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Man arrested for defiling three-year-old in Anambra

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A 38-year-old man, Ebuka Ofoma, from Osumenyi community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been arrested for allegedly defiling a three-year-old child in the community.

Ofoma was arrested on Friday by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in collaboration with the state police operatives following a tip-off by a whistleblower of his illicit acts.

In a statement and video posted on Saturday by the media aide to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chidimma Ikeanyionwu, the suspect said he committed the act under the influence of alcohol.

According to the statement, when interrogated, the suspect confessed to the crime but claimed he consumed eight bottles of beer on an occasion, which got him intoxicated, to have committed the act.

Recounting how it happened, the suspect said, “The little girl approached me at a traditional wedding ceremony where I was already drunk and enjoying myself, and dragged me to come and watch masquerade outside.

“After I reluctantly followed her to the scene, the girl, in fear of the masquerade, cuddled me beside a car, while I began to finger her.”

He confessed to having inserted his two fingers into the victim’s genitalia while claiming that he was not enjoying or feeling anything when he was defiling her.

He further explained that people who were around the scene when he was doing that, went to call the mother of the child when they noticed what was going on, only for him to be arrested later in his house.

“Reacting to the development, the commissioner vowed to get to the root of the matter and ensure justice is served as a deterrent to others. The suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

“She warned parents to be careful about who they entrust their daughters with, adding that the state government is all out to rid the state of illicit behaviours,” the statement added.

Rapper Falz speaks on importance of self-care to avoid burnout

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Nigerian rapper and actor Folarin Falana popularly known in music circles as Falz has emphasised the importance of self-care to avoid possible burnout.
Falz who stressed the importance of self-care as it relates to mental health while speaking with Nollywood actress Osas Ighodaro on her Spa with Osas show stated that he does what makes him happy when asked how he takes care of himself.
He said; “I think self-care comes in a lot of different dimensions, so it’s caring for your mind, caring for your body, and caring for your spirit.
READ ALSO:Rapper Falz explains why he has not been in a relationship since 2008
“For me, I would say that I try to soak myself in things that give me pleasure and put me at peace. Things that inspire me and keep me happy—you want to stay in a happy place; you don’t want to feel unhappy or like something is missing.”
Falz reflected on the difficulties of aging, also admitted the toll that the past few years had taken on him, and urged Nigerians to take care of their bodies.
He said, “The last couple of years have taken a toll; it’s just life. By the time you cross 30, you start to observe things about your body. It may be your stomach today, then your ear or knees, so you have to pay attention to your body.”
The post Rapper Falz speaks on importance of self-care to avoid burnout appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Fuel subsidy removal achieved nothing – NANS tells Tinubu

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has lamented that the President Tinubu administration has done nothing to alleviate the nation’s petroleum problem, but instead made it worse.
The student body stated that rather than increasing fuel availability, the subsidy removal has caused scarcity and immense sufferings for Nigerians.
TVN had reported the hike in petrol pump price in Ogun, Lagos, Abuja and oher parts of the country.
It was gathered that while major marketers sold petrol below N650, the independent marketers sold between N750 and N800 per litre.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, the students in a statement signed by the NANS National Clerk of the Senate, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo on Saturday, in Abeokuta, lamented that queues in petrol stations are becoming alarming despite the promises made by President Bola Tinubu.
He said, “This crisis has continued to persist despite the removal of fuel subsidy which has brought untold hardships to Nigerians.
“Nigerians are experiencing unprecedented hardship and going through hell before they can get to buy fuels.
“Queues have been a common thing at petrol stations across the country despite the promise by President Bola Tinubu that fuel will queues will disappear in the country after the removal of subsidy, but that has not been the case.
“The exorbitant cost of petrol has led to a sharp increase in transportation fares, caused a surge in the prices of essential goods and services. The increased cost of transportation and production is being passed on to consumers, exacerbating the already high cost of living.”
The student body demanded that the President and NNPC act quickly and forcefully to address the problems before Nigerians are forced to the breaking point.
Fuel subsidy removal achieved nothing – NANS tells Tinubu

Lawmaker petitions Reps over alleged killings in Taraba

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The member representing Ghasaka/Kurmi/Sardauna Federal Constituency of Taraba State, David Abel Fuoh, said he personally laid a petition in the House of Representatives over alleged killings of some of his constituents by operatives of the National Park and a non-governmental organization, Africa Nature Investors, AFI.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, the lawmaker said he was forced to submit a petition on Thursday to the lower legislative chamber over killing of human beings in guise of protecting animals in the park.
According to him, he tried to wade into incessant killings by those guarding the park which is in his constituency without success.
In what he described “excesses of park operatives and the NGO”, Fuoh said the petition would address the ugly trend, stressing that had cannot watch idly seeing his constituents dying.
The ‘Petition by the People of Mayo Balewo/Mahdanu Community against African Nature Investors (ANI), the Chief of Mayoselbe and the Controller General of National Park’, which Fuoh submitted on July 12, 2024, said three persons were killed while six others were arrested during a raid by ANI.
He said, “On Tuesday 25th June, 2024 African Nature Investors raided the residence of Wakili Isa Touga in Mayo-Balewo, killing three people and arresting six others who had been invited for a meeting with Kum Mayo-Selbe Chiefdom, Mr.Thomas Maiyanga.”
He noted that the development was part of the large pattern of brutality by ANI, resulting in at least seven deaths outside the parks boundaries and killing a large number of cattle as well as destroying farm lands and burning several houses in the guise of park protection.
The petition indicated victims of the heinous crime as: Late Mallam Adamu Yahya, 70 years old (survived by two wives, 15 children, and seven grandchildren), Late Abdu Yahya, 52 years old (survived by two wives, 13 children, and two grandchildren) and Late Nuhu Yahya, 42 years old (survived by one wife and one child).
The petition also asked relevant agencies to investigate the activities of ANI and GGNP, and ascertain their impact on local communities.
Lawmaker petitions Reps over alleged killings in Taraba

Nigerian film “Kimono Kid” debuts at Toronto Film Festival

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Nigerian filmmakers, Seyi Akinlade and Josef Adamu have set the international stage alive with the first screening of “Kimono Kid” at the 49th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

According Online reports that the Toronto International Film Festival starts on September 5 to 15, 2024, in Toronto, Canada.

The film ‘Kimono Kid’ marks its feature directorial debut as it tells the story of a young man who turns to martial arts as a means to process grief and overcome self-doubt following a personal loss.

Akinlade and Adamu, known for their previous short film “Mind Matters” which explored themes of mental health from a youth perspective, are enthusiastic to unveil this new project to audiences.

Speaking at an event in Lagos on Saturday, Adamu stated that the film demonstrates their ongoing commitment to crafting stories that uplift communities and facilitate important discussions.

Adamu added that one of the most memorable aspects of making the film was witnessing young martial artists in Nigeria demonstrate their advanced skills on set.

He said, “It was truly inspiring to see up close. I’m glad we were able to provide a platform to share their talents with the world.”

The film’s underlying message of finding inner strength to rise above life’s challenges reflects the filmmakers’ dedication to empowering and motivating viewers through their art.

TIFF is a prestigious platform, and having the Nigerian representation provides an incredible opportunity to share our work with a global audience, opening doors for further collaborations and projects. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved in the film, showcasing the talent and creativity coming out of Nigeria.

The Nigerian premiere of Kimono Kid is set for the end of the year.

BREAKING: Anambra judiciary workers declare strike, to paralyse courts from Monday

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Workers in Anambra State judiciary have declared a strike action.
A letter notifying the state government of their intention to commence the indefinite strike, which was made available to journalists on Saturday in Awka, said the action commences on Monday.
The development is expected to cripple court activities and other judiciary matters in the state.
The workers under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, said the the strike is to protest non-adherence to an agreement reached between the group and the state government in 2011 and 2015.
At a press conference in Awka, addressed by their leaders, Mr Henry Ezeoke, chairman, and Ugochukwu Nwezi, secretary, the judiciary workers said the action was as a result of Anambra government’s refusal to pay Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure, CONJUS.
A letter of notice by the group to the stakeholders in the judiciary sector stated that the strike will last indefinitely, until government meets the conditions.
The letter which was addressed to Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars in-charge, and all staff of the Anambra State judiciary, called for the withdrawal of services.
The group stated that this was necessary following the expiration of a 21 days ultimatum issued to the state government by the union on the matter, which was ignored.
The letter read: “Based on the failure of the Anambra State Government to comply with the agreement reached in 2011 and 2015 respectively with the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Branch for the full implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUS), a notice is hereby issued.
“All staff of the Anambra State Judiciary are directed to withdraw their services, effective from Monday the 15th day of July, 2024, pending further directives by the union in the state.”
The workers said they have explored all possible avenues without luck, and believe that downing tools is the only language government would understand.
BREAKING: Anambra judiciary workers declare strike, to paralyse courts from Monday

PDP, APC commiserate with Plateau gov over school building collapse

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The Peoples Democratic Party has condoled Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and the parents affected by the tragic school building collapse in Jos, the state capital.

This is just as the leadership of the All Progressives Congress has declared that it is deeply saddened by the news of the school’s collapse.

The death toll from the school building collapse in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday morning, has risen to 22.

Initially, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, Sunday Abdu, reported 17 fatalities, following a rescue operation at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area.

However, in a statement released on Friday night, the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, updated the figures, confirming that the death toll had increased to 22, with 154 others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

In response, the PDP, through a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Saturday, expressed sadness over the incident, which has caused immense agony, sorrow, and pain to the students, teachers, parents, families, the government, and the people of Plateau State, as well as the entire nation.

The statement read in part, “Indeed, the heartrending death of these young Nigerian children who left their respective homes to school in search of knowledge and pursuit of their dreams and aspirations came as a huge blow to our nation and humanity and we pray that their death will not be in vain.

“Our party commiserates with Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and stands in prayers with the teachers, parents, siblings and families of the victims as well as the injured at this trying time.

“The PDP commends Governor Mutfwang for his swift intervention in search and rescue operation, recovery and provision of all necessary emergency aids including prompt evacuation of victims and medical assistance to the injured.

“The PDP prays for the repose of the souls of the dead, divine consolation for the bereaved and speedy recovery of the injured.”

Also expressing sadness at the incident in a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC described the collapse as “unbearably heartbreaking.”

The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress is deeply saddened by the news of the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in Busa Abuja in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State which claimed the lives of children, students, staff and injured many others yesterday, Friday, July 12, 2024.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent lives lost and best wishes for speedy recovery to those injured by the tragic incident. The incident is unbearably heartbreaking as the children and adults killed and injured were in the place they were supposed to be, in school, doing exactly what was expected of them.

“We urge the Plateau State Government to enforce building control standards more vigorously to guarantee safety and prevent a reoccurrence of a tragedy of this kind. We commend the emergency response led by the National Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies, including medical personnel that conducted the rescue, evacuation and treatment of victims of this horrific incident.

“May God grant the departed eternal rest and may He comfort the families they left behind. Amen.

According Online reports that the Saint Academy School building, located in the Busa Buji community, collapsed around 8.30 am. on Friday when the students and teachers were in their classes.

The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed in a statement on Friday that 120 persons were trapped under the rubbles while giving an update on the incident.

Nigeria’s problems beyond LG autonomy, says Makinde

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The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy as a distraction from the more pressing issues facing the country.

In a video released on Saturday, Makinde emphasized the need to address the underlying problems of productivity, hunger, and anger in Nigeria.

He said in part, “So the judgment of the Supreme Court, there is local government autonomy, financial autonomy, and all of that, and I will still say it, I think it’s just a distraction. We must face the real issues that we have.

“The issue that we have is that we are not producing enough. We are not productive.

According reports that in a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court ruled that the 774 local government councils in Nigeria have the constitutional right to manage their finances autonomously without interference from state governments.

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Your criticism of Tinubu driven by ‘pull-down’ syndrome, Karimi tells Ndume

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The Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, has fired back at his colleague, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) stating that his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was driven by a ‘pull-down syndrome.’

Karimi, in a statement on Saturday, cautioned Ndume, urging him to refrain from making derogatory statements against Tinubu’s administration.

According to Karimi, Ndume’s behaviour is “likened to that of a loose cannon” while he emphasised the need for constructive dialogue and criticism in governance.

He explained that most of Ndume’s criticisms of Tinubu’s administration appear to stem from a personal agenda to undermine the government at all costs.

He said, “Senator Ndume is inconsistent in his criticism and approach, he had been notably silent during the previous administration led by President Buhari from the North.

“Many of Senator Ndume’s allegations lack substantiated evidence and are driven by a pull-down syndrome rather than a genuine commitment to improving governance.”

Karimi added, “As an experienced legislator with over two decades of service in the National Assembly, Senator Ndume is urged to exercise caution in his statements and avoid making inflammatory remarks that could further polarize the polity and divide the nation.

“Senator Ndume should adopt a more constructive and responsible approach to criticism serves as a reminder of the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue and fostering unity in the pursuit of national development.

“It is essential for all stakeholders in governance to prioritize the collective interests of the nation above personal agenda and political vendetta.”

The According had reported that the two senators, under the All Progressive Congress, had on Tuesday co-sponsored a motion on the food crisis ravaging the country.

Ndume had, thereafter, granted various interviews where he said Tinubu was oblivious of the happenings in the country and had been caged by certain forces.

Ndume said, “Mr. President is not in the picture of what is happening outside the Villa. He has been fenced off and caged. Many of us won’t go through the backdoor to engage him,” Ndume said. “Now they have stopped him from talking, and he doesn’t have public affairs managers, except for his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who writes press statements. Nigerians are getting very angry.”

74 victims discharged as Plateau gov orders closure of collapsed school

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has ordered the closure of Saints Academy in Jos, which collapsed on Friday, killing over 22 persons.

The state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Ashoms said Muftwang gave the order during a visit to the site of the collapsed building at the Busa Buji community as well as hospitals where the injured were receiving treatment on Saturday.

The commissioner added that the governor also ordered the arrest of artisanal miners, mining around residential areas in the state.

He stated that Muftwang also commiserated with the families of the deceased children and promised that the state government would bear the cost of the treatment of the injured students

Ashoms said the state government has declared a three-day mourning period following the sad incident.

The statement read in part, “In response to the tragic loss of lives and injuries sustained by teachers and students of Saints Academy Jos, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has declared a three-day period of mourning from July 13 to July 15, 2024. During this time, all flags will be flown at half-mast to honour the victims of the school building collapse in Jos.

“Governor Mutfwang extends his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating incident and urges citizens to strictly follow building codes and ethics to prevent such tragedies. He emphasizes the need for all developers and property owners to submit their building plans to the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for verification and revalidation, as part of the enforcement of Executive Order 003.

“We offer our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to those affected during this incredibly difficult time. We are dedicated to providing the best possible medical care for the injured and will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children, is our top priority. We urge all schools to comply with safety regulations and secure the necessary approvals from the JMDB before beginning any construction projects.

“Governor Mutfwang also extends his deepest gratitude to the people of Plateau State for their tremendous support and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy. He thanks the first responders for their swift action and commends the many citizens who donated blood and other resources to aid the injured.”

The statement, however, said that out of the 154 persons who were injured and rushed to the hospital, 74 of them had been treated and discharged from the hospital

“As of the time of this release, 58 individuals remain hospitalised, while the rest have been treated and discharged:
– Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH): 6
– Plateau State Specialist Hospital (PSSH): 6
– Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BhUTH): 14
– Our Lady of Apostles Hospital (OLA): 32

“A total of 74 persons have been discharged,” it added.