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LIFESTYLE EDITOR, TOMI FALADE TO UNVEIL TWO BOOKS ON FEBRUARY 11

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blacktalker
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Nigerian writer, journalist, and author Tomi Falade is set to unveil two literary exploits on Sunday, February 11.

The event is billed to be hosted by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st at De Rembrandt Hotel, Alausa, Lagos, and will see Falade unveiling her first two books, ‘OLOBUN: Matriarch Of Ondo, Mother Of Legacy’, and ‘Dates From Hell.’

Falade, an entertainment editor with Independent Newspapers Ltd, opened up on her foray into the world of writing as an author and journalism saying, “My love for literature is what led me to journalism, and after over a decade in the media industry, my flair for telling extraordinary stories has not waned. I believe it is time to share another facet of my literary exploits with the world in drama and story form.”

On why she chose to launch the two books together, she revealed that it was a mere coincidence.

“The plan was to originally launch Dates From Hell in 2023, but prevailing circumstances at the time made me move it to 2024. Now that the two books are ready I just thought that I could do both at the same time, so here we are. This is why I tagged the event as a book party.

“Many people do not realise that literature can be fun, this event is to show that we can genuinely have fun with literature.

“OLOBUN: Matriarch Of Ondo, Mother Of Legacy’ is a rich drama set in 15th-century Oyo and explores themes of adventure, exile, and the birth of the lasting legacy of the Ondo Kingdom, while ‘Dates From Hell’ is a collection of short stories based on true events of people on romantic dates.”

Falade’s flair for scripting extraordinary stories is evident in her extensive body of work, which includes well over a thousand stories and articles.

Her portfolio encompasses a variety of genres, with dozens of published features and investigative stories that reflect her commitment to delivering compelling narratives.

As the Life Editor (Saturday) at Independent Newspapers Ltd, Tomi Falade continues to shape the literary landscape with her editorial expertise and keen storytelling acumen.

Her ability to capture the essence of human experiences and translate them into captivating narratives has earned her respect and admiration within and beyond the journalism community.

“Dates From Hell” is poised to captivate readers with its promise of gripping tales, showcasing Falade’s unique storytelling style, while
OLOBUN is a recapturing of history reminiscent of the great playwrights of old.”

With her literary prowess, Falade remains a noteworthy figure in Nigerian literature, leaving an indelible mark with each piece she crafts.

COLLABORATION, KEY TO SAFER COMMUNITIES – OYEKAN

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blacktalker
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General Manager of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA) Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, FSIN, has harped on the need for effective collaboration in crime prevention and detection.

Speaking at a Roundtable with delegates of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands and other partners, Oyekan thanked the delegation for the recent handing over of the Office for Anti-Human Trafficking in Lagos State to the Agency to aid in the fight against human trafficking and related crimes.

He said, “We have both uniformed officers and undercover operatives spread across the state working to ensure that residents sleep with both eyes closed at night”.

Oyekan also said the Corps Officers have been able to foil many crimes and illegal activities across the State, stressing that about 10 cases of human trafficking were reported during the first week of the unveiling of the anti-human trafficking office.

He pointed out the role technology plays in the fight against crime, expressing his appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for approving the establishment of the situation room for the Agency. 

The General Manager noted that the Agency has extended its monitoring activities to the waterways, pointing out that a lot of crimes are being perpetrated on the waterways.

However, he lamented the uncontrolled migration of people into Lagos, saying “Our biggest challenge is that people migrate mostly from the North and other places making Lagos their final destination with no means of livelihood or solid plans for their welfare”.

In his response, the Head of the Delegation and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Mr. Wouter Plomp pointed out the power of social media handles in the fight against illegal migration, adding that people’s preference for the illegal approach because of their angst for a better life at all cost.

He said, “Even if we create a better way of migration, people will still opt for the other way”.

According to Mr. Sunday Aimiuwu of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to abate the “Japa Syndrome”, his Agency has engaged and sensitise youths in Ikorodu, Alimosho, and Ojo LGAs on how to travel the right way with the intervention of the International Office of the Migrants (IOM)

On his part, Mr. Alex of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons also said his organisation had a good collaboration with IOM and other agencies in respect of returnees from Niger, Mali, and Libya. 

He added that School Clubs were also created to combat the syndrome.

The meeting was attended by delegates from the Kingdom of Netherlands and their Embassy, Mr. Eric van der Burg; Minister for Migration at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mr. Peter Schuurman; Special Envoy, Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Eeuwke Faber; Deputy Director, General International Migration Management at the Ministry of Justice and Security, Mrs. Eva de Wit; First Secretary, Migration at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Representatives and Partners from IOM, PROMIS, NAPTIP, NNCFRMI, NOA, Anti Human Trafficking Taskforce, and the LNSA.

UNICEF RANKS NIGERIA AS THIRD HIGHEST IN FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

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blacktalker
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The United Nations Children and Education Fund, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Christiane Mundaute says more than 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone Female Genital Mutilation.

Mundaute said Nigeria also accounts for 10 percent of this figure, estimated at 19.9 million.

Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara state on Tuesday, at a symposium held to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation organised by the office of the First Lady of the State, Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq, Mundaute stated that this means “Nigeria holds the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone Female Genital Mutilation around the world.”

According to her, “Despite a slight decrease in the prevalence of FGM in the country, recent data shows the practice remains widespread, here in Kwara.

“FGM prevalence is highest among women aged 15-49, reaching 58% and for the 0-14 age bracket, it stands at 35 percent this means approximately 1 in every 3 girls experienced Female Genital Mutilation,” she said.

“We must act with a collective commitment to change to address this issue comprehensively. UNICEF along with our sister agency UNFPA have co-led the largest global program on the elimination of FGM aligning with the vision of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

She stated that. “In Nigeria, a UN Joint Program, initiated in 2014 in high-prevalence states, is expanding to other areas with the practice.

“This demonstrated our commitment to eliminating FGM. This year’s theme is “Her Voice. Her Future. Investing in Survivors-Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation” resonates with the journey we collectively embark upon to eradicate this harmful practice.

“In every survivor’s voice lies a testament to resilience, courage, and the unwavering spirit to shape a different future.

“Today, we amplify those voices—the voices of survivors who are not just reclaiming their lives but are also leading movements to end FGM.

“Their stories are a powerful testament to the strength within, inspiring us to action. A significant milestone achieved in 2023, ably led by the Government of Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF is the Movement for Good to End FGM.

 Facilitated by 10 youth-led Civil Society Organisations, this initiative has successfully scaled up grassroots social mobilization efforts – so far we have received over six million pledges – to protect girls at risk of FGM across the country.

“Furthermore, adolescent girls, equipped with the knowledge and skills are advocating for change through community engagement, resulting in more people openly disowning the practice and taking action to protect girls from FGM.

“Every survivor who steps forward contributes to a future where no girl will endure the pain and consequences of Female Genital Mutilation.

“Let us join hands, amplify these voices, and invest in the movements led by survivors. 

”Together, we can create a future where the echoes of pain are replaced by the chorus of empowerment, resilience, and a resounding declaration that FGM has no place in the lives of our girls, in our communities, and our nation”.

On her part, AbdulRazaq has said, “While current statistics on the prevalence of the practice favours the State less, the Kwara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the untoward trend is reversed.

“This is evident in the implementation and promulgation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and other existing protective laws to combat concerns relating to Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage, and other such concerns while actively promoting the dignity of every child, girl, and woman in the State”.

She added, “In complementing these efforts of the State Government and assuaging the concerns of women, children, and youths, however, my office and the Ajike People Support Centre have trained and provided work tools to several thousands of women and youths in the vocations of their choice.

“We have also led advocacies to end all forms of gender-based violence, support girl child and indeed all children education, and encourage healthy maternal and child nutrition among others.

“ In recognition that the leadership of women and girls is key to accelerating progress as well as contributing to equitable social and economic development, the Kwara State Government signed into law the 35 percent gender inclusion bill while constantly supporting women’s development and inclusion in all spheres”.

18 Federal Lawmakers-Elect to get Certificates of Return on Wednesday

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blacktalker
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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC will on Wednesday 7th of February 2024 present certificates of return to winners of the just-concluded rerun and bye-elections.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

On February 3, 2024, INEC conducted legislative by-elections and re-run in 26 states.

However, re-run elections were suspended in 20 polling units in Akwa-Ibom, Kano, and Enugu states due to irregularities.

According to the statement, seven political parties won seats in both the National and State Houses of Assembly.

“They are Action Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Peoples Democratic Party; and the Young Progressive Party,” the statement read.

Giving further details, the commission noted, “Certificates of return will be presented to the newly elected Federal lawmakers, comprising three Senators and 15 members of the House of Representatives.

“The presentation is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 2 pm at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

“The presentation of Certificates of Return to the State lawmakers-elect will be conducted by the Resident Electoral Commissioners in the respective states where the bye-elections or re-run elections took place.

“These presentations are to be arranged by the RECs and are expected to be completed by the end of this week. Elected members are encouraged to liaise with the RECs for further details.”

LASU HEALTH CENTRE SECURES HEFAMAA ACCREDITATION AS FULL HOSPITAL

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blacktalker
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…now the only Tertiary institution health facility to be so accredited in Lagos State.

Following an assessment and approval by the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the Lagos State University Health Centre has received accreditation to operate as a hospital, under the leadership of Dr. Nasir Ariyibi, Director, Health Services, LASU.

LASU Health Centre’s accreditation is in compliance with a Lagos State Government’s law that mandates all health facilities within the State to be accredited by HEFAMAA as one of the conditions for operations.

The certificate of approval and a signage board signifying the government’s approval were, on Monday, 5th January 2024, presented to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, by the Director, Health Services, Dr. Ariyibi, who was in the company of two members of staff of the Centre.

The Vice Chancellor, while expressing her happiness over the development, praised the Director for driving the accreditation process and assured that the Health Centre would continue to get all the support it needs to function optimally.

With the accreditation, LASU Health Centre has become the only tertiary institution-owned health centre in Lagos State to be accredited by HEFAMAA.

Lagos State Education District 2 Student, Imeh Favour Rescues Dying Asthmatic Victim

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blacktalker
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A student of Anthony Village Senior High School under the Lagos State Education District 2, Miss Imeh Favour has rescued a collapsed asthmatic victim.

Miss Imeh, who is currently in SS3 was on her way home after school on Wednesday, the 24th of January, 2024 when she met her classmate Ayinde Daniel who was running to the pharmacy to get an inhaler for someone who just had an asthma attack and is dying.

She immediately told him to tell her where it was happening, and he went ahead to the pharmacy, while Miss Imeh headed to the location of the incident.

When she got there, she noticed the man was lying face down and was still inhaling dust which was bad for his condition. Not so many people were willing to come close and touch the man. She tried to turn him over but could not as he was too weighty for her.

She asked for help and some people came close, helped turn him over and she started using her inhaler; although she does not share but was willing to share because it was an emergency.

After administering the first puff, the man didn’t respond, Miss Imeh administered another, but he still did not respond. At this point, she was becoming shaky and scared that the man might not survive.

She started to cry and eyewitnesses told her to calm down. With shaky hands, she administered the inhaler one last time and the man regained consciousness. With tears in her eyes, she embraced him and he thanked her for saving his life.

People around her appreciated and blessed her for being so courageous and helpful.

This act of kindness has since gone viral on the internet, drawing the attention of a broadcast media outfit, Mainland F.M 98.3fm.

Management of the said broadcast media outfit announced plans to visit the Anthony Village Senior High School on Tuesday 6th of February, 2024 to appreciate this young hero.

”AVAIL YOURSELVES OF INNOVATION AND CREATIVE HUBS” VC OGUNSOLA CHARGES OVER 8,000 UNILAG MATRICULANTS

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blacktalker
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The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, has charged newly admitted students to avail themselves of the various Innovation and Creative, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and various Hubs and Centres within the campus premises.

Professor Ogunsola gave the charge in her speech while declaring open the 2023/2024 Matriculation ceremony held for eight thousand, four hundred and forty-eight (8,448) candidates, out of the over fifty-three thousand (53,000) who applied to the University of Lagos. 

“Our university is in the forefront of Innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. We have various innovation and creative hubs, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and various Hubs and centres where you can incubate. Our Library has been repositioned to provide learning experiences through our maker space and online learning. 

I advise you that in the course of your programme, do avail yourself of the Innovation Technology Hub (ITMO), Entrepreneurship, Skills and Development Centre (ESDC), NITHub, and other programmes including the likes.

My dear students, I urge you to brace up for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in your academic endeavour. You will be equipped with the knowledge and resilience that will be crucial to navigate an ever-evolving world.”

The VC noted that the University of Lagos aims to make its students fit for purpose for the 4th industrial revolution which will be their reality.

”Jim Rohn, an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker once said, “Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” It is therefore important you use your time here judiciously.

Here at the University of Lagos, we develop thinkers who can challenge the status quo and contribute their quota to the development of our country. This is the time for you to prepare a foundation for your life. 

Study hard, grow, and experience the University, and I am sure that as Mark Twain an American writer, and entrepreneur, said “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did”.

So, I ask you to Explore, Dream, and Discover.” The future is bright. the VC added.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende, was present at the event to charge the Matriculants to lay the foundation for a successful future by setting their goals early and committing to them all the way.

Mr. Ogunlende presented the gift of a brand new laptop to Ms. Inioluwa Akinboboye of the Department of History & Strategic Studies who answered his question correctly during his presentation.

On her part, the Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde, administered the Matriculation Oath to students, according to their respective Faculties.

Super Eagles Beat Angola To Reach AFCON Semi-Finals

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blacktalker
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Nigeria has defeated Angola to become the first team to book a place in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D Ivoire.

Ademola Lookman was once again the hero, connecting with a cross from Moses Simon to put the Eagles in front in the forty-first minute.

 The goal was enough to secure a place for the Nigerians in the last four of the competition.

DSS warns troublemakers ahead of February 3 bye-elections

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blacktalker
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The Department of State Services, DSS has called for violence-free conduct during Saturday’s bye-elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission will conduct elections to fill various vacant political seats in 26 states of the country.

The states are Ebonyi, Yobe, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Taraba, Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom.

Others are Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Katsina, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara.

The DSS in a statement on Friday by its Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, urged the electorate and political parties to avoid any actions that could cause a breakdown of law and order.

“The service wishes to call on the electorate and participating political parties in the 3rd February 2024 re-run and bye-elections to be of good conduct during and after the exercises in the affected states.

“In this regard, the Service tasks the contending parties to shun all acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.

“Also, politicians and their supporters must strive to adhere to the electoral act and procedure,” the statement read in part.

While assuring the people of the service’s cooperation with other stakeholders including INEC and other security agencies to ensure an itch-free exercise, the statement also warned the media, civil organisations, and public commentators against divisive tendencies or narratives that could undermine the peace of the country.

“Similarly, the media, civil society, and community-based organisations are encouraged to shun divisive tendencies and fake narratives likely to undermine national order.

“It is inarguable that it is only if there is a livable country that individuals, groups or corporate bodies can pursue and realise their legitimate businesses and ambitions,” the statement noted

The service said it would not hesitate to bring anyone found wanting to face the full wrath of the law.

WATER TOURISM: LAGFERRY SET TO HOLD 2024 VALENTINE EVENT TAGGED EXCLUSIVELY LOVE LAGOS

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blacktalker
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As part of efforts to increase activities on the waterways and promote water tourism, the Lagos State Ferry Services, LAGFERRY is set to organise its annual valentine event tagged: Exclusively Love Lagos.

Managing Director of LAGFERRY, Ladi Balogun noted that the event which is also aimed at exploring the state’s blue economy will take place on board the Agency’s Barge code named: MV ADIMU ORISA.

Balogun said invited guest will also be opportuned to watch live, the thrills of AFCON football final match which is scheduled for on the eleventh of February, 2024 during the waterways event.

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