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OYO, OGUN, RIVERS PICK LAST TICKETS AS COWBELLPEDIA ‘19 ENTERS SEMI-FINALS

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OYO, OGUN, RIVERS PICK LAST TICKETS AS COWBELLPEDIA ‘19 ENTERS SEMI-FINALS

Representatives of schools from Oyo, Ogun and Rivers States outshined others to pick the last sets of semi-final tickets in the on-going Season 5 of the Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics Television Quiz Show sponsored by Cowbell Milk, the flagship brand of Promasidor Nigeria Limited.

In the junior category preliminary Group I (week 9) contest last weekend, David  Charles  of Graceland International School,  Port Harcourt,   Rivers state and  Toluwanimi  Adeeko of Rhema  Chapel  International  college, Ibadan, Oyo State snatched the two available semi-final tickets at the expense of four others.

The participants who bid the competition farewell include Oshioke Anavberokhai of Gloryland Secondary School, Igarra, Edo State; Fahad Murtala of Abdu Gusau Polythenic Secondary School, AGPSS, Talata-Marafa, Zamfara  State; Temitope Oluwaseun, a student of Reality High School, Ilesha, Osun State and  Emmanuel Appoh of  Teto Model  College, Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

David who ascribed his success so far in the competition to speed and accuracy, was confident of victory in the remaining stages of the contest. His colleague, Toluwani linked her confidence to the moral support and advice of her mother. “My mother said I should not be afraid, but rather face my fear. And this is just what I did. I am looking forward to a great outing in the days ahead,” she told journalists at the sidelines outside the studio last week.

In the senior category, the brilliance of Folayemi 0yekunle, from Deeper Life High School Ibadan, Oyo State and Gift Omoegbeleghan of The Crescent International High School, Ijoko-Ota, Ogun State shot them into the semi-finals.

Consequently, the journey ended for other contestants. These include: Abubakar  Saadatu of  Yamusa Science Academy, Zauro, Kebbi State; Akinbode  Wuraola  of Greater Tomorrow Model  College, Odo Ado, Ekiti State and Qasim  Abubakar  from Iqra  Science Academy, Jalingo, Taraba State. Abaragu Cyprian, a student of Divine Academy College,  Ikwo, Ebonyi State was absent from the competition.

Folayemi, who was a junior category semi-finalist in 2017 edition of the competition, vowed to put in all her efforts to surmount every obstacle and emerge champion this time around. Gift, on her part was confident that her meticulous preparation is good enough to get her to the top and win the ultimate prize as a gift to her parents.

The quiz show will run for 13 weeks and divided into nine preliminary stages and three semi-finals before the grand finale in November 2019. This year’s edition is living up to its billing in terms of excitement and reward as promised by the organisers in line with the goal of “nurturing great inventors”.

Aside the N2 million grand prizes, Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Anders Einarsson disclosed that the winner in each of the two categories, (junior and senior) will enjoy an all-expense paid educational excursion outside the country at the end of the initiative.

In addition, the first and second runners-up in each category will receive N1.5 million and N1 million respectively, while the teachers of the top prize winners will be awarded N500, 000. Those of the first and second runners-up will receive N400, 000 and N300, 000 respectively.

The 2019 edition of Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematic TV Quiz continues this weekend. It will be aired on DSTV Africa Magic Family Channel, AIT Network and other six television stations across the country.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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The Pervasive Scourge of Corruption in Nigeria: A Leadership Quagmire

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The Pervasive Scourge of Corruption in Nigeria: A Leadership Quagmire. By George O. Sylvester

 

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has struggled with the debilitating effects of corruption for decades. This endemic menace has permeated every stratum of society, rendering effective governance an elusive dream. The notion that “no Nigerian is good enough to rule Nigeria” has become a pervasive sentiment, fueled by the seemingly incurable corruption that afflicts the country’s leadership.

As Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s former President, once astutely observed, “Corruption is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our society, destroying the trust and confidence that are essential for our development.” Nigeria’s leadership has consistently demonstrated an alarming susceptibility to this cancer.

Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader, aptly noted, “You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain degree of madness.” Nigeria desperately needs leaders who will boldly confront corruption, uprooting its entrenched interests and instituting genuine reforms.

Nigeria’s corruption conundrum is deeply ingrained, with far-reaching consequences:

1. Economic hemorrhage: Billions of dollars are siphoned annually through corrupt practices, crippling the nation’s economic potential.

2. Infrastructure decay: Roads, healthcare, education, and other vital infrastructure suffer from chronic underfunding due to embezzlement.

3. Social inequality: Corruption exacerbates poverty, entrenching social disparities.

4. Institutional erosion: Corruption undermines trust in institutions, fostering a culture of impunity.

5. International perception: Nigeria’s reputation suffers, deterring foreign investment.

Successive governments have promised to tackle corruption, but progress has been elusive. The Buhari administration’s anti-corruption crusade, though well-intentioned, has been criticized for its selectivity and lack of decisive action.

To break this vicious cycle, Nigeria requires transformative leadership:

1. Radical reforms: Institutional overhaul, strengthening anti-corruption agencies.

2. Accountability: Ensuring leaders face consequences for corruption.

3. Transparency: Open governance, accessible information.

4. Civic engagement: Empowering citizens to demand accountability.

5. Education: Inculcating integrity, ethics in national values.

Until Nigeria confronts corruption head-on, the notion that “no Nigerian is good enough to rule” will persist. The nation yearns for leaders who will courageously tackle this scourge, ushering in a new era of transparency, accountability, and progress.

Only then can Nigeria unlock its vast potential, shedding the shackles of corruption to emerge as a beacon of hope for Africa.

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A Brotherhood Betrayed: Addressing Xenophobic Violence Against Nigerians in South Africa. By George O Sylvester

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A Brotherhood Betrayed: Addressing Xenophobic Violence Against Nigerians in South Africa.

By George O Sylvester

 

The xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa is a stark reminder of the fractured relationship between two nations that once stood united against oppression. Despite their shared history, particularly during the apartheid era when Nigeria actively supported South Africa’s fight for freedom, Nigerians in South Africa face hostility, xenophobic attacks, and economic exclusion ¹.

The Nigerian government’s perceived inaction in addressing these atrocities has been criticized, with the Nigerian Mission in South Africa seeming ill-equipped or unwilling to respond decisively. This perceived inaction undermines Nigeria’s standing and weakens the resolve of its citizens in the diaspora.

To address this crisis, there are several key steps that the Nigerian government can take:

– *Demand Accountability and Justice*: Ensure that perpetrators of xenophobic violence are held accountable and that justice is served for victims.
– *Strengthen Diplomatic Presence*: Prioritize the protection of Nigerians in South Africa by strengthening diplomatic presence and creating accessible support systems.
– *Promote Unity and Education*: Address the root causes of xenophobia by promoting unity and education, highlighting the historical bonds between the two nations.

The hatred directed at Nigerians in South Africa is a betrayal of their shared history and solidarity. It’s time for both nations to reflect on their past and work towards a future rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Nigerians must demand justice, honoring the memory of those lost and the spirit of solidarity that once bound the two nations.

In addition to these steps, it’s essential to recognize the importance of education and awareness in addressing xenophobia. By promoting unity and education, we can work towards a future where Nigerians in South Africa are treated with dignity and respect.

Furthermore, the Nigerian government must take concrete actions to support its citizens in the diaspora. This includes providing accessible support systems, strengthening diplomatic presence, and promoting unity and education.

The international community also has a role to play in addressing this crisis. By speaking out against xenophobia and promoting unity and education, we can work towards a future where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

In other words, the xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa is a stark reminder of the fractured relationship between two nations that once stood united against oppression. Therefore demanding accountability and justice, strengthening diplomatic presence, and promoting unity and education, we can work towards a future rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Nigerians must demand justice, honoring the memory of those lost and the spirit of solidarity that once bound the two nations.

George Sylvester is a political analyst

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Man Rescued After Wife, Children Allegedly Tie Him Up Over Retirement Benefits

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Man Rescued After Wife, Children Allegedly Tie Him Up Over Retirement Benefits

Man Rescued After Wife, Children Allegedly Tie Him Up Over Retirement Benefits

A man has been rescued after his wife and children allegedly bound and left him for dead following a heated argument over his retirement benefits.

The shocking incident was shared on the microblogging platform X by a user identified as @dammiedammie35. According to reports, the dispute escalated into a violent confrontation, during which the man’s wife and children restrained him.

A video accompanying the post showed the victim being untied by concerned individuals, with his hands and wrists bound with cloth.

@dammiedammie35 captioned the post:
“Husband rescued after allegedly being bound, gagged, and left to d!e by his wife and children following an argument over his retirement benefits 💔.”

The incident has sparked widespread reactions online, with many expressing shock and condemnation.

Social Media Reactions

  • @justtooblunt: “As a man, make sure you are not far from the gym. Even if na local dumbbells, try carry. See wetin dem do man 🤮.”
  • @GodstimeMordi: “On top him retirement money.”
  • @askiaz__: “I married my best friend” Una.”
  • @EuchariaUrantaO: “Haba! Na! This is just too sad!😢 Over his own retirement benefits? I hope they get arrested! Kai!🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️😢.”
  • @EntertainX_: “Imagine working your whole life, only for your own wife and kids to tie you up, gag you, and leave you to die… all because of your retirement benefits. 💔 Loyalty is truly a myth these days.”
  • @TadyJerry: “Look at this violence. You see how evil women can be? She didn’t fight him alone, she made sure her children joined in harassing their father. What a shame. She’s a disgrace and an abomination. Tuehhhh.”

Authorities have yet to comment on the incident, but many netizens are calling for an investigation and possible legal action against the perpetrators.

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