The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other members of the party’s National Working Committee will inaugurate the Enterprise Skills Development Training Programme, an entrepreneurship scheme led by the party’s youth wing.
The entrepreneur training programme, according to a statement by the APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel on Friday, is scheduled for July 8-12, 2024, and was designed to support both aspiring and existing business owners.
According to Israel, the training programme is part of the APC Youth Wing’s four-year strategic plan to drive youth self-sufficiency and promote social justice among young people.
He also said the programme would host over 1,000 live participants and more than 3,000 virtual participants from across Nigeria over the five days.
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Popular media personality, Toke Makinwa, has condemned the traditional practice of giving children tribal marks on the face, labelling it as evil, harsh and harmful without the consent of the minor.
Tribal marks used to be widespread among certain tribes in the country before they were banned. They were usually done for identification and beautification purposes. The marks are usually inscribed on the face by burning or cutting the skin during childhood.
However, in a post on her X page, she wrote, “Today, I saw a beautiful influencer with tribal marks, and it made me think about the cruelty that culture brought us. Marking a child without his/her consent is an evil means of identification. I know our parents did not know better, but damn!”
She also acknowledged the fact that her grandmother had the mark and she often admired it on some people, but her grouse was with the fact that it was put on minors without their consent. She added, “Thank God it’s abolished. My grandmother had tribal marks too. She had on her face and arms. I wonder what life was like when she was younger walking around with it, though I’m sure a lot of people around her had the same mark; but thank God it’s cancelled (sic) now.”
Meanwhile, her post attracted several comments. One X user, Alaba_Beverly opined that tattoos were modernised tribal marks, to which Toke replied, “Tattoos are by choice. Marking a child without their consent is not the same. You rest, weirdo.”
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Lagos trader Mrs. Stella Timothy, in this interview with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI, shares the harrowing ordeal of her 14-year-old daughter, Princess Halimat Tajudeen, who disappeared after assisting her in withdrawing N23,000 from an ATM, narrates how her daughter was eventually freed without the family having to pay the N5m ransom demanded by the kidnappers
When was your daughter released?
My daughter was kidnapped on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, at 5:15 pm in Surulere, Aguda, Lagos.
She returned from school and came to my shop where I sell biscuits, pure water, and sweets for children. After school, I asked her to go to Fidelity Bank, just a street away, to withdraw money using my ATM card. Around 6:35 pm, I received the alert confirming the withdrawal. I expected her back shortly after, but as time passed beyond 7 pm, I grew uneasy.
Assuming she might have gone home first, I went there and searched, calling her name, but she wasn’t there. Neighbours hadn’t seen her either. I hurried to the ATM stand at the bank and returned to my shop, but she was nowhere to be found. I checked with her classmates, who last saw her at school. We searched extensively that night.
At 10 pm, I reported her missing to the police, who asked me to return after 24 hours. The next day, they assigned an Investigating Police Officer to my case, but progress was slow.
Before 1st May 2024, the kidnappers called demanding N5 million, which I couldn’t pay. They called again, reducing the demand to one million naira, but I explained my financial situation, having just sent my daughter to withdraw money. They hung up.
Three days later, on 1st May 2024, I received a call from my daughter herself, weakly saying, “Mummy, I’m here, come and pick me up.” I asked where she was, and a Hausa man answered, saying Ojodu Berger. They had left her on the bridge.
Shaken, I nearly fainted, but family members went to pick her up. I confirmed it was her over the phone, and though relieved, I couldn’t go myself due to shock. She needed immediate medical attention upon her return.
Was she taken to the hospital immediately?
I instructed them to take her to any nearby hospital, but they informed me that there was no hospital in the area. They had to transport her to a hospital in Ajegunle, where she received adequate treatment. I thank God she was unharmed, although she mentioned she was not poorly fed. She was kept tied up.
That was how I was reunited with my daughter, although before that, the police had taken money from me. They asked for money to trace the phone number.
You mentioned in the first interview that you reported the case to the police. What feedback did you receive before your daughter was released?
As the kidnappers were calling me, I kept updating the police. They demanded money, which they said was necessary for their operations, but I thank God that my daughter was alive after everything. The police did not assist in any way. I provided them with my details and phone number on the first day, but they did not contact me until I found my daughter. I had to go to them regularly to update them on the situation. However, I remember one policewoman telling me that if I couldn’t go somewhere, I should inform them, and they would go on my behalf.
How much did the police collect from you?
N30,000.
How fortunate do you consider yourself that the kidnappers didn’t collect ransom?
It was my prayer that was answered. As a matter of fact, God decided to show me mercy during that period when I was hearing all sorts of stories. Some would come and say they killed someone after the family paid ransom. I just say it’s God who did this for me. I know it’s rare for kidnappers to release someone without collecting ransom. It’s a miracle that I cannot forget quickly, and I appreciate the people around me — the pastors, the school principal, and even strangers. Calls were coming into my phone at every interval.
How long did she spend in the hospital?
She spent three days in the hospital. When we arrived, they demanded N50,000 before they could attend to her, so we deposited the money. When she was discharged, we paid the balance. They treated her and conducted many tests. She was unconscious, and yet she said they didn’t give her any injections. The trauma is still there because I can’t imagine my daughter going out alone. We now take her to school and bring her back because the trauma persists.
What class is she in?
She’s in SSS 2 now. She’ll be 15 years old next month.
How is your daughter coping emotionally after the incident?
It has not been easy for her. We ensure she’s not alone, and we are always with her. She said they didn’t do anything to her — didn’t touch or molest her — and I’m grateful to God for that. She mentioned that the people’s faces were scary and they blindfolded her after taking her to the location where she was held for weeks. On the morning they returned her, they blindfolded her again and put her in a car so she wouldn’t recognise the area or know where she was taken. She said she could only recognise one person, who was tall and stared at her whenever he opened the door. On other days, they tied her hands and legs while blindfolded.
Have you and your daughter received any psychological professional help or counselling?
No, because I don’t have the funds for it at the moment. So, there hasn’t been any psychological treatment or counselling yet.
You mentioned earlier that you are a single mother. Are you still in contact with her father?
Yes, I am. When we were searching for her, we were all involved in the effort. I’m still in contact with him, and he came to see her at my place when she was released, despite our long separation.
How has this experience changed your life and perspective on life and safety?
It has changed my life in the sense that as parents, we should be careful where we send our children. For example, at that time, people blamed me and asked why I sent her to the ATM stand. But I told them, this wasn’t the first time I sent her on an errand to help me withdraw money. We had gone together before, and sometimes when I couldn’t go, I sent her there. Now, I’ve learned that as parents, we should be mindful of the errands we send our children on. What we can handle may not always be safe for them.
Have you received any support from friends, family, and the community regarding emotional or financial support?
No, not really. I didn’t receive any financial support, even when they called me demanding ransom. I was living in a public compound, and my neighbours suggested going door-to-door in our street to collect money to raise the demanded five million. They offered to help this way, but it didn’t happen eventually. I didn’t receive any support.
Would you say social media and public awareness played a role in your daughter’s release?
Yes, social media played a role. The issue went viral, and it was covered on blogs. My brother-in-law helped me reach out to blogs, and According did an interview with me, which helped in creating awareness. So, I would say that social media played a significant role in spreading the news and aiding in her release.
Looking back, is there anything you thought you could have done differently?
Yes, I would have gone to the bank myself. I keep asking God to show me mercy for allowing her to go to the bank and to bring her back to me alive.
What advice would you give parents who might find themselves in a similar situation?
It’s inevitable to have a child and send them on errands, but I advise parents to be mindful of the errands they send their children. We know there’s no security in Nigeria and things are happening, so we should be more cautious.
How has this experience impacted your view on law enforcement and government response to kidnapping?
In my case, the government needs to tighten security. A few weeks after my daughter was taken away, I went to the bank and told them I wanted to see their manager. They asked why, and I explained that my daughter was kidnapped on their premises. They immediately took me to the manager, but that meeting did not provide much solution. We need better security in this country. The government should enforce better security measures for citizens because the bank is just a street away, and there have been other incidents like this since then. So, security needs to be improved. Imagine the police not calling me even after taking money from me and telling me that if there’s any update, I should call them. They said they needed to publicise the issue on radio and TV, and they needed fuel for their patrol van. Security is not tight in Nigeria, and law enforcement bodies aren’t performing well.
What are your plans for your daughter’s recovery and well-being?
I have many plans for her, but I’m financially constrained. I intend to change her school, even to a private one, although she was part of the children who got a scholarship. She passed the exam in 2020, and we were waiting for them to call us back, but we didn’t hear from them again. As a single mother, I can only do my best to give her a good life and take care of her.
Hairdresser Blessing Samson, a woman based in Kaduna, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about the tragic story of her son, Destiny Samson, who died after he was swept away in a flood
Could you kindly recount what transpired on the day you tragically lost your first son?
I am Blessing Samson from Oyo State, Ibadan. I am based in Kaduna. I am married to a man from Kaduna State and I am 34 years old. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 19, 2024, precisely, during heavy rainfall in the Gonin Gora Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
What do you do for a living?
I own a salon; I am a hairdresser. On that evening, there was heavy rain, and I was busy in my shop. I had expected someone to drop my son home, as a senior colleague often did on rainy days using a bike. I waited that day but did not see him. Around 7 pm that night, I became worried. I instructed my eldest daughter and my other son (now 5 years old) to go inside the shop while I stepped out to look for him.
What is his name?
His name is Destiny.
What happened after that?
When I went outside to search, it was dark and everywhere looked deserted. Sensing the need, I went inside to fetch my phone and proceeded to his workplace. Upon arrival, I inquired among the crowd and was informed that a boy had been swept away by the river. Initially, I did not think it could be my son. Returning home, I told my daughter that we needed to search for her brother. People who knew him reported that he had finished work around 5 pm that day. By 11 pm, after an extensive search, we were unable to locate him. Distressed, I returned home, anticipating continuing the search the following day and possibly involving the police. I was too worried to sleep that night.
During that same night, his shoe was found, and although my instincts suggested it could be his, people reassured me not to worry, promising to resume the search in the morning.
The next morning, just before 7 am, some men went to the riverbank and discovered his lifeless body. My husband resides in Abuja, where he works as a baker, having left Kaduna three years ago. He often spends months in Abuja due to his work commitments.
What happened after his body was found?
When they saw his body, they first called my husband to inform him before I finally found out. My husband told them not to bury him until he arrived.
So who broke the news to you?
One of the people who went to search for him, because he is like a friend to me, was the one who called me and broke the news.
When did your husband arrive?
He arrived that same day, the 20th of August, when my son was buried. I think he was buried around 10 am. My husband arrived around 1 pm on Sunday, August 20, 2024, due to traffic. Some people even told him to send me away, saying it was my carelessness that led to my child’s death.
Your son was buried before his arrival?
Yes, he had to be buried, and he was buried at the riverbank.
What vocation was your son learning?
Mechanic.
Was he in school?
Yes, he normally attended vocational training every weekend. He was in JSS 2.
How did you feel when you found out it was your son’s body that was found?
I can’t even explain the feeling. I was devastated, broken, and in pain. No mother or parent wants to bury their child.
On that Saturday when the incident happened, my mind wasn’t letting him go. He even came to my shop to lie down a bit before he left. It was a shocking and devastating experience for me. He was healthy and wasn’t sick; he just passed away like that. I never imagined he could be swept away by a flood in the same month he was born. He was born on August 27.
How old was he?
He was 13 years old.
What position was he in the family?
He was the firstborn and first son.
What are the memorable things that you remember him for?
The truth is, he was a very good and respectful child who was loved by many. Some people used to tell me that I had trained him well. In their words, “Your son is so respectful.”
Did you feel depressed whenever you thought about him?
Yes, I was almost falling into depression. I cried every day whenever I thought about the incident, but God is a miracle worker. During that August, I didn’t even know I was already pregnant.
When did you discover that you were pregnant?
At the end of August, I found out I was pregnant after using a pregnancy test strip. I had been on family planning, and it had expired before my son’s passing. We hadn’t planned to have another child as we already had three.
My husband had come around in early August to take some materials from Kaduna to Abuja. When my first son passed away, I was already two weeks pregnant by the end of that August. I was blessed with another son on May 19, 2024 (last month).
What are you grateful to God for?
This is truly a miracle. God wiped away my tears and put a smile on my face again. God gave me a new son as a blessing. Even though I can’t forget my late son, I am still thankful to God for showing me mercy. No matter what you are going through in life, just have faith that God will never leave you.
I am also grateful for the strength God has given me during my hardest times. His grace has helped me face each new day with hope. The love and support from my family and friends show me God’s endless love and care.
In moments of doubt and sadness, I have felt God’s presence. He has guided me and reminded me that I am never alone. He has given me comfort, turning my sorrow into joy.
So, no matter what challenges you face, hold on to your faith. Trust that God’s plans for you are full of hope. He is always with you, working behind the scenes to bring good into your life. Remember, His love never fails, and His promises are true.
Entertainer and father of four boys, Digidi Dunhill, speaks with VICTORIA EDEME about his 11-year journey of single parenting
How long have you been a single father?
I am Digidi Dunhill from Orlu, Imo State. I have been a single father for 11 years.
How has it been being a single father?
Honestly, it hasn’t been a rosy experience.
Can you describe the situation that led to you becoming a single father?
My ex-wife and I had misunderstandings and decided to separate. Initially, we considered splitting the kids between us, but we realised that dividing them might affect their bond as brothers. So, I decided to take custody of all the children.
In a viral interview, you mentioned that you found out your wife left you because a prophet told her you were a ritualist. Can you tell us more about that?
My ex-wife isn’t a bad person. The recent interview circulating everywhere portrayed her as neglectful, but that’s not true. We communicate regularly about the children. She assists in any way she can. We’re on good terms, and there’s no animosity between us. Some people divorce and may later say negative things about their exes, which I think is immature. She is still the mother of our children. People should always keep that in mind. Divorcees should realise they were once in love with this person. Everyone makes mistakes, but maturity is understanding those mistakes when you grow older. We were younger then. Raising my children was a challenging period in my life, only now am I beginning to share it publicly.
Could you talk about what you were into before becoming a single father?
I was involved in entertainment, singing and acting in movies. However, I had to step back from my career because of my sons. It was a difficult decision. I don’t have any brothers; I only have a younger sister. My family is small; it’s just me. My parents were elderly then, and there was no one else to help raise the children.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early years of single parenting?
From Monday to Friday, I bathed the kids, dressed them, and took them to school. This meant I couldn’t earn much money. I had to sell my car and later my land to pay their school fees. For seven years, I didn’t work. I didn’t do anything. I sold my second car to cover expenses. It was tough. For five years, I didn’t buy any clothes or shoes for myself; it was all for them because children grow and their needs change constantly. That’s what I did for a long time, and many people didn’t know about it.
Can you walk us through a typical day managing four boys?
I woke up at 5 a.m., prepared food, bathed and dressed the children, then took them to school. Upon returning home, I cleaned the house and did the dishes, since the children were young. I arranged the house and prepared lunch by afternoon. By 2.30 p.m., I picked them up from school. By then, the day was almost over, and I realised this was my daily routine.
How do you manage the demands of parenting?
I always put on a brave face and try to appear strong. When men cry, no one sees it. There were nights when I stayed awake while others slept. Sometimes, I’d sit and watch my children. Occasionally, I cried. In the morning, I pulled myself together and faced the day, but no one knew what I was going through, not even the children. They saw me as Superman, believing I could handle anything. I couldn’t let them down, no matter what. Many single parents call me. I want to start a programme where I mentor single people.
Many have called me for advice over the past eight years.
Did you have any support systems in place, such as family, friends, or community organisations, to help you through this journey?
I had a few friends I could turn to when things got tough. I had to put all my projects on hold. I had a song with 2face, but I never released it. I have two albums; one is on Spotify, Amazon and iTunes. I don’t know how they got there, but they’re available. I I couldn’t focus on my projects because my attention was on my children.
Did you ever consider getting a nanny or help to take care of the boys for you?
Friends suggested I get a nanny. I hired a young girl who stayed with us. Eventually, neighbours complained that there were boys visiting when I took the children to school. One day, I caught her in the act. I told her I was going to the village but returned within 30 minutes to find a boy in the house. After that, I decided not to hire young people again. Instead, I hired an older woman with a child, recommended by the church. She cleaned the church and stayed there with her child. When I realised this, I invited her to live with us. We all shared a room, while another room stored their clothes but was never used for sleeping. Later, she moved into that room. I didn’t realise it was a mistake until she attempted to seduce me. I warned her once but had to ask her to leave after she tried again. From then on, I took care of the children myself, selling land, cars and other property. We went through hell, but thankfully, we survived.
How did your personal experience influence your parenting style?
I learned a lot from my parents. My mum and dad taught me a lot, but they passed away a few months ago. My mum died first, and my dad followed five months later. I observed my father’s routine; he woke up at 5.30 am. and attended morning Mass at 6 a.m. He returned at 7 am, had breakfast, and went about his business. He returned at 7 pm, had dinner by 7.30 pm, listened to the news, and went to bed by 9 pm That was his routine. When I returned from school, I spent time in my mum’s shop. We were a small family, just the three of us. My mother had another child 20 years after I was born. Growing up with my parents taught me a lot about managing a household and dealing with various situations.
What are the most important life lessons that you’ve taught your sons so far?
I taught them not to be overly religious, as it can lead to fanaticism. I taught them to emulate Christ and to be good men. Whether Christian or Muslim, religious extremism is dangerous. I taught them how to cook and to apologise when they hurt someone. I taught them to stay on the right side of the law and not to smoke. I’ve never smoked or used drugs. People might not expect me to be capable of raising children, but I taught them to be cautious in everything they do, as life is unpredictable.
Do you have plans to return to the entertainment scene?
During COVID-19 lockdowns, I wrote a script titled “Life of a Single Dad” and filmed it for YouTube. I reconnected with former colleagues and shot the series. We plan to turn it into a film to inspire those feeling discouraged. Although I’ve completed the series, funding is needed for promotion and to produce professional films for cinemas.
Looking back at when you started your single father journey, do you have any regrets?
I have no regrets. The children are grown now. Tyrese, 18, studied IT and is skilled in music production. Tyrese, 17, is tall and plays basketball. Chalice (15) and Jesse (12) are actors who have appeared on Africa Magic. I coached them all. I want to raise children who will make a positive impact. I don’t want to raise troublemakers.
Do your children still interact with their mum?
They communicate regularly.
Would you be willing to accept your ex if she decides to come back into your life as a mum to her kids?
People have differences, and we must respect their privacy. My ex-wife and I are on good terms. We talk and seek advice from each other on issues. We understand that our relationship wasn’t meant to be. Nature decides our fate.
Did you ever consider remarrying?
It never crossed my mind. No matter how good you are, there are things you can accept from your biological children that you wouldn’t accept from others. Children misbehave because they are children. When they are your children, there are things you can tolerate that you cannot with others. Sometimes they may make a mess, and you clean it up and warn them not to do it again. If they do it again, you still have compassion. However, if they are not your children, you may react differently. Considering all these factors, I never thought about remarrying.
According to Israel Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, the former middleweight champion is returning to the octagon with renewed passion and enthusiasm, According Sports Extra reports.
Adesanya is set to make his return to the UFC at the 305 event where he will challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title, marking his longest break between fights during his UFC career.
Adesanya, known as “The Last Stylebender,” rose rapidly to the top of the 185-pound division and became one of the most active and reliable champions in UFC history.
However, following a shocking loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 last year, Adesanya announced he would take a break. Despite being tempted by an opportunity to headline UFC 300, he stuck to his plan, and he will be making his return on August 17 in Perth, 11 months after his last fight.
Coach Bareman believes this break has led Adesanya to develop a deeper appreciation for his career. The City Kickboxing head coach observed that the hiatus has reignited Adesanya’s enthusiasm for training and competing.
Speaking to Combat TV, Bareman said, “Yeah, I mean, love what you do and appreciate what you do and if you haven’t done it for a while because you’ve been out then show appreciation for it and understand that you might have missed it and understand that you can’t do this forever. I think that’s where Israel’s at in his head.”
“He’s been on a bit of a layoff since he last fought and you know, this is what you were born to do, this is what you love, this is why you were put on this earth and so I think it’s just him coming to appreciate it and making the most of the time you can do this.”
Adesanya’s return is highly anticipated, and with this newfound passion, fans are eager to see how “The Last Stylebender” will perform in his comeback fight.
The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners has said that the Federal Government’s Trade Modernisation Project will stimulate quicker cargo clearance at the country’s ports.
In a statement on Friday, the President of NAMM, Captain Tajudeen Alao stated this while chatting with journalists in Lagos on Thursday.
Alao noted that the project would also boost internally generated revenue and enhance the country’s global visibility.
The According reported that on May 30, 2022, the Federal Government and Trade Modernisation Project Ltd, signed a 20-year concession agreement to provide best-in-class technology for the implementation of paperless customs in the Nigeria Customs Service operations.
Alao noted that the world had moved beyond conventional methods of doing business with the advancement of technology.
“More than 30 years ago, when Singapore grew from a third-world country to a first-world country, the President, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, led the drive for technology awareness, and now look at where Singapore is today in terms of technology
“So, Nigeria must make more efforts to keep abreast with technological advancements worldwide,” he stated.
According to Alao, the establishment of the Trade Modernisation project will add value in terms of IGR through improved customs clearance procedures.
“Consider the time when we had to carry files around; now everything is done through ICT. Nigeria must modernize, and I am glad this initiative is underway,” he said.
The General Manager of the Trade Facilitation Project, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, explained the numerous benefits accrued to a nation when the Customs Modernisation Project is fully automated.
He explained that TMP was the automation of the business processes of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Ogunshola said that the project would simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain, making it easy to obtain import and export clearances, pay duties, and obtain the release of goods.
The TMP GM added that the major advantage of the project was the significant growth in the revenue profile of the federal government.
“The project would generate more than $250bn for the Federal Government over the life of the concession
“The project will bring Nigeria to par with the rest of the world, in terms of deploying technology to facilitate international trade,” Ogunshola explained.
Being a parent is the dream of many people. However, conceiving and delivering a child is harder for some people than others. FAITH AJAYI takes a look at some entertainers who struggled with infertility
Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun
Media presenter and producer, Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun, is one woman that has often spoken out about her struggle with childbearing. In a recent interview, she stated that she was first diagnosed of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at the age of 16. She has also documented her journey in a documentary series on her YouTube channel titled, ‘African and Pregnant’.
In an interview with Saturday Beats on March 7, 2020, Coker-Aderinokun noted the struggles she faced while trying to have a baby via in-vitro fertilisation. She said, “It was not only draining but life-threatening as I developed Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome. My stomach became swollen with fluids. I threw up blood and was aspirated every day for a week. This syndrome causes the ovaries to swell and become painful. It can become very serious and ultimately life threatening.”
In another interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, she spoke more about her experience battling PCOS. She stated that there was a time she did not menstruate for a year. According to her, she tried getting pregnant naturally but the wait was traumatic for her, so she opted for IVF, which was successful.
Coker-Aderinokun had her traditional wedding in December 2016, while the white wedding followed in August 2017. She had her first child in November 2019.
Nse Ikpe-Etim
Talented actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim, is the darling of many on account of how she interprets her roles in movies. However, in the real world, she had had to struggle with infertility. She stated that she had a medical condition— adenomyosis— which eventually led to her removing her womb.
She first spoke about the condition and why she had not been able to give birth at an event tagged, ‘Conversation with Nse’ in Lekki, Lagos, on May 11, 2019. She stated that she cried when she was first diagnosed with the disease in 2016. She had said, “I was told I couldn’t have kids, so, I had to have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) to make me have a life again and to stop going through what I was going through. I’m literarily telling women and men, it really doesn’t matter if you can’t bear children. What really matters is what you would do for the world, for the universe.”
She added, “Tears dropped, and my husband squeezed my hand. It was reassuring that there was someone there and it was telling me that this is reality, my reality. The ordeal made me fall into depression.
“I didn’t think there was any point anymore, because society had taught me that I had to be a mother to be appreciated. And every time I went online, a troll or two would say, ‘You haven’t given birth’? But, I’m thankful that that didn’t break me.”
In another interview with media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, in 2020, she stated that she was tired of people making false assumptions, so she decided to go public about her condition. She said, “I am tired of the trolls just yapping. You know you have no idea of what goes on in people’s lives. It’s so easy to sit behind a computer or your phone and just type. The other person reading it is human; you don’t say things that are hurtful.”
In yet another interview with Chude Jideonwo in May 2022, she noted that she ad her husband were dog parents for now. When asked if adoption was an option she had ever considered, she said, “You never say never but right now, Clifford (husband) and I are dog parents.”
She married her husband, Clifford Sule, who was her childhood sweetheart, on February 14, 2013.
Biola Adebayo
Actress and producer, Biola Adebayo, welcomed her first child in her forties.
Speaking about her childbirth struggle on her YouTube page on May 30, 2023, she noted that she and her husband had agreed that if after six months, they didn’t see any signs, they would opt for either IVF or surrogacy. She added that she had a failed IVF, one cancelled surrogate circle, and three failed surrogates within two years of marriage. She noted that it was at her fourth attempt that her first child was birthed via surrogacy.
She announced this on social media after the birth of her son on April 11, 2023. She wrote, “After one failed IVF, one cancelled surrogate circle, three failed surrogate attempts in two years, God has finally blessed my husband and I with a great son through our surrogate mum.
“Through it all, God has been so good to us, and we’re grateful for this great testimony. Thank you, Abba Father. God bless our doctors; God bless our surrogate mum. It’s a new dawn. Welcome to the world, Baby TA.”
Adesua Etomi-Wellington
Having experienced decayed twin embryos, three failed IVF procedures, and PCOS, actress, Etomi-Wellington, finally opened up on her experience while trying to conceive a child for her husband, Bankole Wellington, aka Banky W.
At a programme in the Waterbrook Church, which they attend, the couple shared their struggle with childbirth.
According to them, they had both decided to give birth immediately after their marriage in 2017, but that did not happen until 2021. A year after all natural attempts failed, they decided to try IVF. The first IVF was successful, and she was said to be carrying a set of twins. But, that ended in bad news after a scan revealed that the babies had no heartbeat.
Despite the setback, the couple didn’t give up, and they went for the second and third rounds of IVF, which were also unsuccessful. At that point, the medical reports they received were not encouraging.
Etomi-Wellington said, “The doctors said I had PCOS (a condition in women characterised by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth). The medical report also indicated that Banky’s sperm morphology was not right.
“After the third attempt, I said I was not doing again. I am not taking any single drug or injection. I am not doing anything anymore. If God gives me a child, praise Jesus, but if He is not giving me any child, that’s okay.”
She later gave birth through natural means to her son, Hazaiah, in February 2021, two and half years after the first failed IVF.
Toyin Abraham
In October 2019, actress and producer, Toyin Abraham, revealed that she had her child after struggling with infertility. She made this revelation on social media in a now deleted video on how traditional medicine helped her beat the struggle of infertility. She also launched ‘Toyins Herbal Female Fertility Booster’, a root and herb concoction for women trying to get pregnant.
Though she was formerly married to actor, Adeniyi Johnson, the union was not blessed with a child before it crashed. She later got married to another actor, Kolawole Ajeyemi, and they had a baby boy in August 2019.
Etinosa Idemudia
Although married twice, actress, Etinosa Idemudia, recently recounted her struggle with infertility and PCOS. In a post on her Instagram page on January 18, 2024, she spoke about her infertility experience. She wrote, “Why is it that in this country, when a woman isn’t getting pregnant, the family of the husband, including the man, will blame the woman; even without a diagnosis. To every man/woman out there trying to conceive, just know that God has not forsaken you. If he can bless me with a child after years of PCOS, tears and shame; then, He can and He will definitely turn the tables to favour you.”
“Ten years ago, I went through hell. I thought I was the problem. I have taken a part of my life story and created a movie that I hope will minister to and entertain you.”
The actress had unveiled her daughter few days to the end of 2020. In an interview with Saturday Beats in 2021, Idemudia stated that she had been trying to get pregnant for seven years. She had said, “It was a high-risk pregnancy but God saw me through. I was two months gone before I knew I was pregnant. I would not even have known until much later if not that my long-time doctor and friend forced me to do a pregnancy test when I was busy treating ‘stubborn malaria’.”
She concluded by saying, “I waited for about seven years (before having this child). My advice to awaiting mothers is that they should take their minds off the issue and relax. It is a tough advice that almost sounds crazy, but that was the advice I got from my sister-in-law years ago. She is also a polycystic ovary syndrome conqueror. It worked back then, but I lost the pregnancies. Then, I threw away her advice and naturally became anxious. Anxiety turned to desperation and I did take in again, even with the drugs I was taking then. It was not until last year that I finally learnt to relax. Let go and let God.”
Wumi Toriola
It wasn’t until she was celebrating the second birthday of her son, Zion, in October 2021 that she revealed that she had problem conceiving. She wrote, “I think it’s about time to tell my little story, and this is to encourage someone. I wanted to rest after marriage before conception and boom, ‘my supposed rest’ finished, but no conception. I didn’t see it as a problem, until someone said, ‘Is it that easy. After all, she is married, but she has never been pregnant’. As the playful person that I am, it did not ‘hit’ until six months passed. Then, it started to dawn on me.
“I flew to a fertility hospital, but the annoying thing is that one needs to go with one’s partner. That was a tough one, because it sure sends signals like, has she damaged her womb?
“To cut the story short, I was told there was no issue, that it would come. I had intrauterine insemination (a fertility treatment that gives sperm a better chance at fertilising an egg) two times. After the last one, I started having funny symptoms of pregnancy even without a test. I thought I was pregnant and was unnecessarily careful.
“One month passed, I did a test, but alas, no conception. I was mad at myself. 30 days of injection and ‘hard work’ again. My doctor would laugh at me and assure me there was no issue with us. I lost hope in IUI, and was ready for IVF; then my miraculous conception came.
“I wish I could explain the anger and the sadness through those little times of waiting but just one day, I forgot all.”
In conclusion, she wrote, “To everyone looking for a miracle, the set time is now and it shall not tarry. Please, don’t take medicals lightly.”
Former WBC cruiserweight champion Toney Bellew has predicted that the bout between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will be over inside two rounds.
The potential heavyweight fight is known to be in talks for September 21 at Wembley Stadium as part of the Riyadh Season Card being planned by Saudi boxing chiefs.
It’s not yet confirmed whether the fight will come to fruition, but former WBC world champ Bellew has already made a bold prediction.
When initially asked if Dubois possesses any attributes that could trouble Joshua, Bellew told Lucky Block Casino, “Of course, he can punch. But AJ’s technically better than him, more fluid than him, quicker than him, hits harder than him.
“Everything Dubois is good at, Joshua is a bit better at. And he also has a defence. Dubois is good at front-foot pressure, powerful, with reasonable speed for someone his size.
“AJ’s a freak. AJ’s the best athlete the heavyweight division’s probably ever had as an athletic specimen. If you put AJ in a 100m race (against the other heavyweights), lifting weights, how far he can jump, how high he can jump – I promise you he’d win the lot. It’s just getting all that package put into one.
“As for AJ vs Dubois, I think if that fight gets made it’s over inside two rounds. I think he won’t miss him. As long as Joshua goes in with the same attitude that he went in with against Francis Ngannou, it’s over in two rounds. I don’t see any other outcome.”
Joshua has rediscovered himself with four wins on the bounce, the most recent being his brutal second-round KO of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
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GODFREY GEORGE writes on how underage girls are lodged in hotels by men for illicit acts while hotel administrators look the other way
Shock was the reaction that greeted a now-viral video of a young boy who captured himself half-naked in a hotel in Lagos State with a girl his age.
Both kids were jumping on the bed at one point in the video, which has now been circulated widely on social media.
After the jumping, they both stood in front of the mirror in a sexually suggestive fashion and gave off romantic looks. Before the 26-second video came to an end, both teenagers locked lips and gave a wide grin on camera.
This outraged Nigerians who wondered how they got access to that level of privacy in a hotel facility in the country that is supposed to be reserved for adults. The age of adulthood in Nigeria is 18 and the kids in the video were barely teenagers.
In 2023, a similar video was circulated. This time, there were three young boys and a young girl who were almost unclad dancing to a popular Nigerian tune on camera.
They looked intoxicated, as all four of them were seen smoking from one stick of what looked like marijuana or cigarette. One of the boys held a red cup and sipped the content slowly, giving wild laughter after every sip.
The girl was seen beckoning on another person who was not visible in the video to come and help her, as, according to her, the boys were ‘killing her’.
“These boys are so bad. They want to kill me o,” she said and fell on the bed, laughing as she did.
The incident, our correspondent gathered, happened in a local hotel in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Residents of the area who spoke to our correspondent confirmed that it was a regular sight to see young people use the hotel for their parties.
A chief in the area, Mr Tunji Adekola, said he was the one who reported the hotel to the police in the area for playing loud music and disturbing the peace in the area, not knowing that something sinister went on behind the shadows.
He said, “It was after my report, that several people came forward to say some men in the area took some underage girls to the hotel where they perform their illicit acts. Girls not up to 16 are always seen in the area, skimpily dressed.”
Another resident, Mrs Chinasa Ochiko, said the place is nicknamed ‘Ibongi Bar’ because there were no restrictions to the illicit acts that go on there.
“Children of 15 years old and even below are seen in the area even at night. Although the place has been shut down by the authorities, other hotels in the area still allow young girls to lodge there with men old enough to be their fathers,” she said.
‘What did I do wrong?’
Another young girl, in 2024, was recorded in another viral video on TikTok in Eleme, Rivers State, coming out of a hotel room in a popular hotel in the area half-dressed. The hotel said to be owned by a politician, runs a nightclub, a strip bar and what they termed “ladies’ night”.
In the video, the young girl was asking, “What did I do wrong?” from the persons who questioned her for lodging in a hotel without her parents.
A voice from the background asked, “What are you doing here? Where are your parents? Don’t you have a home? See as you dey! A young girl like you! Spoiling yourself and your family name. If you don’t leave here now, we will call the police to take you and whoever you came here with.”
Another person in the background enquired about her room number and threatened to go drag the man she came with before the video came to an abrupt end.
Sources in the area said she went to the hotel to celebrate her 16th birthday the previous day and she lodged there with her boyfriend for the night to ‘seal the celebration’.
A resident in the area who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said parts of the hotel were uncompleted and lodgers may be required to come down and fetch water.
“It was when the girl came down to fetch water that she was captured. Some men who were there to drink accosted her and asked her how old she was and what she was doing in the hotel. They then realised she came there to celebrate her 16th birthday with her boyfriend who is 26 years old.
“Both of them were chased out of the hotel and the receptionist that booked them was sanctioned,” the source said.
Although the hotel owner denied the video was made in his hotel, several lodgers on social media confirmed that the hotel was notorious for its anyhowness.
“You will find children walking around the pool in pairs. I am talking of children who should be in secondary school. Some of them will wear swim trunks and their partners will accompany them. Whenever I see them there and I am with my partner, I go there and chase them out myself,” a lady on Facebook, Tumbari Leebam, wrote in a comment section.
Another Facebook user said the hotel was notorious in the area as a regular spot to get ‘fresh meat’ (underage girls).
“It is irritating but true that these fresh meat lurk around the hotel (name withheld) to look for men who pick them, use the rooms there for as many days as they like and the management turns a blind eye,” wrote Tuonimi Barida.
Another day, another video
A few months after the Rivers State incident, another video surfaced on social media. It was that of a young boy and a girl in a hotel room.
It stirred outrage on social media, causing many to bash hotel owners who allow these young people to use their facilities for these illicit acts.
The clip showed the minors alone in a hotel room, drinking and making romance.
The girl, who wore a crop top on blank pants, was filming herself in front of a mirror while her male partner showed off his meal.
As she got close to him, he swiftly dropped his food, got close to her and appeared to kiss her on the lips.
The 17-second clip was shared on Twitter by @_favorite_ada, who wondered where the parents of the kids were.
The video has caused a huge stir on the Internet, with many condemning the underage children for lodging in a hotel together.
Some others criticised the hotel management for allowing them to stay in their facility, while others blamed their parents for failing to instil good values in them.
An X user, Lola Okunrin, expressed disgust over the hotel clip and emphasised the importance of community parenting.
He said, “This is why I will forever love community parenting. Let’s say the parents of these two failed, what about the staff of the hotel? The moment they entered and asked for a key, an adult is holding their ears and twisting it while giving them brain resetting knock. A ti miss (sic).”
Another user, tweeting as @mr_time_smile, wrote, “There should be a law that says we must show our National ID before we can access some places in Nigeria. There must be verification of age in hotel facilities.”
@blessmich85, another user, wrote, “Community parenting helped reset my brain the day I followed gang enter canoe to another community because of inter-house sports. Before I got home, my ear and face collected slaps (sic).
“I can never forget the Part II beating my mother gave me. (sic)”
Man stops 15-year-old boy from lodging with teenage girls
Another video which trending in 2023 showed a man confronting a 15-year-old boy who attempted to book a hotel room with two teenage girls.
The man was seen in the video grilling the child who refused to speak up.
When the girls who had come with the boy saw that their objective had been disrupted, they walked away fast, ignoring requests from the man who demanded to know what they were planning to do in the hotel room.
The menace
The increasing trend of minors lodging in hotels unsupervised and engaging in illicit activities is becoming a significant concern in Nigeria.
Despite stringent legal frameworks and industry codes of conduct, some hoteliers neglect their responsibilities, facilitating an environment where minors can easily access rooms and partake in activities that jeopardize their safety and well-being. This issue not only threatens the minors involved but also tarnishes the reputation of Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
The Federal Government also warned hoteliers across the country not to harbour teenagers and underage girls in their facilities or risk being sanctioned.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, read the riot acts on Saturday at the ‘Unlock Training and Grants’ ceremony in Abuja.
The programme, which saw 200 young entrepreneurs receive N100m, was organised by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade.
In January 2023, some students of Federal Government College in Ijanikin, Lagos, were caught absconding from school to lodge female classmates in hotels for sexual romp.
According Metro gathered that the students, all boarders, were said to have on different occasions scaled the school’s fence with their female counterparts and stayed out of school for days.
Findings revealed that the students involved in the act were between the ages of 14 and 17.
Similarly, in April 2022, a video clip of a 15-year-old boy who was accosted while trying to lodge two girls and another guy in a hotel room went viral on social media.
The teenage schoolgirls, however, took to their heels when the voice behind the camera attempted to probe them on their mission.
But Kennedy-Ohanenye vowed that it would no longer be business as usual.
To further depict the seriousness of the Federal Government, the minister disclosed that hoteliers, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, have been directed to mount a signpost outside their hotels warning prospective clients to lodge any underage girls in their premises.
She said, “Nigeria must be better. From 20th (June), we have directed hotels to put a sign outside from the Ministry of Women. No lodging of underage girls. (Otherwise) what happened in Niger State will be an understatement of what will happen in the FCT and I mean it.
“No more lodging of underage girls and no more bullying in schools.”
Continuing, the minister announced to journalists that the FG has commenced a probe into the distasteful viral clip of 10 Nigerian teenagers who were rescued from neighbòuring Ghana where they were trafficked for prostitution.
Legal framework, ethical obligations
The Child Rights Act of 2003 explicitly defines a child as a person under the age of 18 and mandates their protection from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
Section 11 of the Act states that every child has the right to protection from all forms of exploitation, which extends to their unsupervised lodging in hotels.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation enforces regulations that hotels must adhere to, ensuring the safety and well-being of all guests, including minors.
The NTDC Code of Conduct requires hotel operators to verify the age of their guests and prohibits lodging minors without appropriate supervision. However, many hotels fail to comply with these guidelines, resulting in minors gaining unsupervised access to hotel rooms.
The presence of unsupervised minors in hotels exposes them to various dangers, including sexual exploitation, drug abuse, and criminal activities. Several high-profile cases have highlighted the severity of this issue.
A group of teenagers, in December 2022, was caught in a hotel in Lagos, engaging in a late-night party involving alcohol and drugs. The hotel staff failed to verify the ages of the guests, leading to this incident. The case emphasized the need for stricter age verification processes.
In February 2023, a 16-year-old girl was found using a hotel room for prostitution. The hotel management claimed ignorance of her age. This incident sparked outrage and calls for better enforcement of regulations concerning the accommodation of minors in hotels.
A hotel in Enugu was, in March 2023, implicated when underage boys used the facility to plan and execute a robbery. The lack of proper guest verification allowed the minors to use the hotel as a base for their criminal activities.
In June 2023, a hotel in Delta was found to be a hotspot for underage prostitution. Multiple minors were rescued in a police raid, revealing the hotel’s complicity in allowing minors to use their rooms for sex work.
In August 2023, authorities in Edo State uncovered a network of hotels that facilitated the use of rooms by minors for drug-related activities.
The hotels failed to verify the ages of their guests, leading to a surge in illicit activities involving minors.
A hotel in Ogun State around October 2023 was shut down after it was discovered that minors were using the premises to conduct illicit activities.
The hotel’s management was found to be complicit in allowing these activities to take place without any form of supervision or verification.
A child rights advocate, Mercy Chepaka, commenting on the matter stated that the rising trend of minors engaging in illicit activities in Nigerian hotels was a serious issue that requires immediate attention.
She said, “Hoteliers must uphold their ethical and legal obligations to protect minors and ensure their facilities are not used for unlawful purposes.
“By adopting stringent age verification processes, training staff, and collaborating with law enforcement, Nigeria’s hospitality industry can create a safer environment for all guests. The implementation of these measures, along with robust enforcement, will go a long way in curbing this menace and restoring the integrity of the industry.
“Furthermore, the government and regulatory bodies must play a proactive role in ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations. Regular inspections, severe penalties for non-compliance, and public awareness campaigns are essential components of a comprehensive strategy to address this issue. Only through a concerted effort can Nigeria safeguard its children and uphold the standards of its hospitality industry.”
Ogun hotel suspects Photo: Ogun Police Command
Clampdown
In August 2023, the Gender Unit of the Nigerian Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, Federal Capital Territory raided Ignobis Hotels, Gado Nasco Road in Kubwa, Abuja, for alleged abuse, and endangerment of minors.
The raid was led by Inspector Ossai Ojobo, an Investigation Police Officer, along with officials of the Social Development Secretarial, FCT Administration and representatives of a non-governmental organisation.
After the raid, the Hotel Manager, Mr Akbueze Chidi, and a restaurant operator in the hotel, Ms Priscilla Abuyah, were arrested and taken to the Force CID for questioning and further investigation.
The raid followed a petition by the Human Rights Agenda Network, an NGO, to the Social Welfare Department of the SDS, alleging that the hotel was harbouring minors and exposing them to sexual exploitation.
The SDS Officer in charge of the case, Mrs Joy Omokivie, told the News Agency of Nigeria, that the SDS channelled the petition to the Gender Unit of the Force CID to investigate the matter.
Omokivie added that the hotel was classified as a brothel by residents, where young girls, including underaged girls, were being brought in for sex.
She said that in the petition, HRAN had alleged that a 12-year-old minor and her younger brother, age four, were staying at the hotel with a woman, purported to be their mother.
She added that after some investigations, the 12-year-old girl was rescued and is currently in the custody of the Social Welfare Department, “while the young boy is still with the mother.”
According to her, the raid was part of an ongoing investigation to determine the veracity of the allegations and if found to be true, rescue the minors and prosecute the culprits.
HRAN had in the petition accused the woman, Mrs Immanuela Austyn-Araki, a Bolt driver of abandoning the children in the hotel in the morning, leaving them to fend for themselves.
The NGO claimed that the children eat mostly snacks and noodles until they return late at night or the following morning.
HRAN added that its investigation revealed that the woman lodged in the hotel with the children for more than two years, exposing them to all kinds of sexual conduct by other adults lodging in the hotel.
The group said that the girl was allowed access to the internet and accessing sites not suitable for underaged children, adding that the girl had an account on TikTok where she uploads adult-related content.
According to the group, men, including the hotel owner, pay regular visits to the room occupied by the minors and their mother, whenever the mother is not around.
HRAN also expressed suspicion that the woman may be involved in child trafficking, alleging that there were underage girls in the hotel premises working as commercial sex workers.
The NGO, thereafter, asked the police to investigate the matter to save the endangered child and bring the culprits to book.
However, after reading the petition at the Force CID, the manager of the hotel and the restaurant operator declined to make any response except in the presence of their lawyer.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Hotel, Mr Eze Obasi, refuted the allegation, saying, “I am a good Christian and a traditional title holder in my community.
“As such, I cannot be a party to sexual exploitation, abuse, or endangerment of underage girls in my hotel.
“All I know is that the woman in question was being maltreated by her husband and she came to the hotel with her children to seek refuge from her abusive husband.
“This complaint has been brought before me by four different groups and it has been settled.
“I do not understand why police officers will still come to the hotel to embarrass my clients in the name of police search for minors,” he said.
After the raid that ended around 8:30 p.m., the young minor and the mother were not found at the hotel.
Gomorrah extension in Anambra hotel
On June 13, the Anambra State Police Command uncovered a hotel named Gally Gally in Nkpor, allegedly involved in the exploitation of children aged 14 to 17 for sex slavery, prostitution, and operating as a baby factory.
DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, the spokesperson for the state police command, detailed in a statement that the operatives rescued 35 girls, with four of them discovered to be pregnant.
“The police have arrested three individuals connected to this operation: Mrs Ifeoma Uzo, aged 35, Chidiebere Alaka, aged 28, and Nweke Chidiebere. Alongside these arrests, the police seized three pump-action guns, seven cartridges, and a cash sum of eight hundred and seventy-seven thousand, five hundred naira (N877, 500),” the spokesperson said.
Tochukwu noted that the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to gather more information about their involvement and to identify additional members of the gang. He further stated that the rescued victims will be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for their welfare and rehabilitation.
The statement concluded with Tochukwu affirming that all suspects will face charges in court once the investigation is complete.
Ogun case
On October 23, 2019, law enforcement uncovered a grim operation in Shimawa, a community on the Lagos-Ogun border, where a hotel was using underage girls for commercial sex work.
Detectives from the Federal Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi, conducted the raid, arresting two men and rescuing 14 girls aged between 14 and 17.
Acting on intelligence reports about a suspected baby factory in Shimawa, the anti-trafficking team, led by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Usman Mani, moved quickly to the scene. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Cordelia Nwawe, provided details of the operation, which lasted from Tuesday night until 10 a.m. the following day.
“We needed to locate that particular baby factory where underage females are kept,” Nwawe explained.
The investigation revealed that the girls, hailing from Akwa Ibom, Kogi, Enugu, and Imo states, had been lured to the facility under pretences.
Trapped in a cycle of exploitation, they were forced to pay their boss N1,000 daily for accommodation while being coerced into sleeping with a minimum of four men daily, charging between N500 and N1,000 per client.
Disturbingly, the men in the establishment also subjected the girls to sexual exploitation at their will.
Several individuals were arrested during the raid, including the hotel owner, Gbenga Olayinka, his nephew, Adekunle Oshineye, and three adult sex workers—Happiness Daniel, Favour Nkume, and Glory Ewelike.
The nine underage girls gave their names as Chisom Onyekwere, Chinonso Okoro, Stella Emmanuel, Gift Wada, Chidinma Emmanuel, Tracy Favour, Success Onu, Comfort Francis, Njoku Divine, Destiny Chibuike, and Amanda Chima.
Olayinka denied knowing that some of the girls were underage, claiming they had independently rented the rooms.
“I charge the girls N1,000 daily. I do not control them on their customers, and I do not keep their money for them. Police have been coming there to search, but they have never found anything incriminating,” he said.
“My offence is that I kept these girls in my care to use them to work, and I am sorry about that. I know it is wrong. I am married with four kids, two girls, and two boys.”
Oshineye, who was arrested in the room of one of the girls he claimed was his lover, stated that he only helped his uncle at the brothel when he wasn’t busy with his building work.
The narratives of the rescued girls were harrowing.
One girl shared, “My boyfriend and I planned that I would stop prostitution by December because that is when I would complete my apprenticeship. I sleep with four or five men every day. It was my friend who brought me from the village. I do not enjoy it, but I do not have another option.”
Another girl, Okoro, confessed that her mother was unaware of her true occupation.
“I told my mum I was working, but I did not tell her the job I was doing. I have been able to send only N7,000 to her since I started this work. I use protection each time to avoid getting infection,” she said.
International best practices
Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada enforce strict regulations on hotel operations to prevent such issues.
For instance, in the United States, the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act mandates that hotels maintain a registry of guests and verify the age of anyone booking a room. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Hotel Proprietors Act imposes a duty of care on hotel owners to ensure the safety of all guests, including minors.
A hospitality expert based in Rivers State, Patience Hart, said Nigeria can adopt several measures to curb the menace of minors lodging unsupervised in hotels.
Hart who runs a hotel in the Port Harcourt area of the state said implementing mandatory age verification for all guests, ensuring that minors are not accommodated without adult supervision must be prioritised.
She said, “Train hotel staff to identify and report suspicious activities involving minors.
“Establish partnerships between hotels and law enforcement agencies to monitor and address any incidents involving minors. Educate parents and guardians about the dangers of allowing minors to lodge in hotels unsupervised through government and NGO-led campaigns.
“Technological tools should be utilized. The use of surveillance cameras, guest verification software, and biometric systems to monitor and control access to hotel premises should be encouraged.”
The administrator also said hotels must allocate specific areas within hotels for minors, providing supervised environments for their activities.
She added, “The unchecked presence of minors in hotels poses severe risks to their safety and well-being and undermines the credibility of the hospitality industry. The economic impact includes a potential decline in tourism and loss of trust among patrons, leading to reduced revenue and job losses.”
The law
Lodging underage girls in hotel rooms is a serious legal issue in Nigeria, governed by several statutes aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse.
For instance, the Child Rights Act, adopted in 2003, is the primary legislation protecting the rights of children in Nigeria. It defines a child as anyone under the age of 18 and outlines their rights and protections.
Section 11 of the Act proves that every child is entitled to protection from all forms of exploitation, including sexual exploitation.
Section 15 of the Act prohibits the abduction, removal, or transfer of a child unlawfully or without lawful authority.
Also, Section 16 protects child labour, which includes prohibiting children from being used in exploitative and hazardous environments, including hotels for illicit activities.
Also, the Criminal Code Act, applicable in Southern Nigeria, includes provisions against sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.
Section 218 clearly states that it is a felony to have unlawful carnal knowledge of an underage girl.
Section 22 outlines the offence of abduction of a girl under the age of 16 with intent to have unlawful carnal knowledge.
Meanwhile, the Penal Code Act applies to Northern Nigeria and contains similar provisions to the Criminal Code regarding the protection of minors.
Section 276 specifically criminalizes the abduction of females for illicit purposes.
Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation regulations
The NTDC is responsible for regulating the hospitality industry, and ensuring hotels comply with safety and ethical standards.
Under its key regulation, the NTDC stated that hotels must verify the age of guests and ensure minors are not lodged without appropriate adult supervision.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, including fines and revocation of operating licenses.
A legal practitioner, Selena Onuoha, said the provisions of the law are clear on exploiting minors for any form of sexual gratification.
She, however, lamented that despite these robust legal frameworks, enforcement remains a challenge due to corruption, lack of awareness, and inadequate training of law enforcement officers.
“The hospitality industry must be vigilant and proactive in adhering to these laws to protect minors from exploitation.
“Protecting minors from exploitation in hotels is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. Ensuring that hotel operators adhere to laws and regulations will help safeguard children and maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s hospitality industry,” she added.
Ban laudable – Hotel owners
A legal practitioner and President, Hotel Owners Forum, Abuja, Mrs Funmi Kazeem, speaking to our correspondent on Friday, hailed FG’s ban on underage lodgers in hotels.
She commended the Federal Government and the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for taking a bold step towards safeguarding the well-being of our girl child and the vulnerable citizens.
She said, “The ban on lodging of underage girls in hotels is a laudable initiative that aligns with our industry’s values and commitment to ethical practices.
“As hoteliers, we recognize the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for all our guests and we are eager to cooperate with the government and the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development to ensure the successful implementation of this policy.
“By preventing the lodging of underage girls in hotels, we are not only curbing the scourge of prostitution but also protecting these vulnerable individuals from potential exploitation and harm.”
She added that the initiative was a clear testament to the Minister and government’s dedication to creating a sane and responsible society, and we are proud to be part of it.
She further urged the minister and government to consider the challenges facing the hotel industry, particularly in the current economic landscape.
She said, “The hoteliers are struggling with high operating costs which include exorbitant fuel and diesel prices, the high electricity tariff and multiple taxation.
“While we are ready to join the Hon. Minister and government to implement this new policy on underage lodging, we implore the government to provide support to this great industry by way of grants, tax exemptions, and waivers to enable us to continue to provide quality services that will contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
