News
16-Year-Old Isabel Presides Over Reps Session
The House of Representatives on Thursday celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child with a historic moment after the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, gave up his seat for 16-year-old Ms Isabel Anani, a gender advocate, to preside over a special session.
The International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations. It is marked annually on October 11.
Anani, accompanied by female students from selected schools in the Federal Capital Territory, was introduced as the “Speaker for the Day.”
Speaker Abbas at the occasion, spoke on the significance of the girl-child, citing their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.
The ceremony was organised by Plan International Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation that advocates for children’s rights.
Before vacating his seat, Mr Abbas said, “Honourable members of the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce that today, October 10, the House joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child. This day highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.
“In recognition of this special occasion, we have the privilege of welcoming girls from public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory, who are present today to observe our proceedings. Their presence is a reminder of the importance of investing in the education and empowerment of young girls in Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the House is proud to introduce Ms Isabel Anani, our ‘Speaker for the Day.’
“Isabel is a remarkable young leader and a girl advocate for gender equality. She is also the youngest member of the Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria as well as a UNICEF Young Influencer.
“Isabel was chosen for this prestigious role after emerging first among candidates across Nigeria, following an open call and a rigorous interview process.
During the session, Isabel presided over the presentation of a motion titled “Commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.”
The motion, moved by the member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Kafilat Ogbara, was sed seconded by the House spokesman, Mr Akin Rotimi.
The Shadow Speaker said, “For me, I envision a future where every girl regardless of where she comes from has an opportunity to flourish.
“A future where education isn’t seen as a high-pedestal privilege, but as an essential tool to equip girls to make important decisions that affect them, and ultimately the places they come from.
“I want a future where we don’t have to combat all the overwhelming experiences of childhood and adolescence alone; where girls aren’t discriminated because of their bodily functions, and are encouraged when they want to take firm hold of the mantle in places like STEM and politics and feel safe, feel wanted.”
She added: “As an aspiring woman in STEM, I know what it is like to be the only girl in male-dominated spaces. However, I don’t want to be the only girl. I want to be one of many. I want a future where the healthcare system for girls isn’t discriminated against due to the socio-cultural factors that so wrongfully exist.
“Now more than ever, we need girls to combat problems of climate change, political conflict, economic degeneration, diseases, and global unrest.
“We need to ensure that for every girl, there is access to healthcare that protects her and understands her needs; access to quality education that enables her to reach her potential; and safety from violence and harmful practices that affect her physically, emotionally, and mentally.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged relevant agencies to collaborate with schools and community organizations to educate the public on drug abuse dangers and promote a drug-free lifestyle.
They also called for practical measures to educate out-of-school girls across the 36 states of the federation.
Similarly, the House urged the National Assembly leadership to amend the Child’s Rights Act to protect sexually abused children and ensure swift passage of bills protecting women and girls, such as the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
Renowned Nigerian novelist, journalist, and academic, Okey Ndibe, was reportedly detained by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Monday morning.
Ndibe disclosed his situation in a message sent while in custody, stating: “I’ve been with the SSS now for more than an hour. They’re waiting for clearance from some oga before they let me go.”
According to sources close to the writer, his detention follows a pattern that dates back to previous administrations, including that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, during which he was frequently stopped and questioned over his critical commentaries on Nigerian governance and public affairs.
However, associates noted that Ndibe has largely stepped away from active commentary in Nigerian media over the past two years, focusing instead on writing books and his academic responsibilities at University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he teaches.
A close friend of the author and former Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said similar incidents had occurred several times in the past. He explained that airport DSS officials typically contacted their superiors in Abuja before eventually releasing Ndibe.
“It is a pity that this agency doesn’t update its database to enable officers on duty at the airport to know that the agency no longer regards Prof. Ndibe as a security threat to the administration,” Adinuba said.
He added that on previous occasions, the DSS had apologized to the respected author after determining that his detention was unwarranted.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the DSS regarding the circumstances surrounding Ndibe’s latest detention. The development has raised renewed concerns about the treatment of government critics and the continued use of security watchlists affecting returning Nigerians.
-
Crime5 days agoNigeria’s Army General, wife kidnapped by gunmen
-
Foreign5 days agoNigerian Catholic priest convicted in US for sexual assault
-
Crime4 days agoOyo abduction: Teachers begin strike as Tinubu sends 1,000 forest guards to rescue victims
-
Education3 days agoEnugu East Chairman Celebrates Children’s Day with St. Ann’s College, Reaffirms Commitment to Education
-
News3 days ago
DSS Detains Novelist Okey Ndibe at Lagos Airport, Awaits Clearance from Abuja
-
Crime4 days agoUS Announces $3.5m Religious Freedom Initiative, Questions Nigeria’s Response to Attacks
-
EverydayNews Telescope4 days agoThree Years On the Saddle : The Governor Peter Mbah score card that is a tall order
-
Crime3 days ago2 Police Officers Shot Dead as Gunmen Attack Anambra Chief of Staff’s Convoy