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Why We’re Heavily Investing In Book And Culture Series – HOMEF Director, Bassey

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By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

The Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, has explained that the organisation’s strong commitment to its Book and Culture Series stems from the need to raise environmental awareness among Nigerians, especially those in the Niger Delta.

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Speaking on Monday in Benin City during the third edition of the Book Readings and Culture event, Bassey emphasized that literature plays a vital role in building environmental consciousness and preserving cultural values.

The event featured readings from the works of environmental activist and traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Bayelsa State.

“We are investing time and resources into this series because without reading, our struggle for a safe and healthy environment cannot be fully grounded,” Bassey stated.

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READ ALSO: HOMEF’s School of Ecology Empowers Young Activists with Environmental Knowledge

We must carry intellects along, and literature is a powerful tool to help people understand what is happening around them.”

The event was attended by representatives of the Edo State Ministry of Education, university lecturers, students, and members of civil society organisations.

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Bassey stressed that the Book and Culture Series also aims to highlight cultural values that support environmental sustainability.

“Our culture forbids pollution and oil spills. These are not things our ancestors tolerated,” he noted.

“The Book and Culture Series is therefore critical for reminding us of who we are and what we stand for.”

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Highlighting the environmental degradation in oil-producing communities, Bassey lamented that pollution has led to a decline in life expectancy in the Niger Delta, resulting in fewer elders and more young people with little hope for a healthy future.

READ ALSO: HOMEF Decries Alarming Rate Of Malnutrition, Food Insecurity

During the event, King Bubaraye Dakolo read from three of his books — The Riddle of the Oil Thief, Pirates of the Gulf, and The African Voice.

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He criticized the Nigerian oil sector regulators, describing them as the weakest in the world, noting that over 300 oil spills occur annually without accountability or justice for affected communities.

When asked how he managed to write five books chronicling the realities of the Niger Delta within just three years, King Dakolo attributed his output to his deep connection with the region and his ancestral roots as an Ijaw monarch.

Priye Gift Johnson, a master’s student from Benson Idahosa University and and another student from the University of Benin also read excerpts from the king’s works, praising him for preserving the stories and struggles of the Niger Delta through literature.

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The event concluded with King Dakolo’s induction into the HOMEF Hall of Fame, in recognition of his contributions to environmental advocacy and cultural preservation.

 

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17-year-old Nigerian Named World Best In English At 2025 TeenEagle Finals In London

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…Outperforms over 20,000 participants from 69 countries

Nafisa Aminu, a 17-year-old student of Tulip International College, Yobe State, has emerged world’s best in English at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals.

The 17-year-old was named the World Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom.

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READ ALSO: Fake Labubu Dolls Worth Millions Seized In London Raid Amid Growing Safety Fears

The TeenEagle competition is an internationally recognised contest that tests English proficiency, critical thinking, and communication skills, attracting students from both English-speaking and non-English-speaking nations.

Nafisa’s triumph was confirmed in a statement by the head of her family, Hassan Salifu, who attributed her success to “dedication, discipline, and the enabling support of the state government.”

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Representing Nigeria, Nafisa outperformed over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, a historic feat that has thrust her into the global academic spotlight and brought honour to Nigeria.

 

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FG Promotes 30 Senior NCoS Officers To Assistant Controller General

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The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has approved the promotion of 30 senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service to the rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections.

The announcement was made in a press statement signed by the NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, on Tuesday.

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“The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has approved the promotion of 30 Controllers of Corrections to the prestigious rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections,” the statement read.

Abubakar noted that the promotions were made in line with CDCFIB’s commitment to “merit-based advancement, professional excellence, and the continuous strengthening of leadership within the Nigerian Correctional Service.”

READ ALSO:Customs Intercepts N1.7bn Falsely Declared Goods Across South-West Zone

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“Among the newly promoted officers are twenty-seven general duty officers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and operational competence in various formations across the country.

“In addition, three professional officers have also been elevated in recognition of their outstanding service and specialized contributions in the areas of Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Public Health,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the promotion exercise was said to align with the ongoing reforms in the Service, a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The statement credited the reform momentum to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose efforts were described as “unwavering” and “unprecedented.”

READ ALSO:Court Strips Transport Minister, CRFFN Regulatory Power Over Licensed Customs

Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, congratulated the newly promoted officers, charging them to rise to the responsibilities of their new roles.

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“I urge them to redouble their effort to service delivery, strategic leadership, and the core mandates of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates,” he said.

He further stressed that the promotions are not merely rewards for past service but “a call to higher responsibility in line with global best practices in correctional management.”

“The Service remains committed to building a motivated, disciplined, and professional workforce capable of meeting the complex demands of modern corrections and public safety,” Nwakuche added.

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Adeleke Flies To US For Davido’s Wedding

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has travelled to the United States to attend the wedding ceremony of his nephew and music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

Recall, Davido confirmed that he and his wife, Chioma Avril Rowland, will have their white wedding in Miami, Florida, in August 2025.

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He made the announcement during an interview on The Breakfast Club, aired on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed Adeleke’s trip in a statement issued on Tuesday, in response to concerns raised by the opposition All Progressives Congress over the governor’s whereabouts.

READ ALSO:Davido Thrills In Toronto, Brooklyn As US Tour Heats Up

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Governor Adeleke left Nigeria for the United States via the family’s private jet a few days ago for the wedding of the global music icon, his beloved nephew, David Adeleke.

“His Excellency is extending an invitation to the opposition party to attend the event and share in the joy of the occasion with the Adeleke family.

“Those unable to attend may join virtually,” Rasheed stated.

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He noted that Adeleke had not taken any official vacation since assuming office in November 2022 and said the current trip would be short.

READ ALSO:Davido Withdraws From 50 Cent’s London Concert

Additionally, from the November 2022 date, the governor has not gone on official vacation.

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“For this current trip, the Governor has again chosen to make it a short one to continually attend to crucial state functions.

“Meanwhile, the Governor is in constant communication with his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, who is supervising activities of the government,” Rasheed added.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Osun APC had accused Adeleke of leaving the state without informing residents or formally transmitting power to his deputy. The party described the governor’s absence as “abnormal.”

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READ ALSO:Davido, Asa To Perform At National Sports Festival’s Opening Ceremony In Abeokuta

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the party said, “The question being asked in hushed tones in some public places, inside commercial buses and by motorcycle riders and their passengers in the state, is where could be the whereabouts of their governor for this long.

“As the governor of all and sundry, we as a party need to know the whereabouts of the governor and who has been holding fort for him during his absence from the state since two weeks ago.

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“Did the governor duly transmit power to his deputy who is constitutionally covered to temporarily step into the shoes of his principal in his absence?”

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