NEWS
Anambra Tackles Domestic Violence with Special Court
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The rising spate of domestic has forced the hand of the government of Anambra State to set up a special court to take on the menace.
Women Affairs Commissioner, Anambra State, Ify Obinabo, made the disclosure on Monday, while speaking to the United Business Women and Farmers Association in her office.
She averred that the present state government has zero tolerance for domestic violence, which necessitated the setting up of a family court.
The Commissioner described the killing of one’s spouse is an abomination, which the ministry would strive to ensure that is a thing of the past.
According to her, the family court that was set up by the government already had 10 cases pending with nine suspects remanded at the awaiting trial section and one granted bail.
In her words, “We have 10 cases of domestic violence at our Family Court and out of that number, nine suspects were remanded at the awaiting trial section while one was granted bail.
“But this is not in Anambra State alone and our state has one of the lowest cases of death through domestic violence and this recent one makes it the fifth case.”
The National President of the association, Nkiru Nwagbo, had cried to the Commissioner for help on capacity building for members.
“We call on you to help us in building capacity of our members through our various training programmes.
“We have well over 8,000 members in Anambra State who believe in our capacity to resolve their problems through empowerment programmes,” she stated.
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Nwagbo commended the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for taking drastic action against the Transition Committee Chairman who is being accused of killing his wife.
“We also wish to extend our hands of friendship to you in mounting public enlightenment campaigns in the promotion of these ideals engrained in the vision if your Ministry,” she added.
Recall that the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Mbazulike Iloka, was suspended because of the controversial circumstances trailing the death of his wife, Chidiebere, which is being traced to domestic violence.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
NEWS
Edo: Gov Okpebholo Launches Probe Into Obaseki Administration
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
NEWS
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”