AFTER a long while, suicide bombers made yesterday a bloody return to Abuja, striking in a packed motor park on the outskirts of the city.

The insurgent group, Boko Haram, is suspected to have carried out the attack in which 150 people died. The police said 71 died, 124 injured.

But last night Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu released an official figures of horror.

He said 72 people died, 164 injured.

Most of the victims were workers, artisans and unemployed people trying to board cheap SURE-P buses early in the morning.

About 40 vehicles were burnt during the blast, including 16 luxury buses and 24 other commercial vehicles. At the scene were women’s handbags, shoes and other personal effects.

Eight mortuaries were filled to the brim. Hospitals were pleading for blood donation to save lives.

British High Commissioner to Nigerian Andrew Pocock led other officials of the High Commission to the national blood transfusion centre in Abuja to donate blood for the treatment of the victims. Many Nigerians also donated blood.

Some of the clinics are National Hospital, Maitama General Hospital, Garki Hospital, Asokoro General Hospital, Wuse, General Hospital and Nyanya General Hospital,

National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki held an emergency meeting with the Service Chiefs.

Although a preliminary probe of the incident by all security agencies was in progress as at press time, it was learnt that the body of one of the suspected suicide bombers had been deposited at the Wuse General Hospital.

The incident happened between 6.30am and 6.55am at a bus terminal in Nyanya where a teeming crowd of commuters had converged to catch buses to work .

It was gathered that the blast went off while some of the commuters had boarded about 10 of the luxury buses and others were scrambling for seats in 20 commercial vehicles.

The blast created a two feet deep, ten feet wide crater and threw objects as far as 200 metres.

A top security officer, who pleaded not to be named because he is not allowed to talk to the media, said: “From preliminary findings, a Golf car, XQ 229LSD, was parked near the buses where commuters had converged.

“Report indicated that five insurgents came out of the car, pretending to be waiting to join a bus.

“But these insurgents had barely alighted when the remote controlled bomb went off.

“As a matter of fact, one of the suicide bombers was killed and his body was deposited at Wuse General Hospital. We saw all manner of charms or amulets on his chest.”

Another source said: “We learnt the Golf car rammed into the buses in what appeared a clear case of suicide mission.

“Within the twinkle of an eye, about 10 luxury buses were in flame. Most of the victims were trapped inside the buses.

“The blast shook all buildings nearby, including another suburb in Karu.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “Boko Haram is likely to be responsible because that is the pattern of suicide mission of the sect.”

Security agencies have started investigation into the explosion, with the retrieval of number plate of the Golf Car.

The car was smothered but some metals have been collected for forensic analysis, which could guide our intelligence gathering on how the explosion occurred.

“Attempts are being made to identify the owner of the car as I am talking to you. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has been mandated to get to the root of how the car was registered or how it has exchanged hands,” said the source.

The British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has offered the country’s “deepest condolences” to the bereaved and those who are injured in the bomb blast. he also condemned the attack saying the perpetrators must be brought to “swift justice.”

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSP Frank Mba, said: “After the visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the scene of bomb explosion this morning in Nyanya District on the outskirts of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, security agencies have confirmed that 71 persons have so far lost their lives while 124 others have been conveyed to about eight hospitals for treatment.

“About 16 luxury buses were razed and 24 others were destroyed in the blast.

“Information centres would be opened at all the hospitals where survivors were being attended to in order to provide information to their families.

“Experts from the Bomb Disposal Squad have combed the area. Security agencies have been placed on red alert throughout the Federal Capital Territory following the explosion that occurred at about 6.55 a.m.

“The agencies are already paying very close attention to all vulnerable points, including motor parks.

“Most of the affected passengers were workers and petty traders who were to be conveyed by commercial vehicles to the Abuja City Centre.”

The post Boko Haram kills over 150, injures 164 in Abuja appeared first on The Nation.

TRAGEDY shattered a jolly evening when blood mixed with a feast on Lagos Island on Saturday, March 29, 2014. The feast was to celebrate the arrival of a baby by a couple living at No 168, Adeniji Adele Street. The guests who turned out in pink ankara had wished for an encore as they danced to melodious music wafting from the giant speakers placed on the premises of a public vocational and skills acquisition centre where the event was held. But the joyous mood soon paved the way for a pall of grief when some policemen from Area ‘A’ Lion Building allegedly fired indiscriminate shots into the crowd. The hot bullets allegedly hit one Rasheed Olundegun, an employee of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and he died on the spot. The policemen, according to sources who asked not be named, had visited the venue of the ceremony and were said to have been handed food and some amount of money by the celebrant called Lanre. They allegedly left, but returned a few minutes later accusing some men of smoking Indian hemp. Attempts to persuade them to leave one of the men wrongly arrested failed as they started shooting sporadically to scare away people. The shooting was said to have caused pandemonium as people scampered for safety. Olundegun, who by then had just returned from a hospital where his ailing wife was rushed, however, was caught by the bullets while trying to run for his life. He felled down in a pool of his blood and died immediately. His 45-year-old wife, Bolatito, did not survive the shock of the news of her husband’s death. She was said to have died at the hospital when told of her husband’s death. She was buried on April 1 and is survived by two children. An eyewitness, who asked not to be mentioned, said: “Olundegun was hungry when he returned from hospital where his wife was rushed. He wanted to send someone to buy food from a vendor when he was told that the food being prepared to entertain guests at the party was ready. He was just about going to take the food when the police officers started shooting and was felled by their bullets. “I was talking with someone at the party when the teargas canisters fired landed near my foot. The policemen later started shooting as if those at the party were criminals. The late Olundegun had not even eaten the food he was given when he was shot dead. His wife who was admitted to a hospital died from the shock of her husband’s death when she received the news. A community leader, who spoke in confidence, explained that another resident was shot in the arm during the incident, while the policemen fled leaving the lifeless body of Olundegun on the spot. A neighbour, who was identified as Saheed Dosunmu, also had his left arm shattered by bullets during the incident. A resident, Gbade Lawal, said:“One Saheed Dosunmu, who was seated quietly was also shot and he is battling excruciating pain on his arms. The anti-robbery team led by one Inspector Asubiaro hurriedly left the scene as soon as the implication of their action dawned on them.” Peace further took a flight as aggrieved residents protested the gruesome killing of Olundegun. It was at that stage that a patrol team of policemen from the Adeniji Adele Division was attacked by a mob. Their vehicle was set ablaze while the men called for reinforcement to contain the fearless protesters. “Angry residents took to the streets to protest the killing and ambushed men of the Adeniji Adele Police Division who were patrolling the area. They burnt their patrol van and the confrontation lasted many hours,” Lawal said. “In order to cover up their misguided action, the policemen went to town with stories that they were attacked by hoodlums and that Olundegun was killed during the incident. They arrested the celebrant and other innocent residents mostly of Igbo extraction. The truth is that Olundegun was shot dead by an officer called Ola, aka Up Chelsea, who is now walking free. Meanwhile, a community leader, Prince Mukaila Akinsemoyin, has written a petition to the office of the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, asking him to intervene in the matter. A copy of the petition obtained by our correspondent reads in part: “It will be extremely hard for police to lie their way out of this…on March 29, 2014 about 10 pm, at FSP Centre, along Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos Island, there was a naming ceremony going on when a group of policemen from the Lion Building Area ‘A’ Command headquarters stormed the party on the excuses that they sighted someone smoking marijuana in the street. As a result of this, the celebrant, according to eyewitnesses, gave the police the sum of N5000, so that his party would not be disorganized. The policemen collected the money from the celebrant and left. “A few minutes later, the same patrol team came back to the party and started shooting sporadically into the crowd as a result of which one Rasheed OIundegun was shot dead instantly, while one Saheed Dosunmu was also hit by bullets on his left hand. When the news of the death of Olundegun filtered to the hearing of his wife who was on admission in a hospital, the woman died. ‘’This is not the first time this so-called antirobbery team from the Area ‘A’ Command has been carrying out their nefarious activities in the area…the entire patrol team involved should be arrested and investigated and brought to justice. This is about ending impunity. ” Attempts to get the response of Lagos police spokesperson, Ms Ngozi Braide, failed as her phone was switched off, while a message sent to her phone line by our correspondent was not replied at press time. When her deputy, Mr Damasus Ozoani, was contacted, he declined comments, saying: “As I speak, I am attending a training programme outside Lagos, hence I cannot speak on the matter.”

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Senator Gbemi Saraki, the beautiful daughter of the late godfather of Kwara politics, Senator Olushola Saraki, is presently enjoying a new status in Kwara politics. At the recent state PDP congress, held last week, Gbemi shocked other political heavy weights in the PDP when she made it clear to all that others needed rare political skill to stand shoulder to shoulder with her when political matters are on the cards. This is understandable, because she was born into politics and also spent 12 years at the National Assembly under the tutelage of the late Wazinrin of Ilorin. After the congress that lasted for two days, Senator Gbemi Saraki emerged as the state PDP leader, registering herself as a master and authority in the game. The senator made others face a crushing defeat and had their pride and political egos deeply wounded and deflated. The ever-smiling senator has revealed an innate resilience and passion that has kept her going against all odds.

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The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, is said to have shelled out multi-million naira for a new Bently Continental GT convertible 2013 series for his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, as her birthday gift. Lady Cherry clocked 62 penultimate Sunday, and as a surprise, the Esama took his lovely wife on a journey to their London home and presented the wonderful ride to her as gift. The luxury car is parked inside the igbinedons’ London home where the family held a private party for their matriarch. The man of means presides over chains of businesses which cut across all sectors of the economy. He is the chairman of Okada Group of Companies.

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Making men look trendy is his profession. But Waheed Sonibare, the brains behind the much-talked about Twice As Nice in Nigeria has proved that he is truly an embodiment of what he does for a living. Twice As Nice stocks very expensive fashion apparels and accessories and caters exclusively for high net worth individuals, the rich and the famous. Few days ago, the fashion forward dude showed his other side by staging a workshop against rape. The workshop was organised in conjunction with Project Alert on violence against women. The road show, which paraded all the staff of Twice As Nice, was tagged “Rape is evil”.

Rape is a very serious offence in Nigeria, and is classified as felonious. Convicted offenders risk jail terms of between seven and 14 years depending on the discretion of the judge and the nature of the offence. Recently, the Niger State House of Assembly passed into law a bill seeking to review the 14-year jail term for rape convicts to 21 years without option of fine. Some other states of the federation are also reviewing laws on rape to curb the upsurge of the heinous crime.

According to the Nigerian penal code, “A man can be held guilty of rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, if consent was unlawfully obtained. And section 37 of the criminal code act, CAP 17, Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990 opines that any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of false threats or intimation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or in a case of a married woman, by impersonating her husband, is guilty of an offence called rape “.

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Omosede Igbinedion is enjoying a new lease of life at the moment. Though she is still single, but eligible suitors continue to swarm around her like butterflies over pollen nectar. Lest you think that Omosede is just another victim of over-exaggerated spinsterhood gone awry, she isn’t. In fact, the mother of one had once been married. Probably disillusioned by her unpleasant experience in wedlock, she never misses an opportunity to impress it on her friends that marriage isn’t anywhere near the top of the list of her priorities, at least for now.

It will be recalled that Omosede was once married to Prince Aven Akenzua, the son of the Enogie of Obayanto, HRH Uyiekpen Akenza. Omosede has put the emotional trauma and all the baggage of marital heartbreak behind her in order to focus on more important endeavours like raising her son and growing her business. Omosede, who is rumoured to be having a relationship with Ayiri Emami, was recently sighted with her son, Prince Akenzua, in Milan, Italy. And from all indications, things are going on smoothly for her.

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RECENTLY, I happened to experience the romance between the British Airways (BA) and The Langham, London, a royalty that is one of the world’s best hotels. And as they say, birds of a feather flock together. I witnessed the relationship between the highly revered United Kingdom’s air vessel and a destination hotel, which is five-star in the real sense of the word.

My vacation which is happening for the second time in my entire work life, offered this priceless experience that “planted” me on a BA’s Business Class, otherwise referred to as the Club World. As I regaled my way through the Muritala Mohammed International Airport’s fast track, I could not but remember actress Funke Akindele’s Jenifa character; and at that moment, I wished I could see a detractor trudging along the clustered economic passengers’ queue, and then scream some scornful remarks. But, of course, I was only an “opportunist”-permit me to be rude to myself, should you find the word derogatory.

The Club World provided yet another enthralling pre-flight moment in an executive lounge, where I met my “peers”, some of them government functionaries, top NNPC officials reeking of “oil” perfumes, businessmen and women, among others. Safe for a journalist colleague, Azuka Ogujiuba of Thisday , I didn’t get to meet others in my team until at the arrival lounge in Heathrow, the next morning.

But the aura of the Club World lounge at the MMIA, Lagos is not as strong as what you get in BA’s Heathrow’s Terminal 5. Obviously, Heathrow, which in itself is a community larger than some cities, provides the needed space for all the pre-flight comfort which is like home in transit.

There are six lounges within the exclusive British Airways terminal: the Concorde Room, the First-Class lounge, three club lounges and an Arrivals lounge. Interestingly, Terminal 5, as I later gathered, allowed BA to radically overhaul its airport lounges.

Touted as the epitome of elegance and luxury, these lounges, otherwise called galleries, were reportedly built at a cost of £60 million and are capable of hosting up to 2,500 people. There is also a 100 percent increase in the number of showers and bathrooms, a 60 percent increase in washrooms, 25 percent more customer service desks and a total of 166 personal computers installed to make life easier for customers.

I never really kept awake on a long flight, especially at night, until I flew on BA’s Club World cabin to London. It was not the first time I was flying a Business Class on the same route; in fact, I had flown First Class of some airlines, but with less satisfaction.

The beauty of the Club World is not something a first-timer will let slip away. There is so much to behold that I kept myself busy, toying with the ‘z’ bed position that extends to six-foot, six-inches and allows the body to assume a position similar to that in zero gravity. As I was trying every position, I was also saying yes to every offer of meal and beverage: after all, it was a vacation trip and a starter in a series of intended trips I call a multiple course meal.

I was bowled over by the Club World’s offering of flexibility to sleep, work or relax, so that passengers can arrive refreshed and ready for the day ahead. It is not surprising that the product is unique because the company holds a patent on the ‘yin-yang’ forwards/backwards seat design, and is the only airline to offer a seating arrangement of this type.

The current Club World cabin has been rolled out across the vast majority of the fleet, with the main exception being certain Boeing 767 aircraft (some of which continue to offer our previous Club World seat).

After what I call a fine dining on board, of a three-course meal designed by top chefs, part of my vigil was a stint at the club’s kitchen which is available in-between meals, with a selection of snacks and treats provided by names such as Waitrose and Cadburys as well as a range of smaller local producers. There, I helped myself to some glass of quality wines before falling back, flat on the bed.

There were up to 100 films, TV programmes and play games on a 10.4-inch digital screen. I thought of watching every film. It was a crazy idea, as I hadn’t been to the cinemas for a while, ever since my work routine changed- a situation that confines me to the production desk on a daily basis. It is not the best for the kind of exposure my job requires, but it is certainly the most responsible thing to do at the moment.

I played a bit of every movie, but settled for two films which I saw from start to finish; the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Although I had seen both films before, it was a pleasure seeing them all over, and being able to reflect on these two historical films by drawing inferences from Nigeria’s Half of a Yellow Sun, the much- publicised Biyi Bandele’s adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s Orange Prize novel of the same title.

Part of the Club World’s features is the possibility of shutting yourself out to others in the cabin. I did, using the electronically-operated privacy screens with an innovative opaque material, with which I created the seclusion. This newly refreshed interior features new lighting and a softer colour palette of neutral warm grey, navy and blue to create a relaxing and stylish environment.

Comfort in this cabin is enhanced by thicker pale taupe quilts, new linen and pillow fabrics in the traditional Osborne and little damask design.

But the story of BA’s trendiness is not reflected only in exquisite lounges, innovative cabins and warmth of Heathrow’s Terminal 5, but in the gaiety of The Langham Hotel, a five-star partner, and London, a city which, in the axiom of William Sansom, is “a bad habit one hates to lose.” This inscription, like many of its kind, you would find as you are about to climb the 72–floor Shard tower, which offers an exciting aerial view of London and its remarkable spots.

I find this phrase by Samuel Johnson particularly thought-provoking. It says: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” I’ve decided to keep this analogy close to my chest, until I get back to work and double check with two of my colleagues: David Adejo and Seun Akioye, both returnees who have sworn never to make the UK their permanent residence again.

But of course, if the words of John Berger are anything to go by, London comes across as a city that owes no one an apology. He says: “London is a teenager, an urchin, and, in this, hasn’t changed since the time of Dickens.”

The walls of The Langhan are a preservation of culture and physical identity. This is what you find of most structures in London, which remains an ancient but not rustic city; a modern ambiance of greenery and artistry beyond colours; a city with a rare of yellow or red, but whose buildings, if painted at all, range from off-white, brown, kaki green, brick stones and other reticent colours, priding on quality and royalty.

Thus, apart from the flags hanging on The Langham, the portrayal of a true London’s colour, for me, began with the politeness with which the hotel officials helped us out of the car on arrival and delivered the luggage to the rooms upon check-in.

For two days, The Langham, located on 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, provided the home we were so eager to return to, each night, after a tour of the city. The team also had Delores Aghedoh (TW Magazine), Nike Sotade (The Guardian) and Lawal Lanre-Idowu (Ebonyife TV).

The cuddle-feel effect of the bed in London’s erratic weather, the soothing holistic day treatment at the Chuan spa and the traditional afternoon tea at the Palm Court was equal to none. The afternoon tea, especially, is an indulgence, which I learnt was born over 140 years ago, and has gone ahead to win the ‘Oscars’ of the Tea World; The Tea Guild’s Top London Afternoon Tea 2010 and Service of Excellence 2013 for three consecutive years. The tea party provided an insight into The Langham’s enviable feats, through our interaction with an amiable gentleman, Nick Barrington-Wells, the hotel’s Director of Marketing Partnership.

The hotel, I must say, has an unrivalled location in the heart of the West End, sitting between four of the city’s most sought-after areas: Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Mayfair and Soho. With access to the bustling shops and restaurants of Regent Street and Bond Street to the south as well as the professional and residential communities of Marylebone and Fitzrovia to the north and only a short stroll to leafy Regent’s Park, making The Langham perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

With our host, Camilla Barrett, BA’s Deputy Head of International PR Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and Middle East, there was no dull moment after the brief snap. In no time, we were at Jo Malone, the flagship store for hand and arm massages, where we had a fragrance consultation with the brand’s experts. This visit, including our view of the iconic London from The Shard and the Western Europe’s tallest building, is an exciting experience. This, no doubt, is a story for another day, plus the Westfield shopping experience, the ultimate luxury shopping and leisure destination, where Nigerians are the biggest spenders.

Looking back at London now, even as someone who has been there several times, the British Airways/Langham tour experience, I would say, offered new insights and pleasure. With an enduring nostalgia, I reminisce on the wine gallery, work and entertainment zones, the Elemis travel spa, the leading skincare expert, which offers customers a spa treatment as part of their travel experience, and the lounge’s glow of a Swarovski crystal chandelier.

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Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the billionaire mogul, brought together the creme de la creme of Lagos and Oyo high society at his Oluwanisola esttate, Ajah, Lagos, last week Sunday when he staged a superlative Nikkai for his daughter, Hadiza and Olamiju Alao-Akala, the son of former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala. The event drew a perfect blend of choice guests, ranging from technocrats, industrialists to young professionals who see the bride’s father as a role model and society heavyweight. Among the guests in attendance were Oba Adedapo Tejuosho; Otunba Subomi Balogun; Chief Rasheed Ladoja; Musiliu Smith; Justice Oguntade; Prince Samuel Adedoyin; Dame Abimbola Fashola; Mrs Opral Benson; Hajia Abbah Folawiyo; Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Demola Seriki and many others. The couple met about one year ago and their love blossomed into marriage. If what we hear is to be believed, they are already enjoying their honey moon somewhere quiet and exquisite.

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Senator Ifeanyi Ararume is presently over the moon. Yes, he is now a grandfather, as her daughter, Amaka Benson, who is married to Yomi Benson, the son of late Chief T. O. S Benson, recently gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. And the new baby has been named Demilade. The child’s dedication has been fixed for tomorrow Sunday, April 27, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. The Ararume and the Benson families will dig into their depth of vast socio-political contacts to make the day as remarkable and grand as possible.

The invitation letters sent out to invitees are so beautiful that a few invitees have enthused that its quality could make anybody go green with envy. Expectedly, many people are eager to be part of the memorable celebration. Everything points to the fact that the child dedication would be classy. Celeb Watch gathered that Yomi Benson would be sparring nothing in his boundless reservoir of goodwill and resources to celebrate his woman and new baby.

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Many pupils sit on bare floor

Walk 280-metre distance to answer call of nature

Flood disaster affected the school —SUBEB scribe

THE sun shone with a certain kind of venom that morning. Not minding the heat, pupils of State School, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, ran playfully around the premises, screaming and laughing away.

The second-term examinations were about starting; and after the revision process, it was time for the long-awaited break. And they made good use of it. As the schoolchildren played on, they were perhaps temporarily removed from their present reality – learning under unpleasant conditions and having to trek a long distance before using a lavatory.

The scenery was a mixed grill. Shirts flew in rhythmic succession with the wind as some boys were seen playing with their makeshift ‘balls’ in a small group, while others, along with girls, sampled other games. Like in the case of the president, some had no shoes on; others wore rubber slippers or ‘shoes now turned slippers’. There was tattered-looking clothing as there were those who wore neat ones with shoes and/or stockings neatly folded. Despite the mix, they were united by play.

The history

As they amused themselves, they were oblivious of the great history behind their school, having produced men and women of repute, among whom are President Goodluck Jonathan and a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, now monarch of Imiringi, HRH Augustus Elliot Osomu. Along with other illustrious sons and daughters of Otuoke, these bigwigs once shared their playground; even though at that time the school had a different name, was in a different location and was from Primary One to Three. After completing Primary Three in the school, the President then moved to St. Michael’s Primary School, Oloibiri, to continue his Primary education.

“The school was founded in 1937 by missionaries and was known as St. Stephen’s Primary School then,” said an alumnus and teacher of the school, Mr Obele Isaiah, 34. “At that time it was inside the community, beside the Anglican Church where the Town Hall now stands. Although there are conflicting dates about when it was moved to its present place (I think it was around the late 80s), but while I was a student, the name was changed to All State School under Governor Rufus Ada-George and later to State School. And now it has been divided into State School One and State School Two to manage the number of pupils we have.”

Obele said the quality of education offered to pupils and dedication of teachers all through the years have been the bedrock behind the quality of persons the school has produced, adding that they were made to compete with secondary school pupils. Hearing Obele talk passionately about the school and seeing the pupils’ hearty and carefree disposition, one is forced to appreciate the wealth of humble beginnings.

The values

The L-shaped and M-shaped buildings (split in the middle by an independent building housing the library) located at the far end of the large compound houses the two schools. The school is next-door neighbour to President Jonathan’s Country Villa, containing three magnificent edifices, with Otuaba road separating both structures. And on the Main Road , it is directly opposite the Anglican Church on the Yenagoa/Otuoke Road . And not far away from it is the Federal University Otuoke, (FUO).

This reporter met with only the Headmaster of State School One, Mr Inema Sylvester Damini, because at the time of her visit, his contemporary was not on seat. Damini said the core values of dedication and academic excellence establishing the school can be linked to the quality of its products. “I was told that apart from President Jonathan, this school has produced other highly-placed men and women from within and outside the town, like my teacher, Mr Obele, who has completed his HND and hopes to further his education but has come back to educate the young. It was possible because of the unity that had existed between community and the school authorities. At its establishment, it was said that the community tasked themselves to build the school. Also, pupils were dedicated to their studies; and parents monitored their educational development. And although teachers were not as many as they are today, they were very dedicated and serious,” he said.

Damini said he and his team are determined to ensure that the school’s standard does not dwindle. The school has a library that gives pupils access to books, which, he said, is meant to improve on their reading culture. There is an ultra-modern computer pool with about 60 computers donated in 2010 by ETF but has remained moribund due to logistics problem, it was learnt.

The decay

Given its choice location and historical background, it is, however, unfortunate that the school is in a state of disrepair. The bright coloured-yellow-and-green paint coating on the wall of what appears as new buildings, with most windows facing the Main Road intact, are deceptive of the decay that lies within.

The Nation gathered that the pupils, particularly those in State School One, are currently learning under very harsh conditions and unpleasant environment. Aside Primary Six that has all its doors and windows intact, other classes lack doors with some windows that have fallen off at the back, thus, giving free entry to sunlight and rain. The pupils often suffer the harsh rays penetrating into their room and are drenched, especially when it rains heavily; leading to concurrent feverish conditions.

No chairs

In some classes, blackboards are held up by wooden or plastic chairs or tables; the floor and ceiling boards have cracks in them; and there are not enough benches and chairs to go round. For instance, in a class of 60 pupils, the benches and chairs might not be more than 10. As a result, the pupils are forced to receive lectures sitting on dusty bare floors. Pupils were seen struggling for the little available seats. Most of their clothes were worn-out, perhaps due to the wear and tear of the constant washing that comes with sitting on a bare floor.

“The classrooms are too small for the number of children we have. A single class now has more than 50 pupils; and more are coming every day. In some cases, two classes are merged into one to contain the pupils. The ceiling board and floors are bad. And we do not have enough chairs and tables. You’d find five, six to seven pupils forcing themselves to sit on only one seat. Only recently Christ Embassy donated 50 plastic chairs and tables for only Primary Six and after closing, we’d pack for security reasons.

“With the school not properly fenced, security has been a major setback on the development of the school, especially hampering the use of the computer pool. People use here as a walkway because there are no gates and the fence has fallen off. And this is why thieves can have easy access in spite of our security guards. Nevertheless, by the grace of God, next term, we would start teaching computer because we now have better security guards with sufficient padlocks. And the computers that were stolen have been replaced by the guards,” Damini recounted their plight.

The nursery classes have a unique arrangement, it was discovered. The benches and chairs in the large classroom shared by Nursery One, Two and Three had not more than six chairs in all. A nursery class which should not be more than 20 by education standard had about 55 pupils in Nursery One and 60 in Nursery Two and Three, which, Damini said, are combined for lack of space. Most of them sat playing on the ground; others loitered about within the room, while their teachers sat separately, each on a bench and chair, as the pupils stepped forward in turns to answer their questions.

On one of the visits to the nursery, a drama ensued. A little girl stood crying profusely as she stared out of the window with her eyes following the reporter into the class. Confused and not understanding what was wrong, the reporter waved her “sorry” from a distance. Not satisfied, the girl cried some more. The class teachers, obviously having their hands full of conducting exams for a large class, were oblivious of her plight. Moved by the sadness in her eyes, the reporter scanned the room for something to pacify the little one. Unfortunately, there were no teaching/learning aids, no baskets or shelves full of toys, no plaything, no Barney or Dora with which to pacify her.

Feeling frustrated, she then moved closer, reached out, stroked her head and said: “Sorry little one, sorry”. Responding almost immediately, the girl smiled, turned and played with her mates as if nothing had happened. Surprised, this reporter smiled, stared at the hollow in the middle of the ceiling and missing windows; shook her head and walked back to the Headmaster’s office.

Toilet palaver

The headmaster lamented further that the school lacks pipe-borne water and the lavatory is another major challenge the school is faced with. At present, there are no restrooms for both staff and pupils. The two buildings meant for toilets have been long abandoned because they were not properly finished. Pupils are left with no option than to use the wooden community toilets faraway on the creeks that would take about 10 minute-walk or more, which may also take longer for a child, to reach. The teachers complained about its unhygienic nature and the constant danger their wards are faced with. “It is not hygienic or safe for us but what can we do? Imagine these kids leaving the school and trekking to that place the community toilet is by the bridge when they are pressed! With all these tippers and ‘crazy’ drivers coming and going on the express, we are always afraid for the children. Even we, the teachers, have no choice but to go there when we are pressed,” Obele said.

On a visit to the place, it was discovered that one would have to walk quite some distance that Google Map estimated to be about 280 metres before one can get relief. If a standard football pitch is about 100metres long, it means one would have to walk the distance of about two football pitches before he/she can get relief. One would need to walk past the president’s villa down the bridge, into the construction site of the villa to reach the two separate wooden buildings serving as toilets, which are separated into male and female.

The male toilet was recently refurbished by the construction firm working on site, it was learnt.

Covered with thick grasses, which may not be free from snakes and dangerous reptiles, and a fallen cement pole that may be difficult for a child to climb, is the female toilet that is another walking distance away from the male’s. On entering, one cannot but wonder how the children have been coping with this unhygienic arrangement.

After jumping over the pole, one would then have to take her pick from any of the eight wooden doors with square openings staring directly into the water where one is expected to stoop to relieve oneself. The place smelt of stench, buzzed with flies, the rays of the sun penetrated the wall from all corners and the size of the hole can swallow up a child. It is a miracle that it has not swallowed up any before now.

The lamentation

While lamenting the sorry state of the school, Damini called on the government to look into their plight. “How long can we continue like this? The government should come to our aid. This school is supposed to be upstairs with the upper side holding the senior primary and the downside the junior primary. I have written letters to the Ministry of Education to supply chairs, I have not got any reply. I’ve been to Okolobiri; and written letters there, I have not gotten reply.”

The response

However, in an interview with The Nation, the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Executive Secretary, Mr Walton Liverpool, commenting on the state of the school and what the government is doing about it, said: “Otuoke has the best schools in the state as the school in the President’s town. I am sure you visited the old school we have abandoned. ”

“The school I visited is the State School in Otuoke close to the President’s house, which he said to be one he attended. Are you aware the school lacks chairs and toilet and many of the children sit on the floor to receive their lessons?” our reporter posed to him.

He then replied: “The problem of chairs is a general one because of the flood disaster that happened. The school is not the only one with the problem. But we are working towards resolving the problem; as it is, it would cost so much to provide chairs for all the schools in the state. The toilet was also affected by the flood. It is not the only school affected by the flood. As I have said, we are working on them.”

When our correspondent met the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Salo Adikumo, on Wednesday evening for his response, he said he was going for exco meeting and asked the correspondent to call him later.

But, repeated calls to his line the following day went unheaded. Neither did he respond to the text message sent to his line.

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TWO months after her wedding, Folasade Ogunbiyi’s hope of savouring enduring marital bliss and safe motherhood assumed a fatal twist on March 16, 2014 when she died shortly after a controversial childbirth at the Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH), Lagos State.

It all began on March 14, when the late 26-year-old Folasade , according to her elder sister, Esther Babalola, complained of abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital for proper treatment. Upon medical examination, doctors allegedly said that she was carrying a dead baby in her womb and that there was need for a Caesarian Section to remove the baby. She was, however, said to have been abandoned by doctors for over 24 hours before she was attended to.

“Her husband had travelled out of town on March 14 when she complained of abdominal pain. I noticed that she was probably due for delivery and we decided to take her to a private hospital in the neighbourhood. But doctors at the hospital said she would need to undergo Caesarian operation to be delivered of the baby.

“It was at this juncture that we decided to rush her to Orile Agege General Hospital where she registered for ante-natal. Doctors at the hospital, however, told us that she was carrying a dead baby in her womb, adding that there was need for Caesarian Section to remove the dead baby.”

Painting the circumstances leading to the death of Folasade and her son, Babalola said: “On March 15, we were asked to get some drugs and while I had gone to fetch the drugs, she was safely delivered of a baby boy through Caesarian Section. The doctors did not even know that the baby was alive until one of the nurses noticed that he was breathing at a corner where he was abandoned for hours. The baby developed complications a few hours later and was taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja where doctors confirmed him dead as a result of long exposure to cold.

“The baby was not attended to on time and I was told by a health worker who spoke in confidence that she was the one that notified the doctors that the baby was alive. The doctors had dumped the baby and did not attend to him until they were told that he was alive. The baby was not covered with clothes to keep him warm which resulted in a lot of complications.

“They asked us to pay for several tests run on the baby when his health deteriorated. We were later referred to LASUTH where doctors told us that his case was badly managed at Orile Agege General Hospital following undue exposure to cold and that the exposure had led to his death shortly before we arrived at the hospital.”

Speaking further on events leading to the death of her only sibling, Babalola said: “My sister’s lips suddenly swelled up and turned yellowish and we called the attention of the doctors on duty to the development. The swollen lips later subsided after she was treated, but she died shortly after on March 16. A doctor at LASUTH, who did not want her name mentioned, told me that my sister must have reacted to a particular drug called ROCEPHINE that was administered on her. She said the drug was mostly used on patients who suffer from cancer, or people suffering from excessive pains.

“The doctor asked me if she complained of excruciating pain and I said no. She also said that even if she was going through pains, the drug should have been given to her in small doses. And I concurred because that same drug was among the list of drugs prescribed and administered on her at the hospital.

“We were asked to defray all the bills incurred before they could release her body to us for burial and we complied. We were shocked when the hospital insisted on carrying out a postmortem on her body which the family had earlier opposed. Although, we have since buried her but all we want on this matter is justice.

“Folasade was the only sister I had. She had a traditional marriage ceremony on December 26, 2013. She was a very hardworking person. Her death is a big loss to our family and that is why I have been mandated to express the position of the family on the complicity of doctors at the hospital which eventually led to the loss of Folasade.”

When our correspondent visited the hospital, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. (Mrs) Iyabo Tijani, declined comments on the grounds that she was not competent to speak on the matter. “I cannot say anything on the matter because I am not officially competent to speak on this incident. The Ministry of Health is the only place you can get comments on this issue, please go there.”

Fruitless efforts were also made by our correspondent to seek the comment of the spokesman of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mr. Tunbosun, as he did not pick his calls or reply a text message sent to his phone line.

The post Angst over death of 26-yr-old expectant mother appeared first on The Nation.

Clocking 55 may not be something to fret about after all; it probably feels like an ecstacy, which can only be experienced when you turn 55. Kojo Williams, the scion of the Williams dynasty and former Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA), is 55, and has acquired the bragging rights to whatever ecstasy reposes in that proverbial golden age and five. Turning 55 has its perks after all. Even as the ides of youth take a last bow, life unfolds more colourfully with blossoms of closure and hope undiminished for the celebrant.

That was why Kojo Williams observed this crucial turn in his life with total modesty and gratitude for a life full of achievements. He attained 55 a few days ago and quite a number of his friends, family and business associates were disappointed as he spoke of his desire to shun lavish celebration. He scorned any lyrical tribute in his honour, saying he would rather prefer more modest means of appreciating his attainment of 55. However, those who claim to know the man informed Celeb Watch that he’s now closer to God than ever, devoting more of his time to church activities.

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