Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the governor of Enugu state.

A five-member panel of the court unanimously dismissed two appeals filed by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Jonathan Edeoga.

Justice Mohammed Garba, in the lead judgment, held that the appellants failed to prove their case and proceeded to uphold the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which equally affirmed the decision of the trial tribunal, dismissing the petition by the LP and Edeoga.

The Federal Government has expressed commitment to return 15 million out-of-school children back to the classroom by 2027.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at a one-day retreat on Quick Wins in the Ministerial Deliverables (2023-2027).

Mamman explained that the learning crisis had also been a major issue which he said was a bad product of the out-of-school menace, hence, must be taken seriously.

He said  having robust policies in place was not enough to tackle the challenges but delivering on the policies would go a long way in addressing the problems of out-of-school children.

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“The Federal Ministry of Education has further distilled the implementation of the ministerial deliverables to a more detailed implementation with turnaround strategies that would be measurable and capable of providing results that would be very visible to the Nigerian public.

“On out-of-school menace, we would be paying particular attention to this unacceptable phenomenon and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment, would work towards returning 15 million out-of-school children to the classrooms by the year 2027,” he said.

The minister said Tinubu had approved the reintroduction and implementation of school feeding across basic educational levels.

A Nigerian missionary priest serving in Gambia, Rev Fr Kelvin Ugwu has claimed that the devil would only need to destroy the Catholic church in order to wipe Christianity off the earth.

The Catholic priest stated this in a post on his verified Facebook page while reacting to the controversial document endorsed by Pope Francis regarding same-sex marriage.

Leading Reporters recalls that report emerged earlier in the week, indicating that the Vatican approved blessings for same-sex couples.

This development has stirred controversies across the world, as many Christians, including some Catholic bishops distanced themselves from the document.

Some unbelievers have also taken to social media to ridicule Christians over the development.

But Fr Kelvin in his reaction, urged his followers to steer clear of posts and discussions mocking the Christian faith.

He said, “This is not the time for mockery. Don’t join those who have been looking for this opportunity to ridicule our faith in Christ.

“For Christians all over the world, I say this, if the devil wants to scatter this Christian faith kpatakpata, all he needs to do is to destroy the Catholic church. You may not see it, but I don’t pray you see it ever.”

The priest lamented the ambiguity in the document issued by the Vatican, stressing that the undetailed content birthed the controversies.

“A document that almost every Bishop had to explain and clarify to their diocesan people, the Catholic Bishops conferences had to explain, and priests had to explain to their parishioners both online and offline, is not a good document.

“Yes, the document did not say much or make any clear stipulations, and that is basically the problem with the document. What it did not say is more devastating than what it was trying to say”, he added.

Wife of the President, Senator Remi Tinubu, on Thursday, donated N950 million to 250 police, military retirees, and other senior citizens across the country in Abuja.
She launched the maiden edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s Elderly Support Scheme and disclosed that each beneficiary would receive N100,000. She said that the scheme aims to provide financial assistance to senior citizens, helping them cope with the current economic difficulties.
Mrs Tinubu stated, “This economic empowerment programme is born out of a steadfast commitment to the well-being of our elderly citizens and marks a significant stride in our collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.
“This scheme is designed to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.
“These selected beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each. This is to cushion the effect of the economic situation and to alleviate the burdens of our esteemed elders during this festive period.”
She noted that the 36 states of the federation would receive N25 million each to distribute to beneficiaries.
Mrs. Tinubu further stated, “Each state of the federation will receive the sum of N25 million. We are committed to ensuring that each state receives this gesture, without discrimination.
“By reaching out to the elderly this festive season, we not only honour their contributions but also acknowledge the unique challenges they face.”
She urged the senior citizens to support and pray for the president.
Mrs. Tinubu said, “This period should be a time of joy and comfort for all, even as we hope for a greater Nigeria, in security, education, health, employment, and business opportunities for all. We seek your continued support and prayers for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as we look forward to better days ahead.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stated that the First Lady’s efforts towards the retirees would motivate those still in service.
Gen. Musa, represented by the Director, Veterans Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Major General Danladi Saliu, affirmed that history would favor the First Lady for her gestures to the military.
Gen. Musa said, “I most sincerely appreciate Her Excellency for this gesture towards our retirees. You have demonstrated once again that the welfare of our armed forces both serving and retired and their families are of ultimate priority to you. This noble act is one which you will forever be remembered for.
“And posterity will judge you fairly for repeatedly bringing renewed hope to the members of the armed forces and their families. This will have a multiplier effect on the morale and efficiency of the serving members of the armed forces.”