News
Employ Sign Language Interpreters, Foundation Urges Nigerian Banks
Published
4 months agoon
By
Editor
A foundation, Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL), on Wednesday, called on all Nigerian banks to employ signs language interpreters across the country.
Mr Benji Benjamin, the Programme Manager of the foundation made the call in Bauchi during a one-day programme focused on policy discussions, compliance and awareness regarding inclusive services for Persons With Disability (PWD).
According to him, the move would greatly help and make banking services more accessible to people with disabilities especially, the hearing impaired individuals.
He explained that the one-day programme would add to the several conversations that were already ongoing on how to make communities, societies and infrastructures, whether public or private, more inclusive for everybody, including PWDs.
READ ALSO: FG Renews Exploration License Of Oil In Bauchi – Minister
“At the end of the day, each and everyone of us that has been invited for this conversation will add to the discussions.
“It is expected that we leave here with a direction on how each and everyone of us will contribute to making our public and private spaces more inclusive for everybody,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Mainas Ayuba, from Bauchi State Network of Disability Forum, observed that there would always be people with impairments but it shouldn’t be seen as a barrier.
He recounted how someone complained bitterly about the non availability of sign language interpretation in banks as he had an issue with his account and was going to the bank without resolving the issue.
“Apart from not resolving the issue, they didn’t give him correct information, apart from not getting the right information, sometimes if he went there, he will be asked to sit down and they will forget about him.
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“A lot of persons with disabilities who yearn to have bank accounts are resolving to opening online banking as they can’t go to the conventional banks because they are not getting well treated as expected.
“Sometimes, some services of banks are upstairs and someone who is on the wheelchair or crutches can’t go there and sometimes if they are told that there are customers downstairs, they won’t come down.
“They rather give them forms to fill and that’s how they will end up walking around in the bank with the form and usually, the person that is subjected to that rigour is the one who takes the customer to the bank,” he said.
He called on all and sundry to conceptualise disability as this would bring change in the way people see and treat persons with disabilities in their various environments.
Ayuba also called on institutions of learning to allow people on wheelchair to use their chairs while receiving lectures and writing examinations instead of taking them off their chairs to sit on desks.
READ ALSO: IGP Launches Safe School Initiative In Bauchi
Also, Malam Haruna Pali, Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, expressed concern on how his people are being marginalised and denied inclusivity by some quarters.
Responding, Mr Morris Choji, a representative from Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Bauchi branch, said they learned a lot of things by coming to the programme.
He promised that when they assemble for the next bankers committee’s meeting, all the issues discussed would be tabled for them to be effectively addressed.
Other stakeholders present at the programme included a representative from Wema Bank, Ministry of Women Affairs and Child development, Civil Society Organisation, state’s Agency for Persons With Disabilities, among others.
Some of the participants in their separate remarks, also advocated for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities Prohibition act, 2018.
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News
‘My Wife Keeps Late Nights, Returns Home Drunk, Denies Me Sex Since She Joined OPC’
Published
1 hour agoon
September 13, 2025By
Editor
Grade A Customary Court 2 sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has dissolved the 13-year-old wedlock between a couple, Adisa and Falilat, on the grounds of no love, irresponsibility, drunkenness and keeping of late nights by the latter.
Adisa stated that Falilat became wild and uncontrollable after she joined the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC).
Adisa explained that Falilat hardly slept at home and on the few occasions she did, she always denied him s3x.
According to the plaintiff, the last time he and the defendant had s3x was almost two years ago.
He added that their children always looked haggard and unkempt because she seldom cooks for them nor gave attention to their appearance.
READ ALSO:My Husband Impregnated My sister —Wife
Adisa said he could no longer stomach Falilat’s excesses and therefore prayed that their union be dissolved.
Falilat refused to come to court in spite of being served court summonses.
Adisa in his evidence said, My wife and I got married 13 years ago although I did not pay her bride price.
“The once intimate and steady relationship between my wife and I has turned sour and degenerated because of her rebellious nature.
“She has made life unbearable for me ever since she joined the OPC. Falilat is now wild and uncontrollable.
READ ALSO:My Husband Comes Home With Used Condoms — Wife
“She refuses to take instructions from me and dares that I do my worst any time we have a misunderstanding.
“My wife has completely abandoned her duties at home.
“She neither cooks for our children nor ensures that they appear neat. They look haggard and unkempt all the time.
“Falilat hardly sleeps at home. On the few occasions she did, she would return home in the middle of the night drunk and disturbing the neighbourhood.
“She has turned me into a source of ridicule in our compound and neighbourhood.
READ ALSO:My Husband Threw Stones At My Mother, Bit Me When We Fought — Wife
“Falilat denies me my conjugal right. The last time we had sex was almost two years ago.
“My lord, I am better off without a wife than have Falilat under my roof.
“I pray the court to stop our relationship so that I can have peace of mind.”
The court president, Mrs O.E Qwoseni, while giving her judgment stated that there was no marriage to be dissolved because no customary marriage was carried out and the bride price was not paid.
Owoseni added that the defendant was given ample opportunity to defend herself but that she failed to make use of the opportunity.
According to her, the evidence of the plaintiff was deemed admitted.
Ruling, Owoseni dissolved their union.
News
Tears As MKO Abiola’s Wife Doyinsola Laid To Rest In Lagos
Published
14 hours agoon
September 12, 2025By
Editor
Dr Doyinsola Abiola, pioneering journalist and widow of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was laid to rest on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, following a solemn funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina.
Her burial concluded a week of tributes that began on Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, where family, colleagues, and associates celebrated her groundbreaking contributions to journalism and her service to Nigeria.
The funeral service, officiated by Ven. Henry Adelegan, Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, featured scriptural readings by family and close associates. Psalm 91 was read by Midun Tobun, while the Epistle from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 was delivered by Suru Aboaba.
In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, reflected on Abiola’s legacy under the theme of restoration and hope. He hailed her as a “record-breaker who shattered glass ceilings,” noting her trailblazing achievements as Nigeria’s first female Ph.D. holder in journalism, first female editor of a national daily, and the first woman to lead a national newspaper as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the National Concord.
READ ALSO:From ‘Tiro’ to Concord: Inside Doyin Abiola’s Fearless Media Journey
“She stood resolutely with her husband during Nigeria’s democratic struggle, using Concord Newspapers as a powerful voice in the battle for freedom. Her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired and mentored,” Bishop Johnson said.
He also used the occasion to urge the government to confront Nigeria’s current challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption, while easing the burden on citizens.
The service drew a distinguished audience, including President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Minister of Finance Wale Edun; Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos governor Akinwunmi Ambode; former Ogun State governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel; and former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nike Akande.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay; Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos; Sir Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB-McCann; Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti; former presidential aide Femi Adesina; Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of former Lagos governor Babatunde Fashola; Dele Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell magazine; Yemi Ogunbiyi, Managing Director of Daily Times; and Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
READ ALSO:OPINION: Onitiri-Abiola And The Madness In Ibadan
Following the service, her body was conveyed to her final resting place in Lekki, where she was laid to rest amid prayers, hymns, and heartfelt tributes.
Dr Doyinsola Abiola, who died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82, is remembered as a trailblazer in Nigerian journalism, a defender of democracy, and a matriarch whose quiet strength and enduring influence left an indelible mark on the nation.
News
Air Peace Reacts To NSIB’s Report On Drug, Alcohol
Published
17 hours agoon
September 12, 2025By
Editor
The management of Air Peace has reacted to media reports based on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, regarding an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
The airline’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by its management and shared on its official X account on Friday.
Air Peace, which operates domestic and regional routes, has in recent years positioned itself as Nigeria’s flagship private carrier, with a reputation for relatively strong operational standards in an industry often plagued by safety concerns.
The airline is also IOSA-certified, a global safety benchmark by the International Air Transport Association.
The PUNCH reports that the NSIB on Friday indicted an Air Peace pilot and a Co-pilot for taking hard drugs and alcohol.
The accident investigators tested the crew positive for the substances after the aircraft they flew was involved in a runway excursion at the Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Air Peace Crew Tested Positive For Alcohol, Drug — NSIB Report
This was contained in a preliminary report signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, made available to PUNCH Online on Friday.
However, reacting to the report, on Friday, the airline’s statement partly read: “Our attention has been drawn to media stories on a purported preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) currently circulating online and in the media regarding the incident involving one of our aircraft at Port Harcourt on July 13, 2025.
“We are yet to receive any official communications from the NSIB on such findings over a month after the incident and after the testing of the crew for alcohol, which took place in less than an hour of the incident.”
The carrier emphasised that it places the highest priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, describing the report as misleading.
“As a responsible airline, we place utmost priority on safety, transparency, and compliance, and it is important to set the record straight,” the statement said.
The airline further explained its internal policies on crew discipline, stating, “Air Peace conducts frequent alcohol and drug tests on our crew. We have a very strict alcohol use policy that is stricter than the 8 hours before the flight as provided in the regulations. Drug use is a NO-NO!”
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Tension As Air Peace Flight Veers Off Runway In Port Harcourt
Providing details of actions taken after the Port Harcourt incident, Air Peace revealed that the captain of the affected flight was grounded.
“The captain of the affected flight was grounded and relieved from further flight duty till date for failure to adhere to Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and for disregarding standard go-around procedures as advised by his co-pilot but not for testing positive to the breathalyser test, as the result was not communicated to us by NSIB to date”, the airline’s statement added.
However, the airline defended the co-pilot, saying he acted professionally during the incident. “Contrary to reports in the media, the First Officer (Co-pilot), who demonstrated professionalism in calling for a go-around to his captain, has been reinstated into active flying duties, with full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“The NCAA cleared him. If he was involved in drug or alcohol use, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would not have cleared him to resume flight duties”, it stated.
The airline added that if the relieved captain’s test result later proves positive, then it would “increase the frequency of our alcohol and drug tests on our crew.”
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Air Peace also stressed the importance of retraining and stricter monitoring going forward.
“Again, the importance of Enhanced Crew Resource Management Training cannot be overemphasised. We will intensify strict Fitness-for-Duty checks and Stronger Internal Monitoring to prevent any breach of our zero-tolerance safety policy”, the statement continued.
Reassuring passengers and the Nigerian public, the airline added: “Air Peace has consistently maintained a strong safety record and strictly implements global best practices in all aspects of its operations, and we reassure our esteemed passengers and the Nigerian public that safety will never be compromised in Air Peace.”
The July 13, 2025, incident at Port Harcourt International Airport reportedly involved a go-around manoeuvre initiated by the co-pilot after the captain allegedly failed to adhere to standard landing procedures.
Media reports suggested that alcohol consumption may have been a factor, citing a breathalyser test.
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