The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Children

  • ‘We must train our children well’

    The Royal Olive Ministry of the Chapel of Christ The Light Church has held its conference on mothers and young ladies. The theme was: Mothers as Leaders.

    In her opening speech, the founder of the ministry, Rev. Loice Duru, said the aim was to bring children to the old path, saying; “God has given them to us to prepare them for leadership role”.

    Rev Duru said leaders are made at home and as good mothers who want their children to be good leaders, they have a vital role to play in nation-building. She said today’s mothers can combine career with moulding leaders for tomorrow.

    Also speaking, the Executive Director, Media Concern Initiative, Dr Olufemi Kayode, said that there are more sexual abuse cases now than in the past. She therefore advised mothers, “We must pay attention to the upbringing of our children and try to be their friend, adding “sexual abuse is an attack and the devil uses it against mankind to take them away from God. We do not know what our children do on the internet, television, magazine and the friends they keep. She charged mothers to speak the “language” of their children, be their best friend, know what they do and always have the patience to correct them.

    In her contribution, the wife of the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Ministry and President of Real Woman Foundation, Mrs Nike Adeyemi, said that many times, mothers overlook their responsibility on the children. She urged mothers to see their children as a long time investment, they should nurture them to be good leaders. She counseled: “We as mothers have to speak the right word to their lives, have the right perspective for your children as you are raising them.”

     

    The General Coordinator of solid foundation, Dr Wola Ojo highlighted communication as a major factor in the making of a leader in children. He urged parents to create a line of communication between them and their children, saying. “Teach them and don’t always rebuke them, involve them in some family matters when the need to carry them along arises.”

     

  • Court refuses to compensate Bianca’s children for suit’s delay

    Court refuses to compensate Bianca’s children for suit’s delay

    Justice Funmilayo Atilade of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere yesterday refused to compensate two children of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Afamefuna and Nwachukwu over the delay in the suit.

    The claimants, who are infants, sued a company, Ojukwu Transport Limited and seven others through their mother and “next friend” Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

    During proceedings yesterday, their lawyer, Nick Omeye, told the court that the eighth defendant was yet to serve them with a statement of defence.

    “Up till now they have not served us with their defence,” the lawyer said.

    The development, he argued, stalled the fixing of a date for Case Management Conference (previously called pre-trial conference).

    He said the claimants, therefore, deserved compensation for the delay.

    “We have already applied for Case Management Conference. Since the eight defendant is yet to serve us with a defence, we shall be asking for cost,” Omeye added.

    But counsel to the first to seventh defendants, Mr Ike Ubahakwe, informed the court that the eighth defendant had indeed served the other defendants with its defence.

    “We were served with the eighth defendant’s statement of defence on the 13th of March,” Ubahakwe said.

    Justice Atilade then refused the claimants’ demand for cost and instead adjourned the matter till May 20 “for mention.”

    She said: “Since everyone has not been served, we need a date for mention. There shall be no order as to cost.”

    The other defendants are Prof Joseph Ojukwu, Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu, Dr Patrick Ojukwu, Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu and Mrs Massey Udegbe (doing business under Massey Udegbe & Company).

    The claimants sought a declaration that they are entitled to the possession and occupation of a property located on 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Drive (formerly Queens Drive), Ikoyi until the harmonisation of the management and administration of the first defendant’s assets.

    They also asked the court to declare that the threat to forcefully eject them from 29, Oyinan Abayomi Street, Ikoyi, by the defendants is illegal.

    The children urged the court to hold that they are entitled to the possession of the properties on 13, Hawksworth Road, Ikoyi (now 13, Ojora Road, Ikoyi), 32A Commercial Avenue, Yaba, 30, Gerard Road, Ikoyi, and 4, Macpherson Avenue, Ikoyi.

    They claimed that the houses were in the possession of their father from the time the properties were released from government acquisition till date.

    The claimants prayed for an order restraining the defendants, either by themselves or through their agents or privies, from interfering with their possession and control of 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street, Ikoyi.

    They also urged the court to stop the defendants from interfering with their possession of the other properties.

    The claimants stated that throughout the period their father was struggling to retrieve the properties from the government, the second to seventh defendants “never played any role in the struggle not contributed financially or otherwise to the realisation of the struggle.

    They said while Ojukwu was alive, he lived with his household at 29, Oyikan Abayomi Street and was in “exclusive possession” of the other houses which form the subject of the suit.

    But the defendants denied the claims, saying the children are neither directors nor creditors of Ojukwu Transport and, therefore, have no locus (legal right) to question the company’s activities.

    The defendants said at no point did they attempt to forcibly take possession of 29, Oyinan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi.

     

  • NGO fetes children

    A Children’ Disability Centre (CDC), a non-profit organisation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, has by building their potential into skills and increasing community awareness. Also, the acceptance of individual with disabilities within the workplace.

    The children tea breaker is a group set up to to celebrate the valentine. Where the children used the opportunity to sell baked item they made and at the same time inform the public about individuals with disabilities and their vast potentials. Most of them were children with Down syndrome

    Also fashion sales took place within the mall, on the first floor precisely. Sales were anchored mainly by D-block, beginning from the Ene-Maya shop to Braga clothiers who stock all kinds of cloths.

    There were sales in clothes, accessories for females and male, human hair and hair accessories, Polocity also gave out discounts. This is to endure that the shoppers buy at cheaper and reasonable prices on valentine day.

    However, sales is on in one shop of another, because of upcoming valentine. So that people can have a lot for their love ones out their. The sales which had been made a tree days fair from on the 8th to on the 10th of February for those who want to present a gift for a friend on the usual day. And also proceeds the sales for another whole week for those that wont be chance of coming at the first sales. This sales excluded foodstuff, eateries, cookies. But includes wines. Wines like E and J …. and other things their.

    Most people found mall interesting because of its conducive, and comfortable environment that makes its attractive to other shops out their. They said things are cheap in terms of some foodstuffs such as grand nut oil, yams, turkey, chickens etc, and beverages, and many more. While some said though goods there are pocket friendly but some are expensive in terms of clothing, jewelries and electronic.

    Never the less, shopping mall is one of the criteria that shows how developed a country is. As it is in every other countries. According to some shoppers they said when you get to other country both the riches and the poor can come for shopping but in Nigeria here its only the rich ones that came to patronize. But another shopper said its pocket friendly depending on the king of things you want and there are always discount, especially about to festive period like valentine. Another shopper said not because of its sales or discount that he came for shopping but because of the qualities, and guarantee product which are usually sold there.

    So far so good, people rates mall has an advance place where somebody can get all what he or she want without stress and inconveniency. People said how its can be better than what it is now is that more people are needed in service so that people will be answer in time and more car packed for customers.

     

  • ‘Our children are growing up like semi-illiterates’

    ‘Our children are growing up like semi-illiterates’

    African fabrics and designs are making waves on the international scene. Yetunde Oladeinde spoke to Stella Essi Byll, CEO of Delavi Couture, about the challenges, clothing celebrities like Stella Damasus as well the prospects in the industry.

    STELLA Essi Byll studied marketing in England. When she came back to Nigeria, she worked with a pharmaceutical company and Greenspring Schools. At the moment, she is on her own and applying the skills acquired over the years projecting the brand Delavi Couture, amongst other things.

    What is Delavi Couture all about?

    “The company is bigger and we do a number of things but the clothing line is Delavi Couture. For us style is more than a look; it’s a way of life. We have a number of off the peg staple African fashion knitwear in a wide palette of styles. Things we consider as quality African environmental friendly clothing for that confident look. At Delavi Couture there are styles for every kind of woman. You would also find a variety of waist coats, blazers and more.

    “We are making clothes in hundred per cent African fabric because we believe that the African fabric is the best type of fabrics for the African environment, the heat. These are hundred per cent cotton and the colours reflect our nature.

    “We don’t buy Chinese fabrics at all; it has to be made-in-Africa. And we are making clothes that you can actually wear; we call them African Knitwear. Things you can wear to the office on a daily or regular basis. A simple dress with a jacket; something you can wear to the office.”

    Why did you go into fashion designing?

    I started making clothes for myself when I was about 17 because I was very small and I could not find anything that fit me that was ready made. Then I said rather than buying clothes and altering them, why don’t I just go into this area. I found that I enjoy taking a piece of fabric and converting into something you can wear. I kept doing that.

    I went to the Stafford University in England and did marketing and later did MBA from the University of Liverpool. I have worked with a pharmaceutical company called Upjohn and worked in a school, Greensprings, but I kept coming back to this. We started up at Obanikoro, and then I took a break and worked in the school. Now I am back fully. We have a lot of customers in the corporate sector especially ladies who like class. We also cater for some of our celebrities and Stella Damasus is our brand ambassador.

    How would you assess our designers?

    We have really come into the scene. I remember when I started and we were using African fabrics. In the last 10 years there has been a new consciousness, more and more designers have come in. They are doing a lot of interesting and innovative things with African fabrics and accessories. What I am not so happy about is the influx of cheap Chinese fabrics and unfortunately a lot of people use them and they do not know the difference.

    What can be done to check this?

    Government legislation can make the difference. When we say government, who is government? It is you and I. If everyone refuses to buy them like I do then they won’t have a market. That again is the people’s power. Even the made in Nigeria wax, when it was available, was good. I have some that I have used for over 20 years, it was very good.

    But now there is not much production being done in Nigeria anymore because they have all been chased away. From Ghana you would find a lot of great fabrics. Chinese fabric is very poor quality. Africa can stand beside anybody, we have quality and we have talent.

    What are the challenges for you as a designer?

    Lack of government infrastructure, like electricity and more. Then lack of self-motivation from the people you work with. Even the customers you work with, they like a good thing but do not want to pay for it. They would rather pay for something western looking things that are of a poorer quality. There should be a mindset where we appreciate what is African as well as appreciate the talent of our people and reward them for it.

    Around here we have participated in some exhibitions like the Lost in Lagos event. First, I believe in merit and it is better to do what is good and people would see it. For instance, look at our national awards, a lot of things are wrong. Things must change and of course the change must begin with us.

    If you had to advise the president, what would you tell him?

    He should put money in education. Our children are growing up like semi illiterates. They do not know what is happening in the world. Abroad, two -year olds are pulling computers all over the place. But here 50 year olds don’t know how to use the computer. We need to put money in good education.

    I grew up in a period of hope. In those days you worked and studied. There was good education and good medical care. I didn’t go to posh schools here but there was a standard. I went to Ladilak Primary School and Marywood Grammar School, went abroad and came back. I wish I could see my children in the same environment.

  • Children now suffer from cancer, says group

    Can children have cancer? The answer appears to be yes as many children are said to have been diagnosed of the disease hitherto believe to be peculiar to adults.

    According to the Coordinator of Children with Cancer Intervention Initiative (CCII), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mrs Honour Onyebuchukwu, cancer has also become common among children.

    According to her, in one hospital alone, no fewer than 25 children are battling with the disease.

    Mrs. Onyebuchukwu,who spoke during a road show organised by the NGO to create awareness towards children who are battling with cancer, said eight out of them were lost to the disease.

    She said:“Our main objective is to assist the children battling with cancer and their parents and guardians in every way we can such as prayers, relieving the financial burden associated with the treatment, counseling and conducting enlightenment programmes through road shows, seminars and workshops.

    “Cancer is an environmental disease. Approximately five to 10 per cent of cancer is hereditary, the other 90 to 95 per cent of cancer cases can be attributed to environmental factors.

    “This is why the government has a part to play in developing the environment such that it would make it free of cancer. Government should also provide our hospitals with the needed equipments and finance for effective treatment of cancer.”

    Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NGO, Nelson Osang said: “We aim to help parents to know what to look out for in detecting cancer at the early stage in their children. Parents can help their children stay off cancer by watching the food they eat, their life style, what they are exposed to and by making sure any unusual thing noticed in their body is reported to a doctor immediately.”

     

  • Seven children killed in ‘Chinese fire’

    A fire that broke out at a private orphanage in China’s northern Henan province has left at least seven children dead.

    The fire began at 08:30 local time (00:30 GMT) and was contained within two hours, Xinhua news agency quoted a local government official as saying.

    Four children died in the fire, while three succumbed to their injuries on the way to hospital, it added.

    The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

    Local residents say that a woman named Yuan Lihai had been using the house in Lankao County to shelter orphans and abandoned children, Xinhua reports.

    Reports say that Ms Yuan, a street vendor, has provided shelter to dozens of children over two decades.

    It remained unclear how many children were in the house during the incident and how many were injured.

    BBC says Henan province has seen tragedies involving children in recent months.

    In December, a man wielding a knife wounded 23 children at a school in Chenpeng village.

     

  • Azazi’s children recount their last dinner with dad

    Azazi’s children recount their last dinner with dad

    Death aborts Xmas carol, likely ambassadorial job

    AFTER overcoming the initial shock of losing their loved dad, the late Gen. Owoye Azazi’s children relived yesterday their last moments with him.

    The former National Security Adviser (NSA) and his family had dinner with his children on Friday at his Ikoyi home in Lagos, The Nation was told.

    He joked with them and spoke about the planned Christmas carol billed for tomorrow at his residence.

    Gen. Azazi died in Saturday’s naval helicopter crash in Tombi, Bayelsa State. He was with Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and four others, who all died in the crash.

    Three of Gen. Azazi’s children – Owoye Jnr, Benatare and Pelede – recounted their last moments with the former Chief of Defence Staff.

    They spoke after the visit of First Lady Patience Jonathan, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, former Head of Interim National Government (ING) Chief Ernest Shonekan and former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, among others.

    Owoye Jnr said: “I do not know where to start from, but what I do know is that we have to work hard to ensure our mum gets over this shock.

    “I saw my dad last on Friday night because we had dinner in the house here. At dinner, he cracked his usual jokes; we all laughed and we discussed some things we needed to do. I told him we would continue when he returned.

    “Because he was to travel to Abuja from that trip; we agreed we would see on Monday, little did I know it was my last with him.

    “I heard about the crash but could not believe it and just wished he was not there, even though I knew he was in the aircraft.

    “Life without him is really unimaginable, but can we question God? As you can see, most of the people here today are those who had personal encounters with him. They knew him because he affected their lives in one way or the other.

    “He was not our dad alone; he was father to everybody. That is the kind of person he was. It is going to be hard, but God will be our strength.

    “Our main interest now is our mother and how to ensure she does not miss him so much. We have not set a burial date yet; we are still deliberating as a family,” he said.

    Benatare, who was in tears as she spoke with our reporter, said she was at the airport until the airport closed for the day, just wishing her father would come out somehow, somewhere.

    She said: “I saw my dad on Friday in Abuja. He brought some things for me from Lagos, so, I met him at the airport to pick the things up. He told me he was coming back and we would have time to discuss and so I left.

    “On hearing about the crash, I rushed back to the airport. I was at the airport until they closed for the day, wishing something would just happen and he was not inside that helicopter.

    “But it dawned on me my dad was not coming back when the airport closed for the day. I am yet to come out of the shock.

    “He was a wonderful father. I do not think there is any dad like mine. Nothing he wouldn’t do for us. He did everything. I cannot even imagine he is no more. It is really hard to believe.”

    Pelede said: “I will surely miss my father and no matter how anybody tries to father me, it will never be like my dad.

    “I had a close bond with my father. I remember we all came here to have dinner together on Friday and my brother Owoye was supposed to go and watch Sunny Ade (a juju musician) at Ikoyi Club.

    “My dad laughed and spoke about how Sunny Ade would normally dance while playing, which he can no longer do so well now; he is an old man.

    “We all laughed and shared jokes. We discussed our annual carol, especially because this year’s was to hold on Wednesday. So, I told him, ‘okay dad, have a safe trip tomorrow, I will see you when you return, but here we are.

    “I still believe it is a nightmare. I really wish to wake up to realise I have been in a dream all the while. But it has happened and we thank God. We have to thank God in all things.

    “He was a great gentleman; he served this country with a passion. He was a father who can never be replaced and I only wish I could just see him one last time to tell him I love him.

    “Life without him will be unbearable but we have to do our best to cope. I will say he left a big legacy for us to feel. His shoes are really big for us to occupy, but we will make sure we do our best not to disappoint him.

    Feelers from the late general’s home yesterday indicated that his family and close associates suspect foul play in the way he died.

    Some family members believe that the late Gen. Azazi was to be appointed an ambassador in January before the disaster occurred.

    A family member said: “No one can convince me that the helicopter just crashed. Whoever killed him will not see the end of this year; it has been my prayer since I heard about the crash.

    “Daddy Azazi was a good man, very bold, outspoken and God-fearing. He never discriminated against anyone. He was to be made an ambassador by January and now they have killed him.”

    Moreover, sympathisers who visited the family yesterday prayed with the widow and children and unanimously declared that Gen. Aziza’s killer(s) will also die. Christians and Muslims prayed together and sang praises to God.

    The First Lady, who came into the house at 4:30pm, was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, and Gen. Azazi’s first son, Owoye Jnr.

    Mrs. Jonathan broke down in tears as she consoled Gen. Azazi’s wife, Alero.

    The President’s wife, who spoke in a low tone, muttered such words as “God knows best; it is shocking news but God is your strength, my sister.”

    She wrote in the condolence register: “My dear brother, your demise is so painful, but we take solace in the fact that death is an inevitable end.

    “You came, you saw and you conquered. You were a fine, courageous and professional soldier. You made your mark.”

     

  • U.S must protect children – Obama

    U.S must protect children – Obama

    President Barack Obama has said the United States must do more to protect its children in the wake of Friday’s shootings at a school in Newtown, Connecticut.

    Speaking at an inter-faith vigil in Newtown, Mr. Obama said he would use the powers of his office to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.

    He told residents that the nation shared their grief.

    BBC says 20 children and six women died in the assault on Sandy Hook school by a lone man who then took his own life.

    The first funerals for victims will be held on Monday.

    The gunman has been identified by police as Adam Lanza, 20.

    Officials say he was armed with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and used a semi-automatic rifle as his main weapon. He was also carrying two handguns, and a shotgun was recovered from a car.

    “I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation,” Mr. Obama said, speaking after religious leaders and the state governor.

    “You are not alone in your grief. All across this land of ours we have wept with you.”

    Mr. Obama repeated a call for action against gun crime, saying that in coming weeks he would use “whatever powers” his office held “in an effort aimed at preventing more tragedies like this.”

     

  • Tompolo: my dream for N’Delta children

    Former leader of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, has said his desire to imrove the lives of impoverished children in the region informed the setting up of the Tompolo Foundation.

    He expressed concern about the fate of millions of indigent children in riverside communities, who have to compete with their fortunate counterparts from urban areas .

    Speaking through the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, Ekpemupolo said the uneven playing field has negative impacts on the performances of pupils in their chosen careers.

    He said: “The vision and mission of the Tompolo Foundation is to promote quality education and health care delivery to the less privileged at little or no cost .”

    Ekpemupolo urged Nigerians, organisations and groups to support the foundation to enable him give indigent children and youths a sense of belonging in the society.

     

  • Syrian attack ‘kills’ 10 children

    Syrian attack ‘kills’ 10 children

    Activists in Syria said a government jet has dropped a cluster bomb on a playground, leaving 10 children dead.

    Video posted on the internet showed children’s bodies on the ground with their mothers grieving over them.

    The children were killed when a MiG fighter hit a playground in the village of Deir al-Asafir, east of Damascus, opposition activists said.

    BBC says intensive fighting has continued around the capital. Rebel fighters captured at least part of an airbase on Sunday.

    Further footage of the playground attack showed what appeared to be cluster bomblets on the ground.

    In recent months there have been mounting accusations that the Syrian government has resorted to using cluster bombs as the conflict intensifies, although those claims have been denied.

    “None of those killed was older than 15 years old,” Abu Kassem, an activist in Deir al-Asafir told Reuters news agency.

    He said 15 people had been wounded in the attack.

    An unverified report by activist group Local Co-ordination Committees put the number of casualties across Syria on Sunday at 117, including 14 children.