₦airaland Forum

The lndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday presented certificates of return to Kano state Governor-elect Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, his deputy Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and 27 elected members.

However, 13 members of the assembly elected under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were conspicuously absent during the ceremony held at the indoor sports hall of Sani Abacha stadium.

Presenting the certificates of return to the elected officers, the INEC national commissioner in charge of Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, Engr. Abubakar Nahuche urged political class in the country to always imbibe spirit of sportsmanship and eschew a do-or-die politics.

He, however, congratulated the winners and said the outcome of the election was a true reflection of democracy saying Nigerian democracy has significantly developed.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-ganduje-apc-lawmakers-receive-certificates-of-return/

The suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, on Wednesday, at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Abuja, closed his defence in his ongoing trial on the charges bordering on assets declaration breaches, after calling his driver of 20 years as his first witness.

Lead counsel to Onnoghen, Chief Chris Uche(SAN), told the court that after taking a deep consideration, the defence closes its case.

“Pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Practice Direction of the CCT, we will be applying to file our final written addresses.’’

Uche asked the court gove the counsel in the matter 14 days within which to file in their written addresses.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-non-declaration-of-assetsonnoghen-closes-defence/

David Adeleke, better known by his stage name ‘Davido’ is to perform at Hot 97 Summer Jam in New York on June 2.

The jam is one of the biggest concerts held during the summer in the U.S.

The music star shared the big news via his Instagram handle @davidoofficial on Tuesday, where he posted a photo of the event’ s line up.

“Bitch I graduated call me BIG FISH! NO Y NEW YORK! SUMMER JAM! JUNE 2ND! MET LIFE STADIUM!” he said.
Other notable music stars billed to perform at the yearly event are Cardi B, Meek Mill, Migos, Tory Lanez, A-Boogie, Cassanova and a host of others.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/davido-set-to-perform-at-hot-97-summer-jam-in-new-york/

Controversial founder of Free Nation movement, Daddy Freeze has tackled the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi for saying that women who put on men’s wears are abomination unto God.

Kumuyi had on Sunday while preaching said women who put on men’s wears are abomination unto God.


Read More on: http://naijachurchnews.com/daddy-freeze-criticizes-kumuyi-statement/

The Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) says the 2019 general elections in Nigeria was free and fair.

The group stated this at a news briefing on Monday in Lagos that hinged on its observations of the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship and House of Assembly polls,

Execute Director/Chair Transition Committee of CODER; Mr. Wunmi Bewaji argued that if the elections were influenced, President Muhammadu Buhari would not have lost in Aso Rock if the elections were to have been influenced.

“ Similarly, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki also lost his re-election bid along with others who failed to win in their states and constituencies inspite of being current occupants of their seats.

“The 2019 election may not have been 100 per cent free and fair but we can score it 80 per cent based on the results and expectations which were dashed as INEC allowed the votes to count.

“In all countries of the world, including the US and others, elections are never 100 per cent right but are adjudged free and fair based on the general outcome and calculations.

“In states where it is believed that the elections will be marred by violence or rigging, elections were concluded and no major violence recorded,” he said.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/2019-general-elections-was-free-fair-coder/

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Arsenal 1 Newcastle 0 Ramsey'

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday lashed out at a section of media, accusing it of twisting the statement by National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to suit what it described as a jaundiced narrative.

The party said there was no disagreement between the Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi on the adoption of the governorship candidate of the AAC for the governorship election in Rivers state.

National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu, in a statement explained while the party has no formal alliance with the AAC, it has not foreclosed any local arrangement that may have been made by any local chapter of the party.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to some reports in the media purporting a disagreement between the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi over the alignment of the Rivers State APC with the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Awara Biokpomabo.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/no-rift-between-oshiomhole-amaechi-on-rivers-says-apc/

This year’s edition of the annual Dankwo fishing festival in Lokoja ended abruptly on Saturday when gunmen opened fire on participants.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the festival, which is an annual event organised by the Lokoja Traditional Council, was just about one hour underway when the gunmen invaded the venue, Kabawa Waterfront, in two engine boats.

The armed invaders, three in number , positioned themselves strategically inside the boats before firing gunshots indiscriminately into the crowd.

Guests at the event fled in different directions for safety but five of them were not so lucky as they were hit by bullets.

Read Also: 7 die as truck plunged into river in Kogi
Police were immediately contacted but the gunmen had escaped the scene before their arrival.

They escaped in the same engine boats, it was gathered.

The Kogi State Police Command spokesman, DSP William Aya, while confirming the incident, described it as unfortunate.

According to him, all the five injured victims have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja for treatment.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/gunmen-injure-five-disrupt-fishing-festival-in-kogi/

Lagos-based MFM FC head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu on Saturday said that his team would not target anything short of victory against Enyimba International of Aba on Sunday.

He said that anything short of that would amount to failure ahead of this weekend’s game in the Match Day 13 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Group A leaders will host seven-time NPFL champions of the top-flight at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

According to Ilechukwu, the team will be looking forward to recording their first-ever win against the Peoples Elephant.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/enyimba-must-fall-in-agege-says-mfm-fc-coach/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated Micro Pension Plan with a pledge to restore the dignity of public servants, who worked tirelessly and sacrificed for the greatness of Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of Micro Pension Plan, organized by National Pension Commission at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the president assured that the Federal Government would rev up the process of sanitizing the pensions system.

According to him, retired public servants deserve better treatment and effective service that meets their needs to...

Read More >>> http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-pledges-to-restore-dignity-of-retired-public-servants/

A total of N619.857 billion has been distributed as federal allocation for the month of February 2019 among the Federal, States and Local Government Councils.

A communiqué by the Technical Sub -Committee of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) at the end of its February meeting, indicated the gross statutory revenue received was N478.434 billion.

This sum is lower than the N505.246 billion received in the previous month by N26.812 billion.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/fg-states-lgs-share-n619-857bn-for-february/

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Wednesday resumed discussion with the team set up by the Federal Government to renegotiate the 2009 agreement with staff unions in universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education based on the principle of collective bargaining.

The five-man Federal Government renegotiating team has Dr. Olawale Babalakin, as its chairman.

The meeting, which stated at about 10am, ended at 4pm.

Babalakin, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of University of Lagos, confirmed the meeting with the ASUU team to reporters at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission in Abuja.

He said the government team had a positive discussion with ASUU team led by its National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi.

He said the government team was hopeful of finalising negotiation with the union.

Babalakin said: “We have resumed negotiation. The government team and the Academic Staff of Universities were appropriately represented and we had very positive discussion and we actually hope that we are on a good path for finalising the negotiation.

“There were healthy discussions on topical issues and both sides made extensive contributions for the benefit of the university system. The negotiation, you have to seek the consent of the other party before you make such disclosures.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/ASUU-fg-resume-discussion-on-2009-agreement/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday said that it settled for Senator Ahmed Lawan as the next Senate President after wide consultations with the President and other leaders of the party.

It said the choice followed consideration of all available options.

The party also said the stand of the party not to share power in the National Assembly with the Peoples Democratic Party (APC) is borne out of the fact that it has a clear majority and does not need the PDP to run successful government.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, told reporters on Wednesday in Abuja that having settled for Lawan as Senate President, the party is working out an acceptable zoning formula for other positions in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/why-we-settled-for-lawan-as-senate-president-by-apc/

A teenage girl, Ngozi Eze, has been allegedly raped to death by unknown persons at Imufu community, Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The deceased’s body was found in a bush behind Community Secondary School, Imufu.

She had gone for her JAMB lessons in preparation for the forthcoming UTME.

The body was found several hours after her family declared her missing.

The deceased’s father, Jonathan Eze, had earlier dropped her with his motorbike at the lesson centre.

Eze told the crowd that gathered in the bush where his daughter’s corpse was found that he took her on his motorcycle to the Township School, Ogrute, Enugu Ezike, where she went for JAMB lessons in the evening of Tuesday.

According to him, he went back later to pick her only to be informed that somebody had given her a lift.

“I left Township School, Ogrute and went home straight, hoping to see her but she wasn’t there. We waited till 8 pm and started looking for her.

“She was not the type that normally socialise. We did not sleep as her telephone number was switched off. It was only this morning (Wednesday) that we got information that her corpse was found here.

Read Also; 3 employees docked for allegedly setting IBEDC office ablaze in Ilesa
“She was to enter the university last year when she completed her secondary education but we prevailed on her to exercise patience for her elder brother to graduate, because we cannot afford to train two persons in the university.

‘’Since then, she has been working hard to gain admission this year, but this is what has now happened.”

Rev Father Johnson Nwanonenyi, the parish priest of the area, who said a short prayer for the repose of her soul at the scene, amid wailing and sobbing by sympathisers, shortly before a team of police detectives took the body away for further investigations, said that human beings would always reap the bad seeds they sowed while on earth.

“The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be exposed. God will not allow His creation to be humiliated this way, without punishing them adequately,” the priest said.

The police who arrived the scene said a close observation of her corpse showed lacerations around her neck and ankles, suggesting she must have been strangled by her rapists.

Her books and writing materials, handkerchief and shreds of her clothings were scattered around the scene.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/teenager-raped-to-death-in-enugu/

Israel Arogbonlo, Lagos

The General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya alongside other alumni of University of Lagos State (UNILAG) would be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees at the University’s 50th convocation.

Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olwatoyin Ogundipe disclosed this to newsmen at a pre-convocation press briefing on Wednesday.

The don told newsmen that, The Former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mr. Lateef Olufemi Okunnu and the Founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, would also be conferred with honorary doctorate degrees of the University on the third convocation day, Thursday, during which 5,405 postgraduate students would receive their Post Graduate Diploma (484), Masters Degree (4,771), and Ph.D (150) respectively.

According to him, 271 of the 7,406 would be graduating with First Class grades during the award of degrees which would hold between Tuesday and Thursday next week at the J.F Ade-Ajayi Auditorium.

"I am proud to announce that 271 students would be awarded First Class degrees of which 56 are from the Faculty of Engineering. The breakdown of the other classes of degrees are as follows: 2,277 in the Second Class Upper, 3,116 in Second Class Lower, 1,197 in Third Class, 13 in Pass, while 414 in degrees or diplomas that are not classified," he said.

Ogundipe said three undergraduates shared the overall best graduating honour with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.96 each. They are: Ogechi Joedicta Ekeh (Pharmacy); Oluwaseyi Adeniyi Adeyeye (Insurance), and Daniel Chinaedum Ogbechi (Business Administration).

The University of Lagos is to graduate 12,811 undergraduate and postgraduate students during its 50th convocation next week.
In the postgraduate category, Oluwaseyi Ayodele Ajibade of the Metallurgical and Material Engineering department would receive the overall best PhD Thesis award and the best PhD Thesis award for Sciences, while Olumide Oyewole Ajibade would receive the best PhD thesis award for Humanities.

Prior to the award of degrees, Ogundipe said the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo would deliver the Convocation Lecture titled: "Nigeria Rising: The Path to Prosperity" on Monday April 1, 2019. The lecture would be chaired by Chief Arthur Mbanefo.

Other programmes to feature at the convocation include: Exhibitions (April 1); Chancellor's reception; UNILAG Alumni Association edutainment; and Alumni reception and convocation play.

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba will make an emotional playing return to Stamford Bridge this summer as part of Soccer Aid 2019.

The B hero, who won 12 major honours with Chelsea, is set to be confirmed as one of the former professionals to play in the annual charity match, scheduled to take place on June 16.

It will be the first time Drogba, 41, has played at his spiritual home since leaving his second spell at the club back in 2015
Drogba, who scored 164 goals during his two spells at the club, is sure to receive a hero’s reception back at the Bridge when he turns out for the Rest of the World to play against England given his legendary status among Chelsea supporters.

The game at Stamford Bridge is the first time Soccer Aid has been played at a club stadium other than Old Trafford in its 13-year history.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/didier-drogba-set-for-stamford-bridge-return-june-16/

The death of Mr. Zekery Aguye, a Magistrate and Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation) with the Kogi State judiciary, has led to unease in the service with colleagues attributing his demise to backlog of unpaid salaries.

Aguye reportedly died last Tuesday at the National Hospital Abuja after a protracted battle with prostate cancer.

He eventually died at the National Hospital, where he was initially being treated, before discontinuing treatment due to alleged inability to offset his medical bills.

The Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Mr. Yahaya Adamu, who confirmed the sad development, described Aguye’s death as pathetic.
According to him, Aguye’s illness surfaced two years when he was diagnosed of the disease.

He pointed out with quick response and the concerted attention of the family and judiciary, the deceased received the proper medical treatment.

He added: “He was taken to the National Hospital where he was treated, to the extent that he even started driving his car by himself, having survived the critical period of the illness also affected his spine.

“When it all started, we thought it was one of those usual ailments. But when it became obvious that he needed to be handled by specialists, we headed for the National Hospital.

“You will agree with me that treatment there is highly capital intensive. So, in conjunction with the family and other wells wishers, he was revived.

“He was subsequently placed on drugs and periodic examinations by the hospital, which we consistently complied with.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/unpaid-salaries-killed-kogis-judicial-officer-say-colleagues/

An Ekiti State High Court on Tuesday sentenced a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Abednego Ajibola, to death for killing his colleague over scuffle on loading arrangement.

Justice Lekan Ogunmoye found Ajibola, 40, guilty of the one-count charge of murder of fellow union member, Ojo Ogunsakin, on 10th March, 2017 at Akure Motor Park along Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti.

The judge held that ingredients of the offence of murder has been established against the convict who, he said, committed an offence contrary to Section 316 of the Criminal Code Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/nurtw-member-sentenced-to-death-for-killing-colleague-over-loading/

The United Nations has disclosed that there is a decline in maternal deaths in Africa and The Gambia, lauding the efforts of governments of the continent in achieving this feat.

The Gambia Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, Ms. Seraphine Wekana made this disclosure during the Pan-African Youth Conference holding in Banjul, The Gambia.

According to her, the decline have been reduced due to improved health services and increase in the are of childbearing.

“Africa has recorded a significant decline in maternal death which can be contributed to improved health services in terms of access and quality. The age of childbearing have also increased significantly. ”

Seraphine, however, said that Africa still experiences the highest number of child mortality deaths urging governments at all level to work towards reducing these indices.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/africa-records-decline-in-maternal-deaths-un/

An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced a man, Chukwudi Onweniwe, to death by hanging for killing his undergraduate girlfriend two years ago.

Onweniwe, had strangulated his girlfriend, Nifemi Adeyeoye, an HND student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to death in Owo, Ondo State.

After reviewing the case, the presiding judge, Justice Ademola Bola, found Onweniwe guilty of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging.

The convict was charged on four-count charge bordering on endangering life, abduction, rape and murder.

The prosecutor, Jumoke Ogunjebi, who filed the charge on February 20, 2017, called five witnesses, including the mother of the deceased, to testify against the convict.

The convict abducted Nifemi and took her to a farm near Alayere, Ogbese, raped her and then snuffed life out of her by strangulating her to death.

Nifemi’s mother, who testified before the court, said her daughter had told her she was going to visit her friend on the fateful day.

According to her, she did not know the convict though he was said to be her daughter’s boyfriend.

Besides, the bereaved mother said she did not see her daughter again until policemen invited her to come to the mortuary to identify a corpse whether it was her daughter.

Two motorcyclists who saw the duo together on that day also testified in the case and one of them told the court that he carried them to a spot in town.

Delivering his judgement, Bola said Onweniwe was arraigned before the court on May 22, 2017 and he had entered a “not guilty” plea when the four-count charge preferred against him was read to him.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/man-to-die-by-hanging-for-killing-girlfriend-in-ondo/

An Ikeja Domestic Violence and Special Offences Court, Monday heard the sordid details of how a driver, Gabriel Ogbar, allegedly raped his three daughters multiple times for several years.

Two of the daughters (names withheld) told Justice Abiola Soladoye that the incidents occurred from when they were 10 and 12 years old, at their home at Oke-Ogbe, Atura area of Badagry, Lagos State.

They testified against Ogbar at the continuation of his trial for the offences.

Sister A, now 23, told the court that she endured sexual abuse from her father for five-years from the age of 12 until she was 18-years-old.

She said: “When I was 12-years-old, I was living with my mum and dad, my mum is not always around because she is a businesswoman and my father was a driver at the time.

“Whenever my mother was not around, he would come to me at night with a knife or screwdriver or something harmful to threaten me to open up to sleep with me, because I was scared at the time, I gave in to his requests to sleep with me.

“It continued for a very long time, I could not tell anyone about it because I was scared. When I got to the age of 18-years, there was a night he came to me but I ran to my mum’s pastor who is Mrs Ochiegbu and I reported the event to her.

“I hid in her church and my dad came and was saying that I should start coming home but unknown to him, I had explained everything to them at church, I waited at the church till my mother returned and I went home with her.

“The next day, the pastor called my mother and told her everything I told her, she was upset and did not know what to do.”

Sister A said that her father continued to ask her for sex and she had to run away from home for a year.

She said she thought the abuse at home had stopped until her older sister (Sister B) caught their father defiling their 13-year-old sister.

“I and my older sister (Sister B) went for a vigil. My father did not allow our younger sister to go for the vigil. My older sister said she had a funny feeling and needed to go home to check on our younger sister.

“When she got home everywhere was quiet and, being suspicious, she went to the window to peep and she saw my dad trying to rape our younger sister. He had just finished fingering her.

“My older sister shouted and ran back to the church to report what happened, I and my older sister went back to the house to get our younger sister out of the house.
“He started attacking us and we started fighting him too. Our younger sister ran out and we told her to go to the church until my mum returned, because she comes late.

“We reported to our mum and asked our younger sister how long it had been going on and she explained that it had been a very long time he had been doing it to her and that she told her uncle at school,” Sister A said.

She added that the abuse was reported to Andrew Ogbar, the defendant’s brother, who threatened them that they should not testify against their father.

Sister B, who is 25-years-old, testified that the sexual abuse from their father started when she was 10-years-old.

She said nobody believed her when she reported the abuse to the police.

Read More: http://thenationonlineng.net/our-father-raped-us-serially-for-years-two-sisters-tell-court/

Israel Arogbonlo

Victor Osimhen's sensational hat-trick saw Nigeria U23 through to the U23 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Libya U23 4-0 in the second leg of their double-header qualifying tie at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Monday.

It will be recalled that The Dream Team VII began the AFCON U-23 double-header qualifier against Libya on a wrong foot, going down 2-0 away at the Stade de Ben Guerdane, Libya.

David Okereke netted the fourth goal at the 90'+3 minutes to seal the victory.

A Pastor identified as Kenneth popularly known as Kenny of the Divine Fruit Church of Christ, Kanye in Botswana, reportedly killed a dog during the church service on Sunday, March 17th which he ate raw and also gave to his members.

The Pastor who killed the dog and ate it raw, claimed the meat he gave his members including little children has been blessed. Photos from the church service were shared on Facebook with bible verses which read:

”Eat of me, whoever eats of me will never die. No one will force you to partake but that which I give is of my Spirit to confirm my word. When you eat of me it will be unto perfection. Nothing can be given unto you unless it is given by the Father. If I eat you have already eaten because you believe in me. We eat everything, if it is blessed it is approved.

When God speaks to us does he do that by his prophets? Absolutely not, in the last of this days God speaks to us in the person of his son Jesus Christ. When Christ speaks to us,you don’t hear Him from the outside but from the inside. “You spoke once and I heard you twice”, continue to speak and I believe.

We cannot be carried by the matters of the world because we are carrying the matters of the kingdom of God. We cannot be directed by the matters of the world. “To be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” in Christ our Lord.”

In search of a lighter and healthy breakfast idea? Plantain frittata is the ultimate plantain and egg breakfast recipe you should try.

It is different, easy to prepare and of course very delicious.

Don’t just fry your plantain and eggs separately, try this recipe! It includes chicken sausage which gives it a meaty texture and it also includes a fair share of veggies.

Ingredients
2-3 very ripe plantains
7 eggs
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic – minced
1 large roma tomato – chopped
1 cup chopped bell pepper I chopped one green bell pepper
2 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 cup chopped sausage I used chicken sausage
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon bouillon powder substitute with 1 4g stock cube (e.g Maggi)
1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
Oil for deep frying the plantains
1/2 teaspoon oil (for greasing pie plate)
Parsley for garnishing (optional)

Follow this link to read the article in full details: http://thenationonlineng.net/how-to-make-plantain-frittata/

A pregnant woman and her two children have been burnt to ashes in Umuoffor village Okija, Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.

The deceased, Nwazuru Okeke, and her kids, Chidi Ebube and Makuochukwu, aged two and one year old respectively, were said to be at their residence when the incident occurred.

The Nation gathered that it was difficult to rescue any one of them as they were said to be trapped in the inferno.

“We were not able to recover the bodies of any of the victims because before we could gain access to the apartment, they were already burnt to ashes,” a neighbour narrated soberly.

The state police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said the deceased were burnt beyond recognition.

“There was a fire incident at Umuoffor village Okija at the residence of one Maxwell Okeke.

“As a result, his pregnant wife named Nwazuru Okeke ‘f’, two children, namely Chidi Ebube Okeke aged two years and Makuo Chukwu Okeke ‘m’ aged one year were trapped in the inferno and burnt beyond recognition.”

He said the fire was put off following the arrival of police detectives attached to Okija Division to the scene with the assistance of local volunteers in the area.

Mohammad who noted that the cause of the fire was yet unknown, however, hinted that the Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo has ordered a full-scale investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

Some are left with no option than suicide, others felt the world is no longer a befitting place to live in after they lost their eyesight but indulgence in sports have created a new phase in the lives of students of the Vocational Training Centre for The Blind, reports ISRAEL AROGBONLO...

Blue House ’s Amaechi Chidinma bolted away from the starting point of the 50m race. Without a guide, as is the norm, Chidinma ’s legs pumped harder and harder on the tracks, her curly hair blown apart by the wind as she energetically increased her speed with every stride. In a flash , she had dashed past the finish line and into the officials, who acted as a stop for the athletes. But there’s just one ‘issue’: Chidinma is blind.

It is the same case for most of the students of the Vocational Training Centre for The Blind , Oshodi, Lagos, who converged on the Yaba College of Technology sports complex last Thursday for their 24th annual inter-house sports competition.

In a brief interview with one of the trainees who identified herself as Victoria Emezue said: "It was really great to be part of this eventful sporting festival.

The Red House Captain further added: "This platform has helped us to convert our visual disabilities into place of strength by unravelling our innate abilities. Quite a number of persons living with disabilities today have the mindsets of 'I can't do this, I can't do that' but we are here to prove to the world that 'Yes, we can'.

The competition brought the geniuses in us and am proud to be part of it."

One of the Sports Committee, Miss Demilade Lewis described the competition as fun and impactful.

"Wow! I feel elated to be part of this impactful sports competition. As you can see, we are having fun and so excited as well. Though my team did not come first in the contest, we are hopeful for a better performance next time (smiles)."

She further added: "The blue house came first in the overall categories of the competition with astonishing performances."

The Principal of the institute, Mr. S. Nicholas Obot urged the government across all levels to continue to partner with them by meeting their needs in due time.

"Yes, visually impaired persons or special need persons needs sporting activities just like their able counterpart. Government should encourage them and make training facilities available in place for them and pay their trainers," he said.

The Federal Nigeria Society for The Blind, which had Chief S .L Edu, Alhaji I .S Adewale and Dr G .A Ademola, as some of its founding fathers in 1955 , established the VTC in 1956 in Oshodi, Lagos, with the permission of Sir James Robertson, then the country’s Governor General.

The school, which has a two-year duration, is meant specifically for people who went blind in life and thus needed rehabilitation.

Since its establishment, the center has trained over 2000 blind men and women and assisted them to acquire skills in Braille Writing and Reading, Typewriting, Handicrafts, Telephone Switchboard Operation, Computer Operation, Mobility skills, Music, Tie and Dye and various crafts necessary for job placement and self-employment.

But last Thursday marked a new chapter in the lives of the students, as a large number of them had a first- time experience of competitive sports as visually impaired people.

From the march past to the races, skittle game, searching game and tug-of-war, each outstanding display was greeted with an ecstatic celebration by members of both houses, including other people with visual challenges, who came for the event.

Israel Arogbonlo

A building collapsed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday leaving some people injured and six survivors undisclosed.

The structure, which was a two-storey building under construction suddenly collapsed and threw residents of Sogoye Bus Stop area, Bode community in the city into panic.

The building was said to have collapsed around 5:54 pm while bricklayers and other artisans on site were rounding off for the day’s work.

Nobody was confirmed dead as at press time but rescue efforts were ongoing.

Four of those who were trapped in the rubble were already rescued by men of the state fire service and volunteer rescuers.


This reporter learnt that some of trapped victims were making telephone distress calls from under the rubble. But when calls were made to one of the numbers few minutes after, an eyewitness said there was no response.

The incident led to traffic gridlock in the area as motorists from Idi Arere and Oja ‘ba and those from Molete end of the city could not move freely.

As usual, crowd of sympathizers swarmed the scene, blocking the road.

Among those rescued are 42-year-old Olalekan Dauda, Tunde, Toheeb Gbadamosi and Rilwan Oladepo. Dauda said he was working with other artisans on the third floor when the building collapsed. He said he just heard a sudden blast and later found that he and others in the building were trapped in the rubble.

Gbadamosi, 19, said: “Today is my first time of working at this place. I just came around in order to raise some money for my upkeep because things were difficult. I thank God that I came out of the rubble alive”.

One of the firefighters who spoke in confidence, said: “We responded promptly to the emergency as we got to the scene about 35 minutes after the alert.

“We are trying our best to rescue the victims but the challenge we are facing is getting the right equipment to lift the concrete wreckage. Another challenge is the time of the day; it will soon get dark but that will not deter us from doing our best.”

Details later...

Israel Arogbonlo, Surulere

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly election, Lagos residents have been urged by leadership of All Progress Congress (APC) in Surulere to shun electoral violence that will frustrate the peaceful conduct of the election.

At a general meeting held at Aguda Prayer Ground, Surulere on Thursday, they also said the only party has the wherewithal and ideas to develop Lagos State.

According to the APC youth leader for Lagos State, Omotayo Olalekan Sanyaolu urged youths in the area to come out in their large number and vote for every candidate of the APC.

“We appeal to our youths to come out in their large number and vote for the APC candidates because; the bulk of the assignment lies in their hands. We want them to stop the habit of participating in sporting activities during election hours but rather engage themselves in all the electoral processes come Saturday in a peaceful manner”.

Also, Hon. Ismail Bello, one of the APC party leaders in Surulere Constituency II, in an interview with newsmen said the meeting was organised towards mobilising support for APC candidates and informing the electorates on the need to comport themselves well during the poll.

“We discovered that our people especially in the Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have not been coming out as expected during previous elections in the State,” he said.

“So, we thought it wise to stage this forum tagged: ‘Interactive and Engagement Session with our Candidates’ to be able to sensitize them (residents) towards the forthcoming elections”.

“What this means is that our party remains the best structure to deliver good governance to our people because.”

“To this effect, we’ve done different programmes, rallies and campaigns to emphasise the need for electoral participation particularly among the youths,” he concluded.

Advising the youths on the need to shun violence, he said: “we urge our youths to cooperate with the security operatives at their polling centres and report any case of electoral violence to the right source at the appropriate time, failure to do so is at owner’s risk.”Israel Arogbonlo, Surulere

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly election, Lagos residents have been urged by leadership of All Progress Congress (APC) in Surulere to shun electoral violence that will frustrate the peaceful conduct of the election.

At a general meeting held at Aguda Prayer Ground, Surulere on Thursday, they also said the only party has the wherewithal and ideas to develop Lagos State.

According to the APC youth leader for Lagos State, Omotayo Olalekan Sanyaolu urged youths in the area to come out in their large number and vote for every candidate of the APC.

“We appeal to our youths to come out in their large number and vote for the APC candidates because; the bulk of the assignment lies in their hands. We want them to stop the habit of participating in sporting activities during election hours but rather engage themselves in all the electoral processes come Saturday in a peaceful manner”.

Also, Hon. Ismail Bello, one of the APC party leaders in Surulere Constituency II, in an interview with newsmen said the meeting was organised towards mobilising support for APC candidates and informing the electorates on the need to comport themselves well during the poll.

“We discovered that our people especially in the Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have not been coming out as expected during previous elections in the State,” he said.

“So, we thought it wise to stage this forum tagged: ‘Interactive and Engagement Session with our Candidates’ to be able to sensitize them (residents) towards the forthcoming elections”.

“What this means is that our party remains the best structure to deliver good governance to our people because.”

“To this effect, we’ve done different programmes, rallies and campaigns to emphasise the need for electoral participation particularly among the youths,” he concluded.

Advising the youths on the need to shun violence, he said: “we urge our youths to cooperate with the security operatives at their polling centres and report any case of electoral violence to the right source at the appropriate time, failure to do so is at owner’s risk.”Israel Arogbonlo, Surulere

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly election, Lagos residents have been urged by leadership of All Progress Congress (APC) in Surulere to shun electoral violence that will frustrate the peaceful conduct of the election.

At a general meeting held at Aguda Prayer Ground, Surulere on Thursday, they also said the only party has the wherewithal and ideas to develop Lagos State.

According to the APC youth leader for Lagos State, Omotayo Olalekan Sanyaolu urged youths in the area to come out in their large number and vote for every candidate of the APC.

“We appeal to our youths to come out in their large number and vote for the APC candidates because; the bulk of the assignment lies in their hands. We want them to stop the habit of participating in sporting activities during election hours but rather engage themselves in all the electoral processes come Saturday in a peaceful manner”.

Also, Hon. Ismail Bello, one of the APC party leaders in Surulere Constituency II, in an interview with newsmen said the meeting was organised towards mobilising support for APC candidates and informing the electorates on the need to comport themselves well during the poll.

“We discovered that our people especially in the Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have not been coming out as expected during previous elections in the State,” he said.

“So, we thought it wise to stage this forum tagged: ‘Interactive and Engagement Session with our Candidates’ to be able to sensitize them (residents) towards the forthcoming elections”.

“What this means is that our party remains the best structure to deliver good governance to our people because.”

“To this effect, we’ve done different programmes, rallies and campaigns to emphasise the need for electoral participation particularly among the youths,” he concluded.

Advising the youths on the need to shun violence, he said: “we urge our youths to cooperate with the security operatives at their polling centres and report any case of electoral violence to the right source at the appropriate time, failure to do so is at owner’s risk.”