Entertainment
Wike Expresses Concern Over High Number Of Out-of-School Children In FCT
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for the rising number of out-of-school children in the country, urging the agency to step up its efforts to address the issue.
During a meeting with UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Hamid Bobboyi, and his delegation in Abuja on Thursday, Wike expressed frustration over the increasing number of out-of-school children in the FCT, calling it “annoying.”
According to the FCT Minister: “All of us know the problems of not just girl child education but out-of-school children. I don’t know what you are doing as regards all our children roaming the streets. It is the function of UBEC.
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“When we were in education, that’s when we started the Almajiri schools. In fact, in the whole northern states, the only state I never visited was Yobe. I visited virtually all the states in the North, South West, South-South and South East where you have more boys dropping out. We tried to see what we could do.
“In the North, we talk about Almajiri and the girl child education and I do know that through UBEC, we were able to build a lot of schools. We were able to buy clothing and sandals and feed them.
“I don’t know what it is now because the number has tripled. It’s so annoying. I do know that you are doing your best but I do know that the states too need to complement your efforts. So many states do not want to pay the counterpart funding, which is very unfortunate.
“The insecurity we are talking about today can never be resolved if we don’t bring these children back to school.”
Wike further pointed out that the growing influx of people into the FCT from other regions is exacerbating the issue of out-of-school children in the nation’s capital. He added that the FCT Administration is making efforts to tackle the situation as well.
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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