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BEYOND SEX FOR GRADES: A VALUE SYSTEM IN TATTERS

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BY RAY NKAMA
All over the world, the girl child and and woman are considered to be among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to sexual harassment and exploitation. The United Nations and other international interventionist bodies have continued to cry out against the different forms of sexual violence that these vulnerable groups have been subjected to over time. In developing climes like Africa, some of these aberrations have attained untamed dimensions largely as a result of multidimentional poverty which in itself is a concomitant effect of leadership failure across the continent. Most African leaders are more interested in political power than in the entrenchment of good governance and the building of strong institutions that will outlive them. It is against the backdrop of this misplaced orientation that African leaders have paved the leeway for all sorts of unimaginable problems to find their ways into the continent.
Sex for Grades is a product of a very poor and comatose value system which tries to justify it. Our collective folly of placing higher premium on academic certifications over skills and innate ability has become our greatest undoing. This is the reason you find that most of our graduates are unemployable; they have gone to tertiary institutions to acquire certificates that they cannot defend. And this is why our girls and women would trade their bodies for grades because, as they say, “the end justifies the means”. This jaundiced understanding of the Machiavellian principle has been greatly catalysed by ignorance and desperation. More so, it has remained a malignant social tumour that is eating away our collective reputation as black people.
In Nigeria where we have allowed ourselves to be polarised along ethnic, religious, political and sectional lines, it can only take decades of value reorientation before we can address some of the issues affecting our girls and women. This is so much so because, over the years, we have celebrated mediocrity and downgraded excellence. We have rewarded criminals and punished people of goodwill who carried intellectual substance. We have held innovators in low esteem and have praised imitators to high heavens. The future we ordered is now upon us and generations unborn. We must dance the macabre dance of the drumbeats we paid the monster to play for us. 
How do we reconcile the sad fact that our girls and women would now have to sleep with their teachers before they can pass exams to the sordid reality that even ‘men of God’ are involved in this attitudinal malady. There have been cases of sports women who were dropped from tournamentcamps because they refused to open their legs for their coaches. Even the award of contracts is now a matter which woman is ready to play ball with those in charge.
Sex for Grades is only a miniature aspect of the totality of our collapsing value system. The problem is so severe that it requires  concerted efforts to address. We must tackle certain social concerns like poverty, illiteracy, tribalism and sectionalism before we can get other issues right.  We must begin to recognise and reward excellence and put an end to the practice of celebrating material wealth. We must compel our lawmakers to enact laws that would protect our girls, women and all other vulnerable groups. Our justice dispensation system must be without any form of partisanship so that criminality would be dealt the deadly blow.
We can achieve all of these if we are ready to change our individual mindsets and existential orientations. We can still attain greatness as a state or nation if we work collectively to build sound institutions that thrive on strong value and belief systems just as our amiable Governor Engr. David Umahi is doing through the office of the SA, Attitudinal Change. The mission is that no Ebonyi State indigene will be associated with criminality henceforth. None of our girl children and women will be caught trading sex for grades. And it is our un-monopolistic belief that all Nigerian states would share this mission by setting up value reorientation mechanisms within their territories to help in the war against the avalanche of social maladies that are crippling our youths, especially the girl children and women. The BBC SexForGrades documentary is only a tip of the iceberg. Their are many things wrong with the crawling lizard; only its belly can tell.

Ray Nkama is Special Assistant on Attitudinal Change to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State.


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Nigerian Born US based Music Star, Tunde Success, to launch new album ‘Cornerstone’

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Nigerian Born US based Music Star, Tunde Success, to launch new album ‘Cornerstone’

The City of Philadelphia would be set agog on 17th May, 2025, as the creative and Nigerian born music star, Tunde Success is launching new album that day.

According to the information made available to us, the launching of ‘Cornerstone’ the new effort of handsome and dark Tunde Success is taking place at Philly in suites, 4444 City Avenue Philadelphia P A 19131.

The epoch making event is proudly sponsored by the Star Lager beer. To make the event a memorable one, Mama D Catering would supplied hot Amala on the spot, while Amazing Grace Catering is going to tantalize the event with jolly rice and shawarma.

The red carpet interview would be anchored by 360 Delight Creation.

While speaking about the event, Tunde Success, a multiple awards winning singer, however, promised to make the day, a moment of joy, entertainment and plenty faajis for all the guests. He also enjoined all his fans to come out enmass to support him.

Nigerian Born US based Music Star, Tunde Success, to launch new album 'Cornerstone'

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Alaketu-Designate Visits Ooni of Ife, Secures Royal Blessing for Kingship

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Alaketu-Designate Visits Ooni of Ife, Secures Royal Blessing for Kingship

Alaketu-Designate Visits Ooni of Ife, Secures Royal Blessing for Kingship

The Alaketu-designate of Ketu Land in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Prince Adekoya Babajide Adefowora, on Wednesday, paid a historic visit to the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at his palace in Ile-Ife.

The visit, which is a significant step in his journey to the throne, was marked by the royal father’s blessings and prayers for a peaceful and prosperous reign.

This comes after the formal presentation of Prince Adefowora, who hails from the Ateshimara Ruling House, by the traditional authorities of Ketu Land on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

His visit underscores the deep-rooted ancestral ties between Ketu Land and Ile-Ife, reaffirming the sacred traditions that bind Yoruba monarchs to their spiritual and historical source.

Prince Adefowora was accompanied to the Ooni’s palace by prominent members of his family, high-ranking chiefs, and kingmakers from Ketu Land, all of whom played key roles in his selection and endorsement as the next Alaketu.

Speaking at the palace, Prince Adefowora described his visit as a homecoming and an essential part of his ascension process.
have come home to pay homage to my father, the Ooni of Ife. My deep love for my people motivated me to accept the call to the throne of Ketu. This journey is not just about me; it is about upholding our rich heritage and leading my people towards greater progress,” he said.

Addressing controversies surrounding his ascension, he condemned attempts by some individuals to manipulate the process with fraudulent documents.

I am aware of certain fraudulent documents being submitted by some individuals to the authorities. I use this opportunity to urge them to desist from such illegal activities. The Supreme Court has already affirmed my right to the throne, and I call on the government to thoroughly investigate this matter. It is crucial for everyone to respect the rule of law and uphold due process,” he stated.

On the delay in filling the Alaketu throne after the demise of the previous ruler, Prince Adefowora explained that Yoruba tradition necessitates a period of transition.

“In Yoruba tradition, when a king joins his ancestors, a period of interregnum is observed before selecting a successor. This allows the community time to reflect, ensure stability, and make the right choice for the future. My people made their choice long ago, and today, they have formally presented me to our ancestral father, the Ooni of Ife. I am honored to have received Kabiyesi’s blessings,” he added.

In his response, the Ooni of Ife congratulated Prince Adefowora on his journey to the throne and prayed for a successful reign filled with peace, wisdom, and development for Ketu Land.

You are about to embark on a sacred duty, one that requires wisdom, patience, and commitment to the welfare of your people. I pray that your reign brings prosperity, unity, and growth to Ketu Land. May the ancestors guide you, and may your leadership be marked by justice and progress,” the Ooni prayed.

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Unity in Generosity : Prophet Genesis Unites Faiths at Ibafo Ramadan Lecture (See Video) – Alhaji Arems

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Unity in Generosity : Prophet Genesis Unites Faiths at Ibafo Ramadan Lecture (See Video) – Alhaji Arems

 

On March 12, 2025, during a spirited Ramadan lecture in Ibafo, Prophet Genesis once again demonstrated that faith and generosity know no boundaries. In a moment captured on video that has since resonated with audiences far and wide, the Prophet called an elderly woman to the stage. With warmth and conviction, he declared, “Mama, I’m the one people have blessed with this cash – open up your bag, and you can as well get extra nylon bags – take it all.” He went on to reassure her that his personal driver and security team would ensure she got home safely, eliminating any worries about carrying the money.

The heartfelt gesture was part of a lecture themed “Truthfulness brings success,” a mantra that clearly underpins Prophet Genesis’ approach to ministry. Notably, he reiterated that his annual Ramadan gatherings are unique in that he never collects money. According to the Prophet, God has made it clear that accepting money on these occasions would sever his divine connection—a conviction that has guided his practice for years.

What makes this event particularly striking is its interfaith significance. Held during Ramadan—a time when millions of Muslims around the world are fasting—the lecture underscored Prophet Genesis’ commitment to inclusivity. His actions sent a powerful message that genuine compassion and kindness transcend religious labels, uniting communities in shared celebration and mutual respect.

In a world often divided by differences, Prophet Genesis’ demonstration of unconditional generosity and his call for truthfulness serve as a reminder of the unifying power of faith and goodwill.

Watch Video Here : https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMBY9RPus/

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