Hot Gist

EndBadGovernance: Why we released minors — FG

By Sola Ogundipe, Adesina Wahab, Kingsley Omonobi, Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Ikechukwu Nnochiri & Bashir Bello ABUJA—The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja yesterday struck out two separate treason charges preferred against 119 persons who were arrested and detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest that held across the country in August. Their release came as Vice President Kashim Shettima said it was effected on compassionate ground. This is even as human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, threatened to sue the Federal Government, if it failed to give education to the released minors, insisting that their release was not just enough. Recall that stringent criticisms had trailed the arraignment of the minors in court in Abuja last Friday, with the northern governors, Arewa Consultative Council, ACF, lawyers, civil society organisations, CSOs, among other, condemning the dehumanising condition of the minors. Vanguard gathered yesterday that the minors were kept in the holding facility of Inspector General of Police’s Special Response Team, IRT, in Abuja, where hardened criminals, including terrorists, bandits and kidnappers are kept. However, the court terminated further proceedings in the charges after they were withdrawn by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Whereas 32 minors were cited as defendants in the first 10-count charge marked: FHC/CR/503/2024, in the second charge, marked: FHC/CR/527/2024, which contained four-counts, five minors were listed as defendants in the matter. Though both charges were filed by the Nigeria Police Force, when the cases were called up yesterday, FG, through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, however, officially took over the matter and notified the court of its decision to discontinue the cases. The application for discontinuance, which was moved by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, was anchored on provisions of sections 174(1), (b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015. The DPPF also applied for the proceeding to be conducted without the presence of the minors in the courtroom, in line with provisions of section 266 (b) of the ACJA, 2015, and section 1 of the Childs’ Rights Act. On their part, the defence lawyers, led by frontline human activist, Mr. Femi Fanala, SAN, said they were not opposed to FG’s request. Consequently, trial judge Obiora Egwuatu struck out the charges. It will be recalled that four minors, who were among 76 persons listed in one of the charges, slumped before they could be arraigned before the court last Friday. The teenagers, between the ages of 14 and 17, who appeared ill and malnourished, collapsed after they were marshalled in for arraignment. Owing to the development, police delisted the four affected teenagers from the charge sheet, even as it proceeded to dock the other defendants who were subsequently granted very stringent bail conditions by the court. While some of the defendants, who had already spent over 90 days in police detention, huddled in the dock during their arraignment, others stood outside the cubicle owing to limited space.Justice Egwuatu had after the minors pleaded not guilty to the charges, granted each of them bail in the sum of N10million with two sureties in like sum. He held that one of the sureties must be a civil servant not below grade level 15, who must have a verifiable address that is within the court’s jurisdiction. According to the court, the second surety must be a parent of the defendant. Minors facing trial were released on compassionate ground— Shettima However, speaking yesterday after the release of the minors, Vice President Kashim Shettima declared that his principal, President Bola Tinubu, directed the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, to facilitate the release of the minors facing trial for treason on compassionate grounds. He also said the nation lost over N300 billion from the destruction and halting of economic activities orchestrated by the protesters. Shettima said there was incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions of some of the protesters which were uploaded by the actors themselves. The Vice President spoke while receiving the minors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after their charges were dropped by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. He said: “President Bola Tinubu instructed the release of the suspect on humanitarian grounds, despite incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence of the perpetration and actions, some of which were uploaded by the actors themselves. “Regarding this evidence, the President, as the father of the nation, is giving these young men another chance at becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria. “I would like to admonish you, young men, not to allow yourselves to be used to perpetrate violence and destroy public and private property because over N300 billion was lost in the protests, consisting mainly private property and loss of businesses. “I will urge you, I will advise you, you are our children, to use the opportunity of the President’s magnanimous gesture in ensuring that you overcome and become responsible citizens who will contribute to the growth of the society. “I will urge our governors and our elected representatives here, that cuts across political divide, what binds us together as citizens of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us. “I will call on our two governors and our representatives into a single cause, and ensure that these subjects are rehabilitated and reintegrated to the fabric of our communities.” The freed 119 #EndBadGovernance protesters (minors and adults) who were earlier arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force and discharged by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja arrived the presidential villa at noon. Justice Egwatu, had earlier struck out the case against the protesters as requested by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, led by Lateef Fagbemi. They were received by the Vice President on behalf of President Tinubu …

EndBadGovernance: Why we released minors — FG Read More »

UK Foreign Secretary Arrives in Nigeria in First Trip to Africa

Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has arrived in Nigeria in his first trip to the African continent and is expected to announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices ‘inform and sit at the very heart’ of the UK’s new approach to the continent.This was disclosed in a statement signed yesterday by the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer/Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Ndidiamaka Eze.“Committing to a fresh approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar, the Foreign Secretary will announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent. “Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership,” the statement said.Lammy said on his visit, that Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25 per cent of the world’s population by 2050.  “Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent.“ I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.  “Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike,”  the top UK official added.The Foreign Secretary is expected to advocate for further collaboration on mutual growth via the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year.This partnership is the key vehicle for driving trade and market access between the UK and Nigeria and plays a vital role in the UK’s growth mission. He will also advocate for further trade and climate collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in high level meetings with President Bola Tinubu, Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar and Lagos State, Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The statement added: “Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a diverse technical assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, offering British expertise from the Bank of England and others to help continue to modernise and diversify the Nigerian economy. “Catalysing reform across Nigeria will create further opportunities within the flourishing Nigerian economy for British businesses – generating growth, jobs and incomes for Brits and Nigerians.” This Day Live

Delta State News :Governor Oborevwori appoints new Vice Chancellor for DELSU,Abraka

Photo: Prof. Samuel Asagba, DELSU’s new VC The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. SheriffOborevwori has approved the appointment of Prof. Samuel Asagba as the new Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka.  According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the appointment will take effect from 1st December,2024. A Professor of Environmental Biochemistry and Toxicology, Prof. Asagba had previously served the University in various capacities, including serving as Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration as well as Provost of the defunct Asaba Campus. ********

Turkish Airlines pilot dies mid-flight, forces emergency landing in New York

A Turkish Airlines pilot died after collapsing mid-flight, forcing the Turkish national carrier to make an emergency landing in New York, the airline said, yesterday. The plane had taken off from the western US coastal city of Seattle on Tuesday evening, airline spokesman Yahya Ustun wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote: “The pilot of our Airbus 350 flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul collapsed during the flight.After an unsuccessful attempt to give first aid, the flight crew and a co-pilot decided to make an emergency landing but he died before landing.” According to the airline management, the 59-year-old pilot, who has worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, passed a medical examination in March, which gave no indication of any health problems. Vanguard

Bobrisky: Minister orders bribery allegation probe, Falana threatens lawsuit

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Wednesday, ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of bribery within the Nigerian Correctional Service. Although the minister did not mention any specific case, his directive comes on the heels of a voice note shared by Martins Otse, a.k.a. VeryDarkMan, in which Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, claimed that after his conviction and sentencing for abuse of the naira notes in April, his godfather, in collaboration with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment. This was as human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), denied any involvement with Bobrisky and gave VeryDarkMan a 24-hour ultimatum to retract the statement he made linking him to Bobrisky. “We wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that our client (Falana) has never, in his life, spoken to Brobrisky on his alleged pardon or on any matter whatsoever,” Falana’s lawyer stated in their letter to VeryDarkMan demanding a retraction and an apology. In a voice note played online by VeryDarkMan, a voice, believed to be Bobrisky’s, was heard saying:  “There’s jealousy involved. When I got to court, I admitted guilt, hoping for either a fine or community service. However, the court sentenced me. On my way to prison, my godfather called and assured me I wouldn’t enter prison. He told me not to worry and said he would arrange an apartment near the prison and speak to the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja. “After they spoke, I was taken to an apartment where I was told not to come out until I finished my sentence. They informed the person at the apartment that their boss instructed them to keep me there and not let me leave. The person said he’d collect N10m, so I had to call Elele again. Elele gave me N2m because there was no one else to call.” In the same viral voice note, Bobrisky also allegedly claimed that he paid a N15m bribe to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to drop money laundering charges against him, leaving only abuse of naira charges, of which he was convicted and sentenced. According to the voice note, he also allegedly claimed to have been contacted by the rap musician, Falz, and his human rights lawyer father, Falana, who proposed to help him seek the Federal Government’s pardon for a N10m fee. Reacting to the raging controversy in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, the interior minister ordered an immediate probe, stressing that no form of indiscipline would be condoned under his watch.  “The Minister of Interior has directed an unconditional and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of bribery and corruption within the Nigerian Correctional Service. “Tunji-Ojo unequivocally condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour, emphasising that any form of indiscipline, unprofessionalism, or corruption will be met with zero tolerance and severe consequences within the paramilitary services under the ministry’s purview. “The ministry will not tolerate any compromise on its core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We will leave no stone unturned in rooting out corruption and ensuring that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law,” Alao said in the statement. He added that the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, would head the team investigating the allegations. He said, “The minister has called for a special investigative team, headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, to probe these allegations and submit a comprehensive report. “The minister reassures the public that the investigation will be rigorous, transparent, and impartial, and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against any personnel found guilty.” Meanwhile, Falana has written a pre-action letter to VeryDarkMan, who disseminated the vote note, demanding a retraction of the alleged defamatory statement against him. In a letter, written on his behalf by Taiwo Olawanle of Falana and Falana Chambers, the SAN gave the social media influencer 24 hours to retract the statement and tender an apology or he would face legal action. The letter read partly: “We are counsel for Mr Femi Falana SAN (hereinafter referred to as “our client”), on whose behalf we write this letter regarding your publication and dissemination of defamatory statements against him. “Your publication of September 25, 2024, on your Instagram page captioned ‘In everything and everyone that is mentioned here, I will be disappointed if truly FALZ and his father are involved in this whole Bobrisky issue…’ refers. “In publishing the statement on several online platforms, you informed your large viewership that Mr. Femi Falana ‘spoke to Bobrisky in order to divert justice’. “Your publication contained multiple allegations and that you did not expect Mr Femi Falana, who was a lawyer to the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, whom everyone respects, to ‘engage in something like this?’. “Your publication further alleged that Mr Femi Falana SAN wanted to get a presidential pardon for Bobrisky for the sum of N10,000,000.00. “As if that was not enough, you proceeded to state as follows: ‘I don’t even believe that Femi Falana would bring himself down to this level, the whole Femi Falana would engage himself with something like this’… ‘The man started the pardon and he said he wanted to send it to the Minister of Justice in Abuja, who will send it to the President to approve it but you know Nigeria with corruption.’ “’Femi FALANA collected N10,000,000 in order to wipe his name off record. These are people I respected. These are people I look up to…it is obvious that Nigeria will not go anywhere soon.’” The letter said the social media post by VeryDarkMan portrayed Falana in a bad light as “the direct meaning of the imputation, and/or innuendo contained in the false, misleading and defamatory statements is that: Mr Femi Falana is deceitful and that his motivation for fighting against injustice and corruption in Nigeria and entire Africa is a ruse. “Mr Femi Falana spoke to Bobrisky to …

Bobrisky: Minister orders bribery allegation probe, Falana threatens lawsuit Read More »

Alleged N15m bribe: EFCC probes own officers; invites Bobrisky, VeryDarkMan for questioning

ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into the allegations that some of its officers received N15 million from Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to dismiss money laundering charges against him. The investigation, ordered by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, follows a viral video in which Bobrisky, an ex-convict, made these claims. The video was produced by Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan. In a statement issued Tuesday night, Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, confirmed the investigation and invited Bobrisky and Otse to the commission’s Lagos Directorate to assist in uncovering the truth behind the allegations. Bobrisky’s claims come after previous legal issues, including a six-month prison sentence for mutilating and spraying Naira notes at social events. The EFCC has assured the public that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated and the findings made public. If proven true, these allegations would undermine the EFCC’s integrity and anti-corruption efforts. Oyewale stated that the commission has been at the forefront of combating financial crimes in Nigeria and reaffirmed its commitment to its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration. He said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken swift and decisive action regarding the alleged bribery claims made by Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky) against some EFCC officers. “In response to these allegations, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered an immediate investigation. “The EFCC wishes to assure the public that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated and the results made public accordingly. “To facilitate this investigation, the Commission hereby invites both Okuneye and Martins Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan) to present themselves at its Lagos Directorate to assist investigators in uncovering the alleged bribery. “Throughout this process, the Commission remains committed to its core values of integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration at all times.” Vanguard

Delta State News : Delta synonymous with sports devt in Nigeria – Oborevwori…As 8th NYG kicks off in Asaba

Photo: Representative of President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh (left) receiving the National Youth Game Trophy from Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (right) while others look on, during the opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games At the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba. PIX: SAMUEL JIBUNOR. As the 8th National Youth Games, (NYG), kicked off in Asaba, Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that the state was renowned for effective sports development in Nigeria. Oborevwori said this on Thursday at the official commencement of the 2024 NYG at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. He said: “It is our joy and pride to host this event for the second year in a row. Delta State, as you know, is synonymous with sports in Nigeria. “We are happy to continue to provide the space and opportunities for the nation’s youths to showcase their talents and ensure that there is a standard programmefor athletes’ progression in the country. “Let me also appreciate the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Local Organising Committee for their steadfastness in organising the National Youth Games. With about 6,000 athletes and over 1,000 officials participating, this year’s edition of the National Youth Games is record-breaking. Photo: Representative of President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh (3rd right), Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori (2nd right), his wife, Deconess Tobore Oborevwori (right), Delta State PDP Chairman, Solomon Arenyeka (4th right) and others, during the opening ceremony of the 8th National Youth Games At Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba. PIX: SAMUEL JIBUNOR. “The Delta State Government is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to ensure that the goals and objectives of this event are realized. The National Youth Games is a powerful vehicle for athlete development. The Governor, who lamented that Nigeria’s performances in recent sports events was declining, recommended that the age limit for the National Youth Games should revert to the original upper limit of U-17, as against the current U-15. “This is to provide a platform for our talented ‘senior teenagers and young adults’ to quickly migrate from junior category to senior category of Team Nigeria in all sports and games without a break or vacuum.              “It is equally imperative that states give priority to school sports programmes. There should be compulsory inter-house sports competitions in primary and secondary schools as well as the consolidation of school sports festivals,” he said. Declaring the 8th edition of the sports fiesta open, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the NYG was devoted to talent hunting and talent nurturing, adding that there was no better way to develop the nation’s sports than to concentrate on grassroots sports development which the youth games represent. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, said the nation must continue to look at the National Youth Games as a nurturing or talent ground for the future of our sports. “My hope is that the different sporting federations representing the sporting federations of our country are here on ground to watch the games related to their different sports and to be able to discover first hand the talents that need to be nurtured for the future of our sports,” he said. President Tinubu disclosed that his administration was dedicated to repositioning sports for optimum performance in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing out that it was imperative to invest more in grassroots sports development. On the age limit of the games which is currently pegged at 15 years and below, the President said he agreed with the governor that the nation should return to the initial age classification of making the games to be under 17 years and below. He lauded the government and the people of Delta State for their sustained commitment and support for grassroots sports development in the country. Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba, said Delta was renowned for sports and thanked the State Government for always hosting national and international sports competitions involving the country. While commending Governor Oborevwori for his financial and moral support to the Delta athletes and coaches, he assured all athletes from across the country of adequate accommodation and transportation throughout the 8th National Youth Games.

Obaseki: PDP May Not Sign Peace Accord Because Police Are Acting in APC’s Interest

•Party wants Wike’s REC associate withdrawn  •INEC to mop up uncollected PVCs  •Police to deploy 35,000 men, 8,000 others, arrest partisan supernumerary officer   •Obi mobilises support for Akpata in Benin  •HURIWA charges INEC on free, fair poll Chuks Okocha, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hinted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the traditional Peace Accord today, ahead of the September 21 governorship poll, because the Nigeria Police, responsible for enforcing the accord, are already acting in the interest of the rival All Progressives Congress (APC). Obaseki spoke when he received the chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), and former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Benin City, ahead of the signing of the Peace Accord today, September 12. The governor’s warning came as the chairman of PDP in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, raised the alarm over the alleged deployment of associates of former Governor of Rivers State, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state. But Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said plans had been made to mop up some of the uncollected Permanent Voter Cards across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. Yakubu added that there were 2.6 million registered voters in the off-cycle election. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, disclosed that 35,000 police officers would be deployed to provide security for the Edo governorship election. The police also disclosed that they had apprehended a supernumerary police officer, following his unbridled display of partisanship in the ongoing campaign for the governorship election. Nevertheless, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, joined other members of the party in Benin City to mobilise support for the party’s governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata. Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) urged INEC to ensure that the election was conducted peacefully, and in a free and fair atmosphere, devoid of rigging or malpractices. Obaseki had in a statement on September 10, which he personally signed, alleged that since the commencement of the electioneering process in the state, the steps taken by the police had shown that they were one-sided. During his interaction with Abubakar, the governor reiterated his worry that the police, under the alleged manipulation of APC, had arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains, perceived to be strong political opposition to them in the coming election. Obaseki said those arrested included the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun, who was arrested and whisked to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He stated that upon learning of the council chairman’s arrest, he reached out to Edo State Commissioner of Police, and asked that due process be followed and that the matter be handled within the state’s jurisdiction. Obaseki said the directive was flouted, directly undermining his authority as Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the state. The governor also stated that the PDP chairman had also written two petitions to the IGP over the harassment of the party leaders, which had not been attended to. Obaseki, therefore, queried how his party would enter into a peace accord with an umpire who, from the onset, had shown bias in favour to one of the parties in the election. He demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the PDP chieftains arrested in gestapo style. He stated that if the PDP leaders were legally arrested, they should be charged to court in Benin City to answer for whatever infractions they were alleged to have committed. The governor told Abubakar and his team, “You are very conversant with the politics of Edo State. You were here in 2020 and we had a very heated election. You know this is an off-cycle election and there is a lot of attention. “Unlike 2020, I am very worried with the developments in the state today. The party met yesterday and we might not likely sign this agreement. “This is the first time we are witnessing that the person who is supposed to keep and enforce the peace accord is now an active participant in creating a destructive environment. “The opposition party in the state, the APC, has always argued that they may not be as popular and didn’t win in the last election, but promised to use federal might to determine the outcome of the election. “We thought it’s just rhetoric, but in the last four weeks, we’ve had a situation where from the office of the IGP, armed gang policemen have come into Edo State to invade, arrest and take away PDP members. “As we speak, there are 10 PDP members arrested and detained in Abuja without trial. Two days ago, they came to pick up a local government chairman.” Explaining Aigbogun’s arrest, Obaseki said, “The chairman was going back home and was attacked and shot at. We reported and the police asked him to come and give evidence. He came and was arrested. As I speak, he is in Abuja. “Even if an offence has been committed in Edo State, why will you not charge the offenders and try them here in the state? Why take them to Abuja? Are the offences of high treason? Why not charge them to court? “The IGP’s office came in, issued a warrant to arrest 60 PDP supporters, driving all our leaders into hiding. My role as Chief Security Officer of the state is being made nonsense of by the IGP.” The governor added, “I heard somebody was arrested and I called the commissioner to inform him. He said he will come back to me only to hear that he moved the person to Abuja. Tell me, sir, how can we sign a peace accord in this situation? “Clearly, what they are saying is that it’s going to be …

Obaseki: PDP May Not Sign Peace Accord Because Police Are Acting in APC’s Interest Read More »

Mbah Renames Road After Ejeagha, Pays Homage To Music Icon

Mbah noted that the state government deemed it wise to celebrate the nonagenarian while he is still alive. The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has renamed the Obinagu Road reconstructed by his administration after folktale music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha, describing him as a great legend. Mbah, who made the pronouncement when he commissioned four roads in the Abakpa Nike area of Enugu including Mike Ejeagha Crescent, noted that the state government deemed it wise to celebrate the nonagenarian while he is still alive. Governor Mbah inaugurates the reconstructed Obinagu Road renamed after music icon Mike Ejeagha. X/@PNMbah Describing the event as fulfillment of his administration’s social contract entered into with the people of the state, Governor Mbah also reiterated his administration’s commitment to embarking on several human orientated projects. He also paid homage to the music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha in his residence where he demonstrated the state government’s gratitude for the gift of people of his kind to the state. “In recognition of Mike Ejeagha’s immense contributions to the cultural heritage of Enugu State, we have renamed Obinagu Road, leading to his residence and reconstructed earlier in the year, to Mike Ejeagha Road,” Mbah said. “Enugu is a state rich in history, talent, and culture. It is our duty to honour and celebrate those who have shaped our identity. Today, our government extends full support to Mike Ejeagha, taking responsibility for his upkeep as part of our commitment to preserving the legacies of our indigenous legends. “To the residents of Abakpa and Enugu State, we assure you that this is just the beginning. We have recently awarded contracts for the construction of 141 roads and 20 rural roads, and Abakpa is certainly included.” “Very soon, we will commence the dualisation of Penocks Junction on the Enugu-Onitsha Road, extending all the way to Opi-Nsukka. The contract has been awarded, and work will commence shortly. “Our commitment to transforming Enugu State is unwavering, with many more roads and projects underway to enhance the lives of our people.” Ejeagha’s 1983 “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” song gained popularity due to a viral dance challenge initiated by comedian Brain Jotter whose real name is Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie. Since Brain Jotter’s adoption, many content creators used the track in the viral dance challenge, giving the folklore-style artiste’s song a fresh spin. Channels

Paternity test: 27% of Nigerian men not biological fathers – Report

Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024. The report unveils several astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria. The report, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday showed that paternity uncertainty remained high. According to it, 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question. It also showed Immigration Tests surge, indicating that the “Japa” trend was high. The report noted a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other test type, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad. The trend also suggested that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children’s emigration On regional dominance, the report showed that Lagos dominated, a reflection of economic disparity. An overwhelming 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent). This concentration highlighted the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country. It also showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent), with Hausa at only 1.20 per cent. Commenting on the report, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said: “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society. “The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy. “They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research. “The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria. “As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,’’ she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statistics showed that most of the children tested were aged 0-five (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41+ (45.6 per cent) and 31-40 (37.0 per cent) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men. Also, it indicated slight gender bias in Child Testing as more tests were conducted on male children (52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), insinuating a a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring. According to the report, peace of mind dominates reasons for the DNA testings as the majority of tests (85.9 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations Vanguard