Nigerian Student Edidion Effiong Okokon Dies in UK After Long Illness

Edidion Effiong Okokon, a Nigerian studying at Teesside University in the United Kingdom, has passed away following a prolonged battle with a lung disease. The Nigerian community in the UK confirmed his death, saying he peacefully succumbed to the illness on October 17, 2025. Okokon arrived in the UK in January 2023, eager to pursue his studies and start a new chapter in life. Despite his diagnosis months later, he continued to fight the disease and successfully completed his degree in May 2025, though he will not live to enjoy his accomplishment. Friends and fellow Nigerians in the UK are now raising funds to bring his body back home to Nigeria for burial.

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CAN Accuses Presidency Of Falsely Representing Its Position On Christian Killings

CAN Accuses Presidency Of Falsely Representing Its Position On Christian Killings

A planned meeting between the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Presidency has sparked controversy, with CAN accusing the federal government of misrepresenting its stance on the ongoing killings of Christians in Nigeria. In a statement on Tuesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh described the government’s portrayal as “completely false” and “grossly unfair.” The association maintained that the attacks in Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt constitute a ‘Christian genocide.’ The dispute followed a visit by Barr. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communication, to CAN’s Secretariat at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Monday. Bwala reportedly sought clarification on CAN’s response to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who referred to the attacks as a ‘Christian genocide.’ CAN insisted that Archbishop Okoh never referred to the killings as a “so-called Christian genocide,” contrary to a press release attributed to Bwala titled “Presidency Debunks Western Christian Genocide Narrative in Dialogue with CAN Leadership.” “That portrayal is false and deeply unfair,” Okoh said. “The meeting was recorded, and at no point did I use such words. Calling these attacks a ‘so-called genocide’ trivializes the suffering of countless Christians who have lost loved ones, homes, and places of worship.” During the dialogue, Bishop Mike Akpami, CAN’s Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, presented verified data showing consistent and targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria and other African regions. Attendees included Archbishop Okoh, Vice President Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Panya Baba, General Secretary Apostle (Prof.) Samson Fatokun, and other senior CAN officials. CAN clarified that Rev. Dr. Uzoaku Williams and Dr. Celestine Aharanwa, mentioned in some reports, were not present. CAN urged the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly, fairly, and transparently to stop the attacks and bring perpetrators to justice. The association also called on media and government officials to communicate responsibly, warning that careless statements can escalate tensions and undermine peace. Archbishop Okoh reiterated CAN’s commitment to peace, stressing that advocating for justice does not contradict promoting harmony and that truth must guide all engagements between the Church, the State, and the public.

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Nigerian Senate Passes Bill Mandating Life Imprisonment For Child Defilers

The Nigerian Senate has passed a landmark bill mandating life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually abusing minors. The legislation stipulates that any individual, male or female, who engages in sexual intercourse with a child will face life imprisonment without the option of a fine. Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North initially proposed a 20-year jail term for perpetrators, emphasizing that defiling a minor should not be treated the same as rape. “A minor cannot give consent, and such acts can cause lifelong trauma. Those involved deserve severe punishment, especially in cases involving children as young as five or ten,” he said. Oshiomhole’s proposal was rejected by the majority of senators. Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central then introduced a tougher amendment, recommending life imprisonment for anyone convicted of defiling a minor, regardless of gender. “The punishment for the defilement of minors must be life imprisonment,” Aliero declared. The Senate adopted Aliero’s amendment, officially passing the bill that imposes life imprisonment on pedophiles and child defilers.

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Teenager Joy Ogah Steps In As Vice President For A Day To Advocate For Girls’ Education

Teenager Joy Ogah symbolically stepped into the role of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the opportunity to advocate for girls’ education and rights across Nigeria. The handover took place on Monday during a meeting between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, according to a statement from the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday. From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah spoke on the challenges facing girls in the country, highlighting that over 10.5 million children are out of school, with girls accounting for more than 60 per cent. “We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise initiatives that protect and empower young girls. Ogah also called on the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. “Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence,” she added. She stressed that protecting girls is key to fostering peace, saying, “I may be Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, classrooms, conversations, and budgets.” Vice President Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning. “We will continue to work with PLAN International and use the strength of government to support your recommendations on girl-child education. In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he said. The symbolic event aligns with growing national momentum for gender-inclusive education. Advocacy groups recently urged all tiers of government to increase investment in girl-child education, mentorship programs, and sensitisation campaigns to eliminate gender bias in schools. In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774), aimed at supporting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas with livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives. Efforts by the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly, including workshops on inclusive education, the Student Loans Act, and increased education funding, demonstrate continued commitment to equity—an agenda Joy Ogah highlighted during her symbolic “Vice President for a Day” role.

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Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Cybercrime Trial Adjourned To November 24

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on cybercrime charges to November 24. The hearing, originally set for October 20, was disrupted on Monday by protests demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration caused major disruptions in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, preventing many workers and commuters from reaching their destinations. Justice Mohammed Umar, who is presiding over the case, confirmed the rescheduled date. Akpoti-Uduaghan faces a six-count charge under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025. She is accused of transmitting false and harmful information electronically to malign, incite, endanger lives, and disturb public order. The allegations include claims that on April 4, 2025, during a gathering in Ihima, Kogi State, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of instructing former Governor Yahaya Bello to have her killed. She is also alleged to have repeated similar claims in a television interview. At the last hearing on September 22, the prosecution’s attempt to call witnesses was delayed by a preliminary objection from the defence. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN), argued that the court lacked jurisdiction due to alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and complained that the defence had not been served with statements of prosecution witnesses. Justice Umar emphasized that the prosecution must first respond to the preliminary objection before the court could proceed with the trial. The objection hearing, initially scheduled for October 20, was postponed due to Monday’s protests.

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President Tinubu Sends Dr. Bernard Doro’s Name To Senate For Ministerial Confirmation

President Tinubu Nominates Dr. Bernard Doro For Senate Confirmation As Minister From Plateau State

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro from Plateau State for confirmation by the Senate as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. In a letter to the National Assembly, President Tinubu requested that Dr. Doro be screened and confirmed to occupy Plateau State’s ministerial slot. This follows Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda’s election as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July. Yilwatda previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction. Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Dr. Doro has over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership, and community engagement in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Dr. Doro holds degrees in Pharmacy and Law, an MBA focused on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Practice. He is also an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner, with extensive frontline experience in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), including urgent care, walk-in centres, general practice, and hospital settings. Beyond his professional work, Dr. Doro has been actively involved in youth mentorship and social impact initiatives, contributing to communities both in the Nigerian diaspora and at home.

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother And Lawyer Remanded Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja

Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, have been remanded in custody by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja. The two were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest on Monday, October 20, and arraigned on Tuesday alongside 11 other individuals. They are facing charges of breach of public peace brought by the police. The protest caused major disruptions in Abuja, affecting workers and commuters across the city. Authorities stated that the demonstration violated an existing court order restricting protests in certain areas. Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja had prohibited Omoyele Sowore and other protesters from demonstrating near sensitive locations, including the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, until the hearing of a pending motion. The injunction was granted by Justice Mohammed Umar after an ex-parte application by the police, represented by lawyer Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of the federal government.

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NANS Calls For Compulsory Drug Testing And Drug-Free Campus Initiative Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has appealed to the Federal Government to introduce compulsory drug testing for students in all tertiary institutions across the country as part of a nationwide effort to curb substance abuse among youths. In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS said the initiative would help restore discipline, enhance academic performance, and protect the future of Nigeria’s young population. Oladoja urged the government to establish a Drug-Free Campus Initiative (DFCI) in partnership with relevant agencies to tackle the growing problem of drug addiction in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. He described the rate of drug abuse among students as alarming, calling it a “public health crisis” that undermines education, morality, and national productivity. “Drug abuse among students is no longer an isolated issue; it has become a full-blown crisis threatening learning, safety, and the nation’s development,” NANS said. The association listed marijuana, tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine (popularly called “ice” or “mkpurummiri”) as the most abused substances on campuses, warning that they often contribute to cultism, violence, and other social ills. “Many cases of assault, cult clashes, and unrest on campuses are linked to substance abuse. Drugs fuel aggression and moral decay among students,” the statement read. To address the problem, NANS proposed mandatory drug testing for all new and graduating students, supervised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and institutional health units. “All newly admitted students should undergo compulsory drug testing as part of admission clearance, while every graduating student must be tested before final clearance to ensure they leave school clean and responsible,” the association recommended. NANS also called for the establishment of Drug-Free Clubs or committees on campuses to be supported by NDLEA and student unions for awareness campaigns, peer education, and counselling. It further urged that drug education be included in student orientation programmes and General Studies (GST) courses. The association stressed that students found using drugs should be guided towards rehabilitation, not stigmatised, to allow reintegration into academic life. Oladoja reaffirmed NANS’ commitment to promoting moral integrity and discipline among Nigerian students, warning that the country’s future depends on a generation free from addiction. “The dream of a prosperous Nigeria begins with a generation of mentally sound, morally upright, and drug-free students,” he said.

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