Ranking: UNILORIN is the University of First Choice

....Nasarawa Leads State Universities

... Convenant the First Choice among Private Universities

University of Ilorin in Kwara State, Central Nigeria, has emerged the 2016 university of first choice among student-applicants as the foremost citadel of learning in the Country, followed by sixteen (16) others drawn from the Federal, State and Private Universities, the Economic Confidential can authoritatively report.

In a new report obtained and carefully computed and analyzed by Economic Confidential from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on preferred first university of choice in 2016, the University of Ilorin has the highest student-applicants of 103,238 students, with male student-applicants of 51,082 and female student-applicants of 52,156.

Using the JAMB’s report of most preferred universities in the country, the Economic Confidential gathered that applicants seeking for admission into universities considered academic stability, popularity, affordability, available facilities and quality of lecturers as part of their check-list before making choices in their applications.

Of the Forty (40) federal Universities in the country, UNILORIN is number one followed by the University of Benin, South-South Nigeria with student-applicants of 81,363 made up of 39,729 of male applicants and female applicants of 41,571. Ahmadu Bello University, North-west Nigeria is third in the ranking while the fourth and the fifth are University of Nigeria Nsukka and Bayero University, Kano both South-East and North-West Nigeria respectively.

As the third in ranking among the universities, Ahmadu Bello University has student-applicants of 75,383 out of which male students are 48,136, while female student-applicants stand at 27,247. University of Nigeria Nsukka which is number four, boasts of student-applicants of 65,954 with females numbering 36,429 and males with 29,525, and completing the circle of the progressive universities is Bayero University Kano, at number 5, with applicants of 64,220 just as males are 43,452 and females numbering 20,768.

Meanwhile, among the federal universities in the country, namely: Federal University of Otuoke, Federal University of Gashua and National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) are ranked as 38th, 39th and 40th positions and having student-applicants of 2315; 1438 and 148 respectively.

State Universities

Of the 39 State Universities, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, North-Central Nigeria is number one with 35,555 applicants; followed by Imo State University South-East Nigeria with 32,237 applicants; Kaduna State University, North-West Nigeria with 29,142 applicants; Delta State University Abraka, South-South Nigeria with 28,623 applicants;and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, South-West Nigeria with 28,515 applicants.

Surprisingly the State with least patronage to its universities is Ondo where Ondo State University of Medical Science, Laje Road, and Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Oki, all in South-West Nigeria are ranked 38th and 39th and have student-applicants of 683 and 251 respectively.

Private Universities:

As for private Universities in the country numbering 55, seven are outstanding. The number one position is grabbed by Covenant University, Canaan Land, Ota, South-West Nigeria, followed by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, South-West Nigeria; Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, South-West Nigeria and Igbinedion University, Okada, Benin- City, South-South Nigeria.

Others are; Bowen University, Iwo, South-West Nigeria; Al-Qalam University, Katsina, North-West Nigeria and Baze University, Federal Capital Terittory, Abuja, North-Central Nigeria.

Covenant University has 2, 586 student applicants, followed by Afe Babalola University with 1,304, Babcock University with 1,248 and Igbinedion University with 418. Others are, Bowen University with 329 student-applicants, Al-Qalam University with 308 and Baze University, Abuja with 277 student-applicants.

Out of the 55 private Universities in the country, these ones occupy the lower rung in the ladder: Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo State with 6 student-applicants , Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State with 5 applicants, Chrisland University, Owode, Ogun State with 4 applicants, and Wellspring University, Irhihi, Ogbaneki, Benin-City with 4 applicants. Others are; Rhema University, Obeama, Rivers State with student applicants of 3 and Hallmark University, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State with just two applicants.

From the statistics shown so far, Economic Confidential can reveal that female applicants in these universities are higher in the south-south, south-east, south-West and North-Central respectively as opposed to lower applicants of females in the North-West and North-East. Investigations by this Economic Intelligence magazine indicate that both religious and cultural undertones are largely responsible in some parts of the country, notably in the North-West and North-East on female applicants due to early marriage than the rest of the geopolitical zones in the country.

Sterling Bank launches ‘Quick Cash’ Initiative for women entrepreneurs

​Challenges faced by market women desiring access to credit has become a thing of the past as Sterling Bank Plc through its ‘One Woman’ propositionlaunched a new initiative called the “Market Women Quick Cash.” This is in partnership with Afrigrant, a Non- Governmental Organization (NGO). The new proposition is expected to promote women empowerment and capacity building.

 

The scheme is designed to bridge the gap between women entrepreneurs and access to funds, thus aiding the process of bringing them into the formal sector, where they can benefit from financial advisory services, capacity building and mentorship.

Disclosing this at the launch of the initiative held last weekend at the Entrepreneur Research and Development centre Kaduna, the Bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Yemi Adeola said the proposition is specifically designed to provide access to convenient savings, transaction and quick loan services for women using both self-service methods and agent banking.

Mr. Adeola who was represented by the Bank’s Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Justina Lewa explained that the Bank adopted both methods because “we believe the future of banking resides in the hand of the customer and we must begin to drive that paradigm shift by empowering them from now. Our partnership with Afrigrants allows us bridge this gap by providing a familiar interface for the customers”.

The Bank boss explained that the significant number of women in Nigeria’s population makes it imperative to deliberately focus on their needs to ensure sustainable economic development and growth.

His words: “Adult women constitute over 50 million of Nigeria’s population and only about 31% of this population are banked according to EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria Survey 2014. The business case for targeting women is simple, they are the more excluded gender. Moreso, 21.4m females (42.7% of the total female population) are financially excluded; 15 million of these women are earning income frequently. This provides a huge opportunity for structural changes within the economic and financial system if we pay attention. To enable us to make an impact for inclusion, we must reach as many women as possible”.

In her goodwill message, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Abdulsalam noted the Quick Cash initiative would help government at all levels to cushion the effect of the current recession especially as it relates to access to required funds by women entrepreneurs to grow their business.

Her words: “It is on this note that l am happy with the idea of having private sector operators coming together to bring this noble innovation of giving out loans to women at 9 percent interest rate, zero collateral to enable women play active role in the economic development of the country at a time when the economy is in recession”

In her keynote address, Her Excellency Hajia Aisha Ummee El Rufai commended the Bank for coming up with the initiative which is going to transform the lives of women in the country.​

 

UNESCO HOSTS AFRICA FASHION RECEPTION IN PARIS

The United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Education (UNESCO) will be playing host to the global edition of the Africa Fashion Reception, Paris coming up on the 29^th October, 2016 in its Place de Fontenoy headquarters. This is due to a new patronage and partnership between the Africa Fashion Reception and UNESCO (the world’s number 1 cultural organization).

According to the official letter from the Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova to Her Excellency, Mrs Mariam Y. Katagum, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO who are co-hosts of the AFR, she congratulated the organizers for such an important initiative. She said the AFR falls into the mandate of UNESCO’s field of competence.

The Africa Fashion Reception (AFR) is a Pan African initiative. The global edition will gather fashion designers, dignitaries, Ambassadors and media from over 30 African countries, in a celebration of cultural diversity expressed through the artistic fashion discipline with the proud theme ‘Africa is the New Inspiration of Global Fashion’

 

The African edition was hosted by the African Union in its headquarters in Addis Ababa 13^th - 15^th September, 2016. Activities lined up during the African edition were the first African Fashion Business Summit and exhibition by each of the participating countries.

The Africa Fashion Reception is aimed at achieving the following objectives using the creative industry of Fashion as a vehicle:

 

·         To build bridges by creating free trade and partnerships among fashion practitioners throughout the African continent

·         To attract global attention to Africa’s very rich and diversified dress culture which can be explored as a catalyst for the social economic growth of the continent’s garment/textile industry.

·         To expand the potential power of fashion as a tool of fighting poverty in Africa by creating wealth through the empowerment of women and youths in the various fashion vocations through training, capacity building schemes, workshops and setting up of medium/small scale businesses thereby supporting the United NationsSustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063

·         To bring about self-reliance as this initiative will create millions of jobs across the continent for Tailors, Creative Directors, Textile designers, Models, Cutters, Pressers, Fashion Photographers & Writers, Hair Stylists, Make-up Artists etc

 

The Africa Fashion Reception is organized and packaged by Legendary Gold Limited in collaboration with UNESCO, the Nigerian Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, African Union Commission and Atunda Entertainment. According to the CEO of Africa Fashion Reception, Lexy Mojo-Eyes ‘This platform has been specially created for positive change. The AFR is not just an event. It is a movement’

 

Partners includes Africa Magic, Nicolas Feuillatte, Galeries Lafayette, Rail Europe, Air France, William Grant & Sons, Yandibo, Amina Magazine, Motherland Beckons, Design Essentials, Ovation International, Atunda Entertainment,  Planet Tv, African Independent Television, Ben Tv, New African Woman & UBIZ news.

CCT Orders Orubebe to Forfeit Abuja Property

Former Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe has been ordered by the Code of Conduct Tribunal in Abuja to forfeit his landed property in the capital city to the Federal Government for his failure to declare the property as required by law while leaving office.

The former minister was found guilty of contravening the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act with his failure to declare the assets in the asset form he submitted to the Bureau while leaving office in 2015.

The property to be forfeited to the federal government is located in the eye-brow Asokoro area of Abuja.

Delivering judgment in the charges brought against him by the federal government, the chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Danladi Yakubu Umar held that having analyzed the submissions of parties, it was observed that six years after the transfer had been made, the documents of the land were not registered in Lands registry.

He further held that the prosecution had established the case of failure to declare assets against the ex minister beyond reasonable doubt.

The tribunal chairman said that Orubebe as the defendant in the charge against him, was under obligation to register the land in the land registry in Abuja.

According to him, "Failure to register the document at the land registry renders the transfer null. In the circumstance, the defendant is still the owner of the said plot 2057, Asokoro District, and not Barrister Akinwumi Ajibola who testified as the Defense Witness 1 and the owner.

“Based on the provision of Section 23 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, plot 2057, Asokoro District belonging to the defendant (Orubebe) is hereby confiscated and forfeited to the Federal Government”.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Orubebe Mr. Selekewe Larry described as a travesty of justice.

He however vowed that the judgment will be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

“It showed in the judgment, that the tribunal had made up its mind to convict the defendant by all means. How can somebody sell a property and you will now punish him for what the buyer of the property left undone”.

"And mind you, the buyer of the said property was not a party in the suit. We shall appeal the judgment".

The Federal Government had dragged Orubebe before the tribunal on a one count charge of non declaration of a landed property situate at Plot 2057, Asokoro district while he was leaving office in 2011.

At the argument stage, Orubebe through his counsel, Mr. Selekewe Larry SAN had told the tribunal that the land no longer belonged to the defendant as he had transferred the interest to one Barrister Akinwumi Ajibola in lieu of his (Orubebe) two years house rent in Mabushi where he stayed as a minister.

Orubebe had further told the tribunal that all the documents as it concerns the land had been transferred to Ajibola, including the Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment since June 2013.

The Federal Government had however insisted that the said land still belong to Orubebe as same is yet to be registered at the land registry.

The prosecution had argued that the allocation paper still bears Orubebe's name.

At the time of this report, Orubebe who felt aggrieved with the tribunal decision was making frantic efforts to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

LAGOS CLARIFIES POSITION ON ABULE EGBA FLY-OVER RIGHT OF WAY (ROW)

Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban  Development has clarified the position of the State Government on the Right of Way to be established for the construction of a Reinforced Concrete Dual Carriage Flyover Bridge at Abule Egba junction.
Reacting to a reported protest by some of the residents alleging that the State Government unilaterally extended portions for removal from the agreed 32 metres from the existing electricity poles to 91.44metres, the Ministry in a release signed by the Head, Public Affairs, Shina Odunuga; noted the need to set the records straight on these unfounded allegations.
The Ministry therefore note as follows:
a. That the State Government  is only implementing existing provisions of Federal Highway Regulations  as contained in the Public Land Acquisition Act and gazetted by the Federal Government for Lagos - Abeokuta Expressway Right of Way;
b. The Ministry also wishes to emphasise that the said 91.44 metres as contained in the Removal Notice is from the Centre of the Existing Road (45.72 metres on the right side and 45.72 metres on the left side) and not 91.44metres from Existing Electricity Poles as contained in the report.
While urging the public to disregard the allegation, the Ministry states that the 1000 houses quoted in the report were only a figment of the reporters' imaginations as most of the structures affected by the proposed removal are fences, building setbacks and illegal constructions and attachments to buildings. It is however regrettable that formal institutions involved, like banks, and eateries could engage in illegal development without valid C Of O or Planning Permits

The State Government wishes to reiterate that members of the general public whose property may be affected and having valid claim, to forward documents of such to the Ministry for record and other administrative purposes.
Finally, it must be stressed that the present administration is a listening, compassionate and people-oriented Government that doesn’t want suffering for residents and people of the State. 
It would be recalled that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode's deep concern for the residents of the state who normally waste hours in the traffic, made culminated in the promise to construct fly- over bridges in  some strategic areas of the State.
It is however on record that House Owners, Occupiers, Commuters and Motorists plying the affected routes during a stakeholders meeting held at the instance of the Ministry, expressed gratitude to the State Governor for his visionary leadership for rising to the challenges of traffic  gridlock in the concerned areas. They noted that hours spent on the roads by commuters could be converted to doing other profitable ventures that would be of great benefit to the State.

Nollywood stars, top entertainers serenade as Bowler Hats Bash 2 holds in grand style

 

It was indeed, the gathering of some of the biggest names in Nollywood, music and comedy sectors respectively, at the second edition of the annual Bowler Hats Bash (BHB).

 

The memorable and fun-filled evening of comedy, music, dance and more, held elaborately on Independence Day, October 1, at the prestigious Coliseum Events Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, amid ovation and applause.

 

Just like the maiden edition, it was also hugely attended by leading entertainers, revered celebrities and upwardly mobile revellers.

 

The glamorous and high-end event, which began with a green and white carpet session, saw the stars and celebrities posing for personal, selfies and group photographs as paparazzi clicked away in excitement.

 

Amazingly, being a strictly hat affair, the stars, celebs and all the invited guests stormed the venue in different shades and sizes of Bowler Hats, thus making the event very colourful and cosmopolitan.

 

 

With Nollywood super star, Segun Arinze fully in charge as the host of the historic evening, the event proper began with the beautiful rendition of the national anthem by precocious kid sensation, Nonso Sax.

 

The quintet of Princewill, Akpos, Omini, Moran Cee and KCK, opened the floodgate of undiluted entertainment with ribs cracking comedy and got the tumultuous audience asking for more.

 

Rave of the moment comedian, Elenu, moved the turbo-charged gathering to the next level when he mounted the stage and sent the audience reeling in an unending laughter.

 

Interestingly, the high point of this year’s Bowler Hats Bash, organized by leading online newspaper, Daylight.ng, was the five star performance of Reggae legend, Orits ‘Pupa’ Williki.

 

Williki’s rendition of his ever green songs: Fight The Fire and 10 Commandments set the capacity filled hall literally on fire.

 

In fact, some top entertainers and celebs who were enthralled with the veteran’s sterling performance, had to join the music guru on stage to continue the groove.

 

Surprisingly, the female star performer of the night was South African-born Afro Soul crooner, Kalifonia, who flew all the way from Johannesburg to be part of the lovely event that serenaded Lagos and its environs while it lasted.

 

The sexy entertainer, who reminded many of the late Brenda Fassie, wowed the star-studded audience with her electrifying performance and well choreographed sensual dance steps, which kept the men salivating and asking for more.

 

Ghana based dance hall star, JKL4Real, further revved up the evening of premium entertainment with three hot songs from his sophomore album.

 

The scintillating evening of razzmatazz, glitz and grandeur continued with dazzling performances from Ebele, the female flutist, talented thriller, TJ Sax, Niger State-based rising act, Early Man and wave making Afro pop singer, Kesh Ofuobi.

 

Also, two leading comedians of the federal republic, D’Lectura and Mr. Makati, were exceptional in their delivery of jokes and jibes to the admiration of the cheering audience.

 

Meanwhile, earlier in his welcome remarks, the founder of Bowler Hats Bash, Mr. Azuh Amatus, thanked all the invited guests, performing artistes and partners, for standing by him and his team.  

 

Azuh, who is also the publisher/editor-in-chief of Daylight.ng, further called on corporate bodies to support the annual event, which he said had become part and parcel of calendar of national entertainment events organized to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence annually.

 

“Bowler Hats Bash is our own way of celebrating and rejoicing with Nigeria and Nigerians on her Independence, every October 1. 

We are calling on well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to support and sponsor this unique and proudly Nigerian product cum initiative. Our dream is to export Bowler Hats Bash beyond our shores in no distant time’’

 

Olokun Festival 2016 Kicks Off

The 2016 edition of annual Olokun festival has kicked off.

The festival kicked off today, Tuesday, October 4, with a prayer to the almighty, tagged 'Prayer to Eledumare', at the Abule Ado home of the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foundation, Otunba Gani Adams.

Other activities lined- up for the festival include the Olokun Beauty Pageant, festival float, Boat regatta and the grand finale, which will hold at the Suntan Beach in Badagry on Thursday, October 20, 2016.

This edition of the festival, according to Otunba Adams, promises to showcase the traditional and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.

“The festival is billed to showcase the unique and unparalleled traditional and cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.”

In a press statement made available to the media by Segun Akanni, the personal assistant to Otunba Gani Adams.  Adams said the foundation is determined to make sure that the festival holds despite the economic recession. “You all will agree with me that the economy is not friendly with anybody at the moment. But, despite the hardship everybody is facing, we at Olokun Festival Foundation is determined to continue to hold this festival as part of our own contribution to the development of the cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people.”

Important personalities present at the event are Primate Peters Oyedele of C&S Church, Agbojesu Parish, Ijedodo, Primate Oladele Akeju of New Holy Messiah Church, Mushin, Mrs Idowu Adebowale, one of the nine founding members Oodua People's Congress (OPC), National Coordinating Council (NCC) of Oodua People's Congress  Mr. Segun Ogunpitan, Africa Union Leader of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU, Christian, Muslim and Traditional groups of Oodua People's Congress (OPC, members of Olokun festival planning committee and members of OPC 

 

Attached is a copy of the festival’s time-table:          Preview of OLOKUN FESTIVAL 2016, PROGRAMME OF EVENTS. 

Day 1. 

PRAYER TO ALMIGHTY GOD, TUESDAY, OCT 4th, 2016 to be held at Abule-Ado

DAY 2. 

FESTIVAL LECTURE, THURSDAY OCT 13. 2016

DAY 3. 

PAGEANT,  SUNDAY OCT 16. 2016

DAY 4. 

FESTIVAL FLOAT,  WEDNESDAY OCT 19. 2016

BOAT REGATTA, WEDNESDAY OCT 19. 2016. AYO OLOPON

WEDNESDAY OCT 19. 2016. OLOSA GALA NIGHT, WEDNESDAY OCT 19. 2016

DAY 5. 

GRAND FINALE, THURSDAY OCT 20. 2016 

BON AWARDS 2016:Governor Ikpeazu Excited About Hosting Right

 

The inclement economic period notwithstanding, the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, is delighted that his beloved state has been considered worthy to host an event of the magnitude, renown and reverence of the Best of Nollywood Awards 2016. Speaking during the acceptance of hosting rights of BON Awards 2016 at a brief ceremony in the Governor’s Lodge, Umuahia, last Wednesday, Governor Ikpeazu said, “For us in Abia State, Nollywood has contributed immensely to the well-being of our people because one of the marketing and distribution pivots of the industry, Pound Road, is here in Aba, the SME capital of Africa. Just like Idumota in Lagos and Iweka Road, Onitsha, Pound Road contributes more than 50percent to Nollywood. So, prior to now, I always thought about how to further get involved with the industry which is why we are working on a film village and are glad to host the Best of Nollywood Awards 2016 on December 10^th. ” 

The governor averred that his affinity with the homegrown movie industry has been further buoyed over the years because, “Unlike in the past when Nigeria used to receive a lot of flaks from the outside world, now, we receive considerable buffer from Nollywood. Nollywood has given us a new level of respect across the world. Therefore, when I was approached to host the awards, I thought that while this might not be the best of times financially for us as a state, it avails us a platform to bring the industry back home, show our various tourism and economic potential and join you to celebrate an industry which contribution to the GDP of Nigeria is invaluable.”

As this year’s host, Abia State joins an elite list of states like Lagos (2009, 2011 and 2012), Ogun (2010), Delta (2013), Rivers (2014) and Ondo (2015) that have hosted the Best of Nollywood Awards. Dr Ikpeazu promised that the state would join forces with the organizing team to produce a world-class event that would surpass all other editions and create the high watermark by which awards ceremonies in Nigeria and beyond would be measured.

The executive producer, Seun Oloketuyi, thanked the governor for agreeing to host the event, saying, “The Best of Nollywood Awards was created in 2009 as a veritable premium platform to honour the enterprise and ingenuity of stars and stakeholders of the Nigerian movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood. I am happy to say that we are now the longest running homegrown movie awards ceremony. We designed BON as a travelling awards ceremony and in the intervening years, has been hosted by the Ogun State government under Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Delta State government (Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan), the Rivers State government (Hon. Rotimi Amaechi) and the Ondo State government (Dr. Olusegun Mimiko).” Oloketuyi assured the governor that there’s no better ceremony to officially launch the new ultra-modern international events centre being constructed by the state than the BON Awards. Also present at the ceremony were actors; Walter Anga, Yomi Fash Lanso, Rex Nosa and Tayo Sobola and members of the BON Awards organizing committee.

Why Uche Elendu Was Sent Out Of Her Matrimonial Home Over Adultery

A couple of days ago, news has it that the beautiful Nollywood Actress,
Uche Elendu has been dumped by her husband, Prince Walter Igweayinba
a.k.a. Nku 1. The news has generated a lot of controversies painting the
rich dude, Prince Nku in a bad light. Well, as a close observer of
event, it's obvious, the truth about their collapsed matrimony has not
been revealed yet by the two parties, so, any opinion or summation from
any other quarters will definitely not be accurate or do justice to the
concerned individuals. 

Whispers, however, from close knit family members have revealed that,
Uche Elendu was asked to take a leave out of her matrimonial home when
she was caught red handed committing adultery, an act which is
considered highly abnormal and one of the unpardonable things frowned
against by the Igbo culture. 
Could this be true? Can the family detest her so much to cook up such a
grave allegation against the actress?
On the other hand, the family source might be right owing to the fact
that the man at the centre of this marital brouhaha was absent at Uche's
second baby shower, and, wait for this, his absence was more 
conspicuous  when the baby was christened, there was no sight of him.
When you juxtapose these two events, you will be right to arrive at the
conclusion that all is not well with the celebrated union. 

If the above is true ,then the question begging  for answer from both
Uche  and Prince Nku is, why Uche still bears the marital name
'Igweanyiba' and not that of the man, Iyke Kalu a.k.a Etekebe from
Arochukwu Abia State who sleeps around with every woman in Lagos and
Owerri, for whom she had her second baby. And why will the Prince
publicly display his status as 'Single' on his social media wall.  What
are these two hiding from the public with whom they shared so much? No
secret, no scandal.

It really makes no sense on the part of Prince Walter Nku Igweayinba to
have dumped his beloved wife Uche ,on whom he spared no cost whatsoever
to give her a fairy tale wedding befitting his status as a royal prince.
 The soft spoken international businessman is so loving and respects
the marriage institution, his marital vows and the place of marriage
within the Igbo culture that it looks out of place that he would just
abandon his cherished wife having lavished millions of dollars to make
her happy and the envy of other women. 

It's obvious no one is ready to talk. While Uche has permanently
relocated to America with a man they claimed to have impregnated her,
the ex hubby, Prince is busy  touching lives with his foundation, who
knows, maybe  it is a ploy to get away from the prying eyes of the media
and put their curiosity in check.
Prince Nku, on several occasions, has threatened to deal with anyone who
writes anything nasty about him or his home. Home? How can a man claim
to have a home when the wife is in the bosom of another man abroad and
he's miles apart from her? How can he claim to have a home when even
friends of the actress are insinuating that their friend 'fucked up' big
time? Why are they both keeping a supposedly open secret?  It takes a
real man to do that but it takes a real woman to have such a man as
beau.

It's just a matter of time before the lids will be blown opened and the
said secret between these estranged couple becomes public consumption.
A few friends who had a chat with us on the ground of anonymity said
that, the cause of the separation between Uche and Prince is enough to
make a Nollywood season film. There are too many scandals trailing the
actress and mother of two, maybe, her relocation is just a face saving
gimmick. Though, it’s been rumoured that Uche is in town and trying to
see how she can court the press and social media users to gain their
sympathy.

“People should mind there business biko, I am not a fan of Uche or the
ex hubby but the truth must be said, Uche Elendu is a shameless, dirty
pig that sleeps around with every man and a woman. This is not the first
time I will be in in the know about her love for women too, in fact, I
felt sorry when that Nku guy spent millions marrying her. What a pity!
Uche's new baby is for the ex hubby’s friend called Etekebe, the most
terrible womanizer of our time living in Lagos and rented an apartment
for Uche too in Ajah area of Lagos. Uche is unbelievable with dirty
family that loves money die. I saw the useless Uche Elendu at Etekebe's
birthday party and with no shame she was so proud sharing drinks as
madam of the house when Etekebes wife and kids are at home suffering.”

What do we believe now?

Students celebrate six-years of NNPC/SNEPCo scholarships

 

Some 110 students from Nigeria’s six geo-political zones have been awarded full-board six-year secondary school scholarships in the second set of the NNPC/SNEPCo Cradle-to-Career programme designed to give top quality education to bright but indigent youths. The beneficiaries have begun their studies in six schools – Premiere Academy, Abuja; Nigerian Turkish International College, Kaduna; St. Francis Catholic Secondary School, Lagos; Lead Forte Gate College, Lagos; Top Faith International Secondary School, Akwa Ibom Staten and Grundtvig International Secondary School, Anambra State.

 

These schools hosted the award ceremonies which were held on September 27, 2016 to signal the formal commencement of the scholarship programme. In an address at the award ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, commended the cradle-to-career programme as a unique CSR initiative and urged other corporate bodies to emulate the gesture. He said the Federal Government would continue to implement holistic educational policies and enjoined the support of all stakeholders. The Minister was represented by the Deputy Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abimbola Olamilokun.

 

Caption: L-R: Social Performance Adviser, Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mrs. Ibukun Adewale, and Representative of the Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, presenting the award certificates to the scholars.

The Director of Quality Assurance in the National Examinations Council (NECO) Dr. Ikechukwu Anyanwu said: “We played an active role in the selection process and we can attest that it was fair and transparent. The students who have come through represent the best of what we had from public secondary schools and we see them transforming to become leaders if they keep up with same spirit of hard work and commitment.” The Group General Manager, NAPIMS, Dafe Sejebor, who was represented by Supervisor, Community Development, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson restated the commitment of NNPC towards quality education and said they would continue to work with SNEPCo on initiatives that will help deliver quality social investment programmes to Nigerian children.

 

Earlier, the General Manager External Relations, Shell, Igo Weli had said: “I am particularly happy that, in spite of the low oil price in the global market and the economic challenges in the country, SNEPCo and its concessionaire, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and co-venturers, Esso Exploration and Production Company (Deepwater Ltd), Total E & P Nigeria Ltd and Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd - ENI, have kept faith with our commitment to support Nigerian youths to attend some of the best secondary schools in the country. We do this because, to us in SNEPCo, education is key to national development; it is the answer to today’s challenges and an anchor for a better and brighter future.”

 

The beneficiaries and their parents described the Cradle-to-Career scholarship as a lifetime chance to better their lot, and commended NNPC and SNEPCo for the opportunity. SNEPCo launched the National Cradle-to-Career programme in 2014 to help to bridge educational inequalities resulting from geographic and socio-economic differences. The endeavour contributes towards the realisation of the UNESCO 'Education for All' goal. The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria operated joint venture also runs a cradle-to-career scholarship which is targeted at youths from the Niger Delta.

=