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Punish my abusers within 48 hours or face lawsuit - Student bullied by her classmates threaten school authorities
AFOLABIThe bullied student of British Lead International School, Miss. Namtira Bwala has threatened to file a lawsuit against the school authorities if her abusers are not punished within 48 hours.
In a letter drafted by her lawyers, Deji Adeyanju and Co, Namtira asked the school authorities to immediately investigate and pronounce the stiffest punishments in the student’s rule book on Ms.Maryam Hassan, Miss Faliya, and nine other students who bullied her.
Namtira said if the school authorities fail to sanction the student bullies within 48 hours of the receipt of the letter, she would seek immediate and severe legal redress against the school.
The letter reads
“We are Solicitors to Miss. Namtira Bwala (acting through her next friend), hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose instruction we act.
Our client and several other parents in Lead British International School have informed us and we verily believe them that this act of bullying is a reoccurring issue in the school, and despite several attempts to draw the school’s attention to it, the issue has persisted, leaving our client traumatised from the emotional and physical effect of the oppressive acts by these dare devil bullies.
Regrettably, our client has once again, been subjected to physical attacks in the hands of these bullies, with the video of the act going viral on social media.
Sadly, rather than address this issue head-on by imposing severe sanctions on the student bullies, the school has issued a timid statement lacking in force or recognition of the severity of the situation at hand.
Our client completely dissociate herself from the statement issued by the school on April 22, 2024 wherein a case of battery was unconscionably referred to as an “incident between minors.
We state that it is this type of statements, coupled with the school’s gross negligence, that has enabled the student bullies, leading to increased incidents of unchecked bullying in the school, an environment that should ordinarily be a safe space for students.
Sequel to the foregoing, we have our client’s instruction to demand for the immediate investigation and the pronouncement of the stiffest possible sanctions in the student’s rule book, on Ms. Maryam Hassan, Miss Faliya and nine other students who have formed a cult of bullies in Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
Please note that if the school fails to sanction the student bullies within 48 hours of the receipt of this letter, we have our client’s further instruction to seek an immediate and severe legal redress against Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, without further recourse to you.”''
I Cancelled My Flight To Nigeria, Walked To Chess Board With Sickness, Tears, Fear – Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya Reflects On Guinness Records
AFOLABITunde Onakoya, the popular Nigerian chess master, has talked about how he cancelled his flight returning to Nigeria from the United States to embark on the Guinness World Record (GWR) breaking chess marathon.
He also noted that he walked to the chess board with sickness, tears in his eyes, fear and uncertainty.
Onakoya said that two days before the record attempt, his health failed him, and it was so bad that he had started sneezing blood and coughing violently but he was resolute to embark on the record attempt for 58 hours.
Recall that Onakoya on Saturday set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess after playing for 60 hours nonstop.
Onakoya broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018.
The challenge was held at New York City’s iconic Times Square.
The new record holder had said his attempt was to raise funds and awareness for providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children across Africa.
Recounting his experience during the record attempt and expressing gratitude to his supporters, Onakoya in a post on his X handle on Wednesday said that during the attempt, it got to a point when was on the verge of calling it off but he had to continue because he had promised the children back home that he was going to make them proud and come back to them with tales of triumph.
He wrote, “I have struggled to find the right words to capture all of the emotions I’ve felt in the last couple of days - it is indeed one of those weeks when decades happened.
“I had woken up in the middle of the night some two weeks ago, cancelled my flight back home and decided to pursue this crazy idea of breaking the world record right in the heart of Times Square.
“It was basically attempting the impossible due to time constraints, but we made it work and got all the necessary permissions as our will was far greater than any resistance we faced.
“But two days before the record attempt, my health failed me. It was so bad I had started sneezing blood, and coughing violently.
“I was on the verge of calling it off but I had promised the children back home that I was going to make them proud and come back to them with tales of triumph. After all, I had taught them that it was possible to do great things from a small place against all odds.
“On the day of the attempt, I still wasn’t feeling well but I dressed up and walked down to Times Square to see that Nigerians had turned up in numbers with Flags and flowers in hand to cheer me on.
“With tears in my eyes, I walked up to the chess board and did it afraid, unwell, uncertain but with a resolute mind.
“After 60 hours of mental torture, we set a new record for the longest chess marathon in the world. We pushed human limitation and gave the world something new to believe in.
“But my greatest joy wasn’t just breaking the record, it was in the little moments we shared with everyone that was present and the wave of support back home in Nigeria.
“I experienced human love and kindness in its purest form. People travelled from all over the world to come sit with us in the cold as we spared for several hours.
“To everyone who supported our vision, donated to our cause and stood by us - this record is yours as much as it is mine. Together we have done something truly extraordinary. Thank you
“As I sit here on my flight back home, my heart is full and I can’t wait to tell the children their dreams are valid as well.
“Well done Tunde-The one who gives the forgotten little children big caps to wear, now the world will see them through your light.”
Media
I have struggled to find the right words to capture all of the emotions I’ve felt in the last couple of days-it is indeed one of those weeks when decades happened.
— Tunde Onakoya (@Tunde_OD) April 24, 2024
I had woken up in the middle of the night some two weeks ago, cancelled my flight back home and decided to pursue… pic.twitter.com/V5rEJLZBiA
Multichoice Group, the owner of DSTV has again hiked the tariff plan for its satellite television service by 25.4 per cent despite public outcry.
The price raise was announced on Wednesday in a message sent to customers, adding it will take effect on May 1, 2024.
The statement signed by John Ugbe, Chief Executive Officer was titled, ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages.’
The new price review is the third since May 2023 when the company announced change in tariff.
DSTV said, “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to make this difficult decision.
“It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you and are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service. So, from Wednesday, 1 May 2024, the price adjustment will take effect.”
Based on the review, the Premium tariff subscribers will no longer pay N29,500 as it has been adjusted by 25.4 per cent to N37,000,.
Compact Plus tariff was raised from 19,800 to N25,000 while Compact was increased to N15,700 from N12,500.
DSTV hiked the Confam tariff from N7,400 to N9300; Yanga tariff price was revised to N5,100 from N4,200 while Padi plan was reviewed from NN2900 to N3,600.
HDPVR Access Service, Access Fees, and XtraView subscribers will pay N5,000 respectively after review from the old rate of N4,000.
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, has alleged that a section of the northern political elites is plotting to prevent President Bola Tinubu from seeking re-election in 2027.
The forum also alleged that the ongoing disruptions and agitations in the North is an attempt to achieve the aim in 2027.
The President General of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, claimed that the plot involves setting unrealistic and unattainable standards for the Tinubu administration, with the aim of discrediting the government and swaying public opinion against it.
He said, “The campaign of vilification and destabilisation is part of a broader strategy to weaken Tinubu’s support base in the North, with minister of state defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, being the primary target.”
According to him, the continuous attacks on key Tinubu allies are part of a broader scheme to destabilise the government and prevent his potential reelection for a second term in 2027.
The AYCF lamented and viewed the actions as desperate attempts by power seekers to halt the administration’s progress and reverse its anti-corruption efforts.
He added, “The AYCF views these actions as a calculated attempt to dismantle the President’s support network and thwart his chances of securing a second term in office.”
Describing the efforts of the anti-Tinubu forces as too early, the AYCF warned against the deliberate propagation of false narratives and the use of obscure groups to undermine the President’s allies and tarnish his reputation.
The AYCF, therefore, called on President Tinubu and his team to remain vigilant and resolute in their commitment to the nation’s progress, urging the President to be wary of the propaganda campaigns being orchestrated against his administration and to stay focused on delivering on his promises to the Nigerian people.
“It is imperative for the government to stay focused on its goals, remain resilient in the face of these challenges, and work towards ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Nigeria. The administration must anticipate and counteract these moves in order to safeguard the progress and development of the nation,” he advised.
The AYCF said it finds it ridiculous for any group to assess and judge an administration that is barely one-year-old against a set of incredible expectations and unfair standards of judgement.
Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Pro. Zacehaeus Adangor, SAN, has formally resigned his appointment as a commissioner in the cabinet of the Rivers State government, led by governor Siminalayi Fubara.
His resignation letter was dated 24th April 2024, and it is coming hours after a minor cabinet reshuffle that affected him.
With the cabinet reshuffle, Prof Adangor, who was the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, was redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties, (Governor’s Office).
He accused Governor Fubara of interfering with his duties as the Attorney General, alleging that the governor had directed him not to defend or oppose suits filed against the Attorney-General and the Government of Rivers State by individuals sponsored by the state government.
Adangor said “My attention has been drawn to your letter dated 23rd April, 2024 and widely circulated on social media whereby I was “deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office).
“Further to the referenced letter, I hereby give you notice of my rejection of the said redeployment with the effect from 24th day April 2024.”
Prof Adangor said that he was no longer willing to continue to serve in the administration of governor Siminalayi Fubara in any capacity whatsoever.
“It is important to mention that the Governor of Rivers State had in the past couple of weeks willfully interfered with the performance of my duties as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Rivers State by directing me not to defend, oppose, or appear in cases instituted against the Honourable Attorney-General and the Government of Rivers State by persons admittedly hired and sponsored by the Government of Rivers State.”
Nollywood actor Pa Zulu Adigwe reportedly passed away on the evening of Tuesday, April 23rd.
Movie producer Stanley Nwoke, aka Stanley Ontop, posted the news of his demise on his Instagram page.
He announced the death of the actor and mentioned that the cause of his passing is still unknown.
Stanley wrote: “I regret to announce the passing on a veteran actor. What caused his death is yet to be reviewed. Rest in peace, good actor.”
Adigwe began acting at the age of seven. He made his earliest television appearance in Baci and Company, taking over the lead role from Albert Egbe.
His debut movie, Blood of the Orphan, earned him praise. In 2004, he starred in Living Abroad alongside Ernest Asuzu, Emeka Enyiocha, and Anne Njemanze.
In 2019, he portrayed Pascal Nworie in Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.
The death of Adigwe would add to the growing list of actors who have passed away.
Over the past four months, Nollywood has lost six of its own, including Sisi Quadri, Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor, Andy Best, Jumoke Aderounmu, and Junior Pope.
Junior Pope drowned in the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie shoot.
Actress Jumoke Aderounmu, known for her role in Funke Akindele’s TV series, passed away at age 40.
Veteran actor Amaechi Muonagor succumbed to kidney disease after a year-long battle. Nollywood producer and marketer Ikechukwu Nnadi, also known as Andy Best, passed away after a prolonged illness.
Yoruba actor Sisi Quadri died from kidney-related issues and was laid to rest in his hometown of Iwo, Osun State.
Concurrently, veteran actor Mr. Ibu passed away at Evercare Hospital following a prolonged illness, leaving the industry mourning the loss of a beloved figure who had played a significant role in many childhood memories.
Lead British International School in Abuja has been shut down for three days following a viral video depicting a disturbing incident of bullying within the school premises
The announcement was made during a press briefing attended by concerned parents on Tuesday at the school premises.
The decision to temporarily shut down the school comes in the wake of public outrage sparked by the circulating videos, which captured a female student being subjected to physical and emotional abuse by her peers.
The disturbing footage depicted the victim being repeatedly slapped by another female student in what appeared to be an interrogation session.
The incident prompted widespread condemnation and calls for swift action to address the issue of bullying within the school community.
Abraham Ogunkambi, the Head of Lead British International School, issued a statement on Tuesday, in response to the incident.
He stated the school’s disapproval of the incident and confirmed the launch of an investigation into the matter.
“The school management is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” Ogunkambi asserted.
He mentioned that the school has already reached out to the victim and her parents, providing them with necessary support and counseling services to manage the emotional and psychological consequences of the incident.
In a courageous act, the family of a bride-to-be and a group of passengers thwarted a kidnapping attempt by killing a terrorist in Zamfara State.
PRNigeria reports that the incident unfolded when the family of the bride-to-be and other travellers were ambushed by bandits along the Talata Mafara-Gusau highway.
The bride’s family had embarked on a journey to purchase clothing and other wedding materials in Kano. However, their plans took a harrowing turn when armed bandits targeted them.
An eyewitness, who spoke to PRNigeria, revealed that the response was spontaneous once the bandits had selected their victims.
Despite one of the bandits managing to escape, the brave passengers captured two AK-47 rifles.
Narrating how the events unfolded, the eyewitness said: “A few kilometres away from the Fangal Tama checkpoint, the travellers heard gunshots echoing all around.
‘’To their shock, they encountered two well-armed bandits on motorcycles, blocking the road and halting vehicles.
“The bandits immediately ordered the young woman (the bride-to-be), her father, mother, and two other relatives to exit their car.
‘’With guns pointed at them, the terrified family members were coerced to follow the bandits into the nearby forest.
“Realising the grave danger they faced in forced abduction, the passengers decided to act swiftly. They rallied together and launched an attack on one of the two bandits.
‘’In a fierce struggle, they managed to overpower him, resulting in his instant death. The other bandit, however, escaped, leaving behind his firearm.
“The courageous group retrieved the two guns and emerged from the forest. They promptly handed the weapons over to the military at a nearby checkpoint.’’
PRNigeria further gathered that amidst the courageous effort of the group, one of the passengers suffered a sudden heart attack due to the traumatic experience and later died in
Nollywood actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has asked the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, to set aside his conviction by a Lagos State High Court over the sexual assault of a minor.
Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo (retd.) of the Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court, on Thursday, July 14, 2022, sentenced Baba Ijesha to five years imprisonment over the sexual assault of a minor.
But dissatisfied with the judgment, Baba Ijesha approached the appeal court to challenge his five-year jail term.
Baba Ijesha through his counsel, Kayode Olabiran on Tuesday, April 23, told the appeal court that his client was set up and that he acted according to a script that he was invited to act on by his colleague.
“The Appellant was set up. The Appellant is an actor. He acted in a script that he was invited to act by his colleague (PW1), Damilola Adekoya,” he said.
But the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Babajide Martins, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit and also a misconception.
He urged the court to affirm the judgment of the lower court.
The Naira yesterday depreciated in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM, to N1,300.15 per dollar exceeding the parallel market rate by N45.15.
Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,300.15 per dollar from N1,234.49 per dollar last week Friday, indicating N65.66 depreciation for the naira.
Similarly, the Naira depreciated to N1,255 per dollar in the parallel market, from N1,1250 per dollar on Monday.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates widened to N45.15 per dollar from N15.51 per dollar the previous day.
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Maryam, the student of the Lead British School caught on tape bullying her classmate, Nassita Bwala, has tendered a heartfelt apology.
In a video she made, Maryam said
‘’I am sincerely sorry. I wish this never happened''
A video of Maryam assaulting Namsita sparked national outrage after it surfaced online. The school has now been closed for three days during which a detailed investigation will take place.
Watch her apology video below
Media
Pop star Rihanna has shared her reflections on past decisions, expressing a newfound perspective shaped by motherhood.
The 36-year-old singer, who shares two sons, RZA Athelston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers, with her partner A$AP Rocky, opened up about certain outfit choices she now views with mild regret.
During an interview with British Vogue at the Tobacco Dock launch of Fenty X Puma’s new brown creeper shoe, Rihanna discussed her past fashion “icks.”
She admitted to feeling regretful about instances where she went topless in public and allowed her “panties to be out” at red carpet events.
“It’s going to sound hypocritical because I did so much s**t in my life, I had my nipples out, I had my panties out.
“But now those are the things, I guess as a mom, and an evolved young lady, emphasis on young, it’s just things that I feel I would never do, or I’m just like ‘oh my god, I really did that? Nips out?'” she confessed.
In a recent cover story for Interview Magazine, Rihanna shared insights into her relationship journey with A$AP Rocky, her partner and the father of her children.
Rihanna revealed that although she first met Rocky, 35, in 2012, their romantic relationship began to blossom in 2019.
“We saw fashion the same. We saw creative the same. We ended up in the same circles a lot.
“And past that, when we grew up, we ended up supporting each other’s brands and products and creative all the time.
“We’ve known each other for a long time. I’ve seen him in relationships. He’s seen me in relationships. We’ve seen each other outside of relationships.
“We knew what we’re capable of, and the trouble that we could bring to each other’s lives. We can make or break each other’s hearts.
“And so, we started dating with a lot of caution … I just let whatever was supposed to happen, happen. It was just, ‘This is a flower. It’s either going to die or blossom. But I’m going to let it decide itself,'” she recalled.
The ongoing drama at Lead British International School, Abuja, took a new dimension, on Tuesday, when a parent slapped the student involved in the video which has gone viral.
An X user, @mooyeeeeeee, posted two videos where the victim she identified as Maryam Hassan was repeatedly slapped by another female student.
The video generated thousands of comments by netizens who called on the school authorities to investigate the matter.
On Tuesday, some parents stormed the school with the hope to resolve the incident.
However, the student, who was captured slapping her colleague, was seen walking into the premises accompanied by elderly males.
A lady identified as one of the parents walked up to the student, asking her, “She is proud of what she did. You are proud of what you did! You are proud right? Someone’s child; innocent child, you beat her, did you give birth to her? I am asking you, did you give birth to her?”
The student was trying to walk away so as to avoid confrontation, but the angry parent shoved her, saying, “I’m asking you: did you give birth to her?” The student muttered some incoherent words and the angry parent responded with a slap, before other elderly person around moved in to douse tension.
Meanwhile, the student who was slapped went down on her knee.
The Lead British International School had earlier said it has launched investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued earlier on Monday, it said the counselling unit of the school is helping the victimised student overcome the emotional and psychological impact.
The statement read, “We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all our students. Hence, upon learning of the incident, we initiated the process of reaching out to the victim and family with a view to providing support, including access to counselling services to help them cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident.
“Additionally, we will be working with the perpetrators and their families, offering counselling and disciplinary measures to address their behaviour which has no place in society.
“We have also immediately initiated an investigation, appointing a dedicated team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. The team has been gathering information, including reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses, to understand the full scope of the incident and identify the immediate and remote causes.”
The school also said it is providing a safe environment for students to learn and working against bullying of students through its policies.
It also appealed to the general public to stop sharing and posting of the videos to help the students in stabilising their emotional consciousness.
It continued, ““In line with our commitment to preventing bullying and ensuring a safe school environment, we will be reviewing and updating our extant Anti-Bullying Policies and procedures to determine areas requiring improvement, with a focus on prevention and early intervention. LBIS will also be implementing educational programmes and workshops for students, staff, and parents to raise awareness about bullying and its consequences.
“Lead British International School Abuja, established since 2007, is a renowned education brand with a proud history of producing thousands of alumni who continue to make the institution proud through their accomplishments around the world. These achievements testify to the sound academic and moral grounding they received during their formative years in the school.
“We want to reassure our school community and the public that we are taking all necessary steps to address this isolated incident and prevent a recurrence. We are committed to fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and empathy at Lead British International School Abuja, where every student feels safe, valued, and respected.”
Media
Take a look at Maryam, the face of the bu!!y , she was brought to the school just now by her parent, the school has also been shut down for three days and minister of women affairs is there to address the issue#JusticeForNamtira #LeadBritishSchool pic.twitter.com/U1zP9uivVF
— Studentconnect (@Studentc0nnectv) April 23, 2024
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has reacted to the statement credited to the Inspector General of Police on the formation of state policing.
Recall that IGP had earlier declared that Nigeria isn’t yet ripe for state police despite the readiness of President Tinubu’s administration to implement it.
In a statement signed Tuesday, Primate Ayodele stated that Nigeria is ripe for state police because it will help complement the efforts of police officers in the country to curb insecurity.
He explained that if the government utilizes the process properly, state policing will assist the NPF tremendously in terms of providing local intelligence to protect the lives of Nigerian citizens.
The prophet made it known that it would create more employment opportunities and if well utilized and used for citizens, it would improve insecurity.
‘’Nigeria is having so many security issues but the state police will add value to the police. If we utilize the process properly, state police will help. It will help to provide local intelligence and create faster means to curb insecurity in the country.
‘’Apart from creating employment, state security will assist in curbing insecurity. It will complement the work of policemen; it will improve our insecurity if it is used for the generality of humanity.’’
However, he advised the federal government to ensure that the process is managed properly to avoid being used to oppress ordinary citizens by politicians and state governors
‘’All the government needs to do is work on funding and manage the process properly by ensuring they are not used for selfish needs by politicians and state governors.
‘’Nigeria is ripe for state police; they should do the funding well and put necessary things in place and not oppress people,” he added.