An 18-year-old girl, Miss Ngozi Eze, has been raped to death by unknown persons in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.                               The Victim The deceased’s body was found in a bush behind Community Secondary School, Imufu, several hours after her family declared her wanted. Ngozi’s father, Jonathan Eze-Eze told the crowd which gathered in the bush where her daughter’s corpse was found that he took her on his motorcycle to the Township School, Ogrute, Enugu Ezike, where she went for JAMB lessons on Tuesday evening and went back later to pick her only to be informed that somebody had given her a lift. “I left Township School, Ogrute and went home straight, hoping to see her but she wasn’t there. We waited till 8 pm and started looking for her. “She was not the type that normally socialises. We did not sleep as her telephone number was switched off. It was only this morning (Wednesday) that we got information that her corps

Results on Wednesday from the WTA and ATP Miami Open hardcourt tournament (x denotes seeds): Men  4th rd   Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Daniil Medvedev (RUS x13) 6-4, 6-2   Quarter-finals   John Isner (USA x7) bt Roberto Bautista (ESP x22) 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/5) Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) bt Borna Coric (CRO x11) 7-6 (7/3), 6-2  Women  Quarter-finals   Simona Halep (ROM x2) bt Wang Qiang (CHN x18) 6-4, 7-5 Karolina Pliskova (CZE x5) bt Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 6-3, 6-4 KYLEOIVREPORTS .

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie has inaugurated a 7-man Board of Enquiry to investigate the allegations of the collection of unauthorised levies in public primary and secondary schools in Delta State.                      FILE: Broken Classes Mr Ebie while inaugurating the board in his office in Asaba stated that the board became necessary after a video of one Miss Success Adegor, a primary three pupil of Okotie-Ebor Primary School 1, Sapele who was allegedly sent home for failing to pay school fees went viral.  The education Commissioner stated that terms of reference for the board include to authenticate the claim of collection of unauthorised levies from pupils of Okotie-Ebor Primary School 1, Sapele and the nature of such levies, to identify the officer/individuals/ organizations who are behind the collection of unauthorised levies (if any) at Okotie-Eboh Primary School 1, Sapele and the extent of their involvement and to determine why M

                         President Buhari Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has alleged that some influential people working closely with the Federal Government are mounting serious pressure on its leadership to pay a congratulatory visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, following the outcome of the last month’s presidential election.  A source in CAN’s national executive body, who confided in Vanguard, said the pressure had now assumed the form of subtle blackmail against its leaders. He said: “We have seen how they are polarising the church so that it cannot act as a body. The Bible says the house divided against itself cannot stand. This is where we find ourselves today. If there’s no unity among us, who says the enemy cannot attack and go away? It’s very unfortunate. “If you know the pressure mounted on CAN leadership that we, as a body, have to go and congratulate the president. However, the church is saying this election is controversial and we see what is happenin

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has urged Nigerians to adopt health information technology system in driving health care delivery in Nigeria National President, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile who made the call at a recent Breakfast meeting of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, NACC, themed: Improving Quality Outcomes through Health Information Technology,  said   health information technology system in Nigeria’s health care delivery and medical curricula, at all levels was important. He said: “There is need for collaboration between relevant agencies and professional associations such as information technology, health and NMA, and other stakeholders to ensure the full deployment of information technology in the health sector in Nigeria.  We must encourage local capacity-building in the deployment of information technology in the health sector. This will enhance the development access and maintenance of the system” he said “Today, Hea

                                  Gunmen Kaduna—Unknown gunmen on Monday kidnapped a Catholic Priest, Rev. Father John Bako Shekwolo , in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The kidnap was confirmed by the Kaduna state police command which assured that operatives were already on the trail of the bandits. Similarly, the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, which also confirmed the kidnap of one of its priests called on well wishers to offer prayers for his release. Also, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna State chapter condemned the kidnap of the cleric and urged the government to address the issue of security in the state more seriously.  In a statement confirming the kidnap of the priest, the Chancellor of Kaduna Archdiocese, Rev. Father Daniel Kyom appealed to the kidnappers to release the cleric unharmed.  “As we ask for prayers of the faithful of the Archdiocese and beyond for quick release of Rev. Shekwolo, we appeal to the conscience of those who a

                                         Army PORT HARCOURT—The Nigerian Army has vowed to punish those found culpable in the killing of its men and other civilians in Abonnema during the elections. The Army disclosed this yesterday in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State when a fact-finding team, led by Major-Gen. Taritimiye Gagariga, visited the Amanyanabo of the town, HRM King Disrael Bob-Manuel. Gagariga stated that the military would remain fair in its judgment on the incident, adding that anyone found culpable would be punished. Gagariga, who was addressing the Amanyanabo and youths of the area said: “Don’t worry, those who caused the problems in Abonnema would be apprehended and punished for justice to take its cause.  “If you have any information that will help us unravel this, please let us know.” Responding, the Amanyanabo sued for calm among youths of the area, saying “I know that this incident is saddening. But continue to trust the military

                             Governor Dickson YENAGOA—BAYELSA State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson has lamented the environmental despoliation in the Niger Delta saying the region records about 40 million litres of oil spill annually as against 4 million litres recorded annually in the United States. Dickson in a statement issued in Yenagoa ahead of the formal inauguration of Bayelsa State Oil and Environmental Commission slated for DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, today, said the state has suffered vast environmental and human damage in spite of her contribution to the socio-economic growth of the country. He said:”The Niger Delta region records about 40 million litres of oil spill annually as against 4 million litres being recorded annually in the United States. “Bayelsa State accounts for forty percent of Nigeria’s oil wealth and hosts the operations of all the major multinational oil companies.  “Oil companies operating in the state have for decades acted with impunity an

                                   Burna Boy Nigerian Breweries Plc’s Star lager has unveiled a new commercial featuring the afro-pop artist, Burna Boy.   Speaking on the release of the commercial, Portfolio Manager, National Premium brands, Sarah Agha, expressed her delight on the commercial saying: ”Burna Boy is an amazing talent with a very likable personality, It’s no surprise he’s been so successful in the entertainment scene.  “It was interesting to have him star in our TVC as we prepare our consumers for what is to come in 2019. As you can see, his performance was full of joy and energy, and we look forward to unveiling bigger and brighter content with Burna Boy.” The commercial follows Burna through a photo shoot as he poses with the Star bottle and cans, and also features a very catchy hook which plays as a jingle all through the commercial. Over the years, Star has been unrelenting in its efforts at encouraging  Nigerians who are aspirational in their ambitions. Th

• Refugees and widows at the distribution centre for the Federal Government’s largesse. Abakaliki – It was all happiness and joy as 88 displaced persons in Ebonyi State weekend received succour from the Federal government through the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally displaced persons .  These category of persons including widows and youths were drawn from l1 villages  including  Ekpomaka,  Alike Ikwo and Inyimagu in  Ikwo Local Government Area of the state who were displaced following the menace of inter and intra communal clashes between Ebonyi and other neighbouring states. They were given N10, 000 cash each and equipment ranging from  Grain destoner,   pre-cleaner,   rice hauller, safety kits, fertilizers to layers mash to enable them become self reliant and settled to face the challenges of the present economic situation in the country. Before the distribution of the empowerment kits and cash, these displaced persons were trained for 5 days in th

Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria, IXPN, has for several years advocated that internet traffics generated within Africa should be kept in Africa. *From Left: CEO IXPN, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, AXIS project manager, Mr. Moses Bayingana, and Jacob Dagunduro of IXPN . This position has over the years, endeared it to African internet services practitioners However, today, that recognition has been extended to full honour as the African Union Commission, AUC just named the company regional internet exchange.  In 2016, the IXPN was  awarded a grant to enable it grow into a regional Internet Exchange for West Africa. Project Manager, African Internet Exchange System, AU Commission, Mr. Moses Bayingana said with many IXPs in Africa currently exchanging intra-country traffic locally and intra-regional traffic exchanged regionally; this will reduce the latency and save costs by eliminating the international transit through overseas carriers.  He added that through  AUC’s African Inte

                                     Oil Saudi Arabia cuts supply, targets $70 THE price of Bonny Light, Nigeria’s premium oil grade, yesterday, leaped to $68.00 per barrel in the international market as Saudi Arabia cuts supply in order to realise a target price of $70 per barrel. The oil grade opened the week’s trading at $67.00.  The price of other oil grades – Brent, WTI and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC Basket – also stood at $67.48, $59.98 and $66.67 per barrel respectively in the market. Consequently, OPEC which Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) rose from a recent meeting to review the market stated: “The JMMC reiterated the critical role that the “Declaration of Cooperation” has played in supporting oil market stability since December 2016 and took note of the expressed commitment of all participating countries to ensure that such stability continues on a sustainable basis, as overall conformity reached almost 90% for the month of

                                Javier Aguirre Pharaohs of Egypt head coach,  Javier Aguirre has given reason why the Liverpool henchman, Mohammed Salah was not in the squad that played against the Super Eagles in the friendly match saying that he’s trying to use the match to sample out other upcoming players in his team. The Pharaohs coach told journalists at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba that apart from Salah, there are other players like West Brom’s central defender Ahmed Hegazi and Aston Villa’s winger Ahmed Elmohamady who didn’t make it to Asaba. He said, “I decided not to bring Salah and other players because I want to watch other new players. I just want to use these friendlies with Niger Republic and Nigeria to watch new players I am looking forward to including in my squad for the  2019 AFCON.  “Salah is an important player no doubt but it was my decision to leave him out in order to watch other upcoming players. I have about six to seven players from the local le

THe United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, in collaboration with Imo State office of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, has organized a sensitization workshop in Ikeduru local government area of the state, geared towards exposing the dangers of female genital mutilation. The venue was Ikeduru Local Government Council Headquarters, Iho, and attendance was impressive. Apart from the participants, carefully selected resource persons were drawn from reputable organizations affiliated to UNICEF, non-governmental support groups, the NOA, Ministry of Health, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Child Protection Network, Child Rights Advocacy Consultants, Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Information and Strategy. Delivering a keynote address, the State NOA Director, Mr. Virus Ekeocha, recalled with glee that the United Nations General assembly had passed a resolution to support government, communities, girls and women concerned, towards the abandonm

Owerri — Tension has now enveloped the people of Ikeduru local government area, following the inability of law enforcement agencies to apprehend the brain behind three suspects who allegedly tried to bomb the local government collation center during the last governorship / house of assembly elections in the state. Protesting youths from Ikeduru local government area, demanding for the prosecution of suspected bombers and their sponsors, during the governorship/House of Assembly elections, at collation center,  Iho.  It incident happened at Iho, the collation center for Ikeduru local government area. South East Voice gathered in Owerri, that the three suspected bombers were arrested by the military while in possession of improvised explosive devices, IED. at the collation center as they were reportedly waiting to be given an order to blow it up the center and in the process, kill their targets before they were discovered and subsequently apprehended.  Ikeduru which is one of t

Video of an angry man who vowed not to lose all in a relationship has taking the various spaces in the social media Man, whose name is yet to be ascertained, was captured in a short video clip, furiously demanding to have back his alleged twenty thousand naira, (20k) which he reportedly gave to his purported ex-girlfriend Jane for her school fees. From the video, the girl did not deny collecting the money from the man, but was heard when she agreed to pay back the next day. However, the man who stormed her school to create a scene, forgot he was in a citadel of learning, where utmost serenity is needed.  He was spotted slapping, pushing and voicing out his anger in the midst of students presence at the scene. From the video also, a student was heard asking the girl her reasons for collecting the money from the man and still go ahead to break-up with him. Efforts made by some students to hold back the man from beating the girl was futile, as the man had more supporters than

OWERRI—An Imo State High Court presided over by Justice Benjamin C. Iheka yesterday, discharged and acquitted 73 persons accused in suit number HOW/166C/2018, of “conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearm, contrary to Section 6(b) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation 2004, as applicable in Imo State “.  The same suspects were also charged for armed robbery and membership of secret cults in suit number HOW/167C/2018. The suspects charged to court included Egwim Chinenye, Godspower Kinagbara, Bright Osita Ezihe, Benjamin Nyeohia, John Chiamaka, Miriam Frank and 67 others. According to Justice Iheka, when the two charges came up on November 13, 2018, they were consolidated for disposal in a single proceedings, on an unopposed application of the Defence Counsel, Mr. G. O. Tamuno.  While recalling that before closing it’s case, the prosecution called evidence of two persons, Sergeant Dimkpa Michael and Corporal Nwagbo Patrick, the Court

                                        Ikpeazu UMUAHIA-WORRIED by the recent spate of building collapse across the country, especially the one on Lagos Island, that involved school children, where scores of them lost their lives, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made out last week to visit some schools in the state on an oversight tour. The visit, SEV learned was for overall assessment of the schools in terms the structure, environment, academic standard, among other qualities, and warned that the Government would clamp down on substandard schools in the State. Ikpeazu insisted that all the schools in the must meet minimum standards. In particular, warned that schools cannot be allowed to run on flats in the State. He said his government is very serious about the quality of schools and their outputs. SEV observed that many private schools operate from flats in both Umuahia and Aba and in smaller towns, the environment is worse with thousands of children clamped in small rooms, Ikpeazu al

                                  Afe Babalola FRONTLINE Legal icon and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, has advocated that reputable Colleges/Faculty of Law in Nigerian Universities should henceforth be saddled with the responsibility of training Law graduates preparatory for their final Call to Bar Examinations at the Law School . With this proposed arrangement, Law graduates from Nigerian universities will proceed to these reputable Colleges/Faculties of Law, like ABUAD College of Law, with up-to-date facilities and Faculty members of international repute for their post-LL.B training and only go to the Law School to write their Call to Bar Examinations without being residential student in the Law School as is currently the case.  This way, Babalola, who spoke over the weekend at a reception in honour of the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Ciroma, SAN, said Nigeria would have borrowed a leaf from the practi