News

Catholic Church To Canonise Edo Teenager Killed For resisting R*pe

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2023

The Catholic Church in Benin, Edo State on Saturday issued the needed edict to enhance the cause for the beatification and canonisation of 14-year-old Vivian Uchechi Ogu, who was shot dead on November 15, 2009, by armed men for resisting their attempts to r*pe her after robbing her family.

The issuance of the edict was to allow petitions for or against her activities while alive that would be further subjected to a tribunal trial before a decision on whether she could become a saint would be decided by the leadership of the Catholic Church.

At a special mass, the Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustin Obiora Akubeze, said the Pope included the late Vivian among the 25 people all over the world to begin the process of canonisation, noting that she lived an exemplary life and died a heroic death by opting to be killed rather than being s*xually defiled.

He added, “Since her reputation for martyrdom and holiness has continued to increase since her death, and after having been formally requested to open the Cause of Beatification and Canonisation of the Servant of God, bringing it to the attention of the ecclesial community, we invite all of the faithful who can give valid testimony to come forth and contact the Archdiocesan Curia at the Chancery, No. 30, Airport Road, Benin City with their information, whether favourable or contrary to the reputation of martyrdom and holiness of the aforementioned Servant of God.”

He said members of the public should bring any “manuscripts, diaries, letters and every private writing of the Servant of God. Those who wish to keep the originals may present an authenticated copy.”

Akubeze directed that a copy of the Edict be pasted on the doors of selected catholic churches and other places for two months.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

5 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.