News

NGO Urges FG To Establish Marriage And Family Affairs Ministry

Published

5 years ago

November 14, 2020

Rev. Okafor Emefesi, the President of a Bauchi based Non Governmental Organization (NGO) known as ‘Couples Network International’ has called on the Federal Government to establish ‘Marriage and Family Affairs Ministry.

Emefesi made the call in Bauchi on Saturday while delivering his speech during a seminar tagged ‘Women’s Health Improvement Seminar on Osteoporosis and Arthritis- Natural ways to maintain and sustain strong bones’.

He explained that the establishment of this ministry would bring a perfect solution to the crises facing Nigerian families, adding that the survival of the Nigerian families is paramount to the survival of the nation.

“Concerning the stability and progress of Nigerian families, the federal government should establish a Ministry of Family and Marriage Affairs.

“This will bring a lasting solution to the crises facing Nigerian families. The survival of the Nigerian families is crucial to the survival of the nation at large” he said.

Emefesi further called on the federal government to establish Women Development Banks in order to empower women and to be economically self reliant, saying “women are the drivers of the economy who are also actively involved in family production”.

Rev. Okafor Emefesi, President, Couples Network International while delivering his lecture at the occasion.

The NGO president also noted that the major problem facing Nigeria was not religious or ethnicity but poverty.

He said poverty was the number one cause of most of the social ills in the country which has given birth to terrorism, kidnapping, corruption, Marital breakdown, ethnic and religious crises, unemployment, as well as youth restiveness.

“The solution to this monster of poverty is entrepreneurial revolution, agricultural revolution and family economic empowerment.

“We should bring back Cocoa plantations, Rubber plantations, Palm plantations, banana plantations and cassava plantations.

“Cottage industries should be established in all the plantations to process and package the products for export and domestic consumption.

“Millions of jobs will be created and Nigeria will become a production nation and not a consumption nation,” he noted

Emefesi concluded his speech by calling on President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to also establish ‘national policy on calcium supplement for all women and children in the country’.

Also speaking, Hajiya Aishatu Kilishi, President FOMWAN, Bauchi State chapter, said most of the issues that affect women were calcium related problems and a lot of bone issues.

She said bone problems were rampant among the women folk than in men, adding that women were taunted by bone issues because they engage in serious domestic and farming activities.

“Women should be given financial assistance always, because, in the farm, they are working, at home, they are still working. They labour in the farm, they still labour at home,” she said.

The seminar was organized by ‘Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi state chapter in collaboration with ‘Couples Network International’.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

15 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

16 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

17 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.