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.
READ ALSO: Reps Reject Motion On Edo Chieftaincy Tussle
“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.”
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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.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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