NEWS
Impregnated 10-year Old Girl Gives Birth in Benue
From Chris Gaga, Makurdi
A 17 -year old boy who allegedly impregnated a Minor (10 years old girl) in Benue State is now in police custody.
This is even as the Benue State government has taken over the case of the impregnated Minor who was delievered of the baby last Sunday.
A famous humanitarian activist and member of CSOs, Ukan Kurugh had on Friday, upon notice of the girl’s critical condition, rushed her to a hospital in Makurdi, where she was delivered of a baby through a Caesarean Section(CS) on Sunday.
Speaking on behalf of government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Tabitha Igirgi, told journalists that they were at the hospital to take over the case a well as take care of mother and child.
Represented by the Director of Child Development in the Ministry, Mrs Ann Yaji, the Commissioner thanked the hospital management for accepting her when the Minor was brought to the hospital, as well as the Civil Society Organization for facilitating the admission of the minor.
She said the Benue State government was passionate about the vulnerable children and would take care of her like they have been doing to others.
She stated that the boy responsible for the pregnancy has been traced and is now in police custody.
The Medical Director of Foundation Hospital, where the girl delivered the baby, Dr. Ijiko Michael said mother and child were in good condition.
He thanked the state government for taking over the upkeep of the girl and advised that people should exercise restraint to avoid putting both baby and mother at risk of stigmatization and sundry issues.
“There are issues of rehabilitation, psychosocial issues among others. The system has not done justice to her, she has been out of school and we need to take care of our people especially the vulnerable”.
Dr. Ijiko who said the issue was beyond the girl alone therefore, pleaded with government not to fail in their duties to the girl because she was vulnerable.
A humanitarian and Civil Society activist who facilitated the admission of the minor into the hospital,
Ukan Kurugh appreciated the state government for stepping into the case.
“I want to say a big kudos to the state government. That is what a responsible government should do. The first lady through her NGO and the commissioner for women affairs has been very passionate about cases like this. So I want to thank them for this gesture, ” he said.
Ukan Kurugh expressed hope that justice will be served the little girl, even as he stated that CSOs would not interfere with the investigation of the police now that the alleged culprit was arrested. He however, maintained that they would keep a watch to ensure that he faced the music of the law.
DAILY ASSET gathered that the arrested 17 – year old boy had confessed having sexual intercourse with the 10 year old minor in December of 2018.
The source told our Correspondent that, upon discovery that the minor was pregnant, her foster Uncle married her out to a much older man, but the 10 -year old could not cope with the marriage and returned back under the care of the said uncle until her being put to bed.
NEWS
LITFCMB Condemns Illegal Use of Facility, Commends NAFDAC on Enforcement
By David Torough, Abuja
The Management of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board (LITFCMB) has strongly condemned the use of its facility for the production of fake products and any form of unwholesome activities, describing such developments as contrary to its long-standing commitment to promoting genuine trade and ethical business practices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Veronica Safiya Ndanusa, while speaking on the recent arrest of two persons connected to illegal revalidation of expired drinks and production of counterfeit consumables within the facility, said that relevant authorities have commenced investigations to uncover certain facts that will help in preventing future occurrence.
She warned that any individual or business found culpable of engaging in activities capable of jeopardising public health and undermining the integrity of local manufacturing would face the full weight of the law.
“As a body rooted in the principles of ethical business practices, transparency and genuine trade, we strongly condemn any activity that threatens public safety or brings the reputation of the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex Management Board into disrepute. Our facility exists to provide a conducive environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, not to serve as a breeding ground for the production or distribution of counterfeit and substandard products,” Ndanusa stated.
The LITFCMB boss while commending National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the enforcement operation; assured members of the public that the management was determined to work with all relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the facility is free of illegal activities.
Ndanusa further urged traders and business operators within the complex to uphold established standards, warning that the pursuit of profit must never come at the expense of consumers’ health and safety.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the nation’s Trade Fair Complex as a leading commercial hub, stressing that it would continue to support legitimate enterprises while maintaining zero tolerance for activities that undermine public confidence in locally manufactured products.
Education
Makurdi Old Boys Association Inaugurates BOT October 17, Launches N1bn Secretariat Project Fund
Government College Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) has completed arrangements to inaugurate its Board of Trustees (BOT) October 17, at the school premises.
The high profile event will also witness the launch of N1billion Appeal Fund for the construction of its National Secretariat Project.
A statement by the Association’s National President, Dr Cletus Akwaya and the Central Planning Committee Chairman Cmrd.
Stephen Tadawus, reminded all members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees Members-designate, invited Guests, and the entire MOBA family to attend the event punctually at Government College Assembly Hall, Makurdi beginning by 10:00AMThe statement said the Governors of Benue state, Rev.
Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; Plateau state, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutwang; Nasarawa, Engr. A. A. Sule and Bauchi, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed are expected to grace the occasion as distinguished guests of Honour.Similarly, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Benue State, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa and Executive Secretary, Teaching Service Board, Benue State, Dr. Bem Tseen have been invited as Special Guests, the statement said.
It named members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) to include Prince Yandev Amaabai, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Hon Hassan El Yakub SAN- Hon, Alhaji Abubakar Giza, Prof. Terna Yawe, Chief Rebo Usman, Dr. Dader Mazadu Bako, Engr. Ali Rabiu, Prof. John Wade, Arc. Terseer Dankaro and Titus Ihunduas Secretary of the Board.
This event marks a new chapter in the life of the Association. We request all Old Boys to massively turn out and support the cause of giving back to their Almamater,” the statement further said adding, All concerned are therefore, requested to come together to make this historic event a success and to contribute generously towards the completion of Makurdi Old Boy’s Associations’ National Secretariat Project.”
NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Prince Olusi at 90
Lagos State Govornor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of has described Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council of the Lagos Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), as an epitome of loyalty, trust, integrity and wisdom.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a congratulatory message to Olusi, the Baba Adini of Yorubaland and Atobatele of Ekiti, on his 90th birthday anniversary.
The governor described the nonagenarian as a father, whose counsel helped his administration to navigate challenges.
“Baba has taken me as a son; in fact, I am his political son.
He has guided me and offered advice on several occasions on matters of politics and governance while maintaining respect for the office I occupy.“He is a rare human being, whose wisdom, patience and peacemaking abilities remain invaluable,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said Olusi remained a repository of knowledge on the political and historical development of Lagos and the old Western Region of Nigeria.
According to him, the elder statesman has an exceptional understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.
“He can effortlessly recount events that shaped political decisions, from the days of the late sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group to the current republic,” he said.
The governor also commended Olusi for his loyalty to the APC.
“Baba Olusi firmly believes that the party is supreme.
“He often emphasises that no political group or association can stand the test of time if members fail to respect and abide by the party’s decisions,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He prayed for a longer life and continued good health for the elder statesman.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I pray that Baba enjoys good health for the rest of his life.
“I wish Prince Oluyole Olusi a happy 90th birthday anniversary,” the governor said. (NAN)


