2023 : NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA EXPRESS CONCERNS OVER ATTACKS ON INEC OFFICE.
US based socio-political activist and social critic, Hon Oladele Olatubosun who is also the Treasurer, National Coalition of Tinubu Support Group (NCTSG), Diaspora-USA, have expressed concerns over the recent attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the country, Nigeria.
The Texas based grassroot politician whose political antecedent stems from Nigeria up to the United States expressed the worry while speaking at his 60th birthday party celebration organised by some of his friends and well-wishers.
According to Olatubosun, this portends grave danger to the 2023 elections.
He also condemned the multiple attacks on INEC offices and violent and verbal rivalry among political parties in the country.
Recall that INEC offices in Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun and Osun states were attacked by unknown persons.
According to INEC, about 41 attacks had been carried out against its offices in 14 states between February 2019 and November 2022.
Speaking at his birthday, Pa Oladele said the survival of democracy in Nigeria is critical to Africa and the world at large. Saying fears over the forthcoming election have heightened in Nigeria over the past few years even as he called on all stakeholders, particularly politicians and over-zealous social media commenters to commit to peaceful conduct before, during and after the elections.
Olatubosun said, “As we approach the polls come February this year, attacks on INEC facilities and personnel, violent clashes between opposing members of political parties or broader security challenges are all factors that threaten the peaceful and inclusive and successful execution of the elections.
“The largest democracy in Africa occupies a critical place in efforts to consolidate democracy elsewhere across the world. Credible, useful elections will deepen citizens’ trust and reinforce the foundations for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.”
According to the statesman, a peaceful environment enables people to cast their votes on election day, without fear of harm, intimidation, or coercion.
He pledged the support of himself and his group towards any initiative towards ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections and in sustaining her democracy through peaceful conducts.
He tasked political parties and their candidates to play by the rules for in his words, “the credibility of any government is determined by the credibility of the process that brings it to power.”
The Treasurer of the National Coalition of Tinubu Support Group (NCTSG Diaspora-USA) further called on the United States, United Kingdom and the rest of the international community to match words with action in their commitment to also support credible elections in Nigeria.
Push News 24 International reports that three Nigerian citizens were extradited from the United Kingdom (UK) and arrived in the United States in relation to their alleged participation in multimillion-dollar cyber-enabled business email compromise (BEC) fraud schemes in the Western District of North Carolina, Southern District of Texas and Eastern District of Virginia. The scams allegedly perpetrated by the defendants and their co-conspirators targeted unsuspecting victims including universities in North Carolina, Texas and Virginia, and attempted to cause more than $5 million in losses.
BEC, also known as “cyber-enabled financial fraud,” is a sophisticated scam often targeting employees with access to company finances, businesses working with foreign suppliers and/or businesses that regularly perform wire transfer payments. The same criminal organizations that perpetrate BEC also exploit individual victims, often real estate purchasers, the elderly, and others, by convincing them to make wire transfers to bank accounts controlled by the criminals. This is often accomplished by impersonating a key employee or business partner after obtaining access to that person’s email account or sometimes done through romance and lottery scams. BEC scams may involve fraudulent requests for checks rather than wire transfers; they may target sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII) or employee tax records instead of, or in addition to, money; and they may not involve an actual “compromise” of an email account or computer network. Foreign citizens perpetrate many BEC scams. Those individuals are often members of transnational criminal organizations, which originated in Nigeria but have spread throughout the world.
Further findings by Push News 24 International indicated as follows
Western District of North Carolina
Oludayo Kolawole John Adeagbo aka John Edwards and John Dayo, 43, a Nigerian citizen and UK resident, and Donald Ikenna Echeazu aka Donald Smith and Donald Dodient, 40, a dual UK and Nigerian citizen, are charged with wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy and aggravated identity theft for defrauding a North Carolina university (the University) of more than $1.9 million via a business email compromise scheme. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury in the Western District of North Carolina on April 17, 2019, and was unsealed yesterday following Echeazu’s initial appearance in federal court in Charlotte.
According to allegations contained in the indictment, from Aug. 30, 2016, to Jan. 12, 2017, Adeagbo and Echeazu conspired with other individuals to obtain information about significant construction projects occurring throughout the United States, including an ongoing multi-million-dollar project at the victim University. To execute the scheme, the defendants allegedly registered a domain name similar to that of the legitimate construction company in charge of the University’s project and created an email address that closely resembled that of an employee of the construction company. Using the fake email address, the co-conspirators allegedly deceived and directed the University to wire a payment of more than $1.9 million to a bank account controlled by an individual working under the direction of defendants. Upon receiving the payment, the co-conspirators allegedly laundered the stolen proceeds through a series of financial transactions designed to conceal the fraud.
The wire fraud conspiracy charge and the money laundering conspiracy charge each carry a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to any other term imposed.
The FBI Charlotte Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham Billings of the Western District of North Carolina is prosecuting the case.
Southern District of Texas
Oludayo Kolawole John Adeagbo aka John Edwards and John Dayo, 43, a Nigerian citizen and UK resident, is also charged in the Southern District of Texas with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. A federal grand jury returned the indictment March 30, 2022, which was unsealed on Aug. 3, 2022 before he was extradited to the United States.
From November 2016 until July 2018, Adeagbo allegedly conspired with others to participate in cyber-enabled business email compromises in an attempt to steal more than $3 million from victims in Texas, including local government entities, construction companies and a Houston-area college. The indictment alleges Adeagbo and his co-conspirators registered domain names that looked similar to legitimate companies. They then sent emails from those domains pretending to be employees at those companies, according to the charges. The conspirators allegedly sent emails to clients or customers of the companies they impersonated and deceived those customers into sending wire payments to bank accounts they controlled.
Adeagbo faces up to 20 years in prison, if convicted on the charges.
The FBI Houston Cyber Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI Cyber and Criminal Investigative Divisions. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and Crown Prosecution Service also provided substantial assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Brian Mund of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
Eastern District of Virginia
Olabanji Egbinola, 42, is charged with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to a criminal complaint issued by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, from Sept. 26, 2018, to Dec. 26, 2018, Egbinola is alleged to have conspired with others to defraud a Virginia-based university. Egbinola and co-conspirators created and used a fraudulent email account that incorporated the name of a construction company that had a large, ongoing contract with the university. Using this email account, Egbinola and co-conspirators deceived the university into transferring $469,819.49 to a bank account controlled by Egbinola and co-conspirators. That money was quickly laundered and transferred overseas through numerous transactions. Evidence obtained during the investigation showed that Egbinola repeatedly accessed the email account used to defraud the Virginia university.
The FBI Richmond Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hood of for the Eastern District of Virginia is prosecuting the case.
All three defendants were arrested April 23, 2020, by UK authorities at the request of the United States and ordered extradited on Sept. 3, 2021. All three defendants filed appeals, all of which were rejected by the UK High Court on July 12, 2022.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of all three defendants. The U.S. Marshals Service also assisted by transporting the defendants from the UK to the United States.
Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the IC3 at bec.ic3.gov. The IC3 staff reviews complaints, looking for patterns or other indicators of significant criminal activity, and refers investigative packages of complaints to the appropriate law enforcement authorities in a particular city or region. The FBI provides a variety of resources relating to BEC scams through the IC3, which can be reached at www.ic3.gov. For more information on BEC scams, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
NEWEST US SENATOR JON OSSOFF THANK NIGERIANS FOR THEIR SUPPORT
The newest member of the United States Senate; Senator Elect Jon Ossoff of the State of Georgia recorded a video where he specially thanked Nigerians for their massive support especially the Nigerian Healthcare Workers Group.
He mentioned several individuals including Dr Stanley Okoro and Segun Adeyinka amongst others.
In the video made he also urged Nigerians to help bring people out to vote as their numbers would matter.
For the first time in a generation, Democrats took both Georgia Senate seats.
Thomas Jonathan Ossoff born February 16, 1987 is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Georgia since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Ossoff was previously a documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist.
Before his election to the Senate, Jon led a team that exposed ISIS war crimes, atrocities committed by peacekeeping troops, human trafficking, fraud, theft, corruption, corporate abuse, and murder as the CEO of a 30-year-old company that produces investigations of official corruption, organized crime, and war crimes for international news organizations.
Mentored by civil rights legend Congressman John Lewis, Jon previously worked as a national security aide in Congress and as an investigative journalist.
In the U.S. Senate, Jon continues his work fighting for the people and exposing the abuse of power.
Jon serves on the powerful Senate Judiciary; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and Rules Committees. He is also the Chair of the Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
Jon is a graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (Bachelor of Science) and the London School of Economics (Master of Science).
Make no mistake; Nigeria has a lot of good stuff to talk about even in the midst of all sorts of gloom-ridden news that come out of it occasionally. Believe it or not, Nigerians are smart, intelligent, and innovative – which is why it’s no surprise that many hold prominent positions on the global stage.
Push News 24 International reporys that from academia to business, sports, arts, and politics, Nigerians have always shown the world their prowess. It is indisputable that globally, Nigerians have made their mark in science and engineering, medicine, music, and various other fields.
Make no mistake; Nigeria has a lot of good stuff to talk about even in the midst of all sorts of gloom-ridden news that come out of it occasionally. Believe it or not, Nigerians are smart, intelligent, and innovative – which is why it’s no surprise that many hold prominent positions on the global stage.
From academia to business, sports, arts, and politics, Nigerians have always shown the world their prowess. It is indisputable that globally, Nigerians have made their mark in science and engineering, medicine, music, and various other fields.
In recent times Nigerians in the United States of America have distinguished themselves in the US midterm elections as over 8 Nigerias won their elections in an unprecedented feat.
Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari has also extended his warmest congratulations to eight Nigerian-Americans on their victory in the United States midterm elections.
In Georgia State, Segun Adeyina, Gabe Okoye, Solomon Adesanya, Tish Naghise, and Phil Olaleye won their legislative seats as State Representatives in their Districts.
Similarly, Carol Kazeem won the Pennsylvania State Representative in District 159, Esther Agbaje was re-elected as Minnesota State Representative in District 59B, while Dr. Oye Owolewa was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (Shadow Representative) in Washington D.C.
In his prayerful wishes for a successful tenure in office, President Buhari in a statement by his media aide, Femi Adesina, on Wednesday, thanked them for their invaluable support and partnerships, over the years, with groups affiliated with the ideals and objectives of Nigerians in Diaspora associations in the United States.
Restating his unflinching support for every Nigerian excelling at home and abroad, President Buhari believed that compatriots who succeed in good causes are assets to the nation and the continent, noting that their contributions will always be remembered and celebrated.
Adeoye Owolewa
Adeoye “Oye” Owolewa (born 1989) is a Nigerian-American politician, pharmacist, and a member of the Democratic Party. In November 2020, he was elected as the shadow representative of the United States House of Representatives from the District of Columbia. As a shadow congressperson, Owolewa is tasked with lobbying for D.C. statehood; the unpaid position is authorized by D.C. voters in 1982, but never approved by Congress. Although mistakenly described in Nigerian media as the first Nigerian-American to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Owolewa is not a member of Congress.
Push News 24 International confirms that Owolewa Shadow Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the District of Columbia’s at-large district
Carol Kazeem
Carol Kazeem, State Representative for the PA 159th District. 30 years old mother, activist, and a life-long resident of the great City of Chester. She attended the Chester-Upland School District and graduated from Ridley High School.
Carols progressive values are illustrated throughout her professional work having worked in healthcare for over 10 years as a caregiver, medical coder, and behavioral & mental health specialist. Currently serving as a trauma-informed outreach worker and violence interrupter.
She claimed to be running for office because she is fed up with the lack of leadership from elected officials. Unaccountable leadership has led to the advancement of violence, poverty, and exploitation in our community. As your next State Representative, She intends to extend her advocacy for education equity and a $15 minimum wage while continuing our district’s fight against gun violence and mass incarceration.
Phil Olaleye
Phil Olaleye, Georgia House, District 59, GA Phil is a non-profit leader that supports Atlanta youth by providing exposure to local companies, colleges and after-school mentorship. Phil has dedicated his life to serving his community and believes in a future where hardworking families can prosper and every child can thrive no matter their zip code or background.
Phil ran to represent Georgia’s House of Representatives District 59, and is fighting to invest fully in our public schools, expand access to quality and affordable healthcare, and raise the minimum wage to a liveable wage. A former neighborhood president and a Peace Corps alum, he is working hard to build a vision for the communities that is inclusive and supports working families. Phil and his wife live in Summerhill where they are raising their son.
Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has said remittances from Nigerians in the Diaspora now stand at $20 billion despite the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to announce the 16th edition of the National Diaspora Day Celebration, Dabiri-Erewa said the contribution of Nigerians in Diaspora to the economy was too significant for them to be left out in key decision-making processes in the country.
The hybrid event scheduled to hold on July 25 in Abuja has the theme, “Diaspora engagement in global challenging times for national development.”
Noting that about 17 million Nigerians live in the Diaspora, Dabiri-Erewa said this year’s theme was chosen to make the best use of the difficult times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia War and national insecurity among others, to leveraging on Nigerians in the Diaspora for national development and growth.
“The government, having recognised this, dedicated a special day to celebrate those in the Diaspora. It is a fact that the Nigerian Diaspora has the global exposure, resources, competencies and skills as well as the passion and linkages to being a catalyst for National Development.
“It is of a fact that in the United States alone, the Nigerians in the Diaspora Community have been judged the most intelligent and educated; in the United Kingdom, the smartest family is Nigerian.
“A former US President Mr. Barack Obama once remarked, “if you remove the Nigerian Physicians, the US health system will collapse “. It will interest you to note that there are over 5000 Nigerian physicians in the United States. That’s why we need to engage with them and celebrate them. They are our frontline ambassadors and best development partners.
“In 2021, in spite of the ravaging COVID-19 Pandemic, Nigeria topped the list of Diaspora Home Remittance Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with $20 billion. Our Diaspora therefore cannot be ignored when we consider our economic development.
“Indeed, their greatest contribution has been in human capital that even Foreigners are now coming to Nigeria for medicals,” she added.
The NIDCOM boss also appealed to the national assembly to review its stand on diaspora voting.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the issue of diaspora voting is a tough one, adding that Nigerians can’t afford to give up now.
Members of the National Assembly had overwhelmingly voted against the Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for Diaspora Voting, and for Related Matters.
Appealing to the legislators, the NIDCOM boss said: “We need the national assembly to make it possible for them to vote. We can’t be taking billions of dollars from them while we deny them the right to vote. Niger is doing that already.
“The argument is that we are yet to perfect the system locally but I think if we keep waiting for perfection, how can we move forward? INEC is ready.
“All the excuses they gave in rejecting the bill, there are answers for them. So we just have to keep engaging with the national assembly”.
Former Lawmaker and Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has come to clear the air on diaspora voting as we count down to the 2023 general elections.
Abike Dabiri, who, without a shred of doubt had raised the bar during her hugely successful stint as a journalist, who has been the face and link between Nigerians living abroad and the Federal Government is also confident that diaspora voting is doable.
Push News 24 International confirms that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission through Abike’s leadership has expressed its readiness to assist Nigerians abroad to ensure that the National Assembly passes a law that will allow them to vote during general elections.
It however agreed that the proposed diaspora voting can be limited to some countries for a start.
The NIDCOM Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed these in an interview with the media.
Dabiri-Erewa in the interview, said her commission would do everything possible to assist Nigerians in Diaspora to achieve their dream on diaspora voting.
The assistance, she explained, would include the drafting of a bill that would be sent to the National Assembly as well as the necessary lobbying needed to ensure that the proposed amendment to the nation’s electoral laws scale through at the parliament.
She further disclosed that a seminar, where the issue and others as well as the possible challenges and how to tackle them would be addressed, had been fixed for Monday.
She said, “We will do everything to push along with Nigerians in diaspora on this issue of diaspora voting.
“A bill will be drafted and sent to the parliament to be included in the constitution amendment process because we will need the constitution to be amended to accommodate it.
“For now, diaspora voting may not feature the whole world. We will draft the bill in a manner that will give INEC the discretion to decide which countries for now, whether UK, US or so.”
Dabiri-Erewa worked for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for fifteen years, anchoring the weekly NTA News line programme and taking a particular interest in poverty and social justice issues. She retired from her position at Nigerian Television Authority to stand for election in the House of Representatives, winning with a substantial majority.
Most Nigerians are really making Nigeria proud in the diaspora, through their hard work in their various field of specialization. These proud Nigerians can be found in the Medical line, political lines, Business line, and also in the force department of the various country where they reside.
It is interesting to note that some of these individuals have contributed positively to the growth and success of the place of residence.
But sadly enough, these individuals are not well recognized and applauded by society for making Nigeria proud abroad. their legacies seem to be forgotten in a hurry. the media, on the other hand, has not done enough to protect them and their good works to the society in order to make the upcoming generation to learn from them and become useful as well.
Instead, we see the social media catching fire in condemnation of Nigerians who committed one crime or the other in the diaspora, it will become the news headline of our national dailies. Such a situation has gone a long way in projecting the nationals as criminals that should be avoided whenever they are around. So while we condemn those who shamelessly went abroad only to engage in criminal activities, Let us also appreciate those who are doing well.
One among those Nigerians who are proudly serving humanities is Colonel Lawrence Anyanwu.
He is a Nigerian- American who is currently serving in the US army.
Currently, Colonel Lawrence Anyanwu is the highest-ranked Nigerian Serving in the US army. He hails from Ogbe in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
Col. Lawrence Anyanwu joined the US army in the year 1986. This was after he spends few years studying Banking And Finance at the Imo State College of Technology Owerri, the capital city of Imo State before he went to school in the United States Army War College Carlisle, Pennsylvania where he graduated excellently with a masters degree in strategies studies.
Col. Anyanwu also holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Alabama A&M University and a master’s degree in engineering technology from Murray State University in Kentucky.
Col Lawrence Anyanwu a hard-working Nigerian received his commission in 1992 as a chemical officer in the US Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.
As the most senior Nigerian Born serving currently in the US Army, Col. Lawrence Anyanwu deserves our accolades. He has really done well to put Nigeria on the map for good.
Lawrence Anyanwu, one of the 109 Nigerian-born soldiers, currently serving in the U.S. Army, has been listed for promotion to the rank of colonel, making him the first Nigerian in active service to attain the rank in the U.S. Army.
Two other Nigerians who have attained the rank are in the U.S. Army Reserve. One of them is Col. Igwekala Njoku, a scientist, who is currently in the U.S. Medical Corps.
Push News 24 International can confirm that Anyanwu who became a Naturalised U.S. citizen in 1990, got his latest promotion for outstanding performance.
The U.S. Army’s latest promotion of officers to the rank of colonel was said to be particularly tough as only 38 per cent of eligible officers were promoted, compared to previous years when up to 50 per cent of eligible officers usually got promoted.
Anyanwu, a fine soldier is on duty tour in Kuwait, serving as Deputy Director, Resource Management in the Third U.S. Army’s Central Command in the Gulf Arab state.
He was said to have also distinguished himself in military operations in Hungary and Bosnia in 1995 and in Kuwait in 2005, from where he made visits to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2011, Anyanwu was again sent to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom, respectively.
The Nigerian-born serviceman, said to be noted for his level-headedness and outstanding performance in military assignments, had also served as battalion commander of the Training Command Battalion at Fort Jackson in South Carolina.
Anyanwu, a graduate of the U.S. Army War College with a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies also holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in engineering technology.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1986 as a private, after spending two years studying Finance and Banking at the Imo State College of Technology in Owerri.
OMICRON BAN : ANOTHER SINISTER MOVE BY THE UK TO RECOLONISE AFRICA – DIASPORANS REACT
Nigeria is the latest African country to join the UK’s travel red list – along with South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.
In a swift reaction Nigerians-in-Diaspora have also learned their voices to the call for the UK reconsider her position. The Convener of Nigeria Diaspora Project Committee (NDPC), Prince Olalekan Ojo Martins has criticized a travel ban imposed on the West African nation by the British government amid fears about the new omicron variant as “punitive, indefensible and discriminatory aimed at sinisterly tending towards recolonisation of Africans”
U.K. Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Saturday added Nigeria to the U.K.’s travel “red list,” which means that arrivals from there will be banned except for U.K. and Irish residents. He said there was a “significant number” of omicron cases linked to travel with Nigeria, with 27 cases recorded in England.
The NDPC Visionary stressed that the move by the UK is very “unfortunate” and “unfair” towards developing countries particularly when nations are expected to pull resources and strength to fight the new wave.
Push News 24 International gathered that the only people allowed to enter the UK from these countries are UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents.
Arrivals from red-list countries are required to enter hotel quarantine – at their own expense – and isolate for 10 days. These countries have been targeted because the Omicron variant was first identified in southern Africa.
But the fact all of the nations currently on the red list are African has been described as “wicked and unfair”.
But Nigerian authorities say they have not reported any new omicron cases in the country since announcing on Dec. 1 that they had detected three cases in travelers who arrived from South Africa.
According to Aare Ismail Adetunji who is based in Washington DC stressed that the British travel ban has no sciencetific backing and is very “unjust, unfair, punitive, indefensible and discriminatory,” .
Dr. Asekun, a lawyer based in Texas said
“We continue to witness the humanising and unyielding actions/inactions of the actors who partook in the making of modern Nigeria but still holding the strings of progress”,
Olayiwola Isiaka in his own submission to Push News 24 International that ” we will continue to emphasize the scandals and clandestine colonial operations in our mainstream narratives.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is not considering imposing travel bans from any country now, Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire told The Press. Instead, it is focusing on ramping up surveillance and testing as it aims to “balance saving lives and saving livelihoods.”
DOWEN COLLEGE ASSAULT : LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT CULPABLE – DIASPORANS
The alarming trends of bullying and attacks on other students by student-cultists in private schools in recent times have led to the maiming and in most cases death of several innocent students in the hands of their fellow students, teachers or school guards who raped, sexually abused and inflicted other sundry bestialities on students.
Nigerians-in-Diaspora under the eagis of Nigeria Diasporans Project Committee (NDPC), a non governmental pressure group promoting the good image of Nigerians abroad have called out the Lagos State Government as been negligent in the effective monitoring and inspections of A- list private schools due to their “assumed” status.
Stating their position in a release on Tuesday over the death of DOWEN College student, the Team Lead of NDPC, Prince Olalekan Ojo Martins says
“NDPC is aware of reports of the death of a Dowen College pupil in Lagos State by fellow school mates allegedly in a cult related manner”
“No child should go through what children are going through now in Nigeria. Education should not be a matter of life and death for anyone. Nigeria and Lagos State is failing the children once again in a horrifying manner”
” The State apparatus via the Ministry of Education have erred in their duties to effectively monitor the so-called A-list schools which have now become danger zones”
“NDPC condemns in the strongest possible terms any attack or bullying in our schools and calls for the immediate sanctioning of both the pupils, parents of the suspects, school authorities and government officials who were negligent.”
“The American Academy of Paediatrics defines a ‘healthful school environment’ as one that protects students and staff against immediate injury or disease and promotes prevention activities and attitudes against known risk factors that might lead to future disease , disability or death”.
Push News 24 International reports that following the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, a high flyer private school in Lekki, Lagos, stakeholders, including parents, students and the government have raised concern over the safety and well-being of students in the care of school owners and management of private schools.
They, however, described the death of the student as a result of bullying and torture in the hands of some student-cultists as a ‘threat to the collective peace and safety of innocent students in some schools.
The deceased student, Sylvester Oromoni Jnr allegedly died from internal injuries inflicted on him by some student-cultists, who were said to have tortured and beaten him for refusing to join their cult group.
The PRO of the group, Engr. Aina Badejo in her own submission said “NDPC is deeply concerned about these reported acts of violence in schools which are a violation of children’s rights. Children should feel safe at home and at school at all times – and parents should not need to worry for the safety of their children when they send them off to school.”
“A healthy school environment (physical, biological and socio-cultural) serves as a major determinant of health and greatly influences the individual’s level of intellectual growth and development, where a State apparatus fails to play her roles, then some persons need to be sanctioned” Badejo added.
The chattered PR Practitioner finally advise Lagos State government to ensure a Safeful School Environment and make all the conscious efforts to organized, plan and execute actions that will ensure the safety and healthy living conditions for all members of the school community.
USA – TEXAS GOVERNOR ABBOTT APPOINTS NIGERIAN BORN OKPA TO STATE SECURITIES BOARD
Governor Greg Abbott of State of Texas has appointed Nigerian- River State born Edward Ejike Okpa to the State Securities Board for a term set to expire January 20, 2027.
The Board registers securities offered and sold in Texas and oversees the firms and individuals selling securities or providing investment advice to Texans.
EE Okpa of Dallas is principal for The OKPA Co. He holds a Texas Real Estate Broker’s license, and is a licensed Senior Property Tax Consultant in Texas. He is a board member of the Dallas Development Fund and a member of IRWA: International Right of Way Association and the Export-Import Bank of the United States Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee. Okpa received a bachelor’s degree from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, and graduated from an Executive Advanced Management Program in Real Estate at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
Mr. Ejike Okpa, a public commentator, real estate guru and blogger made history in an honorable entry in the archives of Texas as he was commissioned by Texas Governor Perry as an Admiral in Texas Navy based on recognition of his Texas/Dallas community service. Push News 24 International confirms that he is the first Black to be so recognized. In 2012, a scholarship in his name was endowed by a group of Dallas business men at the University of North Texas, Denton, in recognition of his service.
Okpa is a native Nigerian but a naturalized US citizen. He is a self-employed business owner and Real Estate practitioner, with experience in commercial appraisals, land development, zoning, broker and property tax consultant. He has been actively engaged in advocacies on worthy causes and community services where he renders selfless service to humanity. He is the founder and principal of The OKPA Company, LLC, which has appraising and brokering commercial real estate and consulting on international trade and handling portfolio property tax consulting service for many years.
OKPA has joined the league of Nigerians doing Nigeria proud in diaspora.
