The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • Dowen College Board, Management break silence over Sylvester Oromoni’s death

    Dowen College Board, Management break silence over Sylvester Oromoni’s death

    The board and management of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos on Sunday, expressed commitment to assisting authorities to conduct a thorough and proper investigation over the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr.

    The Nation had reported the State government on Sunday afternoon sealed the school.

    In a statement obtained by The Nation, the board and management of the school expressed sadness over the death of Oromoni Jnr, describing him as a beacon of light for the school.

    The statement reads: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of one of our beloved students, Sylvester Oromoni Jr.

    “He was dearly loved by his teachers, his fellow students and he was a beacon of light for the school.

    “The tragic and unfortunate incident which transpired this past November, and Sylvester’s untimely death requires a thorough and proper investigation.

    “Dowen College is fully committed to this.

    “We are assisting the authorities to get to the bottom of this heartbreaking incident.

    READ ALSO: Police take over probe of Dowen College student’s death

    “The first steps taken by the school, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, has been the immediate closure of the school to aid in the investigation.

    “Understandably, at this time of intense grief and suffering, emotions are raw and tensions are high.

    “We pray that God, who alone knows how to comfort the sorrowing, will comfort Sylvester’s family and all those who love and knew him.

    “We commiserate with the Oromoni family and the students of Dowen College who have lost a friend and fellow student.

    “This is a traumatic experience.

    “We assure our parents that the school is taking steps to ensure the safety and security of their children and wards.

    “This is paramount.

    “Every child is valued at Dowen College and their health and well-being is of the utmost priority to the school”.

  • BREAKING: Pastor kills wife, commits suicide

    BREAKING: Pastor kills wife, commits suicide

    A middle aged man simply identified as Chikordi has allegedly committed suicide after killing his wife, Prophetess Chikordi, The Nation has learnt.

    The deceased was the General Overseer of the Ancient of Days Healing Church, Umunede in Ika North East LGA of Delta State, it was learnt.

    The Nation gathered Chikordi took his life by jumping into a well following the alleged murder.

    Read Also: My 10-month-old baby reason I’ve not committed suicide – Amputee impregnated, dumped by Facebook lover

    Details of the development are still sketchy as at press time.

    It was learnt around 4:00am on Sunday , the alleged assailant travelled to his hometown Ekwuoma, a neighbouring community to Umunede, where he jumped into the well.

    Delta Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident.

  • Why we marked Sylvester Oromoni’s birthday, by father

    Why we marked Sylvester Oromoni’s birthday, by father

    Father of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr., the Junior Secondary School 2 student of Dowen College, Lagos, who died after allegedly being tortured by his schoolmates for refusing to join a cult group, has explained why the family marked his posthumous birthday on Saturday, December 4.

    Speaking with The Nation, Oromoni Sylvester Snr, said he had made a promise to his son, while he was alive, to always mark his birthday.

    He pointed out that they had a bond beyond a father-son relationship, stating that he was his “best friend”.

    “He died five days to his birthday. This one (birthday celebration) is because I told him I was going to do his birthday. Because he said ‘daddy do my birthday’!

    “I want to use it to remember him. I think I will be doing it every year. Before he was sick, he was all over me. He was my best friend, not just my child,” the father said.

    Speaking further, he called for justice over his son’s death and thanked Governors Ifeanyi Okowa(Delta) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos) for their efforts so far.

    “I am calling for justice for my son. Justice must prevail, that is my stand. I am happy that millions of Nigerians are supporting the same thing. And I pray that God should guide everybody that is supporting this cause.

    “I also thank the governor of my state, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa for his statement and contributions. He has given me words of encouragement. The governor of Lagos State, the Commissioner for Education, are doing their best and I’m happy with what they are doing.

    READ ALSO: IYC demands justice for Sylvester Oromoni

    “This thing happened around 19th or 20th (November). The school did not call us till my son gave up the ghost. They did not.

    “But we reached out to them that the boy is no more, that was when the principal called. But the owner of the school, we have not heard from them,” Oromoni stated.

    Asked how the family is coping with the trauma, he said: “Am I not the head of the family? My wife is fine, but she can’t sleep without drugs”.

    Two sisters of the deceased, Amira and Amanda Oromoni, said they decided to remain strong despite the incident and prayed that justice is served.

    Amanda, who is also a student of Dowen College, said she feels better than she is at home with family members.

    “I am okay but I just hope that justice is found and we are okay again,” Amanda said.

    The elder sister, Amira, described the incident as “a big shock to the family” adding that everybody is “devastated”.

    The Oromonis, in a ceremony with close-knit family members, marked the 12th year posthumous birthday of Sylvester at their residence in Warri, Delta state.

    The father, with the assistance of his wife and two daughters, cut one of the cakes after they all sang a birthday song.

  • Passengers stranded as British Airways cancels flights in, out of Nigeria

    Passengers stranded as British Airways cancels flights in, out of Nigeria

    British Airways on Sunday cancelled its flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos into London Heathrow in the United Kingdom, citing operational reasons.

    The airline also did not operate its inbound flight from London into Lagos.

    Sources at the airport linked it to the implementation of the travel ban imposed on countries considered red flags to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

    Many passengers who turned up at the airport for check-in procedures were disappointed with counters for British Airways scanty.

    Some workers who were at the counters informed the distraught passengers that the flight into the United Kingdom was rescheduled for early hours of Monday.

    Some passengers, who sought clarifications for the sudden twist of events, were handed flyers signed by the Customer Service Duty Manager of the British Airways Nwanorue Alexander.

    Read Also: COVID-19 Omicron: UK shuts door against Nigerian travelers

    It reads: “We would like to inform you of a change to the departure time of your flight BA 074 on December 5, 2021 to London Heathrow.

    “We have had to make this adjustment to our schedule due to operational reasons. Your flight will now depart Lagos next day.

    “We are sorry for the change to your travel plans, please be rest assured that we will do everything we can to help. If you need additional help please speak to a member of our team at Lagos Airport.”

    An immigration source at the airport attributed the glitch in travel to the new rules set by the United Kingdom government for admitting passengers into the country.

    Scores at passengers at the airport expressed displeasure over the development, saying the suddenness would force them to review their travel plans.

    But activities at the Lagos Airport were normal for outbound passengers on Turkish Airlines, African World Airlines, Air France, Qatar Airways, Delta Airlines and United Airlines, which processed passengers for departure to their countries.

    There were long queues for passengers at the airport.

  • COVID-19 Omicron: UK shuts door against Nigerian travelers

    COVID-19 Omicron: UK shuts door against Nigerian travelers

    The United Kingdom (UK) yesterday added Nigeria to its Red List of countries whose nationals are prevented from entering its territory on account of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

    Already on the list are  Angola, Botswana,eSwatini,Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique,Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

    In effect, from 4am tomorrow, only British and Irish nationals travelling from Nigeria will be allowed into the UK  and must isolate in a government-managed quarantine hotel.

    On the other hand,  from 4am on Tuesday, anyone travelling to the UK from countries not on the red list will be required to take a pre-departure test a maximum of 48 hours before leaving, regardless of their vaccination.

    Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said the government decided to move after receiving new data about the spread of the Omicron variant, which emerged in southern Africa.

    “Since we have learned of this new variant, our strategy has been to buy time. We have always said we will act swiftly should new data require it,” he  said.

    “Over recent days we have learned of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria.

    “There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing.  Nigeria now is second only to South Africa in terms of linked cases to Omicron.”

    Javid also took to his Twitter account @sajidjavid saying: “In light of the most recent  data we are taking further action to slow the rate incursion of the Omicron variant.From 4am Monday,only UK/Irish citizens & residents travelling from Nigeria will be allowed entry and must isolate in a managed quarantine facility.

    “And from 4am Tuesday, anyone travelling to the UK from countries not on the Red List will be required to take a pre-departure test, regardless of their vaccination status.”

    Read Also: COVID-19 Omicron: FG okays booster shots, reviews travel protocol

    Under the new rules, from 4am on Monday only British and Irish nationals travelling from Nigeria will be allowed into the country and must isolate in a government-managed quarantine hotel. And from 4am on Tuesday, anyone travelling to the UK from countries not on the red list will be required to take a pre-departure test a maximum of 48 hours before leaving, regardless of their vaccination.

    The pre-departure procedure   requires all inbound travellers to  take a test a maximum of 48 hours before departure time.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday  confirmed the first three  cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the country.

    It said it was  confirmed in travellers from South Africa who arrived in Nigeria.

    Canada had earlier in the week also banned travellers from Nigeria after claiming to have confirmed that two residents who recently visited Nigeria were infected.

    In South Africa itself   COVID 19 cases rose  by 408% in just one week with the country’s  National Institute for Communicable Diseases saying it  recorded 16,366 cases between Friday and yesterday.

    Twenty one  deaths were recorded yesterday in the country.

    Most of the latest infections – 11,607 of them – were recorded in the epicentre Gauteng province

    Scientists say the variant has already reached every province in the country.

    The Federal Government on Friday announced its approval of  the administration of COVID-19 booster doses for persons that have completed two doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer Bio-N-Tech or one dose of Johnson & Johnson as part of the effort to put the spread of Omicron in check.

    The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, said in Abuja that  aside from being 18 years and above, eligible persons for the booster doses must have taken their second dose of AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech six months before the booster doses.

    Also, for those who have taken a single dose of Johnson & Johnson, there must be a two  month time interval before receiving the booster dose. Eligible persons for the booster doses are advised to visit the nearest health facility or mass vaccination site from December 10, 2021 across the country.

    Eligible Nigerians were  advised to visit the nearest health facility or mass vaccination site for their booster doses as from the 10th of December, 2021 across all states of the federation.

    Shuaib said  a COVID-19 booster dose gives greater protection against the virus and urged all Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The list of the vaccination sites is available on the NPHCDA website: www.nphcda.gov.ng

  • BREAKING: EPL: Man City move top, beat Watford 3-1

    BREAKING: EPL: Man City move top, beat Watford 3-1

    Reigning champions Manchester City moved top of the Premier League for the first time this season with a dominant win over struggling Watford.

    Raheem Sterling headed City ahead after only four minutes, when free at the back post to meet Phil Foden’s excellent cross from the left.

    The hosts were repeatedly ripped apart by City’s movement, passing and creativity and only a number of saves from goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann kept the score down to one goal in the first 30 minutes.

    Read Also: EPL: Liverpool beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0

    But City got a well-deserved second as Bachmann denied Ilkay Gundogan, but the rebound fell to Bernardo Silva, who showed excellent skill to beat two defenders and finish well from a tight angle.

    Silva then grabbed his second and City’s third, cutting in from the right side of the penalty area and curling a fine finish past Bachmann.

    Cucho Hernandez pulled one back for Watford, following in to convert a rebound after his first strike had hit the foot of the post.

    After 15 matches, City – title winners in five of the past 10 seasons – are a point ahead of Liverpool.

    Chelsea began the day as leaders, but are now a point behind the Reds in third place, after losing 3-2 to fourth-placed West Ham(BBC)

  • BREAKING: Bandits release 61 abducted Baptist church worshippers, 9 others

    BREAKING: Bandits release 61 abducted Baptist church worshippers, 9 others

    Shortly after they regained freedom from their abductors, Kaduna State Government on Saturday reunited the remaining 61 kidnapped worshippers of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Kakau Daji and nine other victims with their families.

    Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, while handing over the victims to their families at the Albarka Baptist Church, Gwari Avenue, Barnawa, Kaduna, said the State was informed of the victims’ release by the military at the point of their release by the bandits.

    The Commissioner noted that before handing over the victims to the State Government, the military had carried out extensive medical evaluation on the abducted worshippers who had spent over 35 days in the bandits’ den.

    They were released barely 24 hours after bandits stormed Ungwan Gimbiya, in the same Chikun LG, killing two persons while over 50 members of the community.

    Read Also: Bandits kill three, abduct 63 in Kaduna communities

    Ungwan Gimbiya, located around Sabo area of the State, had witnessed mass exodus of residents following the activities of bandits in the area.

    The community is few kilometres away from Kakau Daji where over 60 worshippers of Emmanuel Baptist Church were kidnapped on Sunday 31, October, 2021 during church service.

    Two of abductees were killed on the spot while two others were shot dead later.

    One was injured and hospitalised while 61 of the worshippers were held captive with the bandits demanding N99million ransom for their release.

    The Commissioner was however silent on whether the victims’ families paid the N99million ransom demanded by the bandits.

  • Two officers, five soldiers killed in fresh B’Haram attack

    Two officers, five soldiers killed in fresh B’Haram attack

    Two yet-to-be named Army Officers and five soldiers attached to Sector 1 Joint Task Force(JTF) North East(NE), Operation HADIN KAI were killed while three others sustained gunshot injuries when Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters attacked Kala Balge town in Borno State.

    However scores.of the terrorists were neutralised by troops during the attempted invasion of the town.

    A statement by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the casualty figures.

    He said: “Troops of Sector 1 Joint Task Force(JTF) North East(NE), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralized scores of Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists who infiltrated Kala Balge town mounted on gun trucks and motorcycles on Friday, 3 December 2021.

    Read Also: CAN condemns gunmen attack on Jos custodial centre

    “The insurgents attacked troops deployed at the Forward Operational Base (FOB) Rann, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon. Troops gallantly engaged the maurading terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their mission and withdrew in disarray.

    “In the fierce battle for Kala Balge, troops defended the town and neutralized 26 BH/ISWAP terrorists. The gallant troops also captured terrorists’ combat vehicles, 18 AK 47 rifles and one M-21 rifle with large quantity of ammunition. Several other equipment were also destroyed by troops.

    “Regrettably, two officers and five soldiers paid the supreme price while three personnel who sustained gun shot wounds are currently receiving medical attention.

    “The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has paid tribute to the departed heroes, who paid the supreme price in defending their fatherland. He has also commended troops for their gallantry in the North East, especially with the recent successes recorded in Gajiram and the Tumbus”.

  • BREAKING (EPL): West Ham beat Chelsea 3-2

    BREAKING (EPL): West Ham beat Chelsea 3-2

    West Ham United added Chelsea to their top teams of defeat this season after an entertaining 3-2 win.

    Arthur Masuaku scored an absolutely bizarre winner in the 89th minute, which dashed the hope of Tuchel Chelsea team to maintain their top on the table.

    Details shortly…

  • We’ll hold Orji Kalu responsible if anything happens to Kanu -IPOB

    We’ll hold Orji Kalu responsible if anything happens to Kanu -IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has raised alarm over the life of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu following what it termed unsolicited visit of former Abia Governor, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu to him at the DSS custody.
    The lawmaker on Monday visited the pro-Biafran group leader.
    IPOB, in a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said it was not comfortable with Kalu’s visit, warning that he should be held responsible if anything happens to its leader.
    It also said those who permitted him to see its leader would as well be held accountable.
    The statement reads: “We the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the command and leadership of our great leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU is raising alarm over the unsolicited visit of Orji Uzor Kalu to our leader wherever he is detained.

    Read Also: Stop writing me directly, Judge warns Kanu’s lawyer

    “We don’t know the mission of Orji Uzor Kalu over the visits and we are worried. We therefore, wish to put the world on notice that Orji Uzor Kalu will be held responsible for whatever happens to our leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU in detention.
    “We are not comfortable with Orji Uzor Kalu’s suspicious visits to our leader. We don’t know whose interest he protects. We will also hold responsible, those who permitted him to see our leader in detention.
    “The DSS allowed him access against court order which all visitors including Kanu’s lawyers comply with. We all knew that Orji Uzor Kalu’s name is among those who bankrolled and sponsored the extraordinary rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria.”