society

Winners Emerge From 9nth Edition Of International Spelling Bee

Published

2 years ago

July 25, 2022

Winners Emerge From 9nth Edition Of International Spelling Bee

Schools from Nasarawa, Ondo and Lagos State recently emerged winners at the recently concluded ninth edition of the International Spelling Bee Nigeria, organised by Peat Philips Foundation, while six students outwitted other finalists at the national final which took place at Marcellina’s place in Ikeja, Lagos.

Agbo Divine Capable of Intimacy with Christ International School, Nasarawa came first in the senior category while Miss David Kate Ene also of Intimacy with Christ International School, Nasarawa and Master Charles David from Greater Tomorrow International School Ondo State came second and third respectively.

The junior category was won by Ojochenemi Solomon Ojotumale of Intimacy with Christ International School, Nasarawa, and Fakande Ifeoluwa David of The Truth Academy Lagos and Odunlami Temiloluwa Janet of Bopton Nry & Pry School, Lagos coming second and third respectively.

Speaking at the national final of this year’s The Spelling Bee Nigeria Competition, the Team Lead at Peat Philips Foundation, organisers of the competition, Mr Akinleye Olu-Philips, said such competitions would build the knowledge of participants, boost their memory and confidence, as well as create healthy competitive spirit.
“Spelling bee involves the use of words and how it is applied in communication”. We believe that when the young ones are taught to develop critical thinking ability at early stage, it will help equip them as great leaders in adulthood. When a word is called out to be spelt, a participant should not assume what it could mean and that is why the participant has the right to ask relevant questions, which are known as the Lifelines. For instance, reign and rain may sound similar, but they are not the same. That is telling the participant not to assume, assumption could be dangerous at times.

“Assumption is one of the factors that is drawing us back in our nation”. The competition is also to help participants develop critical thinking skills. Today ’s world requires people who can think out of the box. Critical thinkers are needed for the growth of our society,” he said.

The Team Lead at Peat Philips Foundation, Mr. Akinleye Olu-Phillips, said spelling enhances education by improving students’ critical reasoning skills and helps Learners develop poise and composure.

“It also encourages reading because if you are a reader, you will be a great speller, and you will have depth and can contribute meaningfully to the development of any nation you find yourself in,” stated Olu-Phillips.

He said the foundation runs two literacy programmes, with international affiliations, The spelling bee and The young orators, which are focused on leadership and communications, believed to be one of the country’s major challenges.
While congratulating the winners, he advised them not to rest on their oars but to study hard and prepare for the intercontinental stage in the first week of October, 2022.

The event this year was sponsored by Learn Africa Plc formerly known as Longman Publishers with support from Indomie Noodles and Rite Foods Plc.

In his speech, the Managing Director, Learn Africa Plc, Alhaji Hassan Bala said Spelling Bee Competition would improve students Spelling and vocabulary and boost their confidence. He said Learn Africa dictionaries comprising Learn Africa Student’s English Dictionary for intermediate students and Learn Africa English Dictionary for Advanced Learners are the official dictionaries of the International Spelling Bee and The Young Orators competitions in Nigeria.

society

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

Published

7 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”

In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.

“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.

NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”

The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.

“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.

NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.

“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

society

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

12 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.