By Amaechi Agbo

At least four of the twenty-one secondary school students who participated in the 12 week long Sporting Coders pilot programme are now currently studying in the university.
Organisers of the competition, the Community Sports and Educational Development Initiative (CSED) disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday adding that the Sporting Coders programme involved the netballers of Tare Pet Montessori Group of Schools in Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) combining netball training with learning how to code.

The pilot project designed and powered by CSED Initiative, was implemented by Funsho Ekundayo and Victoria Allison Ayebaifie (netball coaches) and Humphrey Okonkwo Nnaemeka (IT teacher) and was managed by Catherine Sasuode. The financial investment on IT infrastructure by the proprietor of the school, Mrs Victoria Ebimenere Mologe was the foundation for the success of the Sporting Coders pilot programme.

The names of the beneficiaries of the Sporting Coders programme who are now undergraduate students are: Victory Woyengipreye Gesiye. (Medicine at Afe Babalola university) 2024/2025; Wisdom Alaere Nathan. (Political science at Niger delta university) 2024/2025; Chloe Woyengidoubara Gesiye. (Pharmacy at Afe Babalola University) 2024/2025 and Victory Peremoboerei Wenibowei. (Micro biology at River State University) 2025.

The Sporting Coders programme was specifically designed to give the girl child access to learn new skills, while at the same time enjoying taking part in sports in a safe and nurturing space. It was also designed to address the under-representation of girls in STEM courses. The pilot project used the medium of netball a once almost extinct sport in Nigeria, as a platform for advocating for and empowering the girl-child.

It would be recall that during the period of the Sporting Coders programme the 21 students were on two separate occasions given ten thousand Naira educational voucher, as well as free lunch during the twelve Saturdays that they attended the programme. Furthermore, CSED Initiative has fulfilled their promise of giving fifty thousand naira each to any of the pioneering cohort that gain admission into a tertiary institution. At the moment, seven members of the netball team of Tare Pet School are currently in their final year and CSED Initiative is expected to deliver their promise to these students in future.

Speaking with our reporter, a trustee of CSED Initiative stated: “we will try to deliver our promise to the netballers. We do not have to beg, steal or borrow to do so. All we have to do is to reduce the quantity and quality of eba and soup we usually eat. The management of Tare Pet School, their parents, members of the Naija Netball Stakeholders and the sports for change activists in Nigeria are proud of these pioneering students. As they have proved that they are not just champions on the netball court, they are also academic and community ambassadors of the game of netball, which is currently taking baby steps in Nigeria.”

Regarding future plans of taking the Sporting Coders training to other parts of Nigeria, the trustee of CSED Initiative stated: “It is gradual process because it is cash intensive it involves a lot of factors (access to electricity, availability of IT teachers and access to computer desktops/laptops) that are outside our control.”

“However, we can disclose authoritatively that through our partnership with the Francis and Fidelia Ibhawoh Foundation the Sporting Coders programme is going to hold before the end of this year in St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School in Benin City. UNN Secondary School Nsukka is also in pole position for the Sporting Coders programme.

“As part of our responsibility to take sporting and educational opportunities to at risk and vulnerable communities, we are likely to take the Sporting Coders training to IDPs Uhogua (Benin City) and the Cameroonian refugees’ community and their host community in Ogoja (Cross River State).

“But for netballers in the last two locations. we would need to reach a working agreement with the management of IDPs Uhogua, as well as with SEMA, the sport committees of the Cameroonian refugees, representative of the host community and the UNHCR Ogoja. As this is the only way we can ensure that everybody is carried along in order to achieve successful outcomes for the programme beneficiaries in future.”

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a Nigerian national, Mercy Ojedeji, 24, for orchestrating a complex fraud scheme involving forged academic documents, romance scams, and immigration violations that prosecutors say aimed to defraud victims of over $1 million.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ojedeji used forged transcripts, recommendation letters, a résumé, and an English proficiency report to gain admission into a Ph.D program in Chemistry at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in Fall 2023.

His fraudulent application secured him a full tuition waiver valued at $49,000, along with stipends and other academic benefits.

“Mr. Ojedeji built a false academic profile to deceive a respected institution and gain financial benefits under false pretenses,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office in a statement released Thursday, April 10.

Authorities say Ojedeji opened a bank account with the forged documents but soon stopped attending classes, failed to fulfill assistantship duties, and did not join any research group.

His behavior led to his expulsion from the university in February 2024 and the revocation of his student visa.

The investigation into Ojedeji began after FBI agents received numerous complaints from victims of romance scams.

Those complaints led agents to a residence connected to Ojedeji’s girlfriend, which was allegedly used to receive proceeds from the scams, including cash and gift cards.

“Between December 19, 2023, and January 4, 2024, agents tracked 35 Express Mail packages to the address.

“Further investigation uncovered that a total of 193 packages had been delivered to the home during the course of Ojedeji’s relationship with the woman,” the FBI reported.

Following a court-approved search of the residence, Ojedeji was arrested and charged with wire fraud and using forged immigration documents.

He has since pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis.

“Ojedeji’s fraud extended beyond academic deception it was a multi-layered scheme that targeted both institutions and individuals,” prosecutors said.

The Nigerian national now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Sentencing is scheduled to take place in the coming months.

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded a cash gift of N10 million to Isioma Sybil Nwosu, the best graduating student of Lagos State University for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Nwosu, a graduate of Biochemistry from the Faculty of Science, finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.93.

The Governor announced the gift on Thursday during LASU’s 28th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Ojo.

The convocation ceremony also saw the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Distinguished Professorships on notable individuals, including the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Otunba Olufemi Pedro.

Marwa, who once served as military administrator of Lagos State, was honoured with a Doctor of Humane Letters (Infrastructure, Security and National Development) Honoris Causa.

Pedro received a Doctor of Business (Banking, Entrepreneurship and National Development) Honoris Causa.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of education to societal development.

“Education is the backbone of our society, and we must recognise its importance in addressing societal needs and human development,” he said.

He stressed that academic excellence should be held in the same regard as achievements in entertainment, fashion, or sports.

“It’s our responsibility to foster a culture that hungers for knowledge and innovation,” the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering students in state-owned tertiary institutions through strategic investments and infrastructure development.

“We are committed to providing more significant financial investment towards expanding infrastructure within and around, ensuring the safety and welfare of the staff and students of the University,” he said.

The Governor also pointed to the themes and agenda, noting that education is a key priority for his government. He highlighted programmes such as the Job Initiative Lagos, which is designed to enhance the employability of final-year students.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to improving the welfare of staff and students of this University, providing opportunities for educational advancement to indigenes and residents of our dear Lagos State,” he added.

Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended the state government for its continuous support, describing it as “truly exceptional.”

She disclosed that 43 out of the 44 courses offered by the university were accredited during the October–November 2023 accreditation exercise.

She also noted that the Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education had commenced new postgraduate programmes, which for the first time included international students.

In his address, the Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), encouraged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the university.

“You are not only representing yourselves but also your families, your university, and your state,” he said, urging them to remain innovative and focused in their pursuit of success.

A total of 11,917 students graduated from LASU during the ceremony. This included 971 Diploma holders, 8,711 first-degree graduates, 2,235 Postgraduate students, 302 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,132 Academic Masters, 639 Professional Masters, 125 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.) recipients, and 37 holders of Professional Doctoral Degrees.

Punch Credited

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Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors of Enugu and Lagos States, Peter Mbah and Babajide Sanwo-Olu as well as the  former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have expressed their sadness over the death of ex Super Eagles and rangers player/coach, Christian Chukwu

They extended their sympathy to the family, friends, and associates of the Nigerian football icon, Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74 years. Chukwu’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of many football followers across the country.

A towering defender in Nigerian football, Chairman Chukwu captained the Green Eagles to a historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory and later coached the Super Eagles, which won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership.

Nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence and leadership on the field, Chukwu devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

President Tinubu in a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, joined the football community in mourning the loss of a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status globally.

He eulogised Chukwu for a trailblazing career defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President says.

President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed sportsman and comfort for his family, hoping they find solace in his enduring legacy.

Similarly, Atiku Abubakar expressed sorrow over the death of Nigerian football legend, Chukwu who died in his home town in Enugu.

In a post via his official X handle on Saturday, Atiku described Chukwu as the image of grace, discipline, and dedication, both as a player and a coach.

According to the former Vice President, the football legend’s name stands tall in the rich history of Nigerian football, saying that his absence will be profoundly felt.

He wrote, “It is difficult to grasp that Chairman Christian Chukwu, MFR, has passed on. His name stands tall in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football. From the mid-70s, when he captained our beloved Green Eagles, to that glorious triumph at the 1980 Nations Cup, Chukwu was the image of grace, discipline, and dedication — both as a player and a coach.”

In his reaction, Mbah expressed deep grief over Chukwu’s passing, describing him as a football icon, titan, and phenomenon.

The governor said, “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing away of Chairman Christian Chukwu. It is a personal loss to us as Ndi Enugu, his home state, and indeed to Nigeria as a nation and Africa as a continent.

“Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, field marshal, and phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.

“My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose,” he wrote.

In the same vein Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu described the death of Chukwu as a great loss to Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, mourned the passing of Chukwu, saying the Captain of the Green Eagles, who won the African Nations Cup in 1980, was a legend.

The governor described the death of the national icon who served as both player and coach to the national team as a painful loss to the nation, particularly to football lovers.

He also extended his condolences to the Chukwu family, the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian Football Federation on the passing of the ex-player of Enugu Rangers.

The NFF, NSC and expressed deep sorrow following the death of the former Green Eagles Captain  and  head coach.

Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for his commanding presence and leadership qualities both at club level with Enugu Rangers and with the national team, Chukwu famously lifted the Unity Cup—the first major continental title for Nigeria—on Saturday, March 22, 1980, after receiving it from then-President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

Chairman of NSC, Shehu Dikko, described the death of Chukwu as a sad development.

Dikko said, “This news came to me as a big shock. Chairman is no more. On behalf of the Commission, the entire sporting fraternity, and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend my condolences to his family and to the whole nation. Frankly, a big iroko tree has fallen. We are the chairmen leading the sector, but Christian Chukwu was the original Chairman on the pitch.

 “He was so commanding and charismatic, decisive and assuring on the pitch, that the late Ernest Okonkwo called him ‘Chairman’—and to this day, that name is even more popular than his given name.

Similarly, in a statement yesterday, the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described Chukwu as a towering figure in Nigerian football.

Sanusi stated that the former Enugu Rangers coach was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field.

The statement reads, “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision, and consistency.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest and also grant his family, friends, and the Nigerian football fraternity the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Also, Chairman of NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, described the late Chukwu as one of the icons of league football in Nigeria.

In his tribute to the late captain of Rangers International of Enugu, Elegbeleye said the story of club football in the country can not be complete without a good mention of Christian Chukwu.

“Christian Chukwu stands out in the annals of club football. He not only spent his entire football career in our league, he equally took to coaching the younger ones and went on to win the league as a player and a coach”, the NPFL Chairman noted.

Extending condolences to the immediate family and the country’s football family, Elegbeleye said, “we certainly have lost an icon of club football in Nigeria and on behalf of the NPFL Board, Clubs, Coaches, officials and players, I wish the family the strength to endure this loss.”

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By Amaechi Agbo

The Old Boys Association of National Grammar School Nike, has expressed with profound sadness the departure of one of theirs, Christian Chukwu.

Mr Chukwu who was a former student of Nigeria’s oldest secondary school founded in 1958, died on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the age of 74

In a statement signed by the National President, National Grammar School Nike Old Boys Association, Dr. Maxwell Menkiti Ngene, while describing his death as a great loss, however added that the Association will take pride in the fact that Christian Chukwu’s achievements on and off the field reflected the values and excellence that school embodies

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved alumnus, Mr. Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu (MFR), on April 12, 2025. Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, fondly called Chairman in soccer circles, was a legendary football player, captain, and coach who made us all proud with his exceptional footballing skills and numerous eye-catching achievements.

“As an old boy of National Grammar School Nike, Enugu, Christian Chukwu’s journey to football stardom began within the walls of our great school. He joined Enugu Rangers International Football Club while still a student of our Alma Mater, showcasing his prodigious innate talent and dedication to the sport he loved so much.

“Christian Chukwu went on to captain both Enugu Rangers International Football Club and the Nigerian national team (the Nigerian Green Eagles now known as the Super Eagles), leading them to their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980. He was a pioneering figure in Nigerian football, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers old our students.

“We take pride in the fact that Christian Chukwu’s achievements on and off the field reflect the values and excellence that our school embodies. His passing is a significant loss to our Alma Mater, Obe community, Nkanu land, Enugu State, and Nigeria, and we sincerely mourn the departure of an icon and a football phenomenon.

“May his memory be etched in our hearts, and may his legacy continue to inspire us to greatness. Rest in peace, Chairman Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu (MFR),£ the statement said

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…Umueze is the Project –  Igwe-elect

By Amaechi Agbo

Naknu West – Prince Emeka Ani has emerged the New Igwe of Umueze Awkunanaw Autonomous Community in Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State.

Prince Ani was elected the new Igwe on Saturday, April 12, 2025 after he won the Igweship election conducted at the Umueze Primary School.

The Igwe-elect polled a total of 677 votes against 60 scored by his rival, Elder Patrick Nwafor.

Indigenes of the community came out in numbers to cast their vote. The new Igwe will replace Late Igwe Nwankwo Chukwu who died in 2019. Since the demise of the former occupant of the throne, plans to conduct the Igweship election had always hit brick walls.

However, the day was not without dramatic scenes as the election which was earlier scheduled to commence by 10am started by 12noon.

Court Orders Drama

There was drama earlier in the day after the Nigeria Police wanted to stop the election amidst claim of court orders. The Police Area Command Agbani insisted that the election should not go on in view of two court orders they received adding that the order from the Enugu High Court should be obeyed.

The argument which started shortly after the representatives of the Enugu State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs arrived the venue of the election, enlisted reactions from the crowd who have gathered to cast their votes. While the Police insisted on obeying the court orders, the ministry objected claiming that they were not served any court order restraining the conduct of the election. After several arguments, the police threatened to back off from the election in obedient to the Court orders adding that they will not be involved in providing security for the poll.

Although ESUT Monitor was unable to obtain a copy of the said court orders, our reporter gathered that shortly before voting started, a young man of about 40 years approached the ministry’s representatives’ table ostensibly to serve them the” court order” but was prevented by the security personnel.

When our reporter approached the young man for his identify, he ignore our enquiry and walked away. Shortly after, the police also left the venue of the election leaving the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Military to man the election venue.

The arrival of the Chairman, Umueze Awkunanaw Igweship Electoral Committee, Engr. Okwudiri Daniel Ohaa at the venue of the election at about 11:45am ensured that voting commenced by 12noon

We Came to Observe –  Ministry

The representatives of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs led by the Director Chieftaincy Matters, Ozoagu Ogochukwu told the Umueze people that the ministry was in the community to observe the election.

While commending the good people of Umueze for ensuring a violent-free exercise, she congratulated the Igwe-elect and charged him to lead the people right.

“On behalf theCommissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo and the Executive Governor of Enugu State, our mission in Umueze is to witness how you are going to conduct your Igweship election. It is the right of the community to conduct the Igweship election and the Ministry officials are here to observe the election. Our Mandate is to observe the election and take our report home. Today will be a great day in the life of Umueze people.

“I want to congratulate the Igwe-elect and once again thank the good people of Umueze for the maturity you displayed today in ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, transparent and hitch-free election. I urge the Igwe-elect to be inclusive and sustain the massive support the people expressed in this election,” she said.

Electoral Committee Chairman Announces Results

The Chairman, Umueze Awkunanaw Igweship Electoral Committee, Engr. Okwudiri Daniel Ohaa while announcing the results of the election, called on the people of the community to support the new igwe to achieve his plans for the people.

Engr. Ohaa who also doubles as the Caretaker President-General Umueze Town Union, said that the Igwe–elect will be known as the Igwe Nezoroha 11 of Umueze Kingdom.

He announced that Prince Emeka Ani polled 677 votes to be declared winner of the election while his rival, Elder Patrick Nwafor got 60 votes. A total of 753 votes were cast while 16 were invalid.

“Our Late Igwe Nezoroha 1 died six years ago. Today, we have gotten the Igwe Nezoroha 11. Six years after, we now have a new Igwe, to the glory of God and the good people of Umueze.

“The total number of votes cast are 753: Valid votes, 737; Invalid votes, 16. Scores by the candidates are as follows: Prince Emeka Ani, 677 votes, making 89.907 per cent. Elder Patrick Nwafor, 60 votes, making 7.968 per cent.

“By the power vested on me as the Electoral Committee Chairman for the Umueze Awkunanaw Igweship Electoral Committee, I hereby declare Prince Emeka Ani, having scored the highest number of votes, the Igwe-elect of Umueze Community,” the chairman said.

Umueze is the Project… Igwe Elect

In his acceptance speech, the Igwe-elect, Prince Emeka Ani thanked the people for choosing him to be their King. While acknowledging that the process leading to the election were challenging, he however noted that the priority is to move Umueze forward.

Prince Ani also emphasised that all the electioneering promises he made to the people would be fulfilled and reiterated his determination to work with the Governments of Enugu State and Nkanu West to bring development to the community.

“I want thank the Enugu State, the ministry as well as the Local Government and everybody who made today a success. Our promise is to always collaborate with the Enugu State, the ministry and the Local Government to ensure that whatever plans they have is implemented in Umueze.

“My appreciation also goes to the Electoral Committee for the great job they did. Despite mounting pressure and all challenges, they remained dogged.

“Today, Umueze is the winner. Six years after the death of our former Igwe, his successor has emerged to the glory of God and well-being of Umueze Kingdom. We will move Umueze forward. All the promises we made during campaign, we will fulfil them and do more. What we need is your support.

“Let me tell everybody including our opponents in this process that election is over and a winner has emerged. The main focus now is Umueze as a project. Let’s come together and join hand to make Umueze great,” the Igwe-elect

The Igwe-elect was presented with Certificate of Return by the Electoral Committee Chairman and a Certificate of recognition by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.

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A former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu, is dead.

The former Enugu Rangers coach died at the age of 74 in the early hours of Saturday in his home state of Enugu.

However, the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

His longtime teammate and friend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, confirmed the development in a post via his official X handle on Saturday.

Odegbami, who won the 1980 Africa Nation Cup with Chukwu, wrote, “My Chairman has passed on. This morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and teammate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has passed on.”

Chukwu, born January 4, 1951, captained the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980. Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and finished as a runner-up in 1976 and 1978.

The Enugu-born legend also led the Enugu Rangers FC team that won the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977.

Chukwu also served as assistant coach of the first team to win a FIFA World Cup trophy for Nigeria – the Golden Eaglets that triumphed at the FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985.

He was also the assistant coach of the team tagged the Golden Generation, the 1994 class of Super Eagles that qualified Nigeria for its first FIFA World Cup finals.

In October 1998, he was appointed coach of the Kenya national team, and from 2003 to 2005, he coached Nigeria, leading them to reach the semifinals at the 2004 African Cup of Nations.

Chukwu captained the national team to its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later led the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2004 AFCON in Tunisia.

He was, however, sacked in June 2005 during the qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Chukwu was appointed Ranger’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer by the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

He was a recipient of the honour, Member of the Federal Republic.

In 2019, Chukwu suffered prostate cancer, which affected his leg, which led the family to open a GoFundMe appeal to solicit funds for the Nigeria football legend’s medical treatment.

Businessman Femi Otedola eventually paid $50,000 for Chukwu’s treatment in the United Kingdom.

The $50,000 cheque was presented to Chukwu in Enugu by the Chief Operating Officer of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Philip Akinola.

Also present were ex-governor Ugwuanyi, the former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, and a renowned sports journalist, Onochie Anibeze.

Chukwu, with support from the Enugu State Government, had already undergone initial surgery in Nigeria and had recuperated.

Punch Credited

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Determined to keep the legacy of their father in supporting one of the oldest football club in Nigeria, the family of late Mr Israel Menson Ehimiaghe (nee Bamawo) recently donated the of One Million Naira to Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin City.

The Ehimiaghes see their gesture as an attempt to support a club that their late father worked for and supported during his life time. Prior to his death in December 1979, Ehimiaghe was the branch manager of the now defunct Bendel Insurance Company in their office in Auchi.

One of the children of the late super supporter of the Benin Arsenal, Cornelius Ehimiaghe stated: “my father was a Bendel Insurance Football Club supporter through and through. I grew up to hear the slogan nobody can win us, only Bendel. When my late father was alive, there were commemorative clothes, T-shirts, caps, and paper flags that celebrated our winning the 1972 and 1978 Nigeria Challenge Cup. Though I could not read properly in 1978, there was a pictorial football magazine that covered our 1978 FA Cup victory over Enugu Rangers. After my father’s death in 1979, I more or less inherited all these football memorabilia, as well as his transistor radio.”

“Furthermore, I recall that after we won the Nigerian league in 1979, my late father scouted a street football in Auchi, got the permission of the player (Aminu Momoh) parents, drove the player to Benin City in his 504 Peugeot car, and introduced the player to coach Alabi Assien. After a brief trial, the young midfielder was employed by Bendel Insurance FC. My father used to plan his travel to Benin around the weekends that the Benin Arsenal had their home matches.

“The last of the matches he watched his beloved Bendel Insurance FC play was the semi-final match of the Africa Cup Winners Cup against Cannon Sportiff of Yaoundé, at the Ogbe Stadium in Benin in November 1979. The match ended in a goalless draw which meant that the Benin Arsenal failed to make it to the final due to a dubious offside goal by Onguene Manga, two weeks earlier in Yaoundé. A few years ago, I told coach Alabi Assien that my late father would not have died on 12/12/1979, if the Benin Arsenal had triumphed over Cannon Sportiff. Without fear or favour, my late father would have negotiated with the angel of death to come and pick him up a few weeks later, after Bendel Insurance FC would have won the 1979 Africa Cup Winners Cup. The rest is history.”

“Growing up without a father in the austerity/structural adjustment ravaged 1980s was very tough. Our grandparents, some of my mother’s “super cousins,” Barrister Charles Adogah (SAN) and late auntie T.M. Faleye were very supportive. My elder brother and I had to also put in some odd jobs shift in order to ensure that we did not go to bed hungry. I started working in the civil service in Bendel State before I was eighteen years old. I never one day dreamt of going to the university. However, after more than five years in the unemployment queue, my mother got a nursing job in UNIBEN. This ensured that we just managed to survive the almost wasted 1980s.”

As part of following the footsteps of his late father, Cornelius Ehimiaghe also paid a courtesy visit to coach Alabi Assien, had a few minutes chat with the Management and coaching staff of Bendel Insurance FC, where he commended their efforts in steering the Benin Arsenal from relegation waters. The Ehimiaghes also donated two hundred thousand Naira to the supporters’ club of Bendel Insurance FC. “Win, lose or draw, we are proud of our “UP BENDEL identity.”

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The Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Professor Aloysius Michaels Okolie has emphasised that presentation of inaugural lecture by professor in the university is compulsory even as he anticipates that ESUT targets to deliver its 50^th inaugural lecture this year.

Professor Okolie who disclosed this in his opening address during the 44^th Inaugural lecture of ESUT on Thursday, April 3^rd, 2025, said that Inaugural lecture is a key component of professorial ranking stating that a professor who didn’t deliver his inaugural lecture is an “ordinary professor”.

“I am always very happy each time am involved in this process, basically, inaugural lecture is a reflection that the day you will do it is the day you will announce that you have arrived within the committee of academics.

“You can be promoted as a Professor and if you retire without doing the inaugural lecture, you will be a retiring salary earner professor, but if you conclude your inaugural lecture, you will now be classified as a Distinguished Professor of that university.

“Whatever that is making a Professor not present inaugural lecture sometimes manifests in what the person has to tell the public. So if you don’t have anything to tell the public, please don’t present inaugural lecture.

“People are now answering doctors, even traditional rulers are now coming for Honourary Doctorate Awards, the medicine practitioners at the local villages are now answering doctors. You have seen that some politicians are now equally answering professors.

“So the only thing that will make you distinct from such people is to put Distinguished against your name.

“I will not give anybody that didn’t present inaugural lecture, if need be, contract or adjunct, I will give only to distinguished academics. Inaugural Lecture is very compulsory, we don’t joke with it. That’s why we are so glad today we are already moving so fast, 44th and 45^th is holding on April 10th, 46th on May 10^th.

“Our prayer is that this year, we must move beyond 50, ESUT is over 30 years, even if it is one a year we would have gone beyond this, so we must hit by the end of the year 50 or beyond 50.

“Remember last December, Management had to host Distinguished Professors for a banquet, we didn’t host Professors, we hosted Distinguished Professors to a banquet,” he stated.

As at the time of this report, Prof Charles Chime is delivering the 45^th inaugural Lecture of at the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Auditorium while Professor Uchenna Ekwochi will deliver the 46^th edition on Thursday, 10^th May, 2025 at the College of Medicine Auditorium, Parklane, Enugu State.

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Since overthrowing civilian president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, Niger’s military rulers have severed relations with France, kicking out French soldiers and renaming streets and monuments that bore French names

“The national language is Hausa” and “the working languages are English and French”, said a new charter published in a special edition of the official journal on March 31.

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso — all former French colonies now ruled by juntas — have quit the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a post-colonial entity that resembles the Commonwealth.

Hausa is the most widely spoken language in the country of 26 million, particularly in the central-southern regions of Zinder and Maradi, and in Tahoua in the west.

About 13 percent of the population speaks French, or just over three million people.

Nine other languages, including Zarma-Songhay, Fula, Kanuri, Gourmanche and Arabic, now become “the spoken languages of Niger”, the charter said.

The new charter was the outcome of a national conference in February, which strengthened the ruling junta by authorising junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani to remain in power for the next five years.

Source Vanguard

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