From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

In the heart of Umuafai, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, a struggling shelter stands as a silent cry for help. St. Vincent De Paul Home for Children with Special Needs, once founded with love and compassion, now teeters on the edge of despair, housing some of society’s most vulnerable children who appear forgotten by the very world they rely on.

On a quiet morning, shortly after a road walk sensitization campaign, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Abia State chapter led by its Chairperson, Comrade Josephine Ogwo, paid a charity visit to the home. It was a beacon of hope in an otherwise dark narrative. The visit, part of activities marking the association’s 34th anniversary, revealed a heartbreaking reality within the home’s walls.Gertrude Ukanwoke, the weary yet unwavering coordinator of the center, held back tears as she painted a painful picture of life at the facility. “These children are special, yet the economy has treated them like they don’t matter. Every day is a struggle, food is scarce, the road to the home is almost impassable, and our building is running out of space,” she said her voice thick with emotion.Founded over two decades ago, St. Vincent De Paul Home was established by the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia with the mission to care for children with mental and physical challenges, offering shelter, food, and a sliver of hope. But in recent years, the harsh economic climate and lack of consistent support have eroded the very foundation upon which the home stands.Children suffering from various forms of disability, many abandoned by their families or orphaned, live in conditions that can only be described as dire. Malnutrition is rampant. Some of the children appear pale and frail, their fragile bodies telling stories of prolonged hunger. Sr. Gertrude confessed that a 50kg bag of rice barely lasts through two meals.“The cost of food is beyond our means. We can’t even take in new children because we lack space, and the buildings we have are no longer safe,” she lamented. “NAWOJ’s visit today is an answered prayer; we do not know what would have happened without them.”Gertrude made a passionate plea to Governor Alex Otti, corporate organizations, NGOs, and compassionate individuals to come to their aid. She called for urgent intervention, to repair the road, renovate dilapidated structures, and build new ones to accommodate more children. “This isn’t about charity,” she said. “It’s about justice.”Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ogwo and former NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Nwaka Amauwa, emphasized the association’s commitment to using its platform to advocate for the home. “This is not a one-time visit. We are taking this story beyond these walls. These children deserve to be seen and helped,” Ogwo said.DAILY ASSET observed that the children waved at their visitors with smiles that seemed to defy the despair. Their resilience is both inspiring and haunting, a reminder that while they may have been forgotten by the system as a result of the present economic situation, their spirit endures, quietly hoping for a miracle.

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State has sentenced a man, identified as Saheed Babatunde, to eight-calendar-year imprisonment following his conviction on a two-count charge of theft and threat to life.The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps in connection with series of criminal activities, including the theft of property and issuing life-threatening statements.

According to the prosecution led by Barrister Oyedele Akintayo, representing the Attorney General of Osun State, Saheed Babatunde was arraigned on two counts: stealing and threatening to kill. These acts are contrary to Section 390(9) and Section 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.Delivering judgment, Magistrate Olatunji M.A. detailed the charges as follows:Count One: That you, Saheed Babatunde ‘M’ and others now at large, on or about the 16th day of April, 2025, at Isale Osun, Osogbo in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did steal iron sheets, cooking pots, and other household items valued at a total of N500,000 the property of one Ogundapo Azeez, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.Count Two: That you, Saheed Babatunde ‘M’ and others now at large, on or about the same date and location, did unlawfully threaten to kill one Ogundapo Azeez, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 86 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.The court, after reviewing the facts of the case and the evidence presented, found the defendant guilty on both counts. He was consequently sentenced to serve a total of eight years in prison.This conviction underscores the commitment of the Osun State judiciary and security agencies to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for victims of criminal activities.

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The implementation of the Investments and Securities Act 2025, enhanced investor sensitization as well as other issues are expected to top discussions at the First Quarter Capital Market Committee Meeting.The meeting, which would hold in Lagos May 19 at the Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island, also aims to develop strategies for enhancing the capital market’s role in driving economic growth and development through initiatives that attract investments, improve market efficiency, and safeguard investor interests in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the SEC, “The meeting will bring together key stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market to discuss the ISA 2025 as it relates to the industry’s current landscape, regulatory framework, and strategies for future growth. Participants will exchange ideas and reaffirm their commitment to fostering a robust investment climate characterised by innovation, sustainability, and investor protection.“The meeting would focus on critical issues affecting the market and ensure that those concerns were thoroughly addressed. To inform its deliberations, the committee will review reports from technical committees, market infrastructures, and industry observers. Emerging market trends will also be a focal point of discussion.”The Commission said the meeting would also deliberate on strategies to further educated and enlighten Nigerians on the activities of unregistered schemes as well as products available in the capital market.The CMC is an industry-wide body comprising the SEC, capital market operators, trade groups, and other stakeholders.It serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue, facilitates the exchange of ideas, addresses key issues impacting market growth and organisation, and collaborates on shaping the market’s future.The committee was established primarily as a means for stakeholders to exchange ideas and provide feedback to the SEC, aiding in the continuous improvement of market operations and regulatory frameworks.The meeting is expected to draw CEOs from all registered capital market firms, including brokers/dealers, investment advisers, custodians, fund/portfolio managers, and more.Strictly by invitation, attendance at both the CMC meeting and the press briefing scheduled for the following day, May 20, 2025, is mandatory for participants who should be seated by 9:45 am. The press interface is scheduled to further engage with media members and disseminate information from the meeting.“The usual interface with members of the Press will be held the following day Tuesday, 20th May 2025 at the Commission’s Zonal Office in Victoria Island, Lagos. Attendance at both events is strictly by invitation. All invited participants are expected to be seated by 9:45 am,” it stated.