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Minister To Defend Rights Of Detained Children From #EndBadGovernance Protests

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The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has expressed deep concern over the recent detention of 32 children, reportedly arrested on August 3, 2024, during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano and Kaduna states.

In a statement on Saturday, the minister acknowledged public concern regarding the treatment, safety, and rights of these detained children, stating, “The Ministry is taking active steps to address these issues.”

She added that ensuring every child’s rights is paramount, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. She emphasised that every child, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to protection, dignity, and a fair judicial process under the law.

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Demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of these children, the minister made a late-night personal visit to the detention facility, where she engaged with the children. In her interactions, she offered comfort, listened to their concerns, and assured them of her commitment to their well-being.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: AGF Asks Police To Hand Over Case-file Of EndBadGovernance Protesters

The minister also held discussions with authorities to ensure the children were receiving appropriate care and that their rights were safeguarded.

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The statement continued, “Communications are underway with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and correctional institutions, to ensure that these children’s cases are expedited and heard in juvenile courts as mandated by law.”

She confirmed that active monitoring of the children’s welfare is ongoing, and the Ministry is collaborating with child rights advocates to prevent any harm, discrimination, or maltreatment.

Plans are in place to work closely with child protection services to provide post-release psychological counselling, social support, and rehabilitation to facilitate the children’s reintegration into their communities. In partnership with stakeholders, the Ministry is also exploring educational opportunities to support the children’s growth and well-being beyond this challenging experience.

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READ ALSO: BREAKING: Malnourished 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters Arraigned

The minister added that the President has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to review the cases of these minors swiftly, expressing confidence that justice will prevail in alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and principles of child protection.

Additionally, she stated that the Ministry is adopting a Whole-of-Society Approach to address juvenile delinquency. Through collaborative efforts with all relevant stakeholders, the goal is to strengthen existing systems and structures, with a focus on reforming the juvenile justice system.

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Key initiatives will include revising laws to address juvenile delinquency and fostering multi-sectoral engagement to empower communities and authorities to prevent juvenile delinquency across Nigeria,” she noted.

She assured all concerned citizens that the Ministry will continue advocating for the rights of these children and working tirelessly to secure a just outcome.

“Protecting the rights of all children remains a priority, and every effort will be made to guarantee their safety, welfare, and justice,” she added.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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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.

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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.”

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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

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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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