In the elections supervised by NIPR Registrar, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, Samuel Ayetutu emerged as Chairman, while Eniola Mayowa, was elected Vice Chairman in a closely contested race.

Other members of the executive include Secretary Samuel Adeyemi; Assistant Secretary, Rita Ali-Nock; Public Relations Officer, Ogochukwu Okeke; Financial Secretary, Bassey Nta; Treasurer, Olabamiji Adeleye; Welfare Officer, Funmilola Akintola, and Ex-Officio Provost Marshal, Quadri Adeleke.

READ ALSO: What does ‘the Economy is Stable’ mean?

In his acceptance remarks, Ayetutu pledged to drive professional standards, promote inclusiveness, and foster collaboration among members to enhance the chapter’s influence locally and nationally.

This year’s PR Fest, themed “Urban Farming for Food Security: The Role of Communication”, convened communication professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for tackling food security through effective public engagement.

Over the years, the Lagos PR Fest has evolved into a leading platform for advancing the role of public relations in societal development, with the 2025 edition underscoring the institute’s mission to position communication as a driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.

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Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB Registrar, at the 2025 policy meeting of the board on Tuesday in Abuja, announced that Okeke, an indigene of Anambra, emerged the best candidate with 375 score, in the examinations.

Oloyede, however, said that the board made some discoveries regarding Okeke, who applied for Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos.

Oloyede explained that data from JAMB revealed that Okeke was admitted a year ago, in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, in the School of Medicine.

He said that JAMB wrote UNN for clarification about the candidate, and the school revealed that Okeke is a student of the institution, and he is doing fine.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on the development, JAMB Public Communications Advisor,  Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the board suspected foul play.

“The law does not allow a student to matriculate twice, and as an undergraduate, he has advantage over the other candidates in the examinations.

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“In his records, he claimed he is from the South-East while the other record is reading that he is from Lagos State.

“We are suspecting that he is a mercenary in the examination,” Benjamin told NAN in a telephone interview.

NAN reports that the board also announced that John Ayuba from Gombe State came second in the examinations scoring 374, while Olayinka Jimoh from Kwara State scored 373.

Other top scorers are Ayibo Roberts from Rivers, Chibueze Omonugbo from Enugu State, Tunmise Olawepo from Kwara and Leslie Afinotan, from Delta, all scoring 373.

Also in the list of top scorers are Chukwuemeka Azoyenime from Delta, Emmanuel Oyebode from Ogun  and Cecil Omigie from Edo, all scoring 372 in the examinations.

Source: NAN

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What is news, perhaps, is the rising demand for used bras.

Some women say that their decisions when buying bras are based on some factors which include affordability, durability, and quality.

Many say they go for the fairly used bras, popularly known as “Okrika”, because they are mostly available, affordable and durable.

Apart from busy markets such as Tejuosho, Balogun and Gatankowa, in Lagos State, thrift bras can be found in smaller markets, stores and from roadside traders.

Mrs Peace Okeke, also known as ‘Lady Bra’ among her customers in Festac Town, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state, says she has been in the trade for more than 18 years.

According to Okeke, since she has been in the business, many of her customers have come to trust high quality and first grade thrift bras.

Okeke, who sells both thrift and new bras, says for those seeking affordability, durability and comfort, these first grade second-hand bras are increasingly popular option.

“I have been in the business for the past 18 years, and I have seen how people’s preferences changed.

“Most people prefer it. One, it’s durable, long-lasting, when in use. Secondly, it’s cheap, it’s affordable. Anybody can afford it,” she said.

She noted that new bras, particularly from top-tier international brands, could cost between N15,000 and N50,000, or more, for one, but the thrift bras offering similar quality are available for as low as N5,000.

“People buy the new ones but for the average person, especially those with limited income, they can get thrift bras for N5,000 comfortably.

“You can as well get three bras for the same price as one new bra, and they will last as long as you need them to,” she explained.

READ ALSO: I acted in anger: Nnamdi Kanu apologises to judge, others

While some may hesitate to buy second-hand bras, especially due to social stigma or concerns over hygiene, Okeke stresses the value in opting for thrift items.

She said thrift bras are the better choice for those on a budget.

“The economic situation in the country is hard. Some people have the money to get that of N15,000 or N20,000.

“I will advise those that cannot afford to, instead of spending N15,000 on one bra, you can use that N15,000 to get three good bras.

“They will last you as long as you want without spoiling, unless you decide to change your underwear,” she said.

On the hygiene aspect, Okeke said washing them properly with warm water and salt was the simple solution.

She said her customers had not reported any issues with hygiene and infections, and that some even use the same cleaning method for thrift underwear, which she said sold in large quantities.

“Even people go as far as using it to wash thrift pants and they wear it. No germs. No diseases,” she said.

Also, Mrs Aisha Lawal, a trader at Orile Market, said the economic hardship had pushed many women to seek out thrift bras as an alternative.

“I sell both new and fairly used bras but the fairly used ones sell faster, and many women prefer them because they are stronger, cheaper and last longer than the new ones,” she said.

Lawal, who has been in the business for over 15 years said with as low as N1,500 to N2,000, customers could get a good quality thrift bra while the new one of the same quality would cost N20,000 or more.

She said durability and affordability was the selling point of thrift bras.

“Unlike many new bras that can lose their elasticity and quality quickly, especially cheaper mass-produced ones, thrift bras often sourced from reputable regions like the UK, are known for their resilience.

“Even those with larger busts, often overlooked in mainstream stores, can find a well-fitting and long-lasting bra from thrift stores at a reasonable price.”

Lawal also advised buyers to soak their thrift bras in hot water and disinfectant before washing to get rid of any germs.

Acknowledging the source of quality bras, Lawal said, “some of these fairly used bras come from the UK and USA, and they are of better quality than the cheap, new ones.”

Again, one of the concerns of people are hygiene and proper care about second-hand items, especially underwear.

Mrs Olayemi Adebayo said she bought thrift bras that were in good condition because they were more affordable and most times better than the new ones.

Adebayo said she had not had issues with hygiene because she washed it properly before use.

Mrs Tolu Adebiyi, who is a banker, however said that apart from quality, hygiene and perception of used items were major considerations for her when buying underwear.

“I only buy new bras. I believe undergarments should be personal and new. I don’t feel comfortable wearing something that someone else has used.

“I understand that fairly used bras are more affordable but I will rather save and buy new ones,” she said.

Remilekun Moses, a lingerie businesswoman, said thrift trends would not impact underwear brands in the market.

“They have their market share and offer more stylish and sensual designs using luxury fabrics,’’ she said.

Moses, who is a digital marketer, said the local and international underwear brands were expanding their reach by targeting the middle and upper class through social media.

Thrift is becoming more than just a trend, it is a lifestyle for many.

People are increasingly turning to second-hand goods, not only to save money but also because they are often made with higher quality materials that last longer.

For many, thrift bras are no longer seen as second-rate option but as smart, practical solution that deliver both quality and affordability.

Source: NAN

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Residents, who were panicked by sporadic gunshots in different parts of the town, scampered to different directions for safety.

The shooting took place around the popular Ikenegbu area, Wethedral Road, leading to the Government House, and Okigwe Road, stretching from the Government House Junction to the back of the Imo State University campus.

Other areas that were overrun by the gunmen were the Amawusa area on Douglas Road, and the Toronto Street, which stretches to MCC Road Junction.

A fish seller at Relief Market, near Fire Service Junction, Mrs Roseline Okeke, said that there was stampede at the market when the shooting occurred.

“Everybody ran for dear lives when the shooting was going on,” Okeke said.

Also, a POS operator at the Fire Service Junction, Miss Ukamaka Nwole, said that the assailants shot severally, when they came close to the Fire Service Police Station, Owerri before fleeing the area.

A detachment of police operatives responded to the attacks by shooting tear gas to scare the hoodlums.

In a reaction, the spokesman for the Imo Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, said the hoodlums had adopted a “guerilla style, where they come out from their enclaves, unleash surprise attacks and go into hiding.”

Okoye said that the Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, “has launched a head-on attack on the gunmen”.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scenes.

READ ALSO: Protests: OPC warns against violence, tells FG to reverse policies

“The command is on top of the situation.

“We will get the miscreants responsible for the senseless attacks either dead or alive.

“We will so deal with the miscreants responsible for the attacks and killing of security operatives and unsuspecting members of the public.

“Let us encourage Imo people to report any suspicious persons or activities to the police.

“This is indeed a trying time but together we will come out victorious. Imo must be peaceful.”

Okoye described the hoodlums as “pure cowards”, saying that concerted efforts by security agencies were underway to apprehend them.

“Intensive operation is ongoing to restore normalcy,” he said.

He also said that the command had not received any report of casualty arising from the incident.

Gunmen, on Monday, attacked policemen on duty at Orji Road, Owerri, killing four and carting away their rifles.

Source: NAN

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Justice Oyindamola Ogala, while ruling in a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked No: D/16997MFHR/24 filed by Adeshina’s counsel, Mr Ben Okeke, held that detaining of Adeshina in prison without charge or trial was unjustifiable.

Ogala, in her ruling, said the arrest and continued detention of Adeshina in the custody of the Medium Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos without a trial was wrong, illegal and unjustifiable.

She added that it was a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification Enforcement Act, Cap.10).

“As afore-stated, there is unchallenged fact that this applicant has remained in custody for about 15 years and is yet to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The presumption of innocence enshrined in our constitution remains sacrosanct and it is indeed a travesty of justice for this to occur without administration of criminal justice, no matter where the delay emanates from.

“Counsel to the first respondent has exhibited correspondence to the police to transfer the suspect for arraignment since 2003 which has remained unattended to and it appears that this applicant has fallen through the cracks and thus remained in custody for such years without trial.

“The presumption of innocence in our constitution remains sacrosanct and it is clear to this court that no good cause has been exhibited necessitating the continued remand of the applicant and therefore this court finds that the applicant is entitled to the declaratory order sought,” she said.

The judge, thereafter, ordered the immediate and unconditional release of the applicant from the custody of the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre.

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The applicant’s counsel, Okeke, had filed the suit against the Lagos State Attorney-General, the Commissioner of Police and the Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State as first to third respondent respectively.

The applicant had prayed the court for a declaration that the arrest and continued detention of Adeshina in custody without a formal charge or trial was wrongful, illegal, unjustifiable and a gross violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights.

The applicant’s counsel said: “An order directing the immediate and unconditional release of the applicant from the custody of the third respondent, Medium Correctional Centre, Kirikiri Lagos.

“An injunction restraining the respondents, their agents or privies from further breach of the applicants’ fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.

“An order admitting the applicant to bail pending his arraignment in court and for such further or other orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

“The applicant filed in support of the application, the affidavit of urgency of six paragraphs as well as a supporting affidavit of 15 paragraphs deposed to by Joe Ameh, the Executive Coordinator in the office of Zarephath Aid dated the March 8.”

The applicant’s counsel referred the court to the provisions of Section 35 (1) of the Constitution and submitted that it was inferable that whenever a deprivation of right to personal liberty is sought pursuant thereto, such deprivation must satisfy two conditions to satisfy the approval of the constitution.

Source: NAN

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Delivering judgment, Justice Liman held that the prosecution failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on it by the provisions of the law.

Ikuforiji is charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alongside Atoyebi on a 54-counts charge bordering on alleged N338.8 million money laundering.

They had each pleaded not guilty and were allowed to continue on an earlier bail granted to them in 2012 when they were first arraigned.

On March 17, 2021, the EFCC had closed its case after calling the second witness for the prosecution.

Prosecution called a total of two witnesses in support of its case.

Meanwhile, Justice Liman was later transferred out of the Lagos division and the case suffered several setbacks.

On May 4, 2023, defence counsel, Mr Dele Adesina, (SAN), had opened the case for the defence.

The defence had called three witnesses, including the first defendant (Ikuforiji).

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Among others, Ikuforiji had testified how he was being prosecuted on a faceless petition.

He had told the court that the instant case arose from a petition written by an unknown person, alleging that he had stolen about N7 billion from the Lagos House of Assembly.

Parties adopted their final addresses on May 17, while the court reserved judgement.

Justice Liman first struck out count one of the charge, on grounds of discrepancies in the timeline.

The court then asked a pertinent question as to what was the substantive law at the time the defendant was charged.

The court held: “Charging a person under a law that was non-existent at the time of an alleged offence runs foul of the law.

“The Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2004/2011 requires clear evidence of intent and the actual act of laundering money.

“It is difficult to prove the offence of money laundering without the predicate offence; the prosecution has failed to prove this.

“The prosecution has not proved the offence of money laundering beyond reasonable doubts.

“Consequently, the defendants are acquitted of all the allegations of money laundering levelled against them in courts two to 54 of the charge,” he said

The defendants were first arraigned on March 1, 2012 before Justice Okechukwu Okeke on a 20-count charge bordering on misappropriation and money laundering.

They had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails.

The defendants were, however, subsequently re-arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba, following a re-assignment of the case.

Buba had granted them bail in the sum of N500 million each with sureties in like sum.

On September 26, 2014, Justice Buba discharged Ikuforiji and his aide of the charges, after upholding a no case submission of the defendants.

Buba had held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima-facie case against them.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC through its counsel, Mr Godwin Obla (SAN), filed the Notice of Appeal dated September 30, 2014 challenging the decision of the trial court.

Obla had argued that the trial court erred in law when it held that the counts were incompetent because they were filed under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 which was repealed by an Act of 2011.

EFCC further argued that the lower court erred in law when it held that the provisions of Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and 2011, only applied to natural persons and corporate bodies other than the government.

The commission had also submitted that the trial judge erred in law when he held and concluded that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses supported the innocence of the respondents.

In its judgment, the Lagos Division of the Appeal Court, in November 2016, agreed with the prosecution and ordered a fresh trial of the defendants before another judge.

Following the decision of the Appeal Court, the defendants headed for the Supreme Court, seeking to upturn the ruling of the Appellate court.

Again, in its verdict, the apex court also upheld the decision of the appellate court and ordered that the case be sent back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another judge.

According to the charge, EFCC alleged that the defendants accepted cash payments above the threshold set by the Money Laundering Act, without going through a financial institution.

The commission accused the defendants of conspiring to commit an illegal act of accepting cash payments in the aggregate sum of N338.8 million from the House of Assembly without going through a financial institution.

Ikuforiji was also accused of using his position to misappropriate funds belonging to the Assembly.

The EFCC said that the defendants committed the offence between April 2010 and July 2011.

The offences, according to the EFCC, contravenes the provisions of Sections 15 (1d), 16(1d) and 18 of Money Laundering Act, 2004 and 2011.

Source: NAN

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Rear Admiral John Okeke, Commander of the joint military force deployed to Niger Delta, confirmed the development Monday night.

Okeke said that 10 suspected kidnappers were arrested in the rescue of the victims who included an NYSC member and a Navy rating.

“In continuation to ensure safety of lives and property in the Niger Delta Region, the gallant troops of the Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), comprising troops of Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPDS, Land, Maritime and Air Components on Monday, April 1, 2024, rescued nine kidnap victims.

“The freed victims were kidnapped on 29 March, 2024, along Patani-Ughelli Road in Delta State.

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“During the rescue operation, 10 suspects in connection with the kidnap incident were arrested. Amongst the rescued victims is a Naval Rating and an NYSC member,” Okeke said.

The JTF Commander subsequently warned criminal elements within the Niger Delta region to desist from their nefarious activities as there would be no safe haven for them in the region as troops would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring a conducive environment for the safety of lives and properties.

Okeke also commended the troops for their gallantry and efforts on the rescue operation.

He urged the general public to always provide useful information to security agencies on criminal activities within their communities.

Source: NAN

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Okeke who assumed duty on Thursday, said that the illegal refining site, located on Ataba Island, close to Bonny Island in Rivers, would be destroyed.

The OPDS Commander who visited the location  said it was uncovered based on intelligence information.

He said though no arrest had been made, the joint operation will not allow the Niger Delta to be a safe haven for criminals.

“We are going to make it very hot for them with the help of the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDS, the DIA, amongst others.

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 26 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja

“Nobody wins alone without collaboration; with team work, we are going to achieve a lot in the fight against illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

“Today we are in Ataba Island, close to Bonny Island, Rivers State, moving towards Akwa Ibom.

“What we discovered here is shocking, about 14 massive cooking sites, one of them is still hot and they must have pulled out on the arrival of the troops.”

According to him, the OPDS would sustain surveillance and take out economic saboteurs in the region.

“We are sustaining what my predecessor did and I want to thank God that within 24 hours we are able to achieve this feat, it shows that we are performing our duty.”

He advised criminals operating in the area to go into legitimate businesses, warning that those engaged in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering would never find peace.

Source: NAN

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The book slated for public presentation at the side event of the 2022 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development, IG4D, on Thursday, June 9th at the prestigious Welcome Centre Hotels, International Airport Road, Lagos, under the chairmanship of Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, is being put together by ITREALMS Media group.

Confirming this development, the author and Lead Consulting Strategist at DigitalSENSE Africa cum Group Executive Editor of ITREALMS Media group, Mr. Remmy Nweke, said the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta is expected to deliver a keynote at 2022 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum, NDSF, on the theme, ‘5G: Enthroning Internet Governance for Digital Economy.’

The panel of the book unveiling, he also said, would include the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and President, African Health Journalists Association; a key figure in the African Federation of Science Journalists, AFSJ, as well as the Principal Consultant/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) InterPares Media Limited.

He pointed out that the 2022 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development is the annual digital rights forum by ITREALMS with this year’s theme being: ‘5G: Enthroning Internet Governance for Digital Economy’ while the public presentation of the book: Sagacity of a digital revolution; comes as a sideline event meant to enrich the knowledge base of the Information and Communications Technologies, ICT, industry and is authored by Remmy Nweke, a multiple-award winning journalists.

According to Nweke, Chief Okeke is the Ezekwueche of Aguleri Kingdom in Anambra State and holds B.Sc in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, UNILAG, where he also served as a former Public Relations Officer of DLI Students Union.

Currently, he is the Social Director, NdigboAmaka Progressive Markets Association; an umbrella body of some 58 major markets in Lagos State and also the Coordinator, Soludo Support Group (SSG), Lagos State Chapter as well as the Convener cum Sponsor, Anambra Men and Women for Soludo.

Chief Okeke is equally versed in business and has over 25 years in both local and international business.

His experience was brought to bear in the management of Mandilas International Trade Centre which under his watch has been embellished with several reforms which moved the market to enviable heights and were severally rewarded with awards, especially as the best organised trading centre across Lagos State.

Notable is that MITC led by Okeke was recently proclaimed the best secured market in Lagos.

He was also recognized specially for the enforcement of COVID-19 prevention measures in the market.

His leadership skill as the vice president, saw to his being one of the representatives of Aguleri Welfare Association, AWA, Lagos branch, at the Association of Anambra State Development Unions, AASDU-Lagos, which comprises over 180 towns in Anambra State, among others.

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Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, who is also the Chairman, Anambra Gubernatorial Campaign Council, confirmed this to State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Buhari at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

He said Okeke was presented to the president by the chairman of the Interim National Committee of the APC and Governor of Yobe, Mala Buni.

According to the governor, many prominent politicians are defecting to the APC because of the development projects of the Buhari administration in the Southeast.

“Our people are now willing to join the winning team, which is the APC party. At the last count, eight members of the House of Representatives from APGA and PDP have joined the APC.

“Just this afternoon, the Deputy Governor of Anambra joined the APC and has been presented to the president so, what is remaining?

“If there is any strong parameter for conducting an opinion poll, this exodus of legislators and the second in command in Anambra should automatically translate into electoral victory,” he said.

On the sit-at-home order by IPOB in the Southeast, the governor said the order had been politicised, saying that the opposition raised false alarm about people being killed just to cause confusion.

“The sit-at-home order is also being politicised because those issuing the order are faceless.

“We’ve not seen either through newspapers or through broadcast order directing people to sit at home.

“Rather, what we know what is happening is this paparazzi mentality of trying to put fear into our people and make innocent people vulnerable.

“As I speak to you, the sit-at-home order is not being obeyed in Imo,’’ he said.

He added that apart from last Monday when there was restriction of movement as a result of the Izombe killings in the state, the people had been going about their normal businesses.

The governor revealed that he used the opportunity of the meeting to thank President Buhari for his recent visit to Imo State.

Source: NAN

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