.. You are a Light to us and to your generation. As you turn 2, I re dedicate you to the God that Gave you to me. The One who never sleeps nor slumber... HE is doing an excellent Job at taking care of us... Grow in wisdom and abundance of Grace my little Angel. Mummy loves you too much.”

Nigeria's former President, Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerian politicians ahead of Saturday's governorship and house of assembly election, IGBERETV reports.

Speaking on Thursday, March 16, at Sampou community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State shortly after paying a condolence visit to Governor Douye Diri who lost his father, Pa Abraham Diri, Jonathan admonished politicians against do-or-die politics, saying those who aspire to rule should not force themselves on the people.

Jonathan said;

“Leadership is not by force. It is about serving the people. So, if you want to lead the people, you cannot kill them before you lead them.

“In Bayelsa, the challenges will be minimal because we do not have governorship election on Saturday. But I urge our people to conduct themselves well.”

"My first apple watch got bad and Apple couldn't repair it in Toronto. It passed the warranty period so they couldn’t replace it either.

Sent it to Computer Village in Lagos.

Guess what? It’s working now.

"I have known my guy Dimeji who fixed it for over 8 years now. He has worked and fixed a number of phones for me and when I told him about the watch, he said “no worry. I go fit run am.”

Never doubted him.

Nigerians are talented!"

At least 10 passengers were burnt to death in an auto crash along the Oyo-Ogbomoso road on Thursday, March 9, 2023, IGBERETV reports.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, Joshua Adekanye, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Ibadan, said the crash involving a Mazda and a Toyota Hiace passenger buses, occurred at about 5.30 a.m. around Kilometres 12 Ijawaya.

According to him, the passengers were burnt beyond recognition. He said the buses with registration numbers LEM 963 XA and NSR 222 ZS were coming from Lagos and Nasarawa States respectively.

Adekanye said that the vehicles burst into flame immediately resulting in the burning of the occupants. He attributed the cause of the accident to speeding and overloading.

He said that the fatality would have been reduced if the drivers were not on a night journey. He called on motorists to always shun night travelling, speeding and overloading.

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro, has said police officers should be held responsible for any violence that arises at the polling unit they are deployed to, IGBERETV reports.

The former police boss who said this while condemning intimidation of voters and other violence during Presidential and National Assembly polls, said it is imperative for him to air his concern because Nigerians and the international community monitored the exercise.

He also urged the current Inspector General, Alkali Baba and other service chiefs not to allow miscreants to tarnish the image of the country.

He said;

“Some observers, for example, said they witnessed 135 incidents involving but not limited to seizure or snatching of ballot boxes by armed gangs and political thugs, vote-buying, delays and irregularities.

“These resulted in delay in uploading results from each of 176,000 polling units to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

“What strikes me most, and which are objectionable and condemnable is violence and voter-intimidation, especially use of gunmen and thugs to harass, scare away voters and officials, as well as snatching of ballot boxes.

“Sadly, some policemen were accused of watching while the violence was orchestrated. In some domains, some were accused of threatening voters to vote certain candidates against or face consequences, like being driven away where they live.

“In other areas, property are destroyed, ostensibly to cow them to vote for candidates not their choice. Should such conduct still be trailing Nigeria in the 21st century? The answer is NO!

“The Constitution guarantees freedom of movement as well as freedom of Nigerians to reside in any part of the country without molestation. It stipulates freedom to vote and be voted for in any part of the country.

“Any Nigerian has the right to contest election in any part of the country once such a citizen is qualified to stand for election. Citizens should not be forced or cowed to vote for or pander to dictates of any candidate other than the candidate of their choice.

“Therefore, as the governorship and House of Assembly elections hold on Saturday, March 18, I implore the social media to be vigilant and aggressive in capturing video clips of violence involving armed gangs and thugs hired to disrupt the polls.

“Persons, no matter how highly or lowly placed, threatening or forcing Nigerians to vote for candidates not their choice are not exempted, including policemen who watch irregularities and violence being perpetrated.

“Such social media report should be explicit with the state, local government, ward, polling unit or specific domain where such incidents are witnessed. The report should also be signed or bear the name of the reporter so it will not be dismissed as fake news by investigators.

“By the same token, I implore the IGP to deal with policemen who watch while violence is being committed by hired gunmen, thugs and sundry election miscreants and offenders.”

One of the survivors of the accident between a moving train and a Lagos State government Staff bus, at Shogunle area of Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, March 9, has narrated what transpired prior to the crash, IGBERETV reports.

The survivor identified as Titilayo, revealed that they begged the driver of the bus to wait for the train to pass, but he refused.

Speaking to journalists, she said;

“The incident happened around 7.15am. When we got to the intersection at PWD in Ikeja, the driver continued driving. Passengers inside the bus, including myself, begged him to wait for the train to pass before crossing, but he didn’t listen.

“Midway, just before he could finish crossing the rail tracks, the accident happened. Many of us were rushed here, while five others were taken to Gbagada General Hospital.”

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed to residents of the state to accept the old notes, IGBERETV reports.

Obaseki made the appeal after the Supreme Court ruled that the old N500 and N1000 notes remain legal tender till December 31, 2023.

The Edo State Government is one of the co-defendants with the federal government against Kaduna and some other state governments that urged the Supereme Court to nullify the February 10 deadline for old naira notes set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

However, Obaseki in a statement on Thursday, March 9, by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the old notes should be accepted alongside the new ones to facilitate trade and boost economic activities.

He said: “With the Supreme Court judgement, the controversy over the circulation of the notes have been put to rest and the people are urged to accept and trade with the notes.

“We are also exploring other means of transaction such as electronic transfers, among others, as all issues of cash available are addressed by the relevant government agencies.”

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike on Thursday, March 9, mocked People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and other leaders of the party over the recent protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, IGBERETV reports.

On Monday, March 6, the former Vice President led a “black uniform” protest to INEC headquarters alongside PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu; his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa and other members of the party.

Speaking at the commissioning of Igwuruta internal roads in the Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Wike stated that he ensured his candidates won their election.

He said;

“I won three of the Senate seats – three over three. Ask them, did they win three over three? You cannot win!

“I told them; they said they would conspire against me. Those who said they’ll conspire against me are those wearing black. I am wearing white and they’re wearing black.”